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I have a Firedome S17 with the 276ci which is a decent daily driver and has 80k on the odometer. I need to have the engine rebuilt as the oil pump went out while my father was driving it and he did not catch the ticking until it got fairly bad. Does anyone know how I can find someone who knows the engine to rebuild it?
Also looking for a steering wheel as mine is out of a '57 which was how I got the car.
The radio does not work but I have read that the radio shorts out from the hood vent drainage. I am buying a '53 radio for fuses and parts.
I have left it original and it remains that way except for the steering wheel.
Any help and or advice is appreciated.
Larry
Larry, we have an excellent radio guy here in McPherson, KS.
Check out www.classicautoelectric.com Joe and I shared offices when I was teaching at McPherson College. Excellent guy!
It's supposed to be fun!
1949 De Soto Custom Convertible (project)
Hi Larry
If you are up to it, and have access to a lift, you can drop the oil pan and see what's going on in there. You need to unhook the tie rod, then unbolt the pan and drop it. You can then remove the bearing caps, one at a time, and inspect them and the journals. Do one at a time and replace before moving on to the next one. After checking the main and rod bearings, you can see if the crank is scored and if any bearings spun. If the crank and rods are good, you can replace the bearings and the oil pump and be on your way. Of course, it may need a total rebuild if it got too hot and messed everything up.
Where are you located?
Have a nice day
Steve
You might want to check out:
Shepard's Automotive & Machine Div.
4131 S. Main St.
Akron, Ohio
44319
330-644-2000
They "remanufactured" our engine and tranny, and they work great. They have worked on Richard Carpenter's cars.
Good luck!
So Larry - where are you? CT, WA, FL OR ... I am not looking for an exact address.
Hello all,
I am located in the big town of Argonia, KS.
My father was driving it and he noticed the oil pressure was at zero, he pulled over. We had it towed and I ordered the oil pump rebuild kit from Falcon Direct and had it put in. The engine ticks now and the oil pressure is pretty low. It does pick up at speed but goes to almost zero at a stop. The engine has 88k on it.
I am talking to a guy about an engine rebuild and that is all good but I am undecided on complete rebuild or just doing everything but crank and lower end.
The steering wheel is shot, at one time I had a lead on a guy who recasts them but I lost the info. My current steering wheel, I am told, is out of a '57.
I found a guy to rebuild my radio and put an ipod docking cable in so I can keep it looking original. I am keeping the car 6 volt.
I will post pics as soon as I can figure it out. Currently I am in Kabul, Afghanistan and the internet is spotty at best, so it might be soon or might be later.
A few pics of my Firedome
If it runs well, you should check the oil pressure at the engine. Could be a bad gauge or something. If you've already had the oil pump out, you know how to get in there. Go ahead and check those bearings and if you are lucky, you can slide in some new ones and be all set.
Good Luck
Steve
