MarcDeSoto

yeah, I could save a few hundred off that price by re-coring with a modern type core, but I want to have the honeycomb core.

Turns out that French Lake did not have my radiator and they referred me to Turner's Auto Wrecking in Fresno. They have two 48 DeSotos, but the radiators are gone. Figures, radiators for these cars are probably one of the first things to go. but I found my radiator on Ebay. It isn't pretty and the ad says it needs re-coring, but I grabbed it. It has the right part number 972210. My radiator man says he can rebuild it and put in a new honeycomb core for $1400. It hurts remembering what a nice original radiator I used to have, but restoring a car isn't easy.

I think I'm going to trust Dodgeb4ya on this. I'm going to get the Plymouth radiator back from the shop and look for a DeSoto radiator. I think I've found a yard that may have one.

My radiator shop said they could weld on some brackets to make the Plymouth radiator fit my radiator support. Do you think the smaller radiator would be OK with my DeSoto, or should Iook for the right radiator?

I'm trying to decide whether to find an original DeSoto radiator and having it recored, or going with my smaller radiator. It's part no. 1254623 which I think may fit a Dodge or a Plymouth. If anyone has the right Parts Manual, I'd like to know what it fit originally. My radiator shop says that if I can get them a Desoto radiator, they can rebuild it and put in a new core with the original honeycomb type core material, but it isn't cheap at $1400.

I think Radiator shops do bracket modifications. So I'll look into that. I only need the holes to move 3/4" over on each side. Can someone with a DeSoto or Chrysler 6 tell me the height of their radiator? Just making sure the height of my Plymouth radiator is not too high.

A friend told me to make sure I mock up the radiator hoses before making the brackets so that everthing lines up. sounds like good advice.

Maybe there was parts number switch on the radiators. Maybe mine fits a Plymouth? At any rate, it looks like I have the wrong radiator for a DeSoto!

Oh no. It looks like that Bakersfield radiator shop switched radiators on me back in the 90s! And I just spent a lot of money on this radiator. This is probably for a 50 Plymouth or something? Thank you Donald for going to the trouble! Can you tell me the part number on you radiator? It's on back of the tank.

Sharp eyes Robert. Yes that is a number and maybe a part number. it is 1254623. My DeSoto Parts book says my radiator core is 972210! D-24 Dodge radiator is 973695. So what does 1254623 fit? Anyone have multi-year, multi make Parts Manual?

It's original to the car and it fit fine before I disassembled the car. I wonder if there is such a thing as U bolts. That is two bolts that are connected at the top where I could make up the difference? I did have a 48 Dodge parts car in the 80s and I still have a few 48 Dodge parts, so I checked my D-24 Dodge Parts Book. The support on the 48 Dodge is different and has a bridge over the top to hold the clam shell hood. Could I have a Dodge radiator? Possible maybe, but I don't think so. I think I sold my Dodge radiator back then. Remote chance I sold the wrong radiator and kept the Dodge one? It's worth a check. Whats the width bolt to bolt on a D-24 Dodge radiator?

Yes, it's been in two different radiator shops. The first one was in the 90s. I don't think they would have switched radiators on me, but it's a strange possibility. That's why I need someone to measure their radiator bolt holes to see if they are 22" apart, or 23 5/8" apart. I don't think my radiator has a part number on it. If it did, I could check it to see if it's the same as my Parts Book.

I went out and tried to "bend" the radiator support in. Forget it. This is solid steel with a cross bar going across the top that is riveted in place. You can't bend this thing. I measured the distancefrom center hole to center hole on the top of the radiator support: 23 5/8". The radiator top holes: 22". So there is a 1 5/8" difference! Maybe there is a missing metal panel or something? Can someone measure their radiator bolt holes to see if theirs are the same as mine please? Thanks, Marc.

ABsolutely sure! These came off the car some 40 years ago and have been in my care for all those years.

You must have a Dodge. No top brace on a DeSoto. I have an alligator hood. I don't quite understand how the radiator support could spread out at least one inch wider. It has a cross brace the prevents spreading! But I'll look into it.

Problem. I did what you said, but how do you put a bolt through two holes when the holes are at least a half inch apart?

I'm having some trouble figuring out how the radiator attaches. The holes don't line up with the radiator support, so not sure how to attach it. I've studied the Parts Book, but it still isn't clear.

I just had my 48 Desoto radiator in the shop. They replaced the top neck and fixed some minor leaks. $195. I think re-coring might cost about one grand.

Did your original radiator develop leaks? Or did it allow heat to build up too fast?

Thanks guys! yes, I checked my Parts Book and it is just 3/16 line. Marc.

Because so many thermostats were not fitting, I ordered two more in hopes one would fit. The Rock Auto thermostats was just like the OReillys one. It was too wide to fit in the housing. Rock Auto has an unfair return policy. They make you answer about 20 questions, and then they say Is the part we sent you the part you ordered? I say Yes, but it didn't fit. Then they say OK since we didn't make a mistake, we will not refund the shipping to you. So their policy is they don't stand behind their products. Luckily, the old NAPA 155 in an old box did fit. I got it on Ebay thanks to Farmer Jon's tip. Thanks Farmer Jon!

My 48 Desoto had a spring. A strong spring. That 59 looks like that perforated thing acts as a spring.

I'm missing the vacuum line on my distributor on my 48 DeSoto. I have two questions. What size line should I buy 3/16, 5/16, or ? Is this how it is routed? see pics which showing the line going around the front of the block behind the water pump and down the left side of the block to the distributor.

For some reason I missed those on Rock Auto. Thanks. I already ordered one off of Ebay, NAPA 155 that Farmer John suggested.

NAPa told me they don't carry anything that would fit my thermostat. So I'll try AB.