Nice Build. I still vote the chop. I can see you'd be keen to get it all done and dusted (after all these years). But, Ya have to admit. The chop will make it! It is your time, and your ride tho. Dan
@KustomCandy the chop is in the works, not literally yet but plans are made. Will be heading to a buddies shop in the next few weeks where it will get some much needed attention. Plenty of update photos to come after that. I'm pretty busy with the Monster Hauler and they Canned Monster will be back here soon as well. Lots to do.
Just heard your interview, with Roy Boy(aka Travis), and put 2 n 2 together. I have been watching this build, all along. Very cool. http://royboyproductions.com/2015/0...es-ep-58-speed-chrome-with-guest-lance-james/ JT
I say it gets chopped with stock rear glass!!! Drag the rear window forward and extend the cat walk. Hiroshima rear glass frames and static dropped to the floor!!!
I agree retaining the stock windows with a chop would be very classy. A three piece back window and chop. Now there's some work!
Looking Good!! If any of you have ever seen the British Wheeler Dealer TV show, they recently built a 1953 Desoto. Was thinking about this one, throughout the show. They actually did the car great justice. Warmed over the stock Hemi and ditched the Street Rod alumn rims, for WW and stock caps. Ed China...he's so dreamy. (I sincerely have allot of respect for the man!) JT
No doubt! The Olds has taken a back seat to a few money making jobs and more importantly a mold issue, in my a/c unit. Contaminated the inside air, water damaged the bathroom floor and made my wife very sick. Too damn hot, in Floriduh summers, to work outside. getting better now. Still subscribed and excited to see the progress, once it happens. JT
Finally an update. I've been going back and forth on this to figure out what direction I wanted to go, chop or not chop, finish the paint or? I've honestly lost interest in colors I picked all those years ago. Times change, tastes change. There are two cars that I've really loved for a while, the "Rain Man" '49 Buick and Mark Mortan's '54 Mercury. So I had a thought, why not move in that direction with the DeSoto, change up the paint choice and go with a white top and Old Ivory body color. I've finally decided to keep the roof as is. It works well and it will get me down the road quicker if I don't chop. I will have to respray a few parts that are painted but that shouldn't be a big deal. I'm looking forward to jumping back in and getting some momentum again. This thing has sat for too long. Between this and the Monster Hauler, its going to be a busy summer.
I know its a long shot but I'm looking for a nicer steering wheel. Original would be great but another Chrysler product I believe would be a bolt on unit. If anyone has a source please pass along. Or if anyone has a restoration source that is reasonable in price that would be great too. Overall mine is very poor, chrome is toast so its a complete rebuild or swap item.
I am not certain, as it was a while ago but I think around 7. As you look around, $2k and up is not rare for a custom wheel. I recall one outfit during my searches that did a recast for 4+/-, but they only did Stude wheels for specific years.
Got the wheel pulled yesterday, that was a chore. I don't believe its ever been removed from the car. I didn't break anything or hurt myself so I consider that a successful job completed. The wheel and its parts will be heading out to Pearl Craft Wheels in Australia for a full rebuild and chrome job.
Lancer, that's gotta be a hard pill to swallow. But it is the one item, that you will virtually have in your hand and be looking at, each and every time you slide behind the wheel. I feel your pain because the one in my Olds 98, was destroyed by some large varmint, that made the interior his home, prior to me getting the car. Thank God I have another , although red. Will have to paint to match new black interior. JT
The car sat outside for about 35 years untouched so the condition is not surprising. Pearl Craft is going to make it all better though, better than new. @jakespeed63
Paint is ordered and is on its way to me. I went with an original color for a '53 Model, Ceramic Yellow for the main body color. The roof will be white, probably Wimbledon White. I need to compare colors side by side and see what shade of white works best.
The body paint has shipped. Ceramic Yellow. Should have it by the end of the week. The steering wheel has been shipped off to Australia to Pearl Craft for a complete overhaul. I've been going back and forth on the roof color. White, white with a pearl, gold with micro flake? The yellow gold two tone combo can look really nice. Shoot me some idea and post some pics for inspiration.
The Jalopy Journal
