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Forward Look NON-Technical Discussions -> 1955-1961 Forward Look MoPar General Discussion	Message format

macedon

Posted 2015-06-20 5:09 PM (#482132)
Subject: 57 FireFlite

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Location: San Antonio, TX

Followed me home

GregCon

Posted 2015-06-20 5:49 PM (#482138 - in reply to #482132)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

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Location: Houston

OK.....

60crossram

Posted 2015-06-20 5:51 PM (#482140 - in reply to #482132)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

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Location: Layton, Utah

Show us details.

macedon

Posted 2015-06-21 1:48 AM (#482184 - in reply to #482132)
Subject: RE: 57 FireFlite

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Location: San Antonio, TX

Highly optioned Fireflite sedan. So so repaint. PS, PB, PW, A/C, power antenna, stone guards, rocker trim, dual side mirrors, tinted glass. Probably the most rust free unrestored car I have ever seen. Needs lots of TLC. Starting with the brakes...

Edited by macedon 2015-06-21 12:18 PM

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firedome

Posted 2015-06-21 6:51 AM (#482197 - in reply to #482132)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

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Location: NY & VT

Nice car... congrats! More pics!

FIN ME

Posted 2015-06-21 9:43 AM (#482209 - in reply to #482132)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

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Location: USA - KY

Very nice! Sounds like a good find.

Nice truck too!

More photos and info when you have 'em, please.

macedon

Posted 2015-06-21 9:58 AM (#482212 - in reply to #482209)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

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Posts: 963
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Location: San Antonio, TX

Yep the Rumble Bee is a good hauling truck. More pictures...
I got the original keys, original owners paperwork and receipts back to 1957.

Edited by macedon 2015-06-21 10:39 AM

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60crossram

Posted 2015-06-22 1:25 AM (#482316 - in reply to #482132)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

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Posts: 836
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Location: Layton, Utah

Looks like you got a very nice hard to find car. Great for you ! What's the history of this beauty. It sure looks like it's been garaged most of its 58 years of life. DeSoto lives !!!

macedon

Posted 2015-06-22 7:29 AM (#482335 - in reply to #482316)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

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Location: San Antonio, TX

Car was sold in Wichita Falls, TX to the original owner who lived in Electra, TX(25 miles away). It still has the Dealer emblem on the trunk. Elie Lam. I bought it in Wichita Falls 58 years later. I'm still sorting through the papers. It was well dressed up when it sold. Power Windows, Power Seats, Air Conditioning, Power Brakes, Power Steering, Power Antenna, passenger side ash tray (just found that in trunk),all around tinted glass, stone guards, rocker trim. No Dagmars though. Sigh, I love Dagmars. I have a nice new left one in the box. I'm am still looking for a right side to go with it. Can't imagine putting just one side on. That would look weird. Kinda like Dagmar with only one Dagmar.

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miquelonbrad

Posted 2015-06-22 10:15 AM (#482349 - in reply to #482132)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

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Location: Hay Lakes, Alberta, Canada

Very, very nice find!
Question...would you be able to take a picture of the vanity mirror? I've never seen one in real life! They are (almost) always missing.

The Adventurer

Posted 2015-06-22 8:28 PM (#482416 - in reply to #482132)
Subject: RE: 57 FireFlite

Elite Veteran,, James Passed away March 2021, He will be Missed

Posts: 1028
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Location: Melbourne, Australia

Wow what a find , I think the trunk mat alone is worth $1500 lol !!!!!

soiouz

Posted 2015-06-22 8:48 PM (#482420 - in reply to #482349)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

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miquelonbrad - 2015-06-22 10:15 AM

Very, very nice find!
Question...would you be able to take a picture of the vanity mirror? I've never seen one in real life! They are (almost) always missing.

Don't know if the ones in DeSotos are the same, but here is the one in my car:

(IMG_3557bb.jpg)

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d500neil

Posted 2015-06-22 9:06 PM (#482422 - in reply to #482420)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

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

With THAT car, the Big-Dog 12" x 2 1/2" brakes should be installed!

(That, and a correct interior...)

Can OEM-looking steering wheel repairs be made, where the new 'plastic' area/section doesn't
shout-out that it's been Bondo'ed over and surface-painted?

It would be a shame to have to re-do the entire steering wheel, just to have a relatively small
portion of it get to be restored, properly.

Now; THERE'S something that 'we' need!

Epoxy-ish SHINY-PLASTIC-looking steering wheel paint!

A GOOD steering wheel paint (indeterminable from the present "cast-in" colors)
would bankrupt a lot (but, not all-) of all those $2k+ steering wheel restoration shops).

