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1957 DeSoto Firedome - mild custom Jump to page : 1 2 Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page] | View previous thread :: View next thread |
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The Chemist |
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Member Posts: 39 Location: Italy | Hi everybody, https://photos.app.goo.gl/PaKweGxaY5JwPt9JA This Firedome is quite famous in European custom scene, built in 1957 it arrived in U.K. in 1963/64 and the last UK owner was a "hot-rodder" who made it in this custom style, in the late 90's. it arrived in Italy in 2010 and I am the 3rd owner here. It is equipped with its 341 cu.i. V8 Hemi, torqueflite 3 speed transmission with pushbutton system. Engine is still running well but it feels like "tired". I found a smart guy expert in american cars, he owns a garage not far from where I live, so the Firedome is already there to improve some things and to fix some others. I fully respect the history of the car and the job done by Johnny Best in UK, but honestly it has not been kept as I would have kept it in the years. so I am trying to bring it to a better level. I already made arrive from the U.S. new full carpet floor, all new weatherstrips and rubbers, new tyres. the garage owner is working on it, new brakes pipes, a big check to the engine, rebuilding the interior part of the seats, additional cooling system for the transmission and some other. there is a nice job to do even in future. but this summer I want to use it with my family, wife, small boy to make some trips to the lake. I hope you like the car. I'll probably come in future to ask things to you experts. to find spare parts etc.
Edited by The Chemist 2019-05-31 3:01 AM (sfondo pc.jpg) (sfondo pc 1.jpg) Attachments ---------------- sfondo pc.jpg (182KB - 421 downloads) sfondo pc 1.jpg (192KB - 445 downloads) | ||
wizard |
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Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+ Posts: 13045 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island | Welcome Guido, you came to the right Place for the FL-cars. Here's a welth of nowledge and the guys are willingly sharing it. That's a classic custom style and very period correct. Cazzo di Budda che macchina | ||
57desoto |
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Expert Posts: 1488 Location: New Castle PA | Hello, Guido. I knew that the Storrie/Best car went to Italy, but I didn't know that you were the lucky new owner, so thank you for introducing yourself. If I can help in any way, you can use this forum or contact me directly. I'm the 1957 tech advisor for the National DeSoto Club, and always willing to help out a '57 owner. | ||
StillOutThere |
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Location: Under the X in Texas | This is a very tasteful, great looking mild custom DeSoto. Hope you are very happy with the experience. | ||
The Chemist |
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Member Posts: 39 Location: Italy | thanks for your asnwers and for the welcome here. basically the first spare part that I would like to keep at home is the transmission shift cable. on ebay I found only one but it seems to me in bad conditions. I found a new one on moparmall website (I guess, if I remember correctly) but I don't know if this cable is the "push-in" or the "screw-in". do you know this? even if it's quite expensive, I wouild take it. at this time I hope engine and transmission will last for some more years without big troubles. same for the body, without rust or paint problems. I know I will have to consider maybe bigger works on the car for the future, but if it will be a bit later, it's better. despite the full respect to the history of this car and to the johnny best's job, I am afraid in case of big rust or other bad cases I could consder to change totally the colours of the car. I mean I really like the current style and paint but I also love some different colours schemes of the custom 50's cars.....but this is too early to speak about it. | ||
wizard |
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Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+ Posts: 13045 Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island | As for the cast iron hog (TorqueFlite-transmission), if it's got oil cooler lines to the radiator, then install an extra oil cooler in serie with the one in the radiator. You should change the transmission fluid and add one bottle of Omega 917 seal saver to the new fluid. Check the gearshift cable adjustment while the oil pan is removed and adjust the bands. Check the throttle valve linkage and adjustment. The TorqueFlite transfer is next to bullet proof if it's been maintained correctly. | ||
jboymechanic |
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Expert Posts: 2196 Location: Muskego, WI | Love the car Guido, thanks for sharing. The shift cables on MoparMall are expensive, but they are very nice quality. | ||
The Chemist |
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Member Posts: 39 Location: Italy | thanks. I'm taking notes on your suggestions. do you know if the shift cable is screw type or push-in type? all fluids in the car will be replaced with new ones. last saturday they removed all the old carpet flooring; the seats are already in progress to be almost restored. next days new rear tyres will be installed plus balancing and camber checking. it seems in june I will not be able to use it, but some jobs were needed. | ||
jboymechanic |
