1961 Desoto Orginal Engine Color? - General Discussion

RE: 1961 Desoto Orginal Engine Color?

DeanMullinax — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 03:14:45 +0000

Hi Sarah,

Was wondering if you would do me a favor? I keep a registry on '61 DeSotos. I would like to add your car to the registry and in the process I will decode your data plate for you.

I need your cars VIN#, Data Plate and if possible, the engine number. The data plate and VIN are found on the driver's forward door jamb. The engine # is harder, but is behind the water pump but under the distributor. Not an easy place to see and it is usually very dirty and greasy.

You can email me pics of these things if you like, my email address is desotodean@gmail.com

Thanks in advance!

Dean

RE: 1961 Desoto Orginal Engine Color?

FredRoman — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 22:44:43 +0000

Just a comment on your use of the word "engine". I am amazed at how many refer to the engine as a motor which by definition it is not. And coming from a lady, you must be fairly knowledgeable with automobiles and I wish you the best in getting yours in the condition you will be highly satisfied with.

Please keep us posted with your progress and don't be bashful in asking for help and advise. All of us DeSoto "nuts" will gladly do the best we can.

Hope to see you in Hutchinson for the DeSoto National Convention next month.

RE: 1961 Desoto Orginal Engine Color?

Sarah — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 22:15:24 +0000

Thank you so much! I will start looking for the decals once the engine work starts.

RE: 1961 Desoto Orginal Engine Color?

DanLyman — Thu, 23 May 2019 01:01:28 +0000

The color is called "Argent Silver." Pretty certain the air cleaner is black (all I've seen are). Most have also had the valve covers painted black as well.Dan Lyman

RE: 1961 Desoto Orginal Engine Color?

BrentJacobsen — Mon, 20 May 2019 23:10:12 +0000

Hi Sarah,

Congratulations on that fine looking 1961! Fred is correct, the engine block, heads, rocker covers, and intake manifold were all silver. The air cleaner, oil fill cap and the accessory drive pulleys (except the alternator and A/C compressor) were all painted gloss black. The oil fill cap and the air cleaner would have originally had service decals on them. Reproductions of those decals are made, and can be found on the web.

I see your car has air conditioning. Nice!

RE: 1961 Desoto Orginal Engine Color?

FredRoman — Sat, 18 May 2019 01:18:51 +0000

The engine color is silver. Congratulations on your "new" DeSoto and good luck in getting it in the condition you are aiming for and keep us posted with your progress.

1961 Desoto Orginal Engine Color?

Sarah — Wed, 15 May 2019 05:14:55 +0000

Hello everyone.

I just bought a 61 desoto sedan and the engine is covered in grease, I'm going to clean and repaint it but i cant find what the original color was, dose anyone know what it originally would be?