Dutchy-56

So it appears the battery was bad (battery had a 2015 sticker on it but who knows what the previous owner did for storage over the winter). I replaced it with a new 6v battery and it seems to be charging. So that was a easy fix Have replaced the spark plug wires (the old ones had ceramic boots that were chipped and taped up with electrical tape). I still need to rebuilt the carb, the kit just came in and know i just need to get to it. The car idles really nice, but when you try to rev it up it hesitates - my brother (who is a automotive mechanic) figures it might be a bad accelerator pump in the carb. I also need to look into the reverse lights (don't come on) and the passenger side rear turn signal. I want to pull the tires and check the brakes/wheel cylinder, and than master cylinder as well. But based on looks (no leaks coming from the brakes) and a quick road test they seem to be operating well. The more I dig into the car, the more i am impressed on the condition it is in for a 63 year old vehicle. Also looking into seat belts for the back to i can attach a car seat (thinking lap belt style) any suggestions for suppliers? I only plan to drive around town, no highway use, but would like to be able to bring the family.

Thanks for the reply, I have ordered a service manual (reprint) and a mirror for the drivers door. Just need to get some time to spend in the shop to start going over the car. Think the generator (6v ground positive) may not be charging correctly so will need to look into that also.

So I picked this up on the weekend - 1953 Desoto. Its an original Alberta car, has 33xxx miles on the odometer and apparently just came our of a museum, which it was stored at for the last 30-35 years. It has the hemi, power steering, power windows, and power brakes and everything seems to work. I even drove it home! I realize the 4 door isn't as desirable, but it will work great for my family! So a couple of questions, I want to go through this thing before I haul my kids and take them to some car shows (brakes, carb, electronics, lights, etc). Any recommendations or things to watch for? Recommended oil, tran fluid, gear oil etc? For the Fluid Drive transmission - any recommendations or literature on how to service it? I need to find a mirror for the drivers door, does anyone have a up close picture of what they are suppose to look like, having a had time getting a good idea of what stock looked like. Haven't been able to find a 1953 mirror but see some other options from 55-58 dodge/desoto cars. Car seems to be super clean, apparently had a repaint once early in its life but the interior is original. Chrome is impressive, no pitting or peeling. Has a few little dents and scrape but overall pretty sweet condition for a 1953.