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Hey Mac, I bet you know the definitive answer to this question. I think it's been asked before, too. I've heard Dave Tyjeski checks in every once in a while, he'd probably know, too!
What manufacture of battery came in the DeSotosfrom the factory? From memory, it seems like I've come under the understanding that the MOPAR batteries were replacement batteries installed by the dealers when the original factory delivered Willard pooped out.
So, what's the real deal?
Tim
It's supposed to be fun!
1949 De Soto Custom Convertible (project)
Tim,
I can only speculate on the original batteries. It could be possible that the original batteries from the factory were made by a manufacturer such as Willard without any identification on them and the batteries with MOPAR on them were replacement batteries installed by the dealers who stocked these in their parts department.
Mac
Hi Tim
Were the two tone wheels standard on all 56s? The wheels on my 55 were solid black and I had them powder-coated during restoration. I guess the two tones would be difficult to powder coat.
Thanks for keeping us posted on the restoration.
Mac
Can't say for sure, Mac. I maybe need to go back and look at what we did on the Princess. It seems from memory I did the same thing there.
On our '56 Dodge Royal Lancer restoration, I know from sources (and I've seen original wheels...) that the wheels were gray on both sides, with a band of color ONLY around the perimeter of the wheel rim on the exterior side.
Apparently different divisions within MA MOPAR did it differently.
We have a '55 Fireflite Sedan in storage waiting its turn to be in the shop; maybe it will shed some light on any difference between 55 and 56.
It's supposed to be fun!
1949 De Soto Custom Convertible (project)
The wheels on my 53 have always been black on the front side and a gray/green/blue color on the backside. I know the color matches the inner front wheel well covers and there is a lot of the same color in the trunk. I have seen cars with the front sides matching the car color - maybe an option.
That's what we did, Paul; used the same color on the inner fenders, backside of the wheels, and floorboard underside.
It's supposed to be fun!
1949 De Soto Custom Convertible (project)
Tim... where did you get the wheel cover clips? Are those NOS, Repros or the T-Bird jobs? I have all originals and they are slowly breaking on me each time I try to remove or replace the wheel covers. I was using 4 on each wheel as it was recommended to me not to use 5 because it is too hard to remove the wheel cover. Also a little hint for you. Take a rag and kind of 'knot' it at the one end. Slide that knot into the wheel cover 'slot' and pull on the wheel cover with the rag. That way, you're not trying to pry or lift it with a screwdriver. This works pretty good too. Anyway, now I have only 3 clips on 2 wheels and 4 on each of the other 2. These wheel covers are such a PAIN! Whether you are putting them on or taking them off.
Jim
Jim
I was 6 short of having the 25 necessary for a complete set, and bought the new ones from Thunderbird Headquarters. I think they're about an exact replacement, although the rubber bumpers that come with the new ones are a little different than the original style.
Haven't been around them enough yet to get frustrated. They sure look good, though!
It's supposed to be fun!
1949 De Soto Custom Convertible (project)
I think that the reason that I would get annoyed with the clips is because mine are 'stretched' or bent and they wouldn't grab the rim correctly. Then, when I try to put on the cover, at the last clip they would "ping" and pop off. When then I would need to remove the cover, bend the clip to grab the rim and start over.
Larry Z. told me to only use 4 clips because 5 makes them too hard to remove.
OH, also when you put that last clip on the cover and are ready to push the cove to the rim, you will want to kind of 'hold it back' while doing this. They seem to get past a half way point and SLAM into the rim if you're not careful.
You'll see....
Jim
Jim
Hey, Jim;
looking through the images of your restoration, I see that the triad horn is powered by a green wire attached to the H terminal of the horn relay.
My triad horn has 2 terminals, and I assume the 2nd is ground (although I would have expected the horn to be grounded through the body like the others....) . Where does the 2nd wire terminate from your horn? What color is it?
Thanks,
It's supposed to be fun!
1949 De Soto Custom Convertible (project)
Each horn including the smaller spartan horns only have ONE wire. They do not have any other terminals for any other wire either. The "Trumpet" horn has the single green wire that is not wrapped in with the harness. That is why it is loose as you can see in the pictures. All the horn green wires connect at the same terminal on the relay. My horn relay does not have any letters on it. Yes, it is the original horn relay too.
Jim
Jim
well, mine has two terminals, so obviously yours must be wrong.
KIDDING! I'M KIDDING!
see? now wasn't that fun?
It's supposed to be fun!
1949 De Soto Custom Convertible (project)
Well, I went out and looked at the triad horn I have and it's considerably different than yours, Jim. My bell is much shorter than yours, and as mentioned, I have two terminals.
Production differences? Please?
Tim
It's supposed to be fun!
1949 De Soto Custom Convertible (project)
Your Too Funny!!
I thought I had some pics of Doug Dresslers horn setup. But... I only found THIS photo of his horn. Again, you can see the only wire going in that direction is the single green wire. It also clearly shows that he has some type of Green tape on the top of his horns.
Jim