38DeSoto

So lucky! We Still have snow on the ground and -8 yesterday

Today, after 53 years of family ownership the original Sisson choke is once again operational. The original heat gasket had completely disintegrated causing a short - replaced the heat gasket, hooked wire from starter back up and made a new rod to carburetor. Starts and runs perfect. Amazing the Sisson still works after sitting idle for so long.

Yes, Keith you are correct according to the letter. Canadian production numbers are impossible to find now, so for Dad to have gotten this information in 1976 was incredibly lucky. Even in the letter Dad received, Chrysler Corporation thought that the Canadian production number was cars built in US, but sold in Canada; but, by serial# and vehicle manufacturing plate on Dad's car it proves that they where indeed Canadian built. We have only ever seen 1 other verified US built DeSoto RS Coupe (it was red), but the gentleman passed away and we have lost contact as to where it is now. An internet search also brings up a green one - maybe the red one we once knew of but since restored?? I do believe that a production of only 40 for your Canadian built Chrysler Royal Coupes is very much in the realm of possibility as well.

My Dad has a letter from Chrysler Corporation from August 10, 1976 stating that only 11 were produced in Canada out of a total production of 38. Also, 1938 was the last year DeSoto produced the Rumble Seat Coupe. Dad's car is body#11, making it the very last DeSoto Rumble Seat Coupe ever produced in Canada. An extremely rare and special car indeed in my opinion.

Enjoying 25 degree celsius weather today in Ontario, Canada! Earliest ever spring drive ever for dad's super rare, Canadian built, 38 DeSoto Rumble Seat Coupe in 53 years of ownership! Car is ready to go to the National DeSoto Convention this year in Chatham in July. Who else has been able to get out and enjoy their vintage rides?

The two small bulbs in the headlights are your Park Lights. There is a 'detent' on your headlight switch when you pull it 1/2 way out. The old mechanical switches can wear -you can take them apart clean & reassemble. Usually this will fix issue - switches are still available online if new one is required.

Yes, the sisson choke will fully engage while engine is cranking, and once you 'release' the starter the sisson choke will go to the position the internal heat sensitive spring is at. When working properly, the engine should run smooth and not stall after start up.

Best I can do Rich -

After many, many hours of searching I have found the 1938 Canadian Mopar Paint Codes - hopefully someone else will find this helpful.