desoto1939

I agree with you dad also. i doubt if Chrysler Corp tookthe time to balance the flywheel and other items that you want to do. Remember this is not a race car but was a car to travel around 40-50 mile per hour and provide basis transportation for the owner of the car. I doubt that you are going to be pushing this engine and driveline to the max. If you are goint to do this then do a total rebuild of the car and make it a Streetrod and box the frame beef up the suspension, put on four wheel disc brakes and big V8 with AC and all the gissmo and then you will have a 35K car that can handle the 75 mph speeds. Restore the car to your liking but decide what you are going to use the car for. As others have stated use the money for someother part of the restoration and enjoy the slower pace in life. We are all moving to fast in our daily lives. I enjoy driving my 39 Desoto around 50 mph and let the fast people pass me by. I eventually catch them sometime down the road. This is just my personal opinion. Rich Hartung

iF YOU HAVE THE RIVETED LINING THEN YOU CAN REPLACE THE LINING YOURSELF. iF THEY ARE BONDED THEN YOU WILL HAVE TO SEND THEM OUT TO HAVE NEW LININGS BONDED TO THE METAL BACKING. A RIVTING TOOL WILL RUN AROUND 20-30 DOLLARS AND THE SHOES MAYBE 20-30. The rivets around 25 cents each. So if and when you have to replace the linings again the only cost is very minimal if you can do the work. I can replace a set of rivited linings back on the shoes in about 1 hour or less. USe a c clamp to hold the lining in place on the shoe and align the holes put several rivits in the holes then start at one end and work towards the other end. move the c-clamp past the next set of hole and then clamp down the lining. Then set the rivets and continue until you have all the rivets set. Rich HArtung

Everyone is worried becasue of the adventure that they have undertaken. Keep them in your prayes to arrive sfe and sound to Hershey and to arrive back home. Rich Hartung

Jim: I perfectly understand what you are stating. When i got my 39 Desoto everyone told me that i would never find any parts. I have been going to Hershey for 25 years. One year I saw a 39 Desoto opera coupe with the jump seat at Hershey and this car had the option clock inthe glovebox door. I tried to barter for the clock but the deal went south. Now I knew what the clock looked like. After walking the rest of the day I walked in a vendor that had the entire glovebox door witht he clock and wiring include and the plastic insert was complete. I bought the entire unit for $100 they did want $150I was in heaven. Then I waked down about 5 more vendor and this guy was also selling clocks. At first I did not see my clock but when getting ready to leave I spoted another clock for my car and he only wanted $25. I did not even barter and gave him the money and ran as fastas I could. The clocks go for around 200-300 if and when you find them. So I was like a pg inthe mud happy as you know what. It is great to find the parts that you need or waNT!!!!!!! Rich Hartung

As a member of the National Desoto Club I have seen several of these 42 Desotos. This was the only year that Desoto had this option. It was not because of the war it was just a new design concept for Desoto. I can not remember if the lights worked off of a vacuum or were an electrical motor that moved the cover up and down. The car has a flat fron look and some people do not like the look. If I rememebr correctly I also think one of the Chrysler Parade cars inthe 40's and I can not remember the name of the car but it was a Chrylser also had the headlights inthe fender that had a cover over the lens. Some of you good Chrysler guys might remember the name. The cord headlights worked on two hand cranks that were under the dash. The driver and passenger had to crank open the doors not very easy to do when you are driving a car Rich Hartung 1939 Desoto owner

The basic thing with canvas is to keep it clean and not touch the canvas with your fingers when it rains. This leaves a mark and then the canvas will leak where you put your finger. You need to waterproof the canvas to help seal the canvas material. Any good sail maker sould be able to supply you with some products that will help in this area. We did use a spray on product on our canvas tents. I do not know what the product was called. this was over 30 years ago. Rich HArtung

