The Forward Look Network
The Forward Look Network
Search | Statistics | User Listing Forums | Chat | eBay | Calendars | Albums | Skins | Language
You are logged in as a guest. ( logon | register )

DeSoto swept-side truck
Jump to page : 1
Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page]
View previous thread :: View next thread
   Forward Look NON-Technical Discussions -> 1955-1961 Forward Look MoPar General DiscussionMessage format
 
drosera88
Posted 2015-08-28 11:25 PM (#488240)
Subject: DeSoto swept-side truck



Expert

Posts: 1267
10001001002525
Location: San Antonio TX

Has anyone ever seen one of these things? Where were these things even made? Any info at all? The was the only picture I could find, and I seriously have got to have one of these:

 

Top of the page Bottom of the page
Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2015-08-29 12:05 AM (#488247 - in reply to #488240)
Subject: RE: DeSoto swept-side truck



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown
I do not remember the exact story on the truck in that photo, but Dodge trucks
were badged up as Fargos and DeSotos and perhaps other names for sales outside
the U.S. I have never seen this build with ANY name on it. Perhaps a mock up ?
.... or maybe it was built in Turkey or South Afrika ???

Knowing how crudely the "normal" Sweptside beds were built, it would probably
not be that hard for a dedicated body fabricator to whip one of these up from a
donor 56 Plymouth and an appropriate Dodge truck. The "De Soto" stamped tail
gate might prove the biggest challenge.

I always thought it a shame that Mopar did not dedicate the design energy they
did into their trucks and wagons that they did into the other cars.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mikes2nd
Posted 2015-08-29 7:26 AM (#488272 - in reply to #488240)
Subject: Re: DeSoto swept-side truck


Expert 5K+

Posts: 5006
5000
that's custom built.

Looks like a 50-56 dodge cab, and Chrysler just used station wagon quarter panels (which don't fit) and this one has full straight quarters that actually fit correctly.

Top of the page Bottom of the page
firedome
Posted 2015-08-29 8:15 AM (#488273 - in reply to #488240)
Subject: Re: DeSoto swept-side truck



Expert

Posts: 3153
200010001002525
Location: NY & VT
Mopar sold trucks under the DeSoto name in some markets overseas as Doc says, and it may have been a prototype or show truck for those areas, or even an upscale model equivalent to our Sweptside for the Austrailian or other market... any of our Oz members know?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
roadkillontheweb
Posted 2015-08-29 9:13 AM (#488277 - in reply to #488240)
Subject: Re: DeSoto swept-side truck



Expert

Posts: 1357
10001001001002525
Location: Iowa USA
Produced in the states in the same plant that made the Dodge and Fargo Swept side trucks for export outside the states.Could have gone to a number of locations and if you see the palm trees in the background it could be Cuba or even Hawaii since both were export markets back then. I have worked with Chrysler historical and Brandt Rosenbush to try and get more details but many of the truck records were destroyed in the 80s. Not an Australian manufactured vehicle like my Desoto UTE. That is also the only photo I have found in 15+ years of looking



(60desoto1.jpg)



(62desoto.jpg)



(47truck.jpg)



(Fargo 2_zpsff87aaaa.jpg)



(507824363_2797876b8e.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 60desoto1.jpg (25KB - 244 downloads)
Attachments 62desoto.jpg (20KB - 196 downloads)
Attachments 47truck.jpg (68KB - 216 downloads)
Attachments Fargo 2_zpsff87aaaa.jpg (62KB - 180 downloads)
Attachments 507824363_2797876b8e.jpg (119KB - 235 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2015-08-29 11:16 AM (#488282 - in reply to #488272)
Subject: Re: DeSoto swept-side truck



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown
Note the front fender over-sweep of color of the original posting truck.
It would be really interesting to get some other angled shots of this dude
to see how they put that together.

