"Willma"

[Dave Armstrong]

This is a post about the work to my on going '47 Desoto business coupe project.

It is just over a year now since I collected Wilma.

Part dismantled, with the previous owner having removed quite a bit of the floor complete with the rockers each side.

So what was left of the floor was removed with a few quick cuts with a grinder. Together with expanding foam, pop riveted aluminium, fibreglass and cabinet drawers . 

 

A frame was bolted to the chassis and adjustable fixings were connected to the a and B posts to enable the door gaps to be held whilst the repairs started . 

Then after some folding ,  bending ,  welding and grinding, new rockers were fabricated and welded in. These are not to the original shaping, but having nothing to go by for a reference a redesign was needed

 

Continued on next post........

 

Edited November 24, 2016 by Dave Armstrong

[Robin (UK)]

Hi Dave,
You need to use this section, at the foot of the text window...

[Dave Armstrong]

Other parts of the center of the car together with the a and B posts were repaired 

The pedals have been fabricated onto a modern 7"servo and better master cylinder assembly and fitted order the floor

The floor was framed and panelled over.

So this is where it's at now. Still a long way to go ,  but very enjoyable . I will endeavour to try and keep the progress updated as I go.

I'm in need of the external chrome fittings that bolt through the windscreen scuttle to the wiper motors. If anyone has any . 

Will post again soon

Ta Dave  ( UK)

[Flatie46]

Great job!  Did you make the floor panels?

[DrDoctor]

   I must agree with Flatie46 – you’re truly doing a great job!!!   Thx.

[Dave Armstrong]

Hi Flatie46 All panels made myself with hand tools and a manual bead roller. I folded  main  outer rocker on a friends press brake to get the straightness over the length and sharpness in the bend.

[Flatie46]

Dave that's some serious skills you have there  I've used a bead roller in the past myself but how did you make the impressions in the panels, did you use some kind of press with punch and die?

[Dave Armstrong]

17 hours ago, Flatie46 said:

Dave that's some serious skills you have there  I've used a bead roller in the past myself but how did you make the impressions in the panels, did you use some kind of press with punch and die?

Hi. I used the step/flange dies, mark the lines to form the shape, be it rectangle /triangle etc and radius the corners. Then follow the lines with light pressure, and follow again with more pressure each time. It will distort the panel but put it on a flat surface and beat it with a mallet to flatten 

[DrDoctor]

Dave,

   I really must say that those floor panels look fantastic. What with those impressions made in the panels, they shouldn’t “oil-can” on you, and make any unwanted creaks, not to mention that the floor looks as tho’ it’s going to withstand any weight subjected to it. I wish my car’s floors looked that good. Thank goodness the top of it is covered with carpet, and the bottom of it is covered with undercoating, and a few years worth of road crud. Anyway, a great job – one you should be justifiably proud of.   Thx.

[Dave Armstrong]

The main fabrication of the floor is finished, made a bolt in gearbox cover. Back on its wheels. Now for the boot floor and rear of the bodywork . 

[casper50]

Very nice indeed.

 

[rb1949]

Great to see what can be accomplished. Beyond my ambition, or skills.

[medium_jon]

Any updates on this project?

[Vin's 49 Plymouth]

Dave,

Great work on the fabrication, being in Kent there is most likely are not too many of these around. There is a UK P15 club on facebook I think. I wish Plymouth had the Desoto grill.

Keep the photos going Sir!