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After four years, I finally had my 1954 FireDome on the road for exactly 16 miles. Then it stopped. Dead. It turns out that I need a new Starter Relay. The problem is that it is no longer made. Is there anyone who has a solution for replacing this relay? Carquest suggests that some people are replacing it with a starter solenoid relay.
Is there anyone who has replaced this lately?
Is that the same part as the '55, which is also difficult to find that doesn't require a 2nd mortgage?
It's supposed to be fun!
1949 De Soto Custom Convertible (project)
I imagine that it is. Carquest tried to sell me a similar piece for a 1961.
You got any suggestions:?
Not any good ones.
You could send it out to me.....We opened up the one we had for the '55 and cleaned it and made it look all pretty. It wasn't "broken" though..
Or better yet call Ace Wichita Starter Exchange and see what they have in mind...
It's supposed to be fun!
1949 De Soto Custom Convertible (project)
Larry,
The starter relay you need is the same one used on the '55 DeSoto but also on the '51 - '55 Chrysler and '52 - '55 DeSoto. This part was sourced from Autolite and never available in the aftermarket other than from the MoPar dealer or from an Autolite distributor. They are, therefore, difficult to find today and fetch several hundred dollars when offered in new condition. The rebuilder Tim recommended can rebuild this relay based on an inquiry I made several years ago. However, their price at that time was ~$150.00.
Another option is to find someone parting a Chrysler or DeSoto of the vintage listed above and take a chance on a used relay. Most were still working when their donor car was last run. I've acquired a few used units so if you exhaust all options feel free to contact me via e-mail and I'll see if I can find a used unit for you to try. Good luck!
Mark
