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My DeSoto's progress in photos:
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FIN ME
Posted 2014-04-13 11:14 AM (#435816)
Subject: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Expert

Posts: 2788
2000500100100252525
Location: USA - KY

I took my 1957 DeSoto Firesweep Sportsman (2-door, hardtop) off the road last June. Work on the car has slowly progressed since. After saving some dough for three years, I decided to just bite the bullet and get all of the "improvements" over with in one go, if I could.

I'm adding original power steering and power brakes systems, a new "Vintage Air" under-dash AC system, an original pattern "Code 516" upholstery, paint, radial tires, a hidden sound system, dual rear antennas, a whole boatload of trim, and other assorted extras. (I'm a self-admitted Bling Junkie, so whaddyagointodo?) Don't worry, it's not going to be a "Trailer Queen"; I love driving the car way too much for that.

Although the changes that I'm making won't be "original" to my car, most of them will be "correct" for a 1957 Firesweep, even if it isn't MY particular Firesweep. And some items will not be originally "correct" such as the swivel seats, AC, under-car exhaust, dual master cylinder, radial tires, brake light switch, and headliner. But, I'm trying!

Unfortunately, I am NOWHERE nearly as talented as most of you guys, so I'm having to hire others to perform most of the work for me. I get to work on some of the little tasks, but sometimes I think that the guys at the shop give me those little jobs just to keep me out from underfoot. I'm afraid that my talents don't come anywhere close to matching my raging enthusiasm.

Apparently, my main job is to work like a fiend to pay for it all! I am also the official "Researcher" for all of the projects. I really enjoy that part of the resto.

My car was in great shape when I bought it in 2011. The previous owner had taken such good care of his beloved DeSoto for over twenty years, and now it's my turn to continue with the improvements that he had in mind for the car. He had the engine and tranny professionally rebuilt already, so that was a bonus. The car was originally black with white accents, back in '57. The original interior according to the cowl tag was "Code 564" (red and taupe vinyl/fabric). No one knows when the swivel seats were installed. As far as we can tell, the skirts were dealer installed in '57.

The FL and NDC members have been such a great help during the process, so thanks to all!

BTW...I'm having the time of my life!

Not great photos, but hopefully good enough to get the idea. I'll eventually be adding more photos.
.


Edited by FIN ME 2014-04-13 2:02 PM




(2011.JUST.BOUGHT.jpg)



(2011.JUST.BOUGHT2.jpg)



(FIRSTDAYatSHOP.jpg)



(DASH.BEFORE.jpg)



(INTERIOR.BEFORE.jpg)



(DEC.2013.jpg)



(GET.EVERYTHING.OUT!.jpg)



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(GET.EVERYTHING.OUT!3.jpg)



(BATTERY.SHELF.NEEDS.REPLACING.jpg)



(PARTS.COMING.OFF&OUT.jpg)



(SEATS.OUT.jpg)



(HOLY.REAR.SHELF, BATMAN.jpg)



(PEEKABOO.jpg)



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(YET.ANOTHER.BOX.OF.TRIM.FOR.REPLATING&POLISH.jpg)



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(PRIMED.ENGINE.COMP.NEW.PANEL.COMING.FROM.BIGM.jpg)



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(NEW.PB.PS.ENGINE.PAINT.jpg)



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(STRIPPED.SWIVEL.SEATS.jpg)



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(VINTAGE.FABRIC.FROM.SMS.jpg)



(SWIVEL.SEAT.BACK.jpg)



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(RECHROMED.REAR.BUMPER.EXTENSIONS&ROCK.GUARDS.jpg)



(NEW.UNDER.DASH.AC.UNIT.jpg)



(RECORD.PLAYER.LIKE.THIS.ONE.jpg)



