desoto1939

I have purchased the 14 mm copper sparkplug gasket for my Autolite sparkplugs on Ebay. If you have an older style car that has the butterfly hood style that has the center hood hinge then you have a good possibility when it rains that run off water will run between the two halves of the hood at the hinge and then the water will fall into the holes in the head where the spark plug screw into the head. This is why they made the special metal cup and the rubber boot to seal up the sparkplug. I have had this happen on my 39 Desoto Rich Hartung

I have an electric pump on my 39 Desoto. If the car has sat for several days after running there is a good chnace that the fuel from the mechanical pump up to the carb and also in the float area has evaporated away. So running the electric pump only approx 5 seconds was not long enough to get the fuel from the tank throught the mechanical pump and then up the fuel line and even start to fill the bowl on the carb. You will have to run it longer. If you have an auxillary fuel filter jsut prior to the carb you can then at least make a visual sighing and when that gets full with gas then try to start the car. The gas needs to be in the fuel bowel of the carb to ensure there is fuel to keep the car running. Just keep try longer time frame with the electrical pump, you will then determine the length of time to run the electric pump. Also on my car I have the foot pedal manual start floor plunger so I do not turn on the ignition. I crank over the car several time just to get oil onto the cylinder walls prior to having gas in the carb. Rich hartung desoto1939@aol.com

LeRoy: Yes it is advised to replace the copper gasket compression ring everytime you remove and replace the sparkplug. Most owners do not replace the metal gasket. Also some people over tighten the gasket and it gets crushed. There isa set ft pounds to torque the plugs but I do not have that information right now. Also make sure that you have the correct metal gasket for you specific manufacturer. Rich Hartung desoto1939@aol.com

Binster: I have a 39 Desoto and have had the car for 35 years. I changed my FP on this car and when I took the one that came with the car it still had the Manufacturer tag attached to the main body of the FP and was marked as AC-588. I do not know if the pump had been replaced but I have to assume it had been over the years. The iriginal owner drove the car from 1939-1965. The engine was rebuilt by the 2nd owner and it might have been changed at that time. From all of my catalogs the AC588 is the replacement pump for these cars and yours also. Some pumps came with the glass bowl and others did not. The lack of or the use of the glass sediment bowl does not matter and does not affect the pumping of fuel to the carb. The glass bowl was a way that the mechanics could view if there was any sediment in the bowl and this made it easier for them to drop the glass bowl and cleanout the FP bowl. It also let them know if there might be crap in the fuel line. So either FP pump will work fine for your car. I prefer the glass bowl for the stated above reasons. I also have a secondary glass gas filter just prior to the line running into the carb as a secondary filter and it also is easier to remove the glass bowl on this filter since it is at the carb area to clean. Do not use a plastic fuel filter near the carb and above the intake manifold. i have seen where plastic has melted, and the gas has caught on fire. Yes, you can purchase these plastic filters at swap meets for a couple of dollars but when they are installed just above the manifold, they are a potential fire hazard. I use an AC metal housing with the glass bowl model AC GF48 they cost around $30 and have an internal replacement paper filter. Check on ebay there are several listed. Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com

Well, Hershey 2022 is over and put to rest. We did not have the best of weather this year. On Monday which is move in day for the venders was a totally rainy day. Tuesday morning was the official start for the swap meet and we were greeted with 100% rain all day. We did set up our canopy and di setup of tables but had very little business because of the rain. Wednesday morning was a little better with 50% rain up to around Noon and then the sun cameout and the rain stopped. We set up the canopy did some business that morning even in the rain. I was able to sell a transmission for a 40 Desoto and the rear gravel gusrd and a sealed beam headlamp to the same person that came up from Virginia. Thrusday was a perfect day lots of sun and sold some items. On thursday Clay Jenner stopped by from the P15D15 Forum. we have been good friend for several years and he has borrowed several of miller factory tools. In fact he has also started a very nice collection of Miller tools to support the restorations of our MoPar cars. This year we displayed a new banner to represent the National DeSooto club. We had approx 25 people stop by the site and several even stated that they did not know that there even was a National Desoto club. Did some shopping and found a couple of interesting parts. I found a Universal Heater shut off value that threads into the back of the head and then there isa connection that permits you to control the opening and closing of the valve. The valve is similar to the factory MoPar valve but is not as tall. it will work very nicely for a driver car. I hae also attached pictures of the valve. If anyone can use the value I will sell it. Also purcahse a NOS MoPar Mileage saver pressure regulator. This is a very unique looking filter that has a glass bowel and inside there is a mechanism to help regulate the flow of the gas. I will post pictures of this unique item. Also for sale if anyone is interested. Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com cell 484-431-8157 live near Philadelphia, P This is a picture of Clay and Rich Hartung on Thursday afternoon

I drove to Altoona for the NDC convetion and car show backin the Middle of June. My temp was running around the 165-180 range and have a 180 degree thermostat installed. I run antifreeze inthe engine. Have you ever had the radiater back flushed and or even the block? Open the petcock onthe sie of the block to see if you get any water to come out the petcock. If not the sick a metal coat hanger inthe hole to loosen up some crud. You might have scale or blockage. Just a thought. Rich Hartung

