Hey guys, I'm fortunate enough to have the opportunity to go look at a 58 DeSoto this or next weekend. It has been garage kept (not maintained) by a good friend of mine's for almost 10 years now. Before it was sittin in a barn someplace Her family doesn't really care about it, and I was lookin for a summer project and jumped at the chance. I really don't know much about Chryslers truthfully, any tips? What should I be lookin for? From what I understand it's a 2 door. Not sure if its a 361 or 350...hopin' for the 361 Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

-Casey

 

I don't have much of any info on them. I can tell you to go over it with a fine tooth comb though. Inspect the usual areas (frame, floor boards, truck, rockers) for rust/rot and see if the motor will turn over by hand. You may need to spray some Marvel Mystery Oil into the cylinders (through the spark plug holes) to get it to free up some.

It could have either motor but it sounds like the only difference is the bore. Also, in 1958, some had a MPFI system on the 361.

Maybe ask them for some general pics first before heading over to see it.

 

And welcome to the forum!

 

Cool. She actually lives in my neighborhood, about 2 mins away, so it shouldn't too much of a hassle.

She did mention when I talked to her today that it might be missing the transmission...but I'll take a look (She didn't know where the engine bay was when I asked for pictures, so I dunno how reliable her information is ). I'm at school now, hopefully I'll make it home this weekend to look it over. I'll try to take/post TeH pix.

 

Nice car-one of the best looking fwdlks ever made-you are a very lucky guy to get a shot at it.Yes it would be a 361.What model is it?

 

I'm not sure I have yet to look at it. *grumblegrumble* I've been real swamped with school, but in 2 hours is my last final and I'll be heading home for the summer. This is going to happen, rest assured. hahaa what are the implications of model? 4bbl carb=361=firesweep/firedome/ or fireinthehole??

Did those names pertain to just the motor or the entire package of the car?

Are the numbers stamped on the block? Also where online can I find a database, cuz I've searched but nothing really turns up.

 

I finally went to look at this thing and MAN WAS IT AWEFUL.

Whaaaat a rust bucket. It looked like some birds had been living in the engine bay, cuz there were feathers and crap all over it. As it turns out, it's actually a '59 Firesweep 4-door as well...oh...did I forget to mention half the roof was crushed cuz a tree fell on it?

ahaha

Oh well. You win some ya lose some. At least the transmission was there

 

Thats too bad not only were they one of the best cars built in the day also very expensive, that one probably around the $5,000 mark in 58 - 8000 pounds and 8 cents a gallon, the good ol'days

 

The DeSoto line model names ran, from lowest price to highest...Firesweep, Firedome, Fireflite, Adventurer. Great looking and driving cars! Unless a tree falls on them!