With the possible exception of the 57 "eyebrowed" truck, Dodge had a
long history of building really utilitarian looking trucks. I would use the
55-57 GM trucks as an example of a design more angled for smooth lines
and "sexy" aesthetics than rough use, get-r-dun, don't give a darn what
it looks like design. Dodge tended to stay closer to the latter camp. As a
result, it was kind of tough for the factory folks to cater a vehicle such as
a Sweptside to the demands of the sales force that could come anywhere
close to a Chevy Cameo.

I have occasionally mused over the idea of what Exner might have dreamed
up if tasked to build an el Camino equivilent for 1957. I can see a 59 el Camino
proportioned car with the styling of a 300c.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
drosera88
Posted 2015-08-29 5:46 PM (#488292 - in reply to #488282)
Subject: Re: DeSoto swept-side truck



Expert

Posts: 1267
10001001002525
Location: San Antonio TX

Doctor DeSoto - 2015-08-29 10:16 AM
I have occasionally mused over the idea of what Exner might have dreamed
up if tasked to build an el Camino equivilent for 1957. I can see a 59 el Camino
proportioned car with the styling of a 300c.


This is close I suppose: 

Top of the page Bottom of the page
mstrug
Posted 2015-08-29 7:22 PM (#488295 - in reply to #488240)
Subject: Re: DeSoto swept-side truck



Expert 5K+

Posts: 6487
50001000100100100100252525
Location: Newark, Texas (Fort Worth)
Plymouth pickup:





(1958plymouthpickupcutandpastredbadbelaiepalimino1.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 1958plymouthpickupcutandpastredbadbelaiepalimino1.jpg (81KB - 268 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mikes2nd
Posted 2015-08-29 7:59 PM (#488301 - in reply to #488240)
Subject: Re: DeSoto swept-side truck


Expert 5K+

Posts: 5006
5000
stop that!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2015-08-29 9:19 PM (#488307 - in reply to #488301)
Subject: Re: DeSoto swept-side truck



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown
The as-issued wagon fins are a no-go. Must use standard car quarters !
Top of the page Bottom of the page
roadkillontheweb
Posted 2015-08-30 2:12 AM (#488313 - in reply to #488307)
Subject: Re: DeSoto swept-side truck



Expert

Posts: 1357
10001001001002525
Location: Iowa USA
Nice



(chrysler011.jpg)



(uteb.jpg)



(chrysler000.JPG)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments chrysler011.jpg (59KB - 257 downloads)
Attachments uteb.jpg (70KB - 288 downloads)
Attachments chrysler000.JPG (49KB - 272 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
ruchaven
Posted 2015-08-30 8:47 AM (#488317 - in reply to #488240)
Subject: Re: DeSoto swept-side truck


Expert

Posts: 1231
100010010025
Location: York County, PA
Roadkill, I think those would have sold. I would have bought one.

Catch ya later.
Thank a vet.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2015-08-30 5:01 PM (#488352 - in reply to #488317)
Subject: Re: DeSoto swept-side truck



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown
The short (front-to-back) proportions of a single seat cab present a real
problem in keeping a strong "dart" look. I always thought GM got it best
with the 59-60 el Camino, but this Aussie Wayfarer is really good too. The
56 Plymouth fins are real good, as they keep that long, straight climb to a
backward-leaning fin tip. The 57-58 Chrysler/DeSoto quarters would work
well too. Give it that Wayfarer roof, a 57-58 Chrysler/DeSoto nose. Man,
that would be one slippery looking UTE !
Top of the page Bottom of the page
drosera88
Posted 2015-08-31 4:33 PM (#488445 - in reply to #488240)
Subject: RE: DeSoto swept-side truck



Expert

Posts: 1267
10001001002525
Location: San Antonio TX
Are those Aussie utes built using the same platform as the full-sized cars? They look smaller, but I could be wrong.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
roadkillontheweb
Posted 2015-08-31 6:24 PM (#488455 - in reply to #488240)
Subject: Re: DeSoto swept-side truck



