46 Desoto Test Fitting

[desertdog71]

I am test fitting some of the large panels in preparation for stripping, priming, and reassembly. I bought this car in pieces and boxes. This is my first automotive project ever, so I often find myself online and on youtube trying to figure what to do next. Anyways. Here are a few pics just of the passenger side so far. It looks pretty cool to me considering I have never seen it together. 

 

Considering the pieces come from 3 different cars, I am pretty happy with the fit so far. The rear fender needs some work and also there is a chrome strip that fills part of the gap. Excuse my fat finger in some of the pictures. 

 

Thanks

 

 

 

 

 

[DCurrent]

Congrats on your first project and contracting the incurable disease of vintage automobiles. You will like this site and find it very informative. Anytime you have a question just ask and someone will chime in before long with an answer.

 

I will tell you that you're going about your project the right way so far. It's best to assemble the car as much as possible to see just what you have and what your missing. Looks like your gaps are just a bit to tight. You will want to adjust the door to your quarter panel gap first and then your door to fender gap. On the positive side of things, it looks like your parts are fairly solid.

 

Darren

[Don Coatney]

The chrome strip you mentioned for the rear fender is called fender welting. It is available from several sources such as Steel Rubber. Comes in stainless steel as well as black fabric.

 

[desertdog71]

Don, I have the original fender welting in decent condition already. I just hung the rear fender with a couple bolts to see how it looked. 

[55 Fargo]

Don, I have the original fender welting in decent condition already. I just hung the rear fender with a couple bolts to see how it looked. 

That is a good thing, save these for use, or for template to cut holes and notches for new welting. This stuff is a whole lotta fun to cut and make holes for fenders with no templates...

[falconvan]

Looks great; I went through the same with my 48. Bought it in pieces and had to figure out how it all went together. All the pictures of member's cars on here really came in handy.