Edited by d500neil 2015-06-22 9:20 PM

macedon

Posted 2015-06-22 9:52 PM (#482426 - in reply to #482132)
Subject: RE: 57 FireFlite

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Posts: 963
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Location: San Antonio, TX

Original Sales invoice. Sweet... looks like they got $200 for their 48 Chrysler as a trade in.

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JT Vincent

Posted 2015-06-22 10:18 PM (#482431 - in reply to #482422)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

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Location: Jamaica Plain, MA

What a nice survivor. Really lovely. A couple of thoughts-- as Neil might say, the brake pedal looks like it hasn't seen a lot of wear, which is a indicator or low mileage. I also noticed the cadmium plating on the master cylinder cover looks fresh, suggesting someone might have worked on the brakes recently. If you have technical issues with the brakes that get the better of you, this site is the best place for troubleshooting Center Plane brakes. Another thing-- I don't think the rocker moldings are correct. I've never seen them on a '57 DeSoto. Ed P. would know, if it maters to you. The 57 DeSoto was the principal design for DeSotos and Chryslers from 57-9. Their team won the inter-company challenge for the basic platform. In this light, they have a distinctive beauty, and over adornment might clutter up such a seminal design. The clock, AC and power windows are really nice options, even if they don't work. They can certainly be fixed. It also has dual headlights, which I believe are rare on any 57 FL car. Mine has single style headlights as per US interstate regulations. The chrome and pot metal pieces look exceptional. One of the biggest problems I've had with my DeSoto (as opposed to a 57 Plymouth or Dodge with less pot metal and more aluminum/stainless trim) is re-chroming all that stuff. Congrats on a sweet car.

Doctor DeSoto

Posted 2015-06-22 11:15 PM (#482436 - in reply to #482431)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

Location: Parts Unknown

Dave,

I see "vent cleaner" listed in the optional equipment. In a recent thread, it was discussed
without determination what exactly this looked like on a 57. For 58, it is a "can" filled with
course steel wool at the road end of the crankcase breather vent. Can you confirm what this
car's tube end looks like ?

ttotired

Posted 2015-06-22 11:49 PM (#482439 - in reply to #482132)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

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Do you mean something like this Doc?

(road draft tube 001.jpg)

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The Adventurer

Posted 2015-06-22 11:54 PM (#482440 - in reply to #482132)
Subject: RE: 57 FireFlite

Elite Veteran,, James Passed away March 2021, He will be Missed

Posts: 1028
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Location: Melbourne, Australia

My 58 Desoto Has that Doctor , it is connected to the bottom end of the vent tube out of the RH Valve cover and bolts to the exhaust or block from memory . My car is fairly low mileage but the steel wool inside is no good any more . Mine is square shaped

Edited by The Adventurer 2015-06-22 11:55 PM

Doctor DeSoto

Posted 2015-06-23 1:15 AM (#482444 - in reply to #482439)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

Location: Parts Unknown

Yes, .... that is the general idea. The question brought up in the
earlier thread was: What exactly did the 57 DeSoto version look
like ?

One (or more ?) posters were thinking the vapor return to the air
cleaner was factory, and thinking it was what this was supposed to
look like. Big Bill put the kibosh on that line of thinking, saying no
pre-60 car left the factory with a vapor return to the carb/air cleaner.

The general consensus was that this was a California emissions idea
as applied via aftermarket.

But this still left the question, what exactly did that filter look like
on a 57 DeSoto ? This car looks like a prime example to verify !

macedon

Posted 2015-06-23 7:28 AM (#482459 - in reply to #482444)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

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Posts: 963
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Location: San Antonio, TX

Started new thread in Engine forum about vent cleaner.

57desoto

Posted 2015-06-23 7:40 AM (#482461 - in reply to #482132)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

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Location: New Castle PA

Like you, JT, I have NEVER seen the rocker moldings on any 1957 DeSoto. I think the owner wanted to "dress up" the car even more than it already is.

macedon

Posted 2015-06-23 9:53 AM (#482474 - in reply to #482461)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

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Posts: 963
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Location: San Antonio, TX

No mention of the rocker trim in any of the paperwork. Not sure if I like them or not.

57burb

Posted 2015-06-23 11:06 AM (#482479 - in reply to #482132)
Subject: RE: 57 FireFlite

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Location: DFW, TX

They may have been added to cover up a rusty spot. Or maybe the previous owner just liked them! I might have a hard time removing them if they've been there for most of the life of the car. At that point they "are" part of the car.

What an amazing survivor! I might have a spare bumper guard. PM me if interested.

Someone mentioned that dual-headlight '57s are rare, and I actually take the opposite stance. I had a single-headlight '57 Firedome and that is the only one I have ever seen in person.