These custom bodied cars are very impressive with all of the chrome and flaring air streaming design. I have seen several of these cars at some Concours shows that have been held in the Philadelphia are. The Burn foundation has a concours show every year inthe Bethleham area at Lehigh College These cars were built for the very very rich. Rich HArtung

If you use the painted orange Fram filter it will not deduct point. The filter was a dealer installed option and dealer had their own suppliers. AACA judges are looking for period correct equipment. The spin on filter will definately deduct points. I have an AC dropin filter assembly on my 39 Desoto. AC made filters and this is an apporpriate style for the car. The originla Fram PB1/2 was also a factory orange color so the orange fram canister is acceptable. Rich Hartung

If they are going to be selling parts at Hershey can they let us know the site location so we can lookthem up and stop by for a chat. Which Field and the site number would be helpful if they have one. They definately need to let the AACA know whenthey arrive of their adventure they might get some coverage inthe AACA magazine. Also this would be great for the Forum to be mentiioned. Rich HArtung

I originall had the old metal oilcan cannisters PB1/2 on my 39 Desoto. When the cost of these went throught the roof and they were starting to cost over $30 for an oil filter I converted my car to the type that you put the filter inthe metal housing. I used the same mounting bracket that was attached to the engine. I had to make two new oil lines which were very cheap. Now the cost of a filter is around $10. If you car is being judged at a AACA event the judges willnot take off points if you have the type inwhich you place the element into the metal housing or if you have the metal throwaway style PB1/2. It just has to look period correct and also the unit needs to be painted and not look as if it just came out of the parts bin. So you have several options. If you are not really concerned about point judging but you have a car that is a driver then do what ever floats your boat. remember it is your car and you are the one that is spending the money to keep the car running. If someone wants to comment at a car show about which filter you have onthe car then put your hand out and ask them for the money to change it to their liking. Its your car and not theirs or even better sell it to them and then turn the situation around and see how they feel. I am not trying to be sarcastic, but every one is a judge and knows everyhting aboiut every car, yea right. Rich Hartung:)

The sisson choke that is for sale for $189 is being sold by Frank Mitchell. If you look at the post you will notice that Frank has sold the business to another guy. From What I have been told Frank is still with the business to help the guy. I have seen a big jump in the prices since it wa sold but Frank was always high on his items. The testing stand is just a nice conversation piece but still does work. I took it to an all mopar show and the item was a big hit. I am always looking for good prices on these chokes and only bid when I can get a good price. Rich Hartung

What I was trying to do is provide some education to the fourm members on how the old sisson chokes were checked at the dealerships. The stand uses the ambient temperature and when set with the setting tool and set at the zero mark the unit then should be within a 5-10 setting of the current temp based onthe thermometer on the stand. I thought it was a good post for the entire group. I will check anyones sisson choke if they thinks it not working properly you just pay the postage both ways. The service is free. Parting knowledge is what the form is all about. I also have an original sisson manual that I have copied to PDF for anyone that wnats one. So this is another service that I have provided since it got the tool and manual. Rich HArtung

I have seen a great deal of changes over the past 23 years. The A&B fields are gone. Yes A & B fields. This is the section that now has the Wooden rollercoaster The A field is now the shopping center at the North end of the park. The White field was the otiginal small aircraft landing strip. The Yellow feild was down along the creek and this was always muddy even when it did not rain. The Green gield was also dirt and now is the Giant Stadium field and is paved. The C field was dirt and now is paved. One year when the C field was still dirt there was a gully that was used to get rain water to the sewer lines. Well it rain all night and when we work up we heard several geese honking and swimming in a newly formed pond of water that took up two-three vendor spots. It was the funniest thing to see. I also remember getting snow and when it did rain the aisle would be mid calf thick with mud. These were the good olde days. Now that it the fields (parking lots nows) are all paved you need to wear good supporting shoes and when it is warm the heat from the pavement radiates. Hope for good weather. The forum memebrs if any that attend we will meet as an inpromtu status on Thursday and Friday at 12 Noon on the C field at the bottom of the stairs that lead to the green field. When looking at the stairs we will meet to the left of the stiars. If you can make it bring some business cards so we can exchange with each other. Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com

