National DeSoto Club Forum - Recent Topics

1941 Desoto Custom brakes

Mark Ponton — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 22:15:47 +0000

I have a 1941 Desoto Custom my brother in law and I are restoring. The car has been in his family since about 1948 when his great grandfather bought it at an auction. The car was driven until 1961 and then parked in a building until a few years ago when we got it out and started working on it. We got it running and driving, at least in the driveway. We cannot figure out the problem with the brakes. The problem is the pedal will stay up for two or three days and then it will go to the floor unless we push the pedal every day. We have replaced everything about the brakes and still have the problem. New brake master cylinder, lines, rubber hoses, wheel cylinders, and shoes. I have worked on a number of vehicles over the years and never had a problem like this unless there was an obvious leak. There are no leaks on this system. We first rebuilt the master cylinder that was on it and same problem. If anyone has an idea of what may be going on I would appreciate the help.

Thanks

Mark

1947 Service Brake

Scott Alvord — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 04:35:10 +0000

I am looking for the bracket that attached under the dash that the brake handle attaches to. I am restoring a 1947 S11 and this bracket is not anywhere to be found.

Thanks

Scott Alvord

2025 Golden Quill Award Winner - DeSoto Adventures

DavidFrank — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 02:34:17 +0000

DeSoto Adventures was selected as one of the 2025 winners of Old Cars Weekly's Golden Quill Awards, complete with a cover shot of the November-December issue!

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Looking for a passenger door latch for a 1941 DeSoto Diplomat

James Fleming — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 02:04:18 +0000

Hello, i am rebuilding a 1941 DeSoto Diplomat and having trouble finding/matching a passenger door latch. Would anyone be willing to sell me one?

1930 cf

Mauricetremblay — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 20:12:21 +0000

Looking for thermostat housing for 30 cf. also just looking for any parts person.

1930 cf

Mauricetremblay — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 20:12:10 +0000

Looking for thermostat housing for 30 cf. also just looking for any parts person.

Grease fittings for 1949 S13

Greg Pifer — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:03:13 +0000

Getting ready for summer driving in Ohio and I believe that the grease fittings are different than the Zerk fittings I am used to. I tried to remove one and can't figure out the size of socket to use. I think my best option is to use existing but need to know what kind of grease gun end fits these fittings. Can someone help me?

1957 26A Adventurer Engine

Scott Miller — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:46:12 +0000

First, I want to say that I am 57 years old and have been into old cars for nearly 40 years. I have a lot of old parts, but they are mostly for Ford. I do not have much knowledge of these older hemi engines. Just stating this so you know where I am coming from.

I recently purchased a 1957 26A 345ci Adventurer engine that was disassembled but is mostly complete. It is missing 4 rods and pistons, the spark plug wire management cap for the valve covers, as well as the dual carbs. I do have the dual carb intake manifold, engine mounts, clutch, bellhousing, power steering pump, water pump, etc.

I had the block shot peened and I mag'd it myself. Two things I discovered: 1) the '2' in the S26-A-I3231 stamping was removed from the shot peening, and 2) the block has a crack.

I know that this is a very rare engine, but I have no idea of value. Here are some questions I have:

1. Can the crack be fixed? Is it worth fixing?

2. If the answers to question #1 is positive: I do have a picture of the stamping before shot peening to show it was there. Is this a problem? Can it be re-stamped? Who has the correct stamping tool to match the original?

Any advice is appreciated.

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