Hershey is more geared towards the older cars. But, and a big but, You also have to remember that the entire antique car hobby and collecting is changing. The parts for the early car and up into the mid 50's are getting harder to find. Also the venders that did sell alot of these parts and also knew these cars are dying off and their collection of parts might have been sold off or even sold to the junk collector for scrap metal value. The kids of these sellers do not have the interest and or desire to take the time to sell the parts. Over my past 35 years of attending Hershey i have seen the slow decline of venders and prewar parts. So yes Hershey does have the parts but you have to walk and search for them. The major swap meets are geared to Ford and Chevy sad to state. There are still some major MoPar venders but that group also is getting older and most of them are using Ebay to sell their parts, for some it is easier to sell, less hassle of people just haggling over prices, they do not have to pack and upack the parts, no swap meet fees,no cost to attend a swap plus hotel and food and gas expenses. So my best recomedation is to join a national club that supports your car marque, list or sell your parts to a captured audience but attend the major swap meets and continue your part searching. The fun part is when you do find the specific part. If you do attend Hershey please stop over to my site in the Orange field row OAD site 7&8. Also look for the National Desoto Club Banner. Rich Hartung desoto1939@aol.com

I know every one complains about the cost of items that are listed on ebay. But you also have to remember that when an item is sold Ebay gets their 10% of the selling price for the part or collection of parts. So you have to figure in that selling fee for the seller and then the cost for him to have found the part. This is just the same as when you go to any swap meet such as Hershey or Carlise. The seller has to pay for a vendor spot before they even get to the site. Inthe state of Pa the vender also should have a selling license and then also take state taxes and is required to pay the state. So just think of the seller, they have to collect the items, label them, drive to the major swap meet, have a sales tax license, collect taxes, sell you the items and then have to at lest make up the money that they have spent on their initila cost before they even break even and then if its a couple of days event, the cost of food, hotels and other items. So in all reality sometimes the seller just breaks even or even is in the hole with a negative profit. I sell at Hershey and there have been years when I made some money, but other years when I have broken even and other year came back home in a negative profit. Yes some sellers will adjust their prices but put your self in their shoes, for some of us its a hobby to help witht he cost of the cars that we own for others it is their only source of income. Hershey starts on Monday 10/3/22 with move-in day for the vendor and the official start is Tuesday to Friday with the car show being held on Friday and not saturday this year. Please note the changes because if you come on saturday no one will be at Hershey. Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com

try restoration supply in windber pa. They carry alot of clips they also have a catalog that you can download. They will be at Hershey this coming week so they will probably have limited staff at their building. here is their link: www.restorationspecialties.com they have the catalog in a PDF that you download. Great company to work with for supplies. The pictures of the clips in their catalog are the actual size of the clip. Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com

with the above pictures this goes to show the power of rushing water and the forces that it has on solid objects. So always be very cautious when traveling through water. So looking at the pictures the cars are at least 5-6 foot off the ground level. Just think of the water and surf surge that happened and if a person would have been in or ear the garage and to also move these 3-4000 lb cars. Some of us have experienced hydroplaning in our modern cars with water on the highways so always be careful of standing water. Glad to be getting reports that people are safe. Objects can be repaired and replaced but lives can never be replaced. Keep us all posted if anyone has any news or updates. Yes it also looks as if FEMA and the state got their acts all together. They had plenty of warnings. Hope everyone qualifies for some form of financail help, they will all need it to get their lives back in order. Rich Hartung

I just received a facebbok posting from my friend in Florida. They are all ok and no major damage. Ian was North of their home so they are ok, but there are alot of people that have major damage to their homes and property. The ones hit the hardest at the Seniors and it sounds as if the water surge has also done a lot od flooding to peoples homes. Please keep evenone in your prayers and thoughts. This is going to be a very trying time for many people. Rich Hartung - Philadelphia, PA

I do not know if we have any members of the P15D25 forum in Florida and the Southern states. I have seen the weather reports and it is not looking good for any of the people located in the Tampa area. I know that most of the power is out for these people and all that we can hope for is that they are all safe and get through the night without any serious health issues and or property damage. If any member does get back on please shout out to the group. I know that a prior member of the NSPC club had moved to Florida and he had a 1940 DeSoto and have not heard from him since the storm has hit his area. If anyone knows Rich Kline and you hear from him please post what you know, Thanks. Our Prayers and Thought are with you and everyone else. Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com

60 thousandth is the max to be turned. You will need to take the drum to a highly qualified drum mechanic and have them micrometer the inside diameter of the drum. Since our drums are two piece drums with the hub riveted to the drum there is one important thing that the mechanic MUST do BEFORE putting the drum on the lathe. He MUST either use bolts and or nuts on the studs or the bolt holes to tighten the hub up to the drum. This ensures that the hub and drum are tight and that there will be no movement of the drum or hub when cutting the drum. If there is any movement then the cut will not be even across the inside of the drum. I have an old school mechanic and he taught me this when he turned my two front drums. Also, drums must be cut in pairs so both front and or both rears. Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com