I remember you bought that white '57 Firedome/flite 4dr hardtop some years ago. Still have that car?

macedon

Posted 2015-06-23 11:48 AM (#482486 - in reply to #482479)
Subject: RE: 57 FireFlite

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Posts: 963
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Location: San Antonio, TX

Covering up a rusty patch on the rocker is possible, but I don't think so. I'll pull them off to check of course. The only rust of any real significance is a small spot in the trunk. I missed it when I bought the car. Small spot right above the driver side exhaust. Otherwise pretty rust free.

I do still have the white 57 4dr hdtp Fireflite...

sent you PM.

moparsteve

Posted 2015-06-23 12:31 PM (#482493 - in reply to #482132)
Subject: RE: 57 FireFlite

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Location: somerville mass

super rare find w those options... almost 4000 bucks was a lot of money in 1957 when if you looked hard you could buy a house for 8000. and a base imperial

or caddy for a grand or less more.

macedon

Posted 2015-06-23 7:13 PM (#482541 - in reply to #482493)
Subject: RE: 57 FireFlite

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Posts: 963
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Location: San Antonio, TX

I'll post pictures in the Member's Rides forum under Dave's 1957 Fireflite Sedan

let me know if there is anything in particular you would like to see.

here's one of the rustiest parts on the'car

I wonder how old the air in it is?

Edited by macedon 2015-06-23 7:15 PM

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ttotired

Posted 2015-06-23 7:50 PM (#482549 - in reply to #482132)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

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Dont let the air out unless you catch it

It could be genuine 1957 OEM approved mopar tyre air

For the absolute purist, thats gold

Whoo hooo, ebay, here we come

Edited by ttotired 2015-06-23 7:51 PM

sconut1

Posted 2015-06-23 11:51 PM (#482580 - in reply to #482132)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

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Location: Edmonton, Alberta

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a car!!!

That's an incredible find. Wash it and show it! Now that, my friend, is the true definition of a survivor car. I hope you enjoy it. IMHO.....wash it, wax it, vacuum it, clean it..... don't do anything else!

Congratulations again on a wonderful find!

macedon

Posted 2015-06-24 7:24 AM (#482613 - in reply to #482580)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

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Posts: 963
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Location: San Antonio, TX

OK, trust me I'm really delighted with this car. However, I would not call it a survivor. It's been repainted, the seats have been recovered and the dash pad is new. Yes the original seat material is under the recovers. It is very, very complete as far as I can tell. The truly amazing part is the metal is a survivor. Other than surface rust there is only one small area that will need any work. That's the corner of the trunk just above the driver exhaust port. The patch will probably be 2 square inches.

There are some really nice survivor aspects to the car. Date stenciled to the frame rail, QA stamp on firewall, QA stamp hood, initials in grease pencil from inspectors.

I'll definitely need to redo the back seat. It's Texas and the foam is cooked, but the frame is amazingly pristine. I'll redo with the original pattern material of course. Carpet is cooked too.

Edited by macedon 2015-06-24 7:25 AM

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JT Vincent

Posted 2015-06-24 10:53 PM (#482699 - in reply to #482132)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

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Location: Jamaica Plain, MA

I'd lose the aftermarket rocker covers. Look where the lower spear trim ends before the rear wheel. There is no accommodation for fitment in the rocker cover. Although the styling guys were in a hurry to get the platform out, they were meticulous about DeSoto styling, and that wouldn't have passed. Final ft and finish on all 57 FL cars, notwithstanding, they were painstakingly styled.

Whether it's a "survivor,"or not, I'd say it's survived well, without a complete restoration, or going the way of the earth. At a certain point, every 58 year old car that is a survivor has either been periodically maintained or is the illusive "barn find." Barn finds are cool, like a secret treasure-- however, real barn find needs every piece of rubber replaced, and is always a massive challenge. Even pot metal will degrade in a temperature-controlled setting. It's just not chemically stable over time. Look at sealed NOS pot metal pieces, they usually have pits in them. Never mind brake cylinder seals, carb gaskets, bushings, weather stripping, whatever may have happened to the fuel, etc. The engines and transmissions are the most archival part of a FL car. A lightly maintained car that has been looked after can really be a treasure. FL cars, especially 4 doors or low-line models with the L-Head 6 were usually neglected until the last 20 years when people realized how amazing they are in the context of current tastes. Cars like yours usually got rusty and parted and someone harvested the Hemis. In this light, it's really nice to see such a wonderful ride. Some of us would commit crimes to just to have chrome like you car has.

macedon

Posted 2015-06-24 11:34 PM (#482708 - in reply to #482699)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

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Location: San Antonio, TX

I am definitely pleased with my purchase. Checked a few more things this evening. Headlights work, high beams too. Tails all good, backups too. Blinkers yes but reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaly slow. Brake lights good. Wipers work. Blower works. No radio, no dome light. Oil pressure gauge leaked. Clock inop. So far all little things.