LAst weekend I was attending a MArching BAnd competition with my youngerst daughter who is inthe Color Guard for our High School. At the end of the entire competition which was held on September 11,2010 The had a presentatiion by the highschool ROTC cadets. When the colors were brought on to the field I noticed that the American flag was at the same height as the state flag and I knew that this was incorrect. It is ashame that the ROTC cadets and their sponsor did not even take notice to this small but important fact espcially when they were doing a presnetation in honor of the people that lost their lives during hte 9/11 attach on the World Towers Building. I also had someting smilar at our local Middle School last year in which they left the American flag up on the Flag pole at night and there were no lights on the flag. I called the district superintendent and informed them that if the flag is to be flown at night then they need to have direct lights on the flag. Need to say they were taken back by the fact that I brought this to their notification. To even make matters worse is that we had just finished play some volleyball and two of the players were Marines and they noticed this and it upset set them greatly. I told the administration about this and they appologized for the oversite. It is ashame that people that should know how to respect the flag have forgotten all of the rules. When I was in Jr HS the school store members always took down the flag and we were taught how to respect the flag and how to fold it correctly and we were taught how to care for the flag since it represntations our country and what our Armed Forces had died for. Sorry if I am on a soap box but we can not let the kids of today and world disrespect out symbol of FREEDOM. I am not a veteran but my dad served in WWII. Rich Hartung

I am sorry but I forgot the word Not for a 39 desoto. My big boo boo. Rich Hartung

This is a for a 39 Desoto. Rich HArtung desoto1939@aol.com

:)Ok: If anyone fromt he forum is attending Hershey then here is the plan If you are there on Thursday and or Friday The Plan is to meet at 12 NOON at the base of the steps of the cross walk that goes fromt he Chocolate fields over to the Green field or also know as the GIANT Stadium field. When Looking at the steps and facing the Giant Stadium we will meet to the Left side of the main steps. If someone has a sign that they can small card board would be great. Put onthe sign P15-D24 so we can find the group. I am planning on being there. If I do not make it still have the meeting without me. Someone had to organize this informa get together. If you have any business cards with your information and names please bring to the meeting so we can share with each other. Lets pray for no rain and plenty of sunshine. Hope everyone finds those parts that they are looking for and has a safe drive to and from Hershey. Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com

I agree with the rest of the group. The house payment is the biggest ticket item that you have to pay. But if you are down to only three years left then you are paying more to the prinicpal then interest. As I stated I have one more payment and then I am done. I have been paying extra each month for years onthe principal to get rid of this payment. If you can payoff the house then go for it. After the house is yours then its only the taxes you owe. I can not wait to burn the mortgage. I have made a copy of it and plan to have a party and every one thats there will have a copy to place in my firepit so they can get the feeling of burning the mortgage. In todays economic times getting rid of a payment is very smart and most people never get to see that happen they dream about it. What ever you decide to do I wish you the very best. The wood is already loaded into the fire pit OH HAPPY DAYS are getting closer!!!!!! Rich HArtung:)

I have an autloite book that goes to 51-52. Tell me what you are looking for in the car or truck year and model and if the information is inthe book I will verify that data. Start to look at flea markets for data on your car or truck and keep a list withyou so that you can refer to it. rich HArtung desoto1939@aol.com

Since some of the memebrs are going to Hershey, Mecca, Can we set up a time and place to try to meet up with all of the Forum members. There are several establish locations that we could meet, such as Chocolate World, At the Giant Center in the Green field Ant the stair cross over walkway between the C filed and the Green Field. These are centrally located and are easy to get to. Probably the best time is 12 noon each day on Thursday and Friday. What your take onthis idea??????? I am hoping to attend both days since I only live about 1 1/2 hours drive from Hershey. Let me know what everyones thoughts are on this. Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com