Expert

Posts: 1357
10001001001002525
Location: Iowa USA
Droser88
In 1955 Australia received the sedan stamping dies and equipment from the 1954 Plymouth/Dodge passenger car production line in Canada. This allowed them to produce their own bodies rather than import them however this also meant they continued to use the same cabin with different front fenders and rear quarters for there locally produced cars through the early 60s. Some cars were still imported but many were made locally. A very few Sedan deliveries and ambulances were also made.
In 1954 The car sold in Australia were imported.
In 1955 they continued producing the same product that we consider the 54 American production. They offered Plymouth Dodge and Desoto variations all on the same platform with just different trim.
In 1956 they still had the same sedans but the Utility coupe or UTE body was added to the offerings. The UTE being an Elcamino/Rachero style body that had been available in Australia since the 30s
At some point in 1957 they production shifted from Plymouth, Dodge and Desoto and they started producing the Chrysler Royal AP1 series. that used the 53/54 Plymouth/Dodge cabin with 1956 Plymouth rear quarters and a modified front clip. Next came the AP2 series with 57 Dodge style upper fin placed on top of the 56 Plymouth rear quarter and quad headlights added up front. And then the AP3 series that had the 1959 Desoto style rear quarters.
Since model years were not used, I don not know for sure if my UTE is a 1956 or it could be a 1957? I am tying to find records but it is not an easy task.



(royal assembly line.jpg)



(ozmopar.jpg)



(e6_12_sb.jpg)



(utec.jpg)



(149548997_o.jpg)



(149548781_o.jpg)



(10603800_963837353645752_9038261008850402982_n.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments royal assembly line.jpg (28KB - 306 downloads)
Attachments ozmopar.jpg (48KB - 188 downloads)
Attachments e6_12_sb.jpg (50KB - 180 downloads)
Attachments utec.jpg (74KB - 196 downloads)
Attachments 149548997_o.jpg (209KB - 183 downloads)
Attachments 149548781_o.jpg (158KB - 198 downloads)
Attachments 10603800_963837353645752_9038261008850402982_n.jpg (215KB - 323 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Chrycoman
Posted 2015-09-01 12:19 AM (#488502 - in reply to #488240)
Subject: Re: DeSoto swept-side truck



Expert

Posts: 1819
1000500100100100
Location: Vancouver, BC

Chrysler of Australia built its own bodies after Chrysler took over T J Richards. The 1949-1952 body used a slightly higher windshield while the rear trunk appeared to be a little lower. The quarter window in the rear door was also different from North America. Chrysler Australia kept the 1959-50 windshield for 1951-52 and its wider A pillar The rear window of the Aussie 1951-52 models was narrower than North America although it did have that slight curve into the C pillar. Only the four door sedan was built, and due to the late start of the 1949 model year in North America, arrivals of the new 1949 chassis units were delayed. Thus Australia had some first series 1949 model Plymouth Special DeLuxe (P15-C), Dodge Kingsway Special DeLuxe (D25-C), and DeSoto Diplomat Special DeLuxe (SP15-C) - basically leftover 1948 models.

Should point that Australia had high import duties on imported car parts. Chassis, engines and transmissions were expensive items to produce, especially for the small Australian market, and thus had a lower duties. But bodies were thus built in Australia, again with larger panels such as floor and firewall, usually imported.Chassis with engines, transmissions, suspension, etc. were imported from Windsor, Ontario.

For the 1953 model year Chrysler of Australia did tool the 1953 Plymouth sedan with interior trim supplied by local firms. Models sold were were Plymouth Custom (P24-2), Dodge Kingsway Custom (D43-2), and DeSoto Diplomat Custom (SP24-2). A higher priced series was added for 1954 (-3) - Plymouth Savoy, Dodge Kingsway Crusader, and DeSoto Diplomat Regent. All 1954 models had updated grilles and taillights.

