Presenting my "new" '59 DeSoto Firedome Coupe

Did some electrical work today, got all the lights working switches cleaned and replaced the '56 lights with the correct '59s. Also tried some TR3 cleaner on the body, and you can see the difference after the oxidation is gone. A little ways to go before the whole car is waxed, but I'm getting there and it'll be a good survivor original paint in the end.

What is TR3? 

The car is really shaping up.

Works great on single stage paint jobs, and gets 61 years of dirt oxidation and pollution off instantly while protecting the paint. I applied it by hand initially, but next year I’ll buff it on with a machine for an even smoother finish. You can see the extreme difference it makes, as I haven’t even started on the sides yet 

@berniemoen those areas you cleaned up are really looking good!

Thanks, I’m doing it little by little as the whole car would be a 2 hour ordeal. I think next year with a buffer will be a lot faster, but the first time around I want to do it by hand

Adjusted the front bumper, and finished the initial cleaning of the exterior. Now moving on to interior and mechanicals ???? 

@berniemoen the outside is REALLY coming along nicely!

Agreed, from what I started with it's come a long ways. I'll pull the seats and dash next so I can inspect the floors, and clean up the individual parts on the instrument panel. Next would be painting the dash and steering column, and repairing any rust issues as needed. Engine and transmission is still the big unknown, but it turns over so I know it'll start. I'll replace all fluids belts filters plugs etc, and give it a go. I do have a Firedome 4dht parts car as well which also have an engine and transmission that seems to be good, so between the 2 of them I'm hoping to avoid any rebuilds for now. It'll keep me busy over the winter for sure on my spare time, but I'm loving it!

Patient is now stable after surgery, bringing her back to life after 10-15 years of sitting outside. All fluids replaced, spark plugs and wires and new coil and condenser. Belts and hoses will be addressed at a later time, as this was just to get her on life support and get her to breath again. Mission completed! she started up and is now recuperating nicely in the shop. Engine sounds good, so I'm crossing my fingers for the transmission as well. Gas tank and fuel sender was rusted out, but my parts car has a good tank and sending unit, so no problem and the trunk floor is solid. Next up take drive shaft from parts car (better shape) and replace u-joint, then try out transmission. Brakes bled easily with no leaks in any wheel cylinder or master, just had to replace rear hydraulic line which was clogged. Will do a more thorough and complete job replacing all wear and tear parts, but for now I'm pleased with the progress

@berniemoen that's a major milestone! I'm sure you're happy after getting it fired up and you'll have it out and about in no time!

Yes I'm pretty psyched! Hoping to get the first drive before the snow flies ???? 

The dreaded replacement of the dust shield completed, and drive shaft ready to be put back in. Emergency brake restored as well, now on to the fuel tank replacement