desoto1939

Is it the pitman, or steering sector that is the pin coming out of the steering box could be worn and the bushing a internal are all worn or is ther play inthe tire rod ends or is there play in the kingpins? Need to really have a good suspension person check out the car before you really start to rip things apart. Also could be uuper and lower control arms and bushing and also the eccentric bushings. Lots of moving parts on the front suspension components. Spend the money to have a specialist evaluate the issue than spend the money to get the appropriate parts to fix the front end. I have seen owners spend money on parts after parts and it turned out to be something else. Just my 50 cents work of input. Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com

The next time you are at a swap meet and pickup a NOS Distributor cap examine the cap very closely. You might find a very small hole about 1/16 inch drilled into the side of the cap. You might ask yourself why is there a hole in the cap and other caps do not have this hole. The Chrysler cars and trucks were known for getting moisture in the caps especially with the butterfly style hoods. Some Chryslers, and a few other makes, seem to have a problem with moisture collecting inside of the distributor cap. One solution was to drill a 1/16 inch hole on the back side of the cap. In fact, some of the early day distributor manufacturers put the hole in the cap when they were being manufactured. In later years this hole has seemed to disappear. My Autolite IGC-1107S caps have the hole drilled into the cap. Autolite supplied most of the electrical parts for the MoPar cars and trucks. So go and look at one of you spare caps to see if you have the hole. If your car is developing a hard starting issue in cold and wet weather there might be moisture inside the cap. I know some people spray the inside of the cap with WD40 and then wipe the inside of the cap and make sure it is dry and then put the cap back on the dizzy and the car/truck fires right up. On the pictures attached is an Autolite and a Preferred cap for my 39 Desoto and note that both have the holes in the cap and the instruction for the plug. Tech Tip Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com

could it be choke issue sticking? just a thought. Rich Hartung

Also like what you designed. Great fabrication. One suggestion, to improve the finished product I would roll the front and back ends and then seal the seam with some clear silicone seam sealer. I would make it look more stock and finished. Just my 25 cents worth of input. Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com

I was doing a search in my 1929-39 Desoto, Ply Master parts book and they used or documented that the hose clamps were a flat band style and the two wire clamps style was only used other by-pass rubber hose at the water pump. Then around 1942 they made a change to a different style clamp which is a flat band style. We can not find any examples of the newer style nor does anyone have any. Most of the major clubs such as the Ply owners club and WPC all recognize the two wire style clamps as being the proper clamp. Rich Hartung

If you are also not looking to be period correct then you do not have to have the two wire hose clamps. You could use the more modern hose clamp that has the opening in which the screws tightens the band and you can see the slots in the clamp. If a driver then go this way but if you are going to want the car judged then you will have to used the two wire clamps to be correct. Rich Hartung

I am assuming that the original poster still has the original Lockheed Braking system and each brake shoe is independent of the other shoe. If he has the original system then he has drum brakes and not rotors as another poster indicated. Yes he needs to check out each brake area. If any issues then fix that issue. We do not know if the drums have been turned or not. this could be another issue. When were the shoes last adjusted on each wheel. You have to remember that on these cars they did not have self adjusting brakes like our modern cars have. Every several months of driving you might have to perform a minor brake shoe adjustment. If you are not experienced then try to find a mechanic that knows the old Lockheed braking system. You will need the tool and get the shoes arced to match up with each drum. Suggest that you get the appropriate service manual for your car and read the section on brake adjustments. If you feel somewhat confident but still not 100% then try to get a other antique mopar friend to help out with the adjustments. We have all gone through what you are experiencing and will try to assist were we can. Keep posting questions and updates. Rich Hartung desoto1939@aol.com

You can contact the old Chryslerr historical to purchase a build sheet about your car. Do a search of topics and it is listed on where to write to costs approx $50. i did it for my 1939 Desoto and got some great info. Search on Ebay for manuals for your car. You do not need an original but a copied manual is just fine. Also you do not have to have a copy of the manual in your car if you are having your car ever judged. The parts and service manual are only needed if a judge thinks a part was not delivered with your car or as a non-option piece of equiptment. Rich hartung desoto1939@aol.com

Doug: Thanks for the compliment. I am always looking for good quality cross reference catalogs to support my hobby and of course it also helps everyone esle. Hope to see at this years Hershey event I am still in the same location. Already sent in my fees for my two spots. Rich

