New guy from Indiana saying hello.

[Sonoramic]

Afternoon, Gents. I was just browsing through a lot of post here on this site looking for info on getting my 56 DeSoto project back on the road and thought I would join in.
I like how you guys were there to help a less experienced enthusiasts get a disc brake conversion kit installed safely.
I am not completely new to working on my mopars but still have things to learn as I bring my project back from its 35 year rest or grave.
Glad to be here.

 

[detmatt]

Welcome to the site from the Motor City! Lets see that project.

 

[1978 NYB]

Welcome........nice car.

 

[polara71]

:sSig_greetingsthor:.............. we all need car ****, please post some photos

 

[Stormer]

Welcome...

 

[Sonoramic]

I think I got a picture up?

 

[Sonoramic]

View attachment 31590
Here's one of the front. Sorry about all the dust. I will be moving her out of the winter storage to get back to work on her soon.

 

[mcmlvii]

I've always liked your vintage of Desoto. Welcome. I look forward to seeing your progress.

 

[1978 NYB]

I love Desoto's. More pictures please.

 

[Sonoramic]

Pictured is a Longram manifold setup I am piecing together to use on a 440 in the Desoto.
I have fit the engine and fabricated some nice mounts. I recently found a set of clutch brake pedals so the 727 will be coming out to make room for a 4-speed or at least a overdrive A833. The rear axle I have already changed to a Dana 60 with 4.10 gear set and
Trak-loc. This is a cut down ford truck housing with c-body axles and drum brakes.
I polished up a set of 8 1/2" wide aluminum slot mag wheels for the back with L60-15 tires
They fit just right no rubbing. The fronts are matching 7 1/2" with G70-15s.
This car had sat in a barn since 1979 or 80 so it had served as a mouse condo till I rescued her. I completely removed the entire interior and am redoing everything the mice ruined. I have replaced every cloth wrapped wire with new plastic coated. Now everything works but the clock and tube type radio. I hope I can get them working also some day.
I cleaned out the fuel tank as it was parked in the barn 1/2 full of gas that evaporated down to a thick black tar sediment. Everything rubber on the car will need to be replaced and the paint is dried beyond buffing. The original paint is call irridesent plum over black.
I like it a lot and plan to repaint as original. As dead as this car was the body held up well and only has one minor dent in the deck lid. I will get better pictures when I get her dug out of the corner.

 

[commando1]

Welcome. This is the stuff I can only dream about. This is a fantastic project.

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[Sonoramic]

These are the old set of wheels I had laying around so I cleaned them up and put new tires on them. I thought they came out nice for being on the cheap.

 

[Sonoramic]

And the fronts.

 

[Sonoramic]

I had a new core put in the radiator and the seats are redone. I rebuilt the factory front drum brakes so they will work but I would really like to change them over to disc to make it a little safer.
As of right now I am tracking down a used Lakewood bell housing to connect the transmission to 440 so I can get the driveshaft modified and z-bar configured. I have seen Hurst bench seat shifter handles for the tri five Chevy's that I think would fit this car.
When I get the car accessible again the first thing to do is get the roof repainted so the new headliner and front and rear glass can go back in with new rubbers. I will then install the pedals and finnish getting the dash buttoned up. I had the instrument panel and glove box door wood grained. I still have to make the door panels and carpet.
I have some young backs lined up to help me dig it out to work on it again soon.
Will take some better pictures then.