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Attachments INTERIOR.BEFORE.jpg (134KB - 358 downloads)
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Attachments GET.EVERYTHING.OUT!.jpg (268KB - 355 downloads)
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Attachments GET.EVERYTHING.OUT!3.jpg (246KB - 377 downloads)
Attachments BATTERY.SHELF.NEEDS.REPLACING.jpg (206KB - 362 downloads)
Attachments PARTS.COMING.OFF&OUT.jpg (243KB - 343 downloads)
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Attachments HOLY.REAR.SHELF, BATMAN.jpg (226KB - 352 downloads)
Attachments PEEKABOO.jpg (180KB - 356 downloads)
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Attachments SORTING.ROOF.TRIM.PIECES.jpg (192KB - 354 downloads)
Attachments CHROMELESS.IN.KY.jpg (194KB - 346 downloads)
Attachments MORE.TRIM.FOR.REFINISHING.jpg (161KB - 344 downloads)
Attachments YET.ANOTHER.BOX.OF.TRIM.FOR.REPLATING&POLISH.jpg (213KB - 338 downloads)
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Attachments RECHROMED.REAR.BUMPER.EXTENSIONS&ROCK.GUARDS.jpg (179KB - 363 downloads)
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Attachments RECORD.PLAYER.LIKE.THIS.ONE.jpg (184KB - 357 downloads)
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T-34
Posted 2014-04-13 12:03 PM (#435820 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Veteran

Posts: 117
100
Location: Kättilstorp Sweden
Wonderful job you have done to your car. Really nice.
Magnus
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henricthornsund
Posted 2014-04-13 12:18 PM (#435823 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



50010025
Location: Sweden
I second that! Show us some green exterior pics, Rosy!
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fenix
Posted 2014-04-13 12:40 PM (#435825 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Expert

Posts: 2119
2000100
Location: atlanta
In a word, WOW!!
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FIN ME
Posted 2014-04-13 12:49 PM (#435828 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Expert

Posts: 2788
2000500100100252525
Location: USA - KY

Thanks, to my Swedish friends!

Exterior is still in primer for the most part. I'm waiting for the engine work to be closer to being finished prior to painting.

But here's some more shots:
.




(EARLIER.IN.2013.jpg)



(EARLIER.IN.2013.B.jpg)



(DASH.OUT.jpg)



(ENGINE.IN.PROGRESS.jpg)



(ENGINE.IN.PROGRESS2.jpg)



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(NEW.PAINT.jpg)



(STARTING.ENGINE.FIT2.jpg)



(STARTING.ENGINE.FIT.jpg)



(TRUNK.PAINT.jpg)



(BACK.FROM.THE.BLOCKERS.jpg)



(BACK.FROM.THE.BLOCKERS2.jpg)



(OLD.HEADLINER.jpg)



(OLD.HEADLINER2.jpg)



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Attachments DASH.OUT.jpg (195KB - 355 downloads)
Attachments ENGINE.IN.PROGRESS.jpg (212KB - 349 downloads)
Attachments ENGINE.IN.PROGRESS2.jpg (204KB - 343 downloads)
Attachments ENGINE.IN.PROGRESS3.jpg (204KB - 342 downloads)
Attachments ENGINE.IN.PROGRESS4.jpg (242KB - 343 downloads)
Attachments NEW.PAINT.jpg (136KB - 329 downloads)
Attachments STARTING.ENGINE.FIT2.jpg (194KB - 337 downloads)
Attachments STARTING.ENGINE.FIT.jpg (223KB - 343 downloads)
Attachments TRUNK.PAINT.jpg (180KB - 366 downloads)
Attachments BACK.FROM.THE.BLOCKERS.jpg (183KB - 354 downloads)
Attachments BACK.FROM.THE.BLOCKERS2.jpg (150KB - 340 downloads)
Attachments OLD.HEADLINER.jpg (209KB - 344 downloads)
Attachments OLD.HEADLINER2.jpg (146KB - 335 downloads)
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wizard
Posted 2014-04-13 1:04 PM (#435830 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+

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Looks really like the car has a steady good progress Rosy - keep it up and keep us posted. Is the ARC record changer working?
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FIN ME
Posted 2014-04-13 1:06 PM (#435831 - in reply to #435825)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Expert

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Location: USA - KY
fenix - 2014-04-13 12:40 PM

In a word, WOW!!




Thanks, fenix!

It's been a real journey.

I've been driving the poor painter crazy, "...paint that bolt, but leave that one bare...paint that little spring blue, but paint the big ones red...strip the paint off that bracket...", and on and on and on with the details!