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JT Vincent

Posted 2015-06-25 1:33 AM (#482712 - in reply to #482132)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

Expert

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Location: Jamaica Plain, MA

My humble advice: the clocks never work, unless you have their innards redone with quarts units, or you find an old timer, so to speak, who knows how to fix them. In the day, they only lasted a couple of years unless you has the Benris auto winding wheel clock, which was of a superlative quality and a non-electric design. Slow blinkers can usually be cured by changing all the bulbs in the blinking housings (2 double filament bulbs up front and a single filament brake light and directional bulb at the bottom of the tail lights (the lowest down of the 3 lights, although, beware, some people have moved them around) look for the one with the green wire on the left-- and if that doesn't work, swap out the the blinker unit, which is a basic part. Another possibility is poor contact between any of the positive wires and grounding. Slow blinking usually means a bad bulb (even if it working enough to light up (one molecule of connection is enough for electron flow). These bulbs cost a little more than a dollar. Change them all if you're unsure.

The radios are often easy to repair with the replacement of the vibrator and possibly a few other serviceable parts. Not usually too tough, although I've never tried. It is nice to have that AM sound bouncing into your car off the clouds.

The dome light is probably just a bulb. They are wired to run when the door switch is on (eg: open door) and/or if the switch on the bezel is on; they have 2 leads. The wire from the switch should light it up even if the door switches don't work. Otherwise I'd check your connection at the dome, but of course be careful with the headliner and watch for sparks. Some of that material is flammable.

Oil pressure gauge solution-- probably buy an aftermarket gauge. Better to be safe about that. Your PSI will vary, of course based on temperature. A brand new but set-in 325 Hemi should make between 50 to 70 PSI. at idle. A little more with upgraded parts. Lower than 15 PSI would suggest a serious problem. Your cylinders, should you do a compression test, shouldn't vary by more than 15-20%. But, you probably already know this stuff.

Edited by JT Vincent 2015-06-25 1:34 AM

macedon

Posted 2015-06-25 7:08 AM (#482724 - in reply to #482712)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

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Posts: 963
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Location: San Antonio, TX

Nope, been working on cars for 40 years. Still learning. Nice write-up. Thanks!

FIN ME

Posted 2015-07-03 10:02 AM (#483513 - in reply to #482132)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

Expert

Posts: 2788
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Location: USA - KY

I had my nonfunctioning, original dash clock repaired by a very gifted fellow who teaches at McPherson College in Kansas. It's worked great since, and it didn't cost a ton of money.

Send me a PM if you want any info.

That is one GREAT car you have found!

Please keep the photos and info coming!

macedon

Posted 2015-07-04 1:23 PM (#483610 - in reply to #483513)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

Elite Veteran

Posts: 963
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Location: San Antonio, TX

Drove it this morning and now it's getting a much needed wash. Lot's to do, but fun.

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macedon

Posted 2015-07-05 8:52 AM (#483678 - in reply to #482132)
Subject: RE: 57 FireFlite

Elite Veteran

Posts: 963
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Location: San Antonio, TX

Replaced the hood emblem. Yeah it's the wrong color. Luckily I did not pay for it. I traded for it a long time ago, so not out cash. I was still disappointed when it arrived from Australia. Oh well like my Dad used to say... "I've dealt with that man twice... my first, and last." Anyhow it does look better than what I had.

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d500neil

Posted 2015-07-05 5:27 PM (#483696 - in reply to #482132)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

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

Posts: 19146
5000

Location: bishop, ca

Horrie's clocks (two of them, since 1980) have worked fine and accurately.

To adjust the timing, advance or retard by 12 hours for each minute that you want to adjust your clock's time.

If your clock stops running, a squirt/shot of WD40, via the can's pin-point nozzle, sprayed into the clock's rear-interior (...general-area;
it's magical) will or can restore the clock's operation.

A properly running "points" clock is a thing of beauty!

And, here's the gentleman who repaired H.'s clock:

http://www.classicautoelectric.com/info.html

Edited by d500neil 2015-07-05 5:35 PM

Doctor DeSoto

Posted 2015-07-06 9:06 AM (#483734 - in reply to #483696)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

Location: Parts Unknown

WD40 isn't much of a lubricant.

A lightly thinned mineral oil will have much longer lasting results.

imopar380

Posted 2015-07-06 1:46 PM (#483753 - in reply to #483734)
Subject: Re: 57 FireFlite

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Doctor DeSoto - 2015-07-06 6:06 AM

WD40 isn't much of a lubricant.

A lightly thinned mineral oil will have much longer lasting results.

I use Triflow in my shop, - teflon based.

(Triflow.jpg)

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