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Expert Posts: 2196 Location: Muskego, WI | They have both push in and screw in, you have to specify when you order. I thought screw in came later, 1959 and after? | ||
1960fury |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 7393 Location: northern germany | Can't say I'm a big fan of the paint job, but, welcome. I have a 1980s magazine article about a 1960 Plymouth in the UK and there is a 57 Desoto in the background in a couple of shots. I was told this is the 57 before Johnny Best customized it. IIRC it was white. | ||
57burb |
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Expert Posts: 3967 Location: DFW, TX | Beautiful car, welcome to the site! | ||
The Chemist |
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Member Posts: 39 Location: Italy | before johnny best bought it, it was pink and white, he said to me. Edited by The Chemist 2019-06-04 2:46 AM (2c7cd955-05c3-49aa-9dd9-00337a1b7e2d.jpg) Attachments ---------------- 2c7cd955-05c3-49aa-9dd9-00337a1b7e2d.jpg (118KB - 425 downloads) | ||
ToMopar |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 1157 Location: D-70199 Heslach | Hello Guido, welcome here. The car is well known, but I don't see it in person. Where are you located (in Italy)? | ||
The Chemist |
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Member Posts: 39 Location: Italy | Hi, yes I'm from Italy, north, 40-50 km east from Milan city. Edited by The Chemist 2019-06-05 3:29 AM | ||
The Chemist |
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Member Posts: 39 Location: Italy | current status of the car is like this https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/6bLwcJp7ui6F1-JvZcqDULjB8kodSxDwyo... all old flooring has been removed. it was very wet on the rear side. the interior padding of the seats were really old and damaged, so we decided to fully fix them now, instead of next winter. I also discovered that the nice white vynil was installed over the old interior of the car. and unfortunately the '57 seat covering started to make some mould. the vynil can be saved, but at this point I also decided to remove and change all the flooring, as I already bougth last month a new one, black coloured. this job is making delaying other things and probably I'll not be able to go to the lake with the firedome until july. when interiors will be put back in the car, an hygienic new treatment will be done. Edited by The Chemist 2019-06-05 3:29 AM | ||
Rebels-59 |
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Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+ Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK | Welcome to the Forum Guido .. Good to see the Desoto being cared for, as it was well known of here in the UK,, I actually almost bought it the last time it was for sale in the UK,, But didnt jump on it in time, Thats when it was Sold and shipped to Italy... Clive England UK | ||
57burb |
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Expert Posts: 3967 Location: DFW, TX | It sounds like the old girl needs some attention, like they all do. I'm sure you'll get the interior looking fantastic again, and then freshen up the drivetrain for many years of cruising. It's an awesome car and deserving of the work! | ||
The Chemist |
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Member Posts: 39 Location: Italy | in really short time, the interior has been fixed. new flooring (black coloured this time), additional parts black with gold borders for the feet areas, all seats paddings made new, big cleaning treatment. when I took the car at home, seats were almost grey; I spent a full day cleaning and they were "almost white". now they are really back white. it will cost me additional money in this moment, but..... no pain-no gain this time. pics here: https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/aePUGJxhBvDLgJwRhw2xBJAIpgHkV4gjPW... https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/TG8kCAbs1l42Q7ggISPfhWIOTrQQXWVZwt... https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/nvQeafwXN1_I2wBWJy4DK19f_fWYgsTo8o... Edited by The Chemist 2019-06-07 8:06 AM | ||
The Chemist |
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Member Posts: 39 Location: Italy | as update, I took back home the Firedome only at the end of july. I did not have so many times to dirve it around, but with the gear fixed, all new oils and other fluids, with the new interiors, the car is much more nice and it runs quite well. it is also much better to drive it, with new rear tyres, new brakes hoses, camber and other wheels things fixed. unfortunately it is anyway coming the moment when the engine must be taken out from the car, to be well checked and fixed. I was thinking to postpone this moment but it seems the car has not been maintained in the best conditions during the years. I will drive it as much as I can, maybe use it for a friend's wedding and i will take it to a couple of exhibitions/shows. before the end of the year I'll take it again to the garage and we will start the works on the engine. it will be dangerous for the bank account.....and for the wife who will complain a bit, I guess. just a couple of last pictures from the last sunday shower https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/5AcAky-l9nX8SAW5ewq_Wj9FEWn7JvlmMz... https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/CO7_u-lIcLrtOPMSDZ5RJMgJoA0RNchVER... | ||
57burb |
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Expert Posts: 3967 Location: DFW, TX | Absolutely beautiful! Rebuilding a Hemi is never cheap. But it will be very satisfying! | ||