I think that by now, he's entirely lost the will to live.


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FIN ME
Posted 2014-04-13 1:10 PM (#435832 - in reply to #435830)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Expert

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Location: USA - KY
wizard - 2014-04-13 1:04 PM

Looks really like the car has a steady good progress Rosy - keep it up and keep us posted. Is the ARC record changer working?



Thanks, wizard!

I got the ARC from a super nifty, fellow FL member. It had been over-hauled mechanically, and re-chromed as well. Good thing the car has a wide dash for both the under-dash AC unit, and the ARC record changer.

BTW - the photo above is not the ARC that I have, just a photo of one that looks just like it, except the one I have has "perfect" chrome.





Edited by FIN ME 2014-04-13 1:19 PM
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FIN ME
Posted 2014-04-13 1:12 PM (#435833 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Expert

Posts: 2788
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Location: USA - KY

Here's my concept drawing of how my car should look when it's all done - as best as I can manage using a computer to alter an original ad from 1957.
.


Edited by FIN ME 2014-04-13 1:31 PM




(ROSYSCAR.jpg)



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Attachments ROSYSCAR.jpg (65KB - 329 downloads)
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tnlowrider
Posted 2014-04-13 1:45 PM (#435840 - in reply to #435833)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Extreme Veteran

Posts: 500
500
Location: Upper East Tennessee
Rosy, that looks WONDERFUL! It's a lot of hard work and headache but that Firesweep looks awesome! I'm glad you kept the swivel seat. The upholstery looks great on it! I wish mine was this far along. Thanks for giving us an update!!!
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oldwood
Posted 2014-04-13 1:58 PM (#435844 - in reply to #435840)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:


Expert

Posts: 2905
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Location: little rock, AR
The "Ole Bling Mo-chine", Nice !!!

Edited by oldwood 2014-04-13 1:59 PM
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FIN ME
Posted 2014-04-13 2:09 PM (#435849 - in reply to #435840)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Expert

Posts: 2788
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Location: USA - KY
tnlowrider - 2014-04-13 1:45 PM

Rosy, that looks WONDERFUL! It's a lot of hard work and headache but that Firesweep looks awesome! I'm glad you kept the swivel seat. The upholstery looks great on it! I wish mine was this far along. Thanks for giving us an update!!!



And thanks for providing me with the PS, PB's and steering wheel and column, Tim!

Couldn't have done it without ya!


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FIN ME
Posted 2014-04-13 2:11 PM (#435852 - in reply to #435844)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Expert

Posts: 2788
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Location: USA - KY
oldwood - 2014-04-13 1:58 PM

The "Ole Bling Mo-chine", Nice !!!


LOL - yep, my goal is, that it can be seen from outer space!



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LD3 Greg
Posted 2014-04-13 3:57 PM (#435862 - in reply to #435852)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:


Expert

Posts: 1906
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Location: Ontario, Canada
A great restoration of a wonderful solid car. Well done Rosy.
Greg
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baker53
Posted 2014-04-13 4:42 PM (#435866 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Veteran

Posts: 279
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Location: Klein, TX
Rosy, your concept is fantastic. I hope all goes smoothly with the rest of your project. It will surely be a hit wherever you drive it. I look forward to reading more progress reports and viewing the great pictures.
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Chrys 68
Posted 2014-04-13 4:55 PM (#435870 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Elite Veteran

Posts: 673
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Location: Malung, SWEDEN
Thumbs up!
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The Chrysler Kid
Posted 2014-04-13 7:06 PM (#435892 - in reply to #435870)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Expert

Posts: 1384
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Location: Ocala, Florida
I love your car it looks so good! I have always loved the Firesweep for its Dodge nose never liked the big body cars (same way with the Chryslers). I hope you dont mind but your car is my computer background lol. Nice work! Please keep us posted!

