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Instead of teasing you all with photo's of the interior of my '59 Firesweep, I though I'd kill the suspense and post a photo of the entire vehicle taken outside my garage last month. This was the first time in 10 years that the car has seen sunlight. I've had it since Xmas eve 1995 and this is the condition I found it in after it had been in a farmer's barn since 1969. Changing houses, job locations and other family committments that no doubt affect all of us, has prevented me from making a start on the restoration. The missus has had enough. "Too much lookin' and not enough activity" is the general complaint. No more excuses. I'd better start now before I get too old to enjoy it.
Murray Phillips
Melbourne, Aust.
Murray, your car looks to be in good condition. What do you think? I can not say that I have seen this green color previously. Do you know if it is original paint? Probably someone here can verify with the data plates.
Paul, I have seen the ID plates on your US vehicles but unfortunately I cannot locate one on this car. I have been in touch with Alan Ralston re this problem and there is no plate affixed where they usually are on US vehicles, nor is it affixed in the usual place for Australian vehicles, so it is a mystery at this stage. It may magically appear when I pull it down, maybe not. Alan, upon sighting the photos I sent him, immediately suggested it had been re-sprayed, but there is absolutely no evidence of this when the car is closely inspected. The overall condition of the car is good. New floor, and a small amount of rust in the sill is all I can find at this stage, but I am prepared for the worst. The engine was in pieces when I bought it, with the top end and pistons in the trunk. The block is in my back shed. It had been pulled down for a reason, but I don't know what. The seats and roof lining are like new. As I said before, it was found in a farm shed in 1995, last driven in 1969 before being put in that farm shed and the man I bought it off said he found it next to a 1958 Dodge and a 1959 Plymouth! Those 2 cars had been sold before I found out about them and the DeSoto was the only one left.
Murray, the last photo of your trunk shows a paint that appears a lot different than the body. It could be lighting but there is a lot of difference. You might want to check under the door sills also. This may help to get the right color.
It's green inside and out. Kick panels, rear parcel shelf as well. The light does give it a bit of sheen so I'll post some more realistic photo's
Bird's eye view