Miller Factory Pressure plate rebuilding tool. I currently owner this tool with the adapters. I have a spare PP but have not taken the time to take it apart I found the complete tool on Ebay and decided to purchase it just because the history of the tool and is part of my 1930-50's Miller tool Collection. When I sell my 39 Desoto the tools will all be up for sale. Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com

it should work looks to be a universal hold down bracket or go to your loal auto supply store and get one from them and if it does not fit than you can take it back. If you have to pay for shipping and return postage than the auto supply store might be equal to the same price. rich Desoto1939@aol.com

As an owner of antique car if someone jsut went over and opened the hood to my car without asking for permission I would be very upset. How would you feel if someone at a car show did that to your car or truck or even opened the door and sat inthe car without your approval. Not a good way to win friends. New take for granted that as an antique car owner that you an just do anything to someone else car or truck, you always ask for permission to look at the car. Most owners will be glad to show you the car after asking BUT NEVER ASSUME YOU HAVE ANY RIGHT TO TOUCH ANOTHER PERSONS CAR. what would have happened if the owner had an alarm onthe car, you would look like a real fool. I do not mined people looking inthe windows of my car and if they show interest that I most often let them sit inthe car especially if they have a young child. Most people never get the experience of sitting in an older car. So my question is if you go to Hershey and attend the car show and there is a fully restored 1930's Duesenberg would you just go up and open the doors and touch the car, I think not. The owner of the car would be very upset and it would not be a very pleasant experience for you at the time. Rich Hartung

If you find some of these springs plese let us all know the supplier so that we can all have a spare. Rich

I have an autolite catalog but mine does not list the part number. So I know that my 39 desoto uses the similar foot pedal start lever. So in the 39 Desoto parts book in Section 8 looked under heading Starter Shift pedal operated LHD. Name of the part is: Return Spring part number 852018 Then went to my 1936-42 Desoto master parts book the same part number 852018 for listed for 39-40 Desoto, 41 Desoto 863821, 42 Desoto 957465 the part name is: Starting motor Shift Lever return spring. The picture shows the same looking spring as what you are showing in your picture. This is the best that I can do for you. Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com

Well the grand old lady of swap Meets - Hershey is now only 2 weeks away. remember it starts on Tuesday and the swap meet sale stop on Thursday because the Car Show is Now HELD ON FRIDAY, You still might find some venders staying part of the day but can not be 100% sure they will be there YES FRIDAY AND NOT Saturday. All venders must be gone bu Friday Night at Midnight. Hershey Park wants to open the park as soon as possible to make revenue for the park because of their Halloween setup If you plan to attend stop by my two sites inthe Orange Field Row OAD 7&8 Also look for the National Desoto Banner at our site. Rich Hartung

sounds as if the starter might need to be rebuilt and also chekck for any shorts in the armature I would also clean up the selinoid and clean up the tarnished areas. The positive terminal onthe coil should hook to the breaker plate because you are positive ground. The negative contact should be coming from the ignition swithch. Look at the yellow wire again. Rich Hartung

Also noticed there are no wires connected to anything from the generator. Alsowhat is the yellow wire wire running to the coil and then into the battery post. ALso are you running an 8 volt battery? i see four aps and that would only be 3 if a 6 volt battery Are the battery cable tight on each post. Yes you can take off the starter switch that is on top of the starter motor when you un screw the selinoid take off the battery cable and rap it in a cloth so not to complete an electrical circuit. Also under the selinoid there should be a bakelite red gasket. Are you able to push the starter pedal down to make a complete contact with the switch and copper end within the switch. rich hartung desoto1939@aol.com

I also question this statement. I would think that the carbon on the plugs would have come from a timing issue or worn out dizzy cap, points condenser or rotor needing to be replaced. I run regular ethanol gas and found my plugs were dirty so I did a tune up and found that the gap was off and change out the roto and cleaned the points and no more carbon on the plugs. Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com

The 1939 3 on the tree trans was also the stnadrd trans for the Dodge, Desoto and Chryslers. The overdrive was an extra unit that bolted upto the end or the tail of the trans. I have a borg warner trans catalog and I can get the rail numbers for the top loader. I have seen these top rail listed on Ebay several months ago. If my memory is correct I also think Moparpro is making the cable and housing that is used specifically on the 39 cable shifting trans. These are not cheap but if yours is worn out then you can get a replacement cable. Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com

To All: First if anyone is attending Hershey you are all welcome to stop by my Site to sit and relax and talk MoPar issues. I am located in the Orange Field row OAD site 7&8. which is the field that has the GIANT Indoor Arena. We are about a 5 minute walk from my site to the New AACA Headquarters building Please stop by and say hello. This year I will be displaying a large National Desoto Club banner If you are planning to attend the great Hershey swap and car show please beware of the new revised dates. On Monday 10/3 is packin day for the vendors and setup day. The swap meet runs from Tues 10-4 to Thursday 10/6. The car show is now being held on Friday 10/7/22 and the car show is no longer held on Saturdays So plan accordingly because of the new dates. Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com

Clay: looking forward to seeing you at Hershey next month row OAD 7&8. Look for the new National Desoto Club Banner this year at my site. Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com