Edited by The Chrysler Kid 2014-04-13 7:09 PM
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imopar380
Posted 2014-04-13 9:10 PM (#435912 - in reply to #435892)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Expert 5K+

Posts: 7207
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Location: Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, Canada
Looking good - I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product!
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ToMopar
Posted 2014-04-14 6:27 AM (#435950 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Elite Veteran

Posts: 1159
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Location: D-70199 Heslach
Rosy, the concept looks great, I think the final result will looks better than great.
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barrie5747
Posted 2014-04-14 8:02 AM (#435959 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: RE: My DeSoto's progress in photos:


Member

Posts: 34
25
Location: nova scotia
Looks great Rosy Nearly the same paint as my 59. Will try to post Pict of my rad shroud. Will we see you in Ft Wayne? Barrie



(GetAttachment[7].jpg)



(GetAttachment[7].jpg)



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Attachments GetAttachment[7].jpg (9KB - 345 downloads)
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barrie5747
Posted 2014-04-14 8:08 AM (#435961 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: RE: My DeSoto's progress in photos:


Member

Posts: 34
25
Location: nova scotia
Try again



(GetAttachmentQS2XWY2C.jpg)



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Attachments GetAttachmentQS2XWY2C.jpg (11KB - 342 downloads)
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firedome
Posted 2014-04-14 11:28 AM (#435976 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Expert

Posts: 3155
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Location: NY & VT
Didn't realize, or more likely forgot, that color change was part of the process... that's a fabulous combination!!! Love it!!!
What a BEAUTIFUL car! Gives me inspiration to try and get going again.
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FIN ME
Posted 2014-04-14 1:06 PM (#435988 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Expert

Posts: 2788
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Location: USA - KY

Thanks, guys, for all of the nice comments!

It's a work in progress but hopefully my car will be all done within a few months, and then I can enjoy driving it this summer.

I've missed driving the car a LOT.



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big m
Posted 2014-04-14 4:38 PM (#436035 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Expert 5K+

Posts: 7807
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Location: Williams California
Looks fantastic, Rosy!!!!!
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d500neil
Posted 2014-04-14 4:48 PM (#436038 - in reply to #436035)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

Posts: 19146
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Location: bishop, ca
Rosy, if the driver's door A-post area hasn't already been pre-painted: the VIN tag is very (TOO, actually...) easy to pop off
from the dog leg pillar.

I can be easily re-positioned after the pillar is painted, and can be epoxied back onto that pillar.


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57desoto
Posted 2014-04-15 7:26 AM (#436174 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Expert

Posts: 1488
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Location: New Castle PA
Neil, I didn't know you were that kinky! LOL!
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old mopar guy
Posted 2014-04-15 8:26 PM (#436280 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Expert

Posts: 1508
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Location: new york
WOW! outstanding Job! OI can't wait to see her finished! HAPPY MOTORING & Keep us posted! Victor.
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JT Vincent
Posted 2014-04-15 10:49 PM (#436301 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Expert

Posts: 1493
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Location: Jamaica Plain, MA
That's great Rosy! I think you, Bill, Tim, Ed and I may make the 57 Sweep famous. Didn't know about the color change! Cool! Mine is off to the paint booth in June. Only a year behind.
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JT Vincent
Posted 2014-04-15 10:55 PM (#436304 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Expert

Posts: 1493
1000100100100100252525
Location: Jamaica Plain, MA
Lose the 2bbl though!!!!! Xo
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LD3 Greg
Posted 2014-04-15 11:52 PM (#436309 - in reply to #436304)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:


Expert

Posts: 1906
1000500100100100100
Location: Ontario, Canada
I agree. Go with a WCFB. You will get much better mileage!
Greg
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LD3 Greg
Posted 2014-04-15 11:52 PM (#436310 - in reply to #436304)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:


Expert

Posts: 1906
1000500100100100100
Location: Ontario, Canada
I agree. Go with a WCFB. You will get much better mileage!
Greg
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d500neil
Posted 2014-04-16 1:30 AM (#436322 - in reply to #436310)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

Posts: 19146
5000500050002000200010025
Location: bishop, ca
You can say that again.

Unfortunately, that is, also, not true.

You will get the best mileage with a 2-bbl carb 24/7/365 over a 4-bbl carb

Of course, your best PERFORMANCE will be given by the 4-bbl carb, but that was not the question.

