Customs Wagon hunt may be OVER!!! 1952 DeSoto wagon is HOME!

I'm excited! I've been searching for the wagon that'd be "just right" for us after our Pontiac was totaled by some f---wit on a cell phone in August. The likely victim is a '52 DeSoto (I'd decided a Chrysler or DeSoto would be the perfect replacement) that's in MN.

I'd been messaging the guy for the past month, with sporadic and vague responses. Turns out, just like me, his father had passed away during this time, other issues got in the way, but now we're connected and I think I'm gonna pull the trigger on it.

So, my question is: This car has the DeSoto Hemi (291?), which I understand are different from the smaller Dodge, and bigger Chryslers. My thought is I'd like to freshen this up, and put a modern transmission, ideally a 700R4 with overdrive behind this engine, but I don't know enough to know whether the adaptors for a Chrysler 331 fit? I had an early Chrysler 331 with the extended bell housing, is the same as the DeSoto, and are adaptors available for these as well? Would a Chrysler 727 be a better choice? I looked a the "Hot Heads" site but I don't know what works with what...

We will be towing our '47, 25 foot Spartan trailer with this car like we did the Pontiac, I'm busying myself on an icy Saturday planning and daydreaming.

 

Those are such COOL rides! You may try to ask this guy about the adapting. He may or may not know, but is worth a try....

 

If this turns out half as good as the Poncho it'll be killer. Wish I had some answers for you, but I know absolutely nothing about these old MOPARs.

All I've got for you is encouragement.

 

@flynbrian48 ...the engine, if original, is a 276 cu in model (used thru '54 models). Unlike the first Chrysler hemis, the engines DeSoto introduced in '52 and Dodge in '53, the blocks did not have the extended bell configuration. As you may know, Chrysler switched to the 'no bell' block in '54. and all three have the same configuration, block and crankshaft flange bolt pattern. Consequently they all use the same transmission adapter kits;

Desoto upped the cubes to 291 in '55, 330 in '56, 341/345 in '57. In '57 they also used the 325 Dodge poly head engine.

Dodges began as 241 in '53/'54....270 in '55....315 in '56, 325 in '57.

The Desoto engines were only slightly smaller physically than the Chrysler models (a couple of inches or less in all directions) and there is room for any version. So, if you wished, you could upfit the Desoto with a Chrysler to accommodate your towing.

I love that Mopar wagon body and congratulate you on your good taste and good luck finding a suitable car to build.

Regards,
Ray

 

Thanks! I thought they were 291 or something, but admittedly, I know NOTHING about them. This one, according to the owner, turns over and has compression, but he hasn't tried to get it running at all. I'm assuming complete rebuild, but I'd be up for that if it's rebuildable as opposed to an engine swap, as long as I can put a modern transmission behind it.

 

BTW, my wife, after agreeing that the DeSoto was a worthy candidate (after vetoing DOZENS of others), pulled up a photo of a '53 Buick woody wagon, and said, "One of these would be fine too, I like the portholes in the fenders." I told her I agreed, but the (at least) $100K buy in price over the DeSoto might be a damper for us getting one of those...

 

Hot Heads lists adapters for chevy and chrysler automatic transmissions. The extended bell 51-53 chrysler engine is the only oddball in the bunch, all other early hemi's share the same bellhousing bolt pattern.
There are also adapters available to use more modern fuel pumps and water pumps.
Also be aware that there are no new camshafts available for the desoto hemi if the engine needs a full rebuild.

 

Good luck Brian, looking forward to following you build. HRP

 

Yeah, the Buicks are beautiful, but all that real wood can be a PITA over the long run. You could design a very tasteful faux woody décor on the Desoto for a small fraction of the difference.

The only down side to the Desoto engine is a more limited supply of performance parts vs Dodge or Chrysler. That said, a good complete engine to start with shouldn't present any particular problems.

Ray

 

If the Buick was only another 100k over the Mopar I would have to go with the Buick. Then again if bullshit was money I would have billions Good luck with your wagon project!!

 

Parts are indeed harder to find for a DeSoto, but I was able to access everything except for a camshaft for my 330. I found there are more aftermarket parts for the low deck engine like yours over the tall deck that I have.

 

Wow!!
That will make a GREAT ride.

 

Tell people that it's got a Mercury grille in it.

 

Since you will be in Minnesota call these guys and ask about a cam.
http://berrycammn.com/
Lester Prairie is about 60 miles north of New Ulm.

 

I would NEVER swap a modern engine into an old car! (Nudge, wink...) We'll see what happens when it gets here.

 

So, the DeSoto and Dodge engines DON'T have the extended bell housing? Good to know. I've looked at the HotHeads page and it just says "All early Hemi's", so I wasn't sure...

 

Congrats on the find. You deserve it after your misfortunes, just stay away from that A-hole who wrecked you. Best of luck with the build. Wagons rock.

 

Some more information on that rare beast!

 

Looking forward to your adventures with this one, hope they are all happy ones.

 

550 made? Well, that's perfect. I like obscure stuff, so this makes my decision even smarter!

 

4 bbl intakes are available reasonably priced from "HotHeads", and I have a new, never used E-500 cfm carb in the box. That, a check of the bore, rings, bearings, and a valve job ought to get me in business. The adaptors for a modern trans are cheap, I found "Scarebird" disc brake kits, so I think with an interior and some clean up, this car will do. Thanks everybody, we're wagon people again!

 

^^^^You know it's not going to be that easy now don't you^^^

 

Shhh!... he's on fire.....

 

That's a LUCKY find there Brian, good luck with her. Me, I am still searching for mine. Bruce.

 

It doesn't hurt to be optimistic... And, if it doesn't, I'll put a 350 in it. Or a 440. Or a...

 

Couple on “Sitting And Rotting”, but they are going to get fixed up some day

 

@flynbrian48
I bought the Hot Heads adapter and stuck a MOPAR A518 behind my 330 Desoto. Easy install. I am also running their single 4 BBL intake and Sanderson headers they sell both fit perfect. I went as far as to install a Sanderson AC pump on the 330 with Hot Heads brackets though I didn't use them in their intended position (they are meant to be mounted down low, I went up high) and added some bracketry of my own to complete the install. If I can be of any help man, I'm here for ya.

Cool wagon B.

 

Cool...good luck with it. A used car dealer has two Town and Country's sitting on the back lot....same color....go buy often just to check on them....he think's they're his 401K plan..........

 

Wow only 550 made! I can't imagine there are many left at all. I know this is a hot rod site but I would be tempted to keep it stock.