56D500boy |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9896 Location: Lower Mainland BC | Interesting taillights. Sort of like 57 Chrysler taillights over the 57 Desoto taillight base. Probably made from red lexan/perspex formed over a custom mold? | ||
The Chemist |
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Member Posts: 39 Location: Italy | I can't give you a good answer unfortunately. these taillights covers have been made by Johnny Best, the man who customized this Desoto in UK several years ago. they are basically a unique piece and I could not get more info about how they have been made. I just hope they will not get broken, never. or it would be a big problem to fix them or build them new. | ||
The Chemist |
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Member Posts: 39 Location: Italy | so, 10 days ago there was a custom-chopper-cars show near my town. the Firedome was there, also registered for the "best US car" prize (not won). anyway the car had a big success with many people coming to see it and asking details and other things. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/KGf1vM0Sm1iB6-0rZJxj5zHQkn2i6JGSXc... https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/JxfCWZ9OEQbiJIiz24F1QLTG1kPRIkjt7b... there will be a friend's wedding in 10 days and another car show in 20 days. then I'll decide when bring the car to the garage again and next winter there will be some work to do on the engine. I am still really unsure to immediately fix well even the body, including a colour change. nothing to say on this colours scheme, I bought it like this because I really like it. but sometimes it feels like it is not "my project". I would prefer it still with the custom style, but with main colour green or even better some blue-light blue or similar. | ||
BigBlockMopar |
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Expert Posts: 3575 Location: Netherlands | Those taillight lenses shouldn't be too hard to replicate. They appear rather simple in design. As for a colorchange, I get the 'feeling' it's not your project, just a 'bought' one. It's not easy to get a custom-car looking 'just right'. But it is very easy to ruin it's look. But if you might think of purple as a color, I will trade you my '57 Chrysler :D :D | ||
57burb |
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Expert Posts: 3967 Location: DFW, TX | When I read that you might consider a color change, I was reminded of a color combination that I thought looked really good on Ed Roth's Outlaw. A pearlescent white with a silver design and fogged in turquoise around each element and pinstripes to set them off. Might look good on your Desoto too. just a thought Edited by 57burb 2019-10-01 5:05 PM (ed_roth01.jpg) Attachments ---------------- ed_roth01.jpg (378KB - 393 downloads) | ||
1960fury |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 7393 Location: northern germany | To each their own but IMO that kustom paint and mods are ****ugly. Just a terrible "Watson style" car. The paint distracts from its once clean lines and is garrish and the tailight treatment, etc really uglifies a great design. If you see a stock 57 and if you are into 50s cars/design, there is no doubt which one looks better by far. Restore it back to stock, please. And those whitewalls are much too wide. Edited by 1960fury 2019-10-02 5:40 AM (57ds2dht.png) Attachments ---------------- 57ds2dht.png (206KB - 390 downloads) | ||
firedome |
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Expert Posts: 3155 Location: NY & VT | Welcome! it seems the car has a caring owner! But agree 100% with Sid: the original lower side sweep trim was probably the most beautiful shape ever put onto the side of a car... at the very least putting that back on would add to the beauty of the overall design, as opposed to that boring straight trim piece presently on there, and it also provides for a color contrasting area for the typical (and aweome) 2-tone paint designs almost always used then. That's my 2 cents, will be interested to see how it evolves. Edited by firedome 2019-10-02 9:25 AM | ||
The Chemist |
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Member Posts: 39 Location: Italy | thanks everybody. even for the honest comments about the colour. I agree with the statement that 57 original Firedome already had a wonderful shape and colour schemes. this car was born from the factory in the original "sunlit yellow" and white, confirmed by the car tag and by the production document I've been able to get from detroit (FCA chrysler heritage). just in case I would want to bring the car back to its original shape, frankly speaking that yellow is too weak for me, too light. Yellow is actually my favourite colour, I had 2 harleys yellow, I daily drive a yellow Ford, first bikes and mopeds were yellow......but I really don't like the "sunlit yellow" of the 57 DeSoto. I have bought the patterns of Desoto colours for the year 1957, there are much more nice colours within them, like the "Azure Blue " (for the firedome) or "seatone blue" and "lagoon blue" (for the firesweep). anyway up today I really like the custom changes existing on this car, including the current colours. a complete colours change is my last idea, it would be much more easy to keep it well, fixing the body defects and eventually re-paint in these shades. I still don't know, really. I also always appreciate and get crazy for old cars with colours like these https://i.pinimg.com/originals/7e/cf/1e/7ecf1e94be2e093ba21cff6d1c70... https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8393/8645945823_81b62304cd_b.jpg https://i.ibb.co/4Mpyp7K/AAAA.jpg https://i.ibb.co/rpSj3Th/VERDE-ORO-Tiago-ranchero-clone-01-602x375.j... but it is not so sure that all these shades are nice on my firedome. | ||