Regardless of the carb type, you should have your car's distributor and its vacuum advance be
custom-tuned to your engine and its carburetor, to maximize both the engine's economy and its
performance capabilities.







Edited by d500neil 2014-04-16 1:50 AM
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FIN ME
Posted 2014-04-16 9:05 AM (#436365 - in reply to #436038)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Expert

Posts: 2788
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Location: USA - KY
d500neil - 2014-04-14 4:48 PM

Rosy, if the driver's door A-post area hasn't already been pre-painted: the VIN tag is very (TOO, actually...) easy to pop off
from the dog leg pillar.

I can be easily re-positioned after the pillar is painted, and can be epoxied back onto that pillar.





Good advice, Neil! The VIN tag and cowl tag were both removed and preserved for reinstallation after painting. Even though my cowl tag "numbers" won't match anymore, it's still nice to have the original tags in place.

Thank you for the very nice comments, guys!

It took FOREVER for me to decide what colour to paint the car. I must have changed my mind twelve times! I love black cars, but I got worn out trying to keep that black paint looking its best.

So I'll paint the roof and sweep black, as a nod to the car's original black paint, and the body will be painted using a 1957-only, Firesweep-only (as far as DeSotos go) colour called "Mist Green". (It might have been used on Dodges - no one seems to really know for sure.)

I have never seen a Desoto painted using "Mist Green" before, either on the body, or on the roof and sweep. I've seen some photos of DeSotos that were painted in a colour that was close, but no cigar...usually "Willow Green", a '58 colour. Documentation that I've found seems to indicate that "Mist Green" was used for '57 Firesweeps that were painted in one, solid colour, and without the accent colours on the roof and sweep. But I am now convinced, as are many "older" car fellas, that you could order a 1957 Mopar in any darn colour combo that you wished to, using any of the colours available that year for that model. Could be wrong, but what the heck.

Anyway, "Mist Green" seems to be one rare colour for '57 'Sweeps as far as I can tell after three years of trying to find one painted that colour. I have found none. I asked Chrysler if they had any info regarding paint colours statistics, but they do not for '57 Firesweeps.

I have a vintage, 1957 DeSoto Dealer's Fabric/Vinyl/Paint sample book that has huge paint chips, and my painter matched the paint very well indeed to the sample. I'm really liking the colour, esp. with the black accents. It looks a little less "there" in sunlight, which calms the green down a tad.

Glad other folk's are liking it too - I respect youz-guyz' opinions!





Edited by FIN ME 2014-04-16 5:43 PM
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firedome
Posted 2014-04-16 11:14 AM (#436382 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Expert

Posts: 3155
200010001002525
Location: NY & VT
Rosy I saw an all Mist Green '57 single headlight 4 dr sedan 'Sweep once, it had dog dishes, minimum chrome, PF not TF trans, no radio! A real stripper car, and very cool, this was back in the 80s when I still lived in rural N central Maryland. Had bad rust but the old geezer at the wheel was still using it as a daily driver!

Agree with Neil, the 2 bbl will get better gas mileage, the old Mobil Economy Run results bore that out at the time. And that's why Ma Mopar put 'em on the lower model in the line in the first place, their buyers were more economy than performance oriented. I intend to leave the 2 bbl on my 354 poly.

Edited by firedome 2014-04-16 11:17 AM
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lownslow
Posted 2014-04-16 1:20 PM (#436398 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Extreme Veteran

Posts: 440
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Location: Vermont
Wow looks great. 1957 Desoto is one the best looking cars. Enjoy! It's going to look amazing when it's done.
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FIN ME
Posted 2014-04-16 2:22 PM (#436404 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



Expert

Posts: 2788
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Location: USA - KY

Thanks, lownslow!

firedome - that's so cool! I wonder if that old geezer is still driving his "Mist Green" car?!



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LD3 Greg
Posted 2014-04-17 12:12 AM (#436503 - in reply to #436404)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:


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Rosy, it appears that the same colour ( or close to it) was called Misty Green for 57 Dodge. Check out the photos of my 57 Dodge CRL vert. In my FWLK art gallery thread. That was its original colour and right after we painted the body it looked so "blaaaa" we almost chose to repaint it in a different colour.

