Unregistered users may browse the website, but in order to participate in the forums and view select pages (such as "Club Contacts" and "Classified Ads") a user account is required. Click HERE to email the webmaster and request a free account. The National DeSoto Club uses real names rather than pseudonyms. Notify the webmaster of your user name preference (Johnathon Doe vs. John Doe, etc.), preferred email address, and password request.
Hey guys, I just got a 1948 custom I’m the second owner with 17,000 miles on the original. It has been in a barn in South Carolina and I am currently in the process of cleaning the undercarriage from what looks to be 70 years of dirt. The engine is a flat 6 and runs well. The battery doesn’t hold a charge, which is my first delema and question. It is cooked up as a negative ground but I thiugh these cars are positive grounds? If it was hooked up wrong by the people that sold it to me would the car run and the generator just not work due the backward polarized battery hook up? It looks like they put an electric fuel pump but I bought the original to replace. I’m not sure what they did to the wiring but I could use any advice or help you guys have l. Thanks - Rick
Rick,
Congratulations on your "new" car. I too am a proud owner of a 1948 De Soto Custom 4-door sedan. And to answer your question, yes - it should be a positive ground. I don't know how the car would run if the battery is grounded backwards - I haven't tried doing that (and don't plan to; lol).
Your Custom looks great! And only 17K original miles!! I'm so jealous!
Bill
Speaking of being jealous, it sure would be nice to have that power wash and lift nearby.
Congrats on your "new" DeSoto Rick and hope to see you (and the DeSoto) in Branson this coming August at the NDC National Convention.
"It's delightful, it's delovely, it's DeSoto"
"It's delightful, it's delovely, it's DeSoto"
Convenience of having a brother that is a mechanic with a shop on his property. This is not my comfort zone, I’m a marketing guy, but I love the classics and I want the satisfaction of bringing her back to life. The hard part is this car has almost a half a century on me and I have very little resources to lean in for mechanical advice on this Flat 6 engine.
Rick,
Hello, congrats on the car and welcome aboard!
Neat car that should be an easy restore based on the pictures you gave us. I love the S-11 models. I just ventured into flathead six territory myself when I bought a '41 DeSoto a few months back. I don't think you are going to find it all that difficult.
Is the car a semi-automatic or a regular 3 speed?
By the way, I noticed you said you found the car in SC. Where was it?? Do you also live in SC? We have a chapter of the National Club here.. the Carolina Chapter. It has free membership once you join the National. I live in Charleston myself and would love to hear more about your new baby!
Shoot me an email when you have a chance and I would be happy to fill you in on whatever I can. You can reach me at desotodean@gmail.com
Thanks!
Dean Mullinax
Dean Mullinax
1957 Fireflite 2 Door Hardtop
1941 DeSoto Deluxe 2 Door Sedan
It's Delightful, It's DeLovely, It's DeSoto!