I also posted this same article onthe car side of the forum. rich Hartung

Ok now that you start this whole work ethic for all of us over the winter, here is what I need to do on the 39 Desoto: Work on the driveshaft possibly new u joints Get the front floor carpet made and installed Put the car up on the lifts and adjust all four brakes, minot adjustment Take heater out to see why the fan motor is not working Have a dim front right headlight, possibly a grounding issue. Put in a pint of rust inhibitor int to the radiator. Fill that gas tank an put in fuel stableizer Check the antifeeze level and see if I need to add more Attend the AACA Convention in Phila, PA in February Continue to look for Miller tools and parts for the old car And most important is trying to get a full time job since I have been unemployed so until this happens the above list is put on the big freeze. Hope eveyone enjoys the fall and might see some people at Hershey next month. rich Hartung

Since you cut away the center of the drum how do you plan on mounting the drum onthe front spindle and or rear axle. You need the hole to insure tha t the drum is centered so you can then try to adjust the shoes. Also note I do have the Ammco brake tool and i do rent the tool to the members. If you are interested then contact me. Also refer to the technical section regarding the use of the Ammco and Miller brake tools. This is from a presentation that I did at the AACA convention in Philadelphia, Pa several years ago. Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com

To all that read the posting regarding the e10-e15 change. I just posted the information that SEMA had sent me. I just wanted to let everyone know that the gas might be changing. I am not advocating that you write to the gov't. This is your option. Just wanted to warn everyone. Rich Hartung

I just received the following from SEMA and there is a movement to increase the ethinol from E10-E15 and this is going to really affect our old cars. read the article and contact your legislators: Rich Hartung URGENT REGULATORY ALERT EPA Threatens to Raise Ethanol Content in Gasoline Under pressure from ethanol producers to raise the ethanol content in gasoline, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) could issue a decision later this month allowing the use of E15 in late-model cars. It could permit the use in other cars at a later date. The SEMA Action Network (SAN) opposes the shift from E10 to E15 due to concerns that the additional content will harm automobiles of all ages, including special interest collector and historic vehicles. To date, there is a lack of conclusive information regarding E15’s effect on engines of different model years. In addition to the potential harm of E15 on engine components, the EPA has no procedure in place to ensure misfueling does not occur or any plan for ensuring regular gasoline continues to be available for older vehicles. The SAN’s concerns are shared by a number of other industry organizations. We Urge You to Ask President Obama (Contact Information Below) to Stop the EPA from Raising the Ethanol Content in Gasoline Dear Mr. President: I strongly urge you to stop the Environmental Protection Agency from raising the amount of ethanol in gasoline from today’s 10 percent (E10) to 15 percent (E15) – a 50 percent increase. The EPA is under pressure from some corporate ethanol supporters to raise the rates in order to boost sales. However, scientific studies have not yet been completed on concerns that the added content could harm auto parts of all ages. When ethanol levels are raised, engines react differently and in a potentially dangerous way. Ethanol causes engines to burn hotter which could lead to premature engine and equipment failure. For newer cars, the “check engine” light may appear unnecessarily or too late to avoid costly repairs. Ethanol also increases water formation in the fuel system, especially when the vehicle sits over a period of time. Under these conditions, formic acid is created which corrodes metals, plastics and rubber. This can lead to engine/parts failures and, potentially, safety hazards. If the EPA approves E15, it will state that the increased ethanol is only for recent model cars. However, once a new fuel mix enters the gasoline supply system, it will inevitably end up in the wrong engines. Gasoline without any ethanol may simply disappear from the marketplace for millions of Americans with older cars or special interest collector and historic vehicles. E10 has already made this a reality in many areas of the country. The EPA should wait until all of the scientific research is complete. There is no need for a rush to judgment. DON’T DELAY! Please contact President Obama at http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact Please e-mail a copy of your letter to Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org. Thank you for your assistance.