mapman

I take out the radiator then put a garden hose in it and run water through it in different positions and opposite directions until it runs clear and the mouse poop is gone. Then I reinstall and try it. If it doesn't work I pull it apart and clean it with the tanks off depending on the style radiator. If it still doesn't work I replace it. I've done a lot of radiators over the years and only replaced one. Rob

Yes it is possible for the starter to get progressively worse as you describe. The bushings and shims wear and the internals get dirty and don't pass electricity very well. A rebuilder should address these problems and get your starter working like new again. Rob

To answer the original question, in the early '70's I was able to get my '49 Desoto to an indicated 87 mph on a long downhill run. That was all it would do. Rob

I bought a 49/50 pair of DeSotos for $25 when I was 14, I spent the summer removing the 50 engine and putting it in the 49. I drove and abused that car until I was out of high school in 1972. I have since had many and varied mopars of similar vintage but last year I accidentally bought a weathered 49 Dodge Coronet that turned out to only have 11,800 original miles from an estate. What a wonderful driving car it is, so reminiscent of that original DeSoto. Rob