I found a Desoto

[Harrison]

It is a '54 or '55. I'm going to check it out Saturday. What are the possible engines that could be in the car? Naturally I'm hoping it is a hemi.

Thanks, JH

[mercury Bill]

Check to see if its got a Mercury grill...LOL

[Smokin Joe]

Yup, every one I've found has had a heart transplant and dental work done. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Kinky6]

Hey, Harrison,

If its a '54, it might have a 250 six cyl, or a 276 Hemi. If its a '55, both models had a 291 Hemi.

My buddy Chris, who was with me at Maggie Valley last summer, has a '53 with a 276 Hemi. He might could hook you up on some stuff.

Later, Kinky6 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Harrison]

I know it has the "Mercury" grille. I could see that much.

Desotos must have been popular family cars for hot rodders. Most I see have had a Hemi installed. I hope this is one of them.

I don't even know if it is for sale but I'm going to check.

JH http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Gr8ballsofir]

54
http://www.duricy.com/~desoto/desotoshow/1954_Powermaster.jpg

55
http://www.duricy.com/~desoto/desotoshow/1955_Firedome_Fred_Huiskens.jpg

[Harrison]

Thanks Gr8Balls. It is a '55 for sure.

I'll update Saturday with some pics.

JH

[geno_86ed]

There is a 291 in the 55, but there were two models the Fireflite and Firedome. The Fireflite had a 4 barrel carb and 200 horse, it was the hot rod of the desoto for 55. I picked up a 55 this last summer for the grill, which was cherry, and the Hemi which wasn't stuck. Got if all for dirt cheap too.

Geno

[bulletproof1]

go ahead and buy it ,i have a 330hemi out of a 56,make you a deal

[Harrison]

Pardon me but I'm Hemi-stupid. Why would someone want to swap a 330 for a 291?

Also, does the '55 291 have the extended bellhousing or not?

Thanks, JH

[Gr8ballsofir]

NO Desoto motors had the extended bellhousing. I don't think he was talking about a swap... I have a 55 block in my 56 and it runs pretty good. Well, It did until I spun a bearing last week. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif

[Machinos]

[ QUOTE ]
Pardon me but I'm Hemi-stupid. Why would someone want to swap a 330 for a 291?


[/ QUOTE ]

'55 was 291ci, '56 was 330ci... even if you kept 'em stock it's 30-45 more HP

[Gr8ballsofir]

I think his question was why would someone want to take a 291 INSTEAD of a 330.

[ratster]

If you get it I could use one tooth off that grille for my Merc.

[Harrison]

[ QUOTE ]
If you get it I could use one tooth off that grille for my Merc.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll keep you in mind Rich. Did you swap the 29 for Radshit's truck? Wasn't that supposed to happen a few weeks ago?

JH

[ratster]

I'm just waiting here for RADSHIT, sounds like he's had a busy few weeks (HAMB GAS)

[Radshit]

Yea Rich....HAMB Gas is over....phheewwww!

Now I'm getting the truck ready for it's last voyage.....

It will be delivered as promised..I'm getting stoked about that 29 Coupe......Everybody else is a little bummed the F-1 will be gone......but I have no attachments when it comes to cars........build 'em...drive'em......... trade 'em

[mercury Bill]

[ QUOTE ]
If you get it I could use one tooth off that grille for my Merc.

[/ QUOTE ]
Will it be a gold toof

[Smokin Joe]

Na, Just take all the teeth out of the Merc except for about 3. Tell everyone you bought it in Arkansas!

I do remember a Merc in Pasadina / La Crescenta (sp) back in the 70's with a gold toof!

[Harrison]

Update time...

The Desoto I found turned out to be two Desotos.

The cars belong to an 85 year old man who says he is going to restore the 2dr. hardtop "someday". He says he will need parts from the 4dr. to do it. I say he is going to need Jesus by his side. He doesn't even own a welder! The 2dr. is a basketcase - rusted half way up all the way around. The four door isn't much better.

2dr. has a Fireflite engine and the 4dr. has a Firedome. Both have nice Merc grilles in them.

I'll keep an eye on them but I'm betting they coninue to sit and rust for years.

JH http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[Harrison]

185 hp, 2bbl Firedome. Plug wire covers and air cleaner are in the trunk...

[Harrison]

...

[Harrison]

200hp, 4bbl Fireflite....

[CharlieLed]

[ QUOTE ]
If you get it I could use one tooth off that grille for my Merc.

[/ QUOTE ]
Rich -
Which tooth do you need: right, left, or center? I have a complete 55 grille in the garage and a bunch of 54 grille parts...I may have a couple of loose 55 teeth there as well.