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I was on here a few years back and now I'm back =)
Working on my '53 Firedome Sportsman.
I found it in a yard about 10 years ago, had been parked since 1969.
Hundreds of hours later its about 70% done.
The day we drug it home.
I ground off the rivets from the hubs, this allowed me to get them ready for the disc brake install. This was cool as it allowed the use of the original hug/bearings etc.
Taking off the trim, there was enough dirt under them to start a garden.
Look ma, no rear...
The cluster housing as pulled from the car, the pot metal was in really nice shape. Easy prep for paint.
My first gauge restoration, came out nice. Basically just cleaned on it and sprayed some flat black paint on the interior metal ring.
Tearing down the dash.
New disc brakes installed, sweet, not cheap but they should work great. All chevy parts.
My good friend Brandon welding on the new brackets to the rear.
Shaving off all the handles and trim.
Stripping off the old undercoating, nasty stuff.
Firewall prep and primer.
What you see here is the trim shaved off as well as the lower quarters welded on.
Adding some weight to the car so we can install the new springs.
Matt and I mugging for the camera, this is after the new springs and tie rod ends were installed. This was two years ago.
Radiator support stripped and ready for prime
This is getting the brackets set up for the new rear install. You can also see the trim is still on the car and the panel is bolted on. Helps you see how much welding it took to get that dude smooth.
Prepping the dash and gauge cluster.
My 11yr old son at the time helping me clean up the new 8 3/4 rear.
Fresh paint and restored gauges installed. just need to get the knobs rechromed to finish it up.
Base is on, no clear yet.
Still a ways to go but I'm getting there. Up next is finishing up the brake lines, install the gas tank, install the new wiring. Also continue on the bodywork.
WOW!!
That is looking great. Nice job on the dash! The engine is looking good and I love the front brakes.
I am thinking of upgrading the brake on my '50 Desoto to disc.
Thank you for sharing.
Darin
The disc brake conversion was quite an ordeal. Took a lot of time and some custom bracket making. I wanted to keep the pedals in the stock location and since they pivot on the master cyl. a whole new bracket had to be built to work with the pedals and also hold thew new dual res. MC it came out really good. Roger at AAJ Brakes up in Oregon helped with this. All the brakes up front are chevy truck components. 12" rotors etc. Should stop this beast well.
Not related but this week I learned that you can leak oil through the exhaust manifold studs. Thats the first thing on my to do list.
Hey Lance. I guess I just found out why you have not had time to post. You have been a busy guy on the 53. Everything looks real nice. It was real nice to hear from you again. The only criticism (I have to do some of this) is the engine looks real nice with the original colors and it would have done so in your car. Silver looks good with just about any color. Nice job!
What was the original color Paul?
Ya, I had lost my log in info and had to make a new one.
Time goes by so quickly.
Plans are to get it driving asap, been to long off the road, since 1969 =) My goal date is to take it to the west coast custom show next may down in Santa Maria. I need to get busy.
Lance, the valve covers are Aluminum - I have the Chrysler paint # if you change your mind. The letters are semigloss black.
Ha ha, no I don't think I'll be changing my mind Paul. Way to much time and effort in them to make them look like they do. The valve covers will match the car when I get the paint on it so they will eventually look more at home than they do now. So the entire motor including valve covers were aluminum and the letters were black? Pretty boring stuff right there =)
Lance, I can understand why you want to keep your hard work but the engine colors are not boring when original - just sounds that way. Take a look!
Just messing with you Paul, I do prefer the red Firedome over the black though. To each his own I guess.
I have a lot of really nice stainless pieces that came off the sides of the car. Mainly just in need of polishing. Where would be a good place to try and sell that stuff off?
Also shaved off all the emblems and such as well but they are in pretty bad condition. Lots of pitting. I hate pot metal!
Welcome (back), Lance! I'm kind of new-ish around here myself.
Great car you have there! And it looks even better now that its "dentures" are back in. 
Is there anything better than those toothy, DeSoto grilles?! They rock! No wonder the hot rodders want them so badly.
Your work looks really good. Thanks for posting the pictures, and please keep them coming.
...I have a lot of really nice stainless pieces that came off the sides of the car. Mainly just in need of polishing. Where would be a good place to try and sell that stuff off?...
The DeSoto Adventures magazine, professional restorers (there's at least a couple on this site), the AACA (your local chapter), the WPC club, the NDC advisor(s) appropriate for the model year(s) for the parts...the dreaded Ebay or Craigslist... 
Lance, I really like the red over the black. But I am what you may call a purist. I want everything absolutely original except for some projects that may enhance Safety - seat belts especially. Brake improvements may be in order. I have a 1995 BMW M3 so I am no passive driver but I do calm down when I am in my Desoto.
Looks good! Nice save, and I like the non standard colors.
Have a nice day
Simply incredible! 
Thank you for taking the time in sharing with us this work you are doing. it is yet another great thread of inspration. Very, very nice.
Ralph
Most Sincerely,
Ralph M Bohm
'50 Desoto CarryAll
Thank you, a lot of work over a long period of time. Still working on it. I will drive it one day.
