dis appearin head lights

[persmitz]

Whilst looking through a 36-42 Motors falt rate manual tonight, I was

stunned to notice the 42 DeSoto front end exploded view. With the exception

of Cord, I did not know any autos to have that feature till way, way, later.

Was this continued after the war? Does anyone have one? Has anyone seen this on an actual car? And finally, was this because of the war, where we did not want to have our Desotos bombed in the dark because of shiny headlamps? Thank you! Oh, wish I had asked if there were other cars with this feature?

[aero3113]

The Davis did

http://www.suarezweb.com/davis/davis03.htm

[Young Ed]

Only a 42 feature. Sadly it wasn't continued post war. Oh and it didnt have anything to do with the war that I've ever heard.

[P-12 Tommy]

The Davis did

http://www.suarezweb.com/davis/davis03.htm

Looks like a shoe!

[aero3113]

Looks like a shoe!

And it only has three wheels!

[desoto1939]

As a member of the National Desoto Club I have seen several of these 42 Desotos. This was the only year that Desoto had this option. It was not because of the war it was just a new design concept for Desoto.

I can not remember if the lights worked off of a vacuum or were an electrical motor that moved the cover up and down.

The car has a flat fron look and some people do not like the look. If I rememebr correctly I also think one of the Chrysler Parade cars inthe 40's and I can not remember the name of the car but it was a Chrylser also had the headlights inthe fender that had a cover over the lens. Some of you good Chrysler guys might remember the name.

The cord headlights worked on two hand cranks that were under the dash. The driver and passenger had to crank open the doors not very easy to do when you are driving a car

Rich Hartung

1939 Desoto owner

[Gary Manes]

This thread came up several years ago, and I took a little time to read up on it. Now I have forgotten if they were vacuum or mechanical. Seems like they were mechanical.

There were too many complaints from owners that they would get stuck. This was especially true in snow contry. I am sure there were odd causes other than snow and ice, however.

From a 2010 perspective, I find it very attractive, and wish my '48 had them. I already love the front of the one I have, but that would put her over the top. Right now I am investigating a local gentelman who has a 1954 Chrysler Windsor for sale with the flat six, 265, with the two speed auto "Powerflite." I may finally get the Desoto back on the road afterall.

I salivate at the idea of being able to get a "drop-in" engine with an automatic already on it, with the 265's reputation. I hated the idea of having to buy an over-priced adaptor.

[fstfish66]

any pics of this 42 desoto ??

[BobT-47P15]

Click on this link for some pics of the 42 DeSoto..........http://www.google.com/#hl=en&expIds=17259,24416,25260,26781,26799,26885&sugexp=ldymls&xhr=t&q=1942+desoto&cp=8&pf=p&sclient=psy&rlz=1R2ADRA_enUS393&aq=f&aqi=g4g-o1&aql=&oq=1942+des&gs_rfai=&pbx=1&fp=d0ac9ec56b61efa1

[KJ's Dodge]

The 1936 Cord had disappearing headlights.

[P-12 Tommy]

Here's one on Youtube. It shows you the headlights.

Tom

[fstfish66]

VERY KOOL THANKS FOR THE YOU TUBE VIDEO,,IT IS A VERY KOOL OPTION,,,AND A TAD UGLY,,BUT MECHANICAL HIDE AWAY HEAD LITES,, MA MOPAR WAS AHEAD MOST ALWAYS,,,THE REST OF THE CAR IS BEAUTIFULL THANKS AGAIN

[greg g]

another view of the car Bob posted