Went to the Automania swap meet in Allentown PA sponsored by the Carlise organization this past weekend. Fair amount of venders with some good parts in general. I purchase a very special use tool. This tool is not used that often but when you need to use it, it makes your live so much easier. It is used to remove the four 1/2 inch bolts that hold the upper pully for the fan blades. The nice part is that it has a ratcheting end so all you have to do is use it a as a rachet socket. The tool is made to get into the very narrow space between the radiator and the fan blade and stops you from getting skinned knuckles. I have another tool similar to this one but it does not ratchet. Cost me $20. So look for this type of tool at the next swap meet, it just might save you some time, aggravation and skinned knuckles. Rich Hartung Desoto1939aol.com

I just received a very good parts catalog from the McQuay-Norris company. This catalog covers all cars from 1914 -1942and I also have a second one that goes to 1947. McQuay - Norris manufactured complete line of engine and chassis parts. Very good quality parts supplier. Covers: Pistons and associated parts Valves, Piston Skirts, dry cylinder sleeves, moto bearings, water pumps and parts, Front suspensions components, king pins and bushings, spring bolts, bushings and u shackles. There are also some pictures of these parts. This is another addition to my master collection for cross reference parts for our MoPars. Have info on Chrysler, Desoto, Dodge, Plymouth, Dodge Trucks plus the other major car marques. If you are looking for a part number contact me and I will scan that info for you. This catalog has 320 pages. I have attached the cover page. Rich Hartung

Dodgeb4ya: Never would have thought about that option to keep the choke plate open longer. Good point for my Sisson Choke power Point information. Thanks, Rich Hartung

Hey Dan: The Autolite Sisson choke training info was from me and i added it to the down load section. Also sent you the Sisson Choke manual and the rod length information. You can purchase the Sisson choke gaskets on ebay but you can make your own with any heat gasket material. Yes, you do need the gasket because of the heat transfer from the manifold to the bi-metal plate that is under the base of the choke. Rich Hartung

Bern: If you had read and also opened the Buick parts seller he also had those paper filters to fit the glass bowl. I use the same glas filter and the same paper filter on my 39 Desoto and it work perfectly fine. Yes the paper filter is not period correct but if you have a driver the object is tomake sure you have clean gas going to the carb, also most people would not even know if this is correct or not correct. Rich Hartung

Bob: The next time that you are at a swap meet pickup an old Mechanic Rate Book. These are very cheap becasue most people do not want them. But look through one. You will see that there are lots of pictures and part number for the date range that the book covers. So for a few dollars you get a great parts book and then can also verify if that same part might fit your current car and also some repair information. Cheap reference catalog for your car. Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com

Loren: as you stated about the diminishing of quality ignition parts such as points, condensers, caps, rotors for our cars this is why I try to keep a good supply of the older original Autolite parts in my parts cabinet for my 1939 Desoto. Also be aware that even getting the rubber cups for our wheel cylinders is even getting harder to purchase. I went to my local NAPA store and needed 1 3/8 rubber cups. They did a search and only could come up with a total of 7 from another NAPA store in the area. They had them delivered to their store and I had them by that afternoon. Yes even NAPA is having issues with their old stock. So, i recommend that if you have an older antique car/truck, MC or what ever that you start to prepare for the future NOW. The future is coming faster than you think. I attend several of the Major Car Shows and swap meet here in eastern PA, Carlise, Macungie and even Hershey in the fall. I am seeing less and less of these early ignition parts on the tables. The older guys that carried these items are dying and the next generation is not selling these items. Also people might think about getting a used condenser testing tool just to see what microfarids they are getting in their condensers. Also suggest that you keep at least one dist cap, rotor, point set and condenser in your truck as a spare and even a complete breaker plate assembly incase of an emergency repair on the road. Even a spare 6 volt generic coil as a spare that can be wired to get you home and back on the road. This is another reason to have an electric fuel pump on your car. So many small items to think about, but we all need to be prepared. It is so important now because the old tried and true parts suppliers such as NAPA might not have these parts and or might now be able to order in the parts. Rich Hartung

That is very high considering that there is metal on the inside area of the rear fenders. Plus also have to figure in Shiiping and duty taxes to get it to the USA. Engine is not the correct color. So would need to hire someone that is an appriaser to really go over the truck. Just my 25 cents of input. Rich Hartung