ToMopar |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 1157 Location: D-70199 Heslach | wow, "sunlit yellow" I agree, darker colors are much better for those cars, but I like my "sunlit yellow" anyway | ||
1960fury |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 7393 Location: northern germany | ToMopar - 2019-10-04 12:13 PM I agree, darker colors are much better for those cars, but I like my "sunlit yellow" anyway Well... NO. These cars were born for light pastel or "pale" colors. This is typical 50s, just like these cars. Look at the postcard thread, the parking lots, back in a time when people still had style and taste, you will see an ocean of pastel colors. Strong colors were popular before (mainly black, which looks okay on a FL especially together with a pastel color) came back in the 60s and stayed til today, but the 50s were unique. I can hardly think of a color more unfittingly than a strong yellow, only second to grass green, typical 70s strong garish colors. Edited by 1960fury 2019-10-04 1:45 PM | ||
ToMopar |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 1157 Location: D-70199 Heslach | Who is talking about strong yellow? | ||
The Chemist |
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Member Posts: 39 Location: Italy | the Firedome has been showed inside a car meeting and contest for cars manufactured before 1965, including a hot rod and custom contest. a very high level this year, compared to the past. one photographer and one agency were interested in my car and they made a nice photo service with 2 nice girls. it's been an interesting thing, nice memories to keep. some pics: https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/QqkLuCeud2Yov4f1gdniLAg2h27b6TCqv2... https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/bGu6IA8HC_yS1ZgJr9WbOuJQ14Tk1jhOa_... https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/kwX7tfJT2oFw6xr-3CSX2l5CMlM6ci8jiz... https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Maj5w5TkR9YXkGcImfS87NMN5Adn-xmXXX... https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/APWlyKC2n7RqmmsmQzUW9Or58q7X6bbyD2... at the same time I just finished my edition 2019 of the "man cave" where the Firedome will stay. these previous months I was using a rent garage. that is no more needed. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/XswV9Ynij_N1sn2lm3G2EjcbRVjsZieT3y... and my 1st son is enjoying going around on sundays with the Firedome. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/7viIVmC7NGb8CfTApGTOKmkuUdZZSL9VjQ... | ||
57burb |
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Expert Posts: 3967 Location: DFW, TX | Awesome! Glad to see this car getting some use and attention! looking good- | ||
The Chemist |
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Member Posts: 39 Location: Italy | thanks. just to let you see/know about the show I brought the Firedome, here it is my pictures album https://photos.app.goo.gl/GTyH5HKG6EY4PPjE6 | ||
GregCon |
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Expert Posts: 2524 Location: Houston | As far as custom DeSotos go...this car is my favorite. (57 Desoto custom.jpg) Attachments ---------------- 57 Desoto custom.jpg (90KB - 399 downloads) | ||
57burb |
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Expert Posts: 3967 Location: DFW, TX | Hey, I photoshopped that! My Chrysler was -->||<-- that close to being pearl white and lavender. | ||
The Chemist |
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Member Posts: 39 Location: Italy | hi guys, some time passed and there is few news on my Firedome. the car is to the mechanic garage now and he is starting to make a big job on it. I decided to keep the current colours but we will refresh the parts that show worst scratches and/or swirls: engine and trunk lids first. the mechanic already made a big check of suspensions and we decided to replace the very old parts: shocks, bearing etc. he already ordered them. the biggest job is yet to come: take out the engine and make a huge check on it, including changing and/or fixing the parts that are "tired". by the production chart, the engine is still the original one from the factory and unfortunately it has never been opened in 63 years, until today. and it is much probable that last owners did not make much mainteinance except for basic oil-change. we will replace the radiator with a bigger and more effective one; we will check and maybe increase the power of brake lines. I will also add internally a kit for warming the interiors for the cold seasons. the mechanic currently owns a 57 plymouth savoy and a hot-rod. it's his job but he is really a lover of old american cars, so I can trust him. just before taking it to the garage, I obtained a certificate of hystoric interest for this car, by a club/association of ancient cars. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/U4jV__oXM5x6527y_rERjc25SkTEDCnWQc... Edited by The Chemist 2020-02-25 12:30 PM | ||
57burb |
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Expert Posts: 3967 Location: DFW, TX | Yep, every car needs a little attention sometimes! Can't wait to see your progress and you can get back to cruising that beautiful car. | ||
The Chemist |
