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.
Hello to all, new guy on the block here. I have been lurking for quite awhile, here and on other forums trying to decide what I want to buy for a project. I'm a big fan of 40's and 50's Mopar's but wanted something a little different, I want a DeSoto!
I'm considering a journey to check out and purchase a 49' Deluxe Coupe. Other than conversations with the owner and a few pics, I'm going into this somewhat blind. I'm a little concerned about finding replacement parts for a few missing items on the car in question, I will try to attach a couple of pics so you guys can get a feel for what I am looking at.
The car in question is missing some of the hood trim, front bumper, hood ornament, the tail lights would need replacing. The interior is a mess but seems to be complete. The engine and trans are missing. The owner claims very little rust, I will have more detailed pics for my inspection tomorrow. I can purchase this car, including travel/fuel costs to pick it up for under $1k.
I plan on doing a restoration/50's style hot rod. I would find a rebuildable flathead 6 and mate it to a late model 5-speed, modern rear end with disc brakes, disc brakes and maybe drop spindles up front. A bunch of work. I wanted to sound of those experienced with these cars and see what you think about what I want to do and the car I am considering purchasing.
Any feedback or comments are appreciated. Thanks!
Not to dissuade you, but I think you'd be money ahead buying a good running and driving car. The chrome and bumper plating on this car alone would exceed its value.
Of course, you could do rat rod, paint the chrome, drop whatever you want in it and it might be a fun project.
Have a nice day
Steve
Not to dissuade you, but I think you'd be money ahead buying a good running and driving car. The chrome and bumper plating on this car alone would exceed its value.
Of course, you could do rat rod, paint the chrome, drop whatever you want in it and it might be a fun project.
Have a nice day
Steve
I have been thinking the same thing. Especially after looking at trim, bumper, etc prices and availability. I would have $2k in this car just to make it complete, still no engine or start on restoration. I'm going to keep looking.
I'm not really into the rat rod thing, they look cool, but it is not me. I prefer a traditional 50's style hot rod.
Shaun
Thank You for finding and asking the site.
For a start --- Please write it as De Soto. It makes most think nicely.
In the area that you are in - there are several that can help you "make
it as it was" or supply another yester-year "Hot-Rod Engine and Drive Train"
or even supply you with a yester-year MoPar V8 Powered Drive Train.
Thank Clearly so that you do not wake up your "spend -O- meter".
Rodger & Gabby
FltSgt@outlook.com
Colo Spgs
FltSgt@outlook.com
Shaun
Thank You for finding and asking the site.
For a start --- Please write it as De Soto. It makes most think nicely.
In the area that you are in - there are several that can help you "make
it as it was" or supply another yester-year "Hot-Rod Engine and Drive Train"
or even supply you with a yester-year MoPar V8 Powered Drive Train.Thank Clearly so that you do not wake up your "spend -O- meter".
Rodger & Gabby
FltSgt@outlook.com
Colo Spgs
Rodger,
Thank you for the welcome. I will keep this thread updated with what I find and I'm sure ask a bunch of questions.
The only things I know for sure;
1) I want a De Soto, or maybe a Chrysler, but I prefer the De Soto's.
2) Must be a 2 door with a back seat for the rug rats.
3) The car will be built as a 50's style hot rod/cruiser. I'm partial to the flatheads but may consider an early hemi.
4) A modern manual transmission will be part of my build.
Otherwise, I'm just looking for a nice car I can enjoy working on and driving without going (too) broke.
Shaun
