National DeSoto Club Forum - Recent Topics

Wanted S7 Speedometer

James Butler — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 22:53:42 +0000

Looking for a 1940 S7 coupe speedometer or can anyone recommend a repair shop to restore the one I have?

Powerflite transmission cable-from push button control unit to transmission for a 1956 Fireflite

Bob Lichtenthal — Fri, 29 May 2026 19:19:05 +0000

Does anyone have a decent, reliable cable that they are willing to sell? I have the part number as 1617 997. Thanks!

Hennie Jacobs Funeral

DavidFrank — Wed, 06 May 2026 20:04:21 +0000

I am saddened to announce the passing of longtime member Hennie Jacobs this past Sunday evening. For those of you who didn't know Hennie, he was one of the friendliest and most generous people you'll meet, in addition to a great wealth of mechanical knowledge. People who did know him will also remember his bird, Pretty Boy, as well as his loyal attendance to the NDC conventions, all of which he attended with his DeSoto (or multiple DeSotos).

The visitation will be Friday, May 15th, at 1:30 at Faith Baptist Church, 500 W Lee Rd, Taylors, SC, 29687, followed by a service at 4.

1953 Powermaster Sportsman Oil Journal Tech support needed

Douglas Lefebvre — Tue, 05 May 2026 01:50:01 +0000

1953 Desoto Powermaster with M6 "Tip toe" transmission

There is a passage on the upper left corner at the rear of the engine which supplies engine oil to the torque converter ( fluid coupler)

This passage is supposed to have a restriction in it to allow metered flow to the converter but still maintain oil pressure in the engine.

Ours is missing. Anecdotal information suggests 0.040- 0.050" but, since this restrictor goes in before the drivetrain is attached to the engine & (Converter flow) function can't be confirmed until the engine/transmission is fully assembled & installed in the car we would like to have an actual specification before we bolt it all up.

See Attached pics

any assistance greatly appreciated!!

1908 1907 1909 1910

'58 Fireflite Body Molding Clips

Jack Ryan — Mon, 04 May 2026 13:59:08 +0000

Hi. Does anyone have any leads on body molding clips for subject car? 4dr.

Many Thanks.

1950 S-14 Will Not Start

John Lunz — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 01:57:09 +0000

July 2025 I blew the head gasket on my 1950 S-14. I drove it for approximately 1 mile before I could stop and figure out what happened. Did notice that temperature gauge spiked. Once engine cooled. Opened radiator and found no water. I checked oil dip stick. White foamy oil. I figured I had blew the head gasket. Towed it home and started it up to back it in the garage. Pulled head and found the gasket broke between #6 and #5 cylinder. Replace gasket and torques down head. It would not restart. Buy the way I broke temperature gage line when removing it. Got that fixed. Company in CA put new bulb on and refiled with either. Let me know if anyone needs their contact. Checked compression. had between 50 to 80 PSI in each cylinder. Have sprayed Sea Foam and Marvel Mystery Oil through plug holes, multiple times. Let soak for several days. Got compression up to 90,90,70,80,80 and 60. Still will not start but is firing occasionally but not starting. More problems now. When removing the fuel line from carbonator. to check fuel pump. The threads in the carburetor for the brass fitting, that the float needle vale seal in, stripped out. Do you think I could drill out and put a thread insert in the carburetor with gas resistant sealant? The car has 102k miles. I also noticed when trying to start there was some fuel that leaked out around the shaft for the throttle butterfly on bottom of carburetor. Didn't notice this when the engine was running, just trying to start. But i figured this may have because the fitting was not tight into carburetor, due to bad threads, and the needle didn't seal tight allowing excess fuel into carburetor. The reason I asked is someone told me that where the throttle butterfly rod turns can wear allowing to suck air in. They said I may need to get the new bushing put in around that shaft. Has anyone else heard of that? While looking at fixing carburetor. I may pull the head and put more cleaners directly in each cylinder. I don't know how much I got in each cylinder spraying it in through the plug holes as they are over the valves not the piston. If I go this far, should I consider changing the rings? Can I drop oil pan and take connecting rod off crank shaft and push piston up, out through the top, high enough to change rings? Then I would also change connecting rod bearings and while there change crankshaft bearings.

I would appreciate any and all advice and thoughts. Anyone have a carburetor for this engine? I have the Fulid Drive.

1941 Custom Sedan For Sale

DavidFrank — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:18:05 +0000

**Not mine**

This was forwarded to me by @regisbodnar who was having trouble posting the photos.

1941 DeSoto Custom 4 door sedan. This was a car purchased by a member who passed away before he could restore it. The car is located in Dunkirk, MD and the deceased member's wife is wishing to sell it. There are many extra parts that were bought and included with the vehicle although the lady doesn't know what the parts are. She is asking $2500. Contact Brenda Chesler, email Brenda.chesler@yahoo.com.

1898 1899 1900 1901 1903 1902 1904 1905 1906

1952 Firedome wagon project for sale/trade

Tony Urwin — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:02:44 +0000

I have a 1952 wagon in storage that I will not be able to finish in this lifetime. I started a frame-off rebuild several decades ago, but ran into health and financial problems. I have recovered financially, but will never be healthy enough to complete the project. I would consider selling or swapping the car + cash for a completed (or nearly completed) 1942-1955 classic or modified Mopar.

The car has no engine, transmission, or steering column, although it has a very nice steering wheel. The gauges were restored by Williamson Instruments, some chrome has been replated, many extra parts including an entire second dashboard, etc.

Please contact me at tonyurwin95@gmail.com if you have any interest.

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