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Hi y'all --
My Name's Rob, driving (finally!) a '50 Suburban around the expensive car-strewn streets of Glendale CA. They are all *my* crumple zone.
Few Qs:
- I want to upgrade the front brakes to discs. I can either keep the wheels original and have the calipers ground down, or get new disc-friendly wheels. I know the wheels are 5 x 5.5, 15/6. Anyone know the backspacing, and what if any wheels will accept the original hubcaps?
- I'm missing some trim parts. I know how rare these things were originally, so unless someone has a klatch of Suburban trim sitting around, I'm going to have to have them fabricated. Any suggestions? Anyone have any?
- I'm also missing some less rare parts: the interior windshield frames, the license plate light, and the complete vacuum wiper system -- if I can get the vacuum linkages, I can modify the system to electrical (apparently). Right now, all those parts are missing.
- Finally, if anyone has some guidance for reconstructing, or pictures of, the wooden rails for the luggage rack, I'd be most obliged.
Meanwhile, she runs beautifully. I'd found an old Edmunds finned aluminum high-compression head and a matching dual intake manifold for the 237. Rebuilt .60 over, mild Isky cam, the crankshaft is apparently from a Dodge truck 251, and the carbs are matching Carter 1bbl. It's a LOT of car; my kids love it.
R
I don't know a lot about specific 50 DeSoto's, but I strongly suggest contacting AAJ Brakes about this disc brake conversion and if you can use your current wheels. Their phone number is 503-890-1469. Their kits are very reasonably priced and I have used them on 2 of my vehicles, 60 DeSoto Adventurer and 66 Dodge Polara.
Thanks!