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Member Posts: 39 Location: Italy | quick update. the darn virus troubles in Italy are still serious, so basically my firedome has stayed stopped at the mechanic shop since 11st january without any work on it. my province is one of the worst situations in this period. my idea of taking out the engine and making a big fix on it, it is in full stand-by for this year. this health emergency also gave problems to the job and other matters. I even don't know if I will be able to keep the car in 2021. anyway, some pieces were already ordered/shipped before the lockdown, so the car is getting some jobs in these days: - new front suspension kit - new bigger radiator for the engine - new brake pump - interior heating system - revised or new fuel sender unit (found on ebay, hope it will really be the correct one) I can't wait for the day when it will be ready to come back home. | ||
ToMopar |
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Elite Veteran Posts: 1157 Location: D-70199 Heslach | Hope it will turn out good, Guido | ||
57burb |
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Expert Posts: 3967 Location: DFW, TX | Sorry to hear your province has been so hard-hit, Guido. Stay healthy. Keep collecting parts and stay optimistic! The sun will shine again soon. | ||
The Chemist |
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Member Posts: 39 Location: Italy | so, the Firedome is back home. - new suspension kit (so many differences from before, it feels like a complete different car to drive) - new brake hoses/lines + revision of brake calipers + new brake pads - new spark plugs + new oils and fluids - revised distributor - revised ignition/starter system - new/bigger brake pumps (now the car finally really slow down!) - new bigger cooling radiator - new alternator + new battery - big clean of air filter and carburettor (it has an Edelbrock bigger than the original unit from the factory) unfortunately the car was showing several little things to be fixed as soon as possible. some things I did not discovered before, maybe my fault. the Firedome now is much more a pleasure to drive. the engine is running better, without the previous feelings of being always with a kind of "oxygen" lack. the new suspensions are filtering the roads very well and the brakes now are strong enough to stop the car without suffering too much. the water temp. is much more stable now and the car did not suffer the hot temperatures in the heavy traffic I found on the road to bring it at home. some pictures https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/450x600q90/922/UcnjK3.jpg https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/EFKLnb.jpg https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/450x600q90/922/OWyPmq.jpg https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/450x600q90/922/oRqR0F.jpg https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/450x600q90/924/PLxEZb.jpg https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/450x600q90/922/OskHEd.jpg https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/ttsfkT.jpg https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/450x600q90/924/nQC190.jpg https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/8PuJZX.jpg
Edited by The Chemist 2020-06-30 3:27 AM | ||
The Chemist |
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Member Posts: 39 Location: Italy | and just to add some fun, the mechanic owns a hot-rod, I got inspiration and I made a quite similar copy in Lego bricks. I brought it to him and left as a gift, much appreciated https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/924/K9mEnd.jpg https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/630x600q90/924/9kcmRw.jpg | ||
57burb |
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Expert Posts: 3967 Location: DFW, TX | Car is coming together, Guido! Nice work. Lego car is really cool too! Edited by 57burb 2020-06-30 8:39 AM | ||
The Chemist |
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Member Posts: 39 Location: Italy | uh thanks for fixing the pictures view. I tried several code like [url] [img] but did not work. I am not a big technology expert :-) | ||
57burb |
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Expert Posts: 3967 Location: DFW, TX | Yeah, this site is different than most. You have to do it this way: "[img=" Edited by 57burb 2020-06-30 9:51 AM | ||
57burb |
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Expert Posts: 3967 Location: DFW, TX | ….then paste your image link, and then the close bracket "]" Don't copy the quotation marks when you make your own post. Sorry that I had to break that out in two posts, but it kept trying to use that html code to render a nonexistent picture Edited by 57burb 2020-06-30 9:53 AM | ||
Powerflite |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9648 Location: So. Cal | All links eventually fail, and then your page will be empty with no way of fixing it. It's much better to attach the images here. | ||
The Chemist |
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Member Posts: 39 Location: Italy | still having fun with Lego bricks (IMG_20200722_155406.jpg) (IMG_20200722_155904.jpg) Attachments ---------------- IMG_20200722_155406.jpg (163KB - 323 downloads) IMG_20200722_155904.jpg (143KB - 319 downloads) | ||
Viper Guy |
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Expert Posts: 2002 Location: Branson, MO | Cool! Man you're good with those blocks. Thanks for sharing. | ||
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