MarcDeSoto

The large oval is the maker plate that would identify the car as being a Dodge. I don't know what the lower oval is as my 48 DeSoto doesn't have one. https://www.ebay.com/itm/DODGE-CHRYSLER-CORP-DATA-PLATE-ID-TAG-UNDER-HOOD-ALUMNIUM-1948-1955-RED/252438287412?hash=item3ac67e9434:g:eeMAAOSw-4BXbumh Also you should look at these restoration videos on a 41 Plymouth. He covers many details that are hard to find elsewhere:

My 48 DeSoto business coupe has its original color, although it is shot, and it's Monterey blue, which is a light grayish blue. It's a very attractive color if you like a mellow look. I have noticed that many other DeSotos in the 46-48 years have my color of Monterey Blue. There was also a dark blue called Carmel Blue.

One place I can recommend to you is the MyMopar site. This site has the Master Tech series of booklets and filmstrips, and is a great way to give you knowledge on late 40s mechanics. You can look up filmstrips by subject and by year. They are great and entertaining, and they will teach you more than just reading the service manual. http://www.mymopar.com/index.php?pid=117

Definitely true! Just for kicks I looked up the current prices for the 1972 Plymouth Duster I bought for $400 in 1982. They are selling for 30 to 45K! Although most of them have the 318 or 340 Mopar V-8, and mine had a slant six.

When I was a little kid, I guess I grew up with a flathead V-8, because my mom bought a 1953 Mercury station wagon, new, and drove it until 1961.

It's funny when the narrator says about the Ford flathead V8 engine, "True, Ford has tweaked this old design with a few more, MUCH NEEDED, horsepower." "

If you're ready to go out and get 49-52 Ford after watching that film, watch this one. Chevrolet trashes Ford in 1952!

I love to watch these comparison videos made by the auto manufacturers. Some of them give a surprising amount of detailed information. More than you would get today. Now, sit back, relax, and watch this totally unbiased review of the 49 Ford vs. the 49 Plymouth.

At that price I would get the paper clock too! To me no clock is worth more than $150.

Now that's what I call great ingenuity, or being a super cheapskate, one or the other. I'd like to see a picture of that. Tell the correct time twice a day! Well that's a start!

I just won a rare record that introduces the 1941 Plymouth. I don't have the filmstrip though. I was wondering if anyone here has any 1941 Plymouth filmstrips. This record could be the soundtrack. I would love to see this see the light of day by putting it on Youtube with the filmstrip someday.

Stewart, In addition to the books recommended above, here is a general book on all aspects of auto restoration by Matt Joseph. HIs famous articles "On Restoration" originally appeared in the Skinned Knuckles magazine back in the 80s. Then he took those articles and turned into a great book. This book is far more authoritative than the average book on restoration. I checked Ebay and couldn't believe the price! I paid about $30 for my copy. Under $5 and free shipping. This is a steal! https://www.ebay.com/itm/Standard-Guide-to-Automotive-Restoration-by-Matt-Joseph/143433324226?epid=649955&hash=item21654ad6c2:g:~Q4AAOSw2VZdwgU8

Do you power it with a 6 volt battery charger?

Good work guys. I like the idea of soldering a diode or condenser onto the points to stop the arcing. I ordered a clock servicing kit from Ebay, because it doesn't sound that hard to do. But my Geo. F. Borg clock clearly states on the back that only Authorized Personnel are allowed to open up the clock! It also says to ask my DeSoto/Plymouth dealer for the location of the nearest Borg clock service center. Sounds easy. I wonder where my nearest Desoto/Plymouth dealer is?

Thanks bobus8. I did take it to my clock guy, but he seemed to have little or no experience with car clocks. Didn't even know how to open it. well, I think he knew because there are some metal tabs that have to be bent and the back taken off. I just think he didn't want to get too deep into something he wasn't experienced with. I found there is a lot of car clock info on the Imperial website. Does anyone know if there are some good car clock specialists that I can send a clock to? I have an NOS DeSoto 1948 clock, but I figure that after sitting in a box for 71 years, it would at least need to be opened up and oiled first before I test it with DC from my 6 volt battery charger. I wonder if sewing machine oil would work, or should I buy some clock oil?