Production of chassis units in Windsor for 1954 was quite a bit higher than in 1953, and the extra production was used for Australian 1955 models. As well, chassis units were imported from Detroit with engines from Chrysler in the U.K. The extra chassis units were undoubtedly ordered as Chrysler Australia had to cover the costs of the 1953 body, and two years was too short a period.

Thus Chrysler Australia continued to use the 1953 bodies in 1955 and 1956 due to the high cost of tooling new bodies, or even major revisions, and the low production rates in Australia. Late in 1955 Chrysler Australia appears to have run out of imported chassis. I have a copy of a book that lists the models imported into Australia from 1928 through to 1962, along with engine numbers. The 1954 and 1955 models have chassis with US or Canadian numbers while the 1956 models have a different serial number. However, the 1956 numbers do not start at 1 or 101. Also, the model numbers of the 1955 and 1956 models are the same as used in 1954, as was the styling.

The new Chrysler Royal, model AP1, appeared in February, 1957, and the 1953 bodies were updated with a rear window that wrapped around in to the C-pillar, 1956 Plymouth finned rear quarter panels, and 1955-56 Plymouth front fenders. The grille has a very strong 1957 Plymouth appearance, as can be seen in the photo of the Royal production line Only the 4 door sedan was available with American-built 230 cid flathead six on the 3-speed manual transmission or British-built 251 flathead six on the Powerflite automatic. Overdrive was available on the manual transmission. Wheelbase was the same 114" as on the 1953-1956 models.

The Plainsman station wagon was added early in 1958. Shortly after that, the Canadian-built 313 V8 was added as an option.

In October, 1958, the new AP2 model Royal was introduced. The rear fins gained a fin added to the top of the 1956 fin, a la 1958 Studebaker, and the new grille had a strong 1957 DeSoto appearance. Also added was the new ute, the Wayfarer. The Wayfarer, though, did not have the fin on a fin treatment. The Plainsman wagon was dropped in December, 1959, after a grand total of 141 units had been built.

The final iteration of the Royal, the AP3, appeared in May, 1960. The grille was redone with stacked quad headlamps. The rear dropped the added fin and had a revised rear quarter panel with a smooth side surface. The rear taillights looked like the 1959 DeSoto. As did the side trim. The roof was lowered in the centre giving the cars a slightly lower look. Inside was new instrument panel looking like a small version of the one on the 1960 Plymouth.

Production of the AP1 came to 4,748 over the 20 months of production - an average of 237.4 cars a month. The AP2 came to 4,404 for its 19 months - averaging 231.9 cars a month. The last AP3 was built in 1963, with a total of 4,444 units.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Viper Guy
Posted 2015-09-01 2:27 PM (#488548 - in reply to #488240)
Subject: Re: DeSoto swept-side truck



Expert

Posts: 2002
2000
Location: Branson, MO
There is one for sale on BAT (Bring A Trailer) now. It is a white one with the '56 Plymouth rear fins and right hand drive.

"It's delightful, it's delovely, it's DeSoto"
Top of the page Bottom of the page
drosera88
Posted 2015-09-01 3:34 PM (#488554 - in reply to #488548)
Subject: Re: DeSoto swept-side truck



Expert

Posts: 1267
10001001002525
Location: San Antonio TX

Viper Guy - 2015-09-01 1:27 PM

There is one for sale on BAT (Bring A Trailer) now. It is a white one with the '56 Plymouth rear fins and right hand drive.

"It's delightful, it's delovely, it's DeSoto"


http://bringatrailer.com/2015/08/31/one-of-28-1958-chrysler-wayfarer-ute-v8/

If you got $22.5k to spare.

Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jump to page : 1
Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page]
Jump to forum :
Search this forum
Printer friendly version
E-mail a link to this thread

* * * This site contains affiliate links for which we may be compensated * * *


(Delete all cookies set by this site)