The best part was that as we trimmed the car out the better and better it looked!! It didn't matter whether we added SS trim, chrome, black or dark green bits, it just looked better at each stage. Your combination of black with the Mist green should be dynamite!!

I restored that car for me to keep and it sat in one of my trim bays for months as we slowly found time to complete it. My friend and repeat customer would call and kept throwing money at me to buy the car during those months. I finally caved and sold it to him. I never did get to drive it on the road!

The same opportunity will likely be offered to you! I restored a lot of these cars but it was the Misty green one that shed a whole different light on things.

You have fun times to look forward to.
Greg
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FIN ME
Posted 2014-04-17 8:16 AM (#436544 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



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Thanks, LD3 Greg!

I wish you still had that car. It sounds great!

You're right about the "offers". I once had a guy offer to swap me his two 1960's and early 1970's (somewhere) Mustangs for my DeSoto. I gracefully declined.

I've seen the "Misty Green" Dodge paint colour that you mentioned, and it is DARN close to the "Mist Green". It indeed might have been the same colour, back in the day. The two colours look slightly different according to the vintage paint chips and actual paint samples that I've collected, BUT I hasten to say that those vintage paint chips come in a wide range of condition - some are more faded than others, some are quite yellowed with age, some have darkened by being kept in damp surroundings, and some are outright dirty and stained. So it can be difficult to compare paint chip to paint chip sometimes.

I've also noticed a green paint on some late 40's-early 50's (?) DeSotos that looks similar, but that colour looks more "seafoamy" to me, at least from the photos I've seen.

I wish I could have found a Firesweep that still had its original "Mist Green" paint in place. If I could have nabbed a sample of the original paint from a protected area on such a car, I could have likely matched the new paint for my car exactly. I think I have a really good match for the original colour with the paint that I'm putting on my car now, but I might never really know for sure. Plus, my car is going to have a highly polished finish, unlike the cars in 1957, so that alone might alter the colour's appearance somewhat.

Of course, there are paint companies out there that will supply "Mist Green" paint, but several that sent us samples missed the mark by a mile. I don't know where they get their colours sometimes. Maybe they just let a computer do the matching, which isn't always the best way to go. If I hadn't had that huge, original paint chip from my old dealer's paint book, I might have just gone with one of those colours, not realizing that what the paint company was sending me was in no way the correct colour. The painter at my shop was also a great help when it came to finding the right colour. He didn't lose patience with my fussiness. He rocks!

I've done my best to match the original "Mist Green" paint, but apparently no other '57 Firesweeps that were painted that colour originally are still in existence (as far as I know!) to confirm that I have. And even if they were in existence, their paint might now be faded or aged to an extent where it was no longer useful when it came to matching the colour. And so many original paint chips have been so altered by the ravages of time that few of them are of any real use. So, I just had to take my best stab at it.

You're sure right about the bright work. It will surround all of the areas on the car that will be painted black, and it will make the black paint really pop, which will ground and anchor that "slap happy" pastel, green paint. The bright work has a natural blue cast to it, and the black paint being used on my car really has a lot of very dark blue base paint in it, and blue (being the complementary colour of orange) will bring out the yellow of the new green paint, and calm the blue in the green paint. So the green paint will look less "vividly green" over all once the work on the car is all done. That's just my old interior designer colour theory gibberish, but I think it will work. LOL

Anyway, thank you for the kind words of encouragement!
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57burb
Posted 2014-04-17 10:40 AM (#436555 - in reply to #435833)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



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FIN ME - 2014-04-13 12:12 PM


Here's my concept drawing of how my car should look when it's all done - as best as I can manage using a computer to alter an original ad from 1957.
.

Rosy, I felt like I just had to help you out here... lol



(57-DeSoto_Firesweep_Sprtsmn.jpg)



Attachments
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Attachments 57-DeSoto_Firesweep_Sprtsmn.jpg (411KB - 347 downloads)
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Adventurer 60
Posted 2014-04-17 10:47 AM (#436557 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



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Looking good!
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wizard
Posted 2014-04-17 12:17 PM (#436574 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



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Great Danny! That shows Rosy's choice perfectly - it will be a great looking car!!!!!!
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FIN ME
Posted 2014-04-17 4:39 PM (#436607 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



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That looks COOOOOL, 57burb! Thank you!