At the recent Mecum Car auction in Florida they had a Desoto fully restored come across the bock and it sold. i forget the price but around 60k+. But this then could be a daily driver since it was a full ground up restoration. I am so sorry to hear about the health of your wife. Yes, that does make a difference when thinking about a driver car and also the cost to support her. Like I stated before since the last desoto was made was in 1960 you would now have a 64 year old car on the road and even if it has been fully restored there is always the possibility that some 64 year old part is going to need to be replaced and these older parts are getting harder and harder to find. So my suggestion is look at the various auction houses and see what is being offered and then try to find a more modern car that would also be an antique that is very road worthy. To enjoy the hobby it really does not need to be a Desoto, unless you at really set on having one, but the real concern is that you can take your wife with you on a trip in the older car with more modern equipment and then both of you can be with each other and have quality time with each other. At this point in time the quality time that you spend with each other enjoying what both of you like is the most important thing in life and not the specific car that you are driving. The memories that you will have together is what you will cherish. We just lost my father-inlaw at the age of 93 from dementia. He was a Model A collector. I now Cherrish all of the time that i spent with him while working on the old 1931 Model A and touring with him in his 1931 Model A 4 door phaeton along with the many years that we spent walking together looking for parts at the great Hershey AACA swap meet. It did not matter what modern car or antique cars we drove but it was the special time being together that really counted. Hope you can accomplish getting the car of your dreams but remember your wife first. She is the most important thing right now in your life. Enjoy the time together. Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com

even if you purchase a driver desoto you are still going to need to keep it running and there always needs parts to maintain it. So take the money that you would have spent on the 2nd Desoto and put it into the current Desoto. Since you state that you are not a mechanic then you will still have to have someone repair the driver. Also what year desoto are you look at purchasing? The last year for full production was 1960 so the youngest car will be approx 64 years old. and the parts are getting harder to find each year. So get a more modern car around 1997 and you can then still have an antique car and would have more options. Rich Hartung

I have attached a copy of the sisson choke manual on how to set this up on your car. I know alot about these old sisson chokes so write to me if you have questions. Rich Hartung desoto1939@aol.com Sisson Choke Manual.pdf

If you have the drop in filter element I use a wixx 51010 filter and have been using this in my AC canister for 30+ years or a NAPA 1010 gold. These are the same filters. Wixx produces filter for NAPA. Rich Hartung Desoto1939@aol.com

Hey Sniper I am very smart person, but your smart reply is not appreciated. Yes the seller is a Buick guy and sells Buick and GM parts. So what is the problem. The buyer was looking for a glass fuel filter that has the paper element. I currently have one just infront of my B&B carb on my 39 desoto. Not a 100 point car and i do not care. I am a driver and look for functionality. The [posting was to help the guy asking for information and i found the item on ebay and thought it might be what he was looking for. It is his option to either go to ebay and look at the item an buy it or not. But for some odd ball smacked butt reason you have decided the posting was an annoyance. I know you have a lot of experience with these flatheads, but your negative comments are not appreciated. So since you are the perfect person then i expect you to go out and put your self on the line to help other members of the club. There is not right or wrong suggestions or opinions. everyone has the permission to post helpful links and info, but for some reason what i posted has put a bur under your saddle. So be it but I can always look back and know that i might have lead the buyer to what he was looking for. So next time then you post the correct answer at all times. If you are complaining about the font, i copied the naming of the part directly from ebay and pasted the information. Since the fonts was already used the rest of the entry and wording used the same font. So if that is your issue then i feel sorry for you that little things like this upset you so much...... I really do not care what reply you decide to post but this is a real stupid insult to me. Rich Hartung

Hickory: Thanks for the copy of the listing. I looked at my listing that has the chart from 1929-39 and the same numbers from you listing are also on my chart. for your information: 105477 flat 1 5/8 ID 105483 flat 2 3/8 ID 105479 flat 1 7/8 ID Rich Hartung Desoto1939

why is my posting of a person that has the filter and the paperfilter Annoying to Mr Sniper. So trying to help out a fellow member of the P15-D25 forum is annoying. Well i guess that any replay that Mr Sniper reads and or psots can also be annoying to other people. So I will not take a break from posting and trying to help other people but only Mr Sniper can post questions and replies and that is perfectly ok. Si if it is annoying then Mr Sniper should at least have the courtesy to state why it was annoying. Good Night and Good Bye. Rich hartung Desoto1939@aol.com

BerN: go to ebay item: 1949-1962 Buick Cadillac Chevrolet Oldsmobile Carb Fuel Filter Assembly AC GF-48 The seller is from Neshanic station near Flemington NJ. He is a Buick Parts dealer. In the lisiting he states he has the paper filters. Write to him if this is what you are looking for. i use the same filter on my 1939 Desoto. Rich Hartung desoto1939@aol.com