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Greetings, new member with a couple questions. I am looking at a '55 Firedome. The seller states that the engine is a 330 CI. From preliminary research the available engine was a 291 only? How difficult is it to upgrade to 12 volt system (if necessary, is 6 volt adequate?)? Are basic parts available--radiator, filters, carb rebuild, brake parts, and the like? Any particular problem areas to look at (for a 67 y.o. car LOL)? Thanks for any assistance. Regards, Larry
Hi Larry,
Welcome! You are correct that in 1955 ALL DeSotos came with a 291 from the factory (330 was 1956-only). To confirm what motor it has, you can look at the stamping on the top of the block behind the thermostat housing and in front of the valley plate. A 1955 Firedome 291 engine will start with S22-XXXXX (the X's are numbers unique to each engine). A 1956 330 will be S23- or S24-.
Regarding the upgrade to 12 volts, perhaps another member here with experience in this can chime in. I believe you'd have to swap out gauges, radio, starter (and related components such as the relay and regulator), and generator at the minimum. I do know I have heard many times that the 6 volt system is more than sufficient for an un-modified car as long as it's properly maintained. Usually the biggest recommendation I see is to replace the battery cables with the correct size (I think 0/1 is the proper gauge) and also the wiring harness itself if that is in poor condition. @deanmullinax would know more about the 6 volt system.
Some basic maintenance parts are available for these cars, but for things like a radiator you'll probably want to just have the original re-cored. Brake lines can be hand-made, but no pre-formed sets are available to my knowledge. Filters should all be readily available (the air cleaner is an oil bath). Carb rebuild kits are available for do-it-yourself work otherwise there are companies that can do the rebuild (same with fuel pumps). Belts and hoses are generally available, though I have found for the '56 (same as '55 in this case) that the upper radiator hose has to be ordered as a specific part number and then trimmed to fit - it is not listed as a '56 DeSoto hose.
Regarding what to look for, a lot of the standard old car items apply - body filler, paint quality, condition of all components including diecast chrome. The bottom lip of the rear quarter and around the wheel wells should have spot welds from the factory. Likewise, the rockers should have drain holes and a factory seam between those and the rear quarter. Often times these disappear when a car gets body work and/or filler. You can also check that the interior fabrics are correct against factory literature, including the dealership color and fabrics book. The club library has a number of these books - I am not sure if '55 is one of them - and that is a free reference service as part of a club membership.
@markkubancik is a '55 guru and can probably add to what I already mentioned.
Welcome to the Club Larry! That is really good advice from David! Especially the battery cables. I remember my '55 Dodge would seem to crank slower. But remember, these old cars don't start up like "new" cars of today. Sorry, I can't really add anything to that of what David has already said.
Jim