Add half a ton of bling, and it's perfect!
'
Now that I see your great drawing, I'm glad that I ordered new, reproduction rear light lenses. That green paint really makes those red lenses stand out!

Looks FAB!

I'm going to send my painter that pic for inspiration!




Edited by FIN ME 2014-04-17 4:40 PM
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firedome
Posted 2014-04-18 11:45 AM (#436708 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



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My cousin teaches Color Theory in the Art Dept at the local Com, College, and when we asked him for complementary color ideas for our Light Mint Green and Black tiled mid-50s bathroom, he came up with Pale Lavender walls & bath curtain -and it looks absolutely fabulous... so a 3 tone DeSoto maybe? ... Wow!
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FIN ME
Posted 2014-04-18 6:07 PM (#436743 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



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Sounds pretty! Green and purple always seem to live well together if they are of similar tone/tint. The yellow in the green complements the purple, and the red in the purple complements the green. So they are two colours that seem to make each other pop but not in a jarring way, likely because the blue in both the green and purple ties the two colours together in a calming/cooling way, IMHO.

Your bathroom sounds cool!

As would a tri-colour DeSoto!

BTW - I did ask Chrylser if any '57 DeSotos were originally factory painted using three paint colours, and they stated that they had, "no records showing any tri-coloured '57 DeSotos leaving the factory.". Oh well...



.

Edited by FIN ME 2014-04-18 6:08 PM
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FIN ME
Posted 2014-05-06 8:39 AM (#439520 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



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More photos - engine compartment is almost done. A bit more painting here and there, and the addition of a few more AC system hoses, some firewall rubber bits, and the new master cylinder, are among the finishing touches still needed.

Those two high pipes coming off the top of the AC are not staying in that configuration.

Sorry about the bad photos - still getting used to the new camera.
.





(ENGINECOMPART.AC.jpg)



(ENGINECOMPART1.jpg)



(ENGINECOMPART3.jpg)



(ENGINECOMPART5.jpg)



(ENGINECOMPART2.jpg)



Attachments
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Attachments ENGINECOMPART.AC.jpg (150KB - 319 downloads)
Attachments ENGINECOMPART1.jpg (164KB - 333 downloads)
Attachments ENGINECOMPART3.jpg (150KB - 352 downloads)
Attachments ENGINECOMPART5.jpg (188KB - 318 downloads)
Attachments ENGINECOMPART2.jpg (173KB - 340 downloads)
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earleebob
Posted 2014-05-06 9:06 AM (#439523 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: RE: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



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Coming along nicely Rosy. Love the way you've installed the A/C compressor- very neat!
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rockerarm
Posted 2014-05-06 10:29 AM (#439530 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: RE: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



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FIN ME - 2014-04-13 11:14 AMAlthough the changes that I'm making won't be "original" to my car, most of them will be "correct" for a 1957 Firesweep, even if it isn't MY particular Firesweep. And some items will not be originally "correct" such as the swivel seats, AC, under-car exhaust, dual master cylinder, radial tires, brake light switch, and headliner. But, I'm trying! :)



Absolutly breathtaking....! I share your opinion of period correct but make it your own. My 61 Fury convertible will be all 61, but just a couple of additions and changes to suit me. ( I tried to order a new one .... was told they quit making Plymouths ....,especally 1961's).You don't see many surpentine belt driven generators ........ Nice job.
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JT Vincent
Posted 2014-05-06 1:11 PM (#439546 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



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Looks awesome Rosy!
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1961plymouthfury
Posted 2014-05-06 2:12 PM (#439553 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:


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Very nice
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FIN ME
Posted 2014-05-06 4:07 PM (#439573 - in reply to #435816)
Subject: Re: My DeSoto's progress in photos:



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Thank you for the nice comments, guys and gals!

Found another photo. I know, I know...they just keep on comin'!
.




(ENGINECOMPARTMENT8.jpg)



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Attachments ENGINECOMPARTMENT8.jpg (187KB - 343 downloads)
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