Projects 1950 Desoto Custom

For some reason, the idea of dropping a slant-6 in it with 4-bbl carb and an auto transmission keeps popping into my head. An old DeSoto with a Leaning Tower of Power? Perfect!!

 

I saw a magazine article about a high-hp Slant-6. It had a manifold that put the carburetor almost to the left fender.

 

I had a few of those around here; if I still had one I’d consider it

 

That likely was the very rare Mopar Hyper-Pak option on the early slant sixes.

Ray

 

Broke out the POR 15; starting to get a look a little better.

 

Thanks, Ray.
I figured I'll have to get a driveshaft made but that's cool. I'm guessing with using the 23" engine I'll have to set it back 2" to get the clutch ball on the bellhousing and frame to line up.

 

Not exactly the same color but close enough for Krylon. Actually closer to the original color than the repaint.

 

Finished up my master cylinder mount. Much better; sitting below the floor now. Just need to run the lines to the proportioning valve.

 

Did a test fit on the drivetrain. I tried it in the stock location for the 25” engine but as I suspected it causes alignment problems with the clutch z-bar and shift linkage. So I’m building some plates to set the engine back 2”. Also was going to try to cut the trans cross member loose and move it 6” forward but the pivot bracket for the shift linkage is right there. So I notched the cross member to clear the trans and will build some plates to go from the bell housing mounts to the cross member.

 

what master cylinder bracket did you buy ?

 

Sorry to see the aggravation on this swap. On my 47 Chrysler is was a simple move rear clutch housing crossmember forward and all cleared. I did have to shorten clutch throwout fork rod only.
Hmmm wonder whats different about yours.
Sounds like your plan will be just fine though.
Look forward to your progress.

 

Just made one from some 1/4” plate.

 

Got the engine set back and made some extension brackets for the trans cross member. I’ll probably add another gusset for stability but they should work fine.

 

Got the mounts finished and the weight of the drivetrain sitting on it. Also made a bracket for the clutch z-bar and the alignment looks good. Next I’ll test fit the shift linkage and if everything lines up and works as it should I’ll pull the drivetrain back out; throw a coat of paint on it, and make everything permanent.

 

Shift rods and clutch rod done and works good; had to shorten everything 3”. Now to pull it back apart; throw on some paint, and make it permanent.

 

Good stuff. You will like a regular clutch.with this car.
Heck you can get an R10 trans for it.
Too bad your far away I have a driveshaft with regular type ujoints for these cars.
Unless yours is not ball and trunnion lije 46 to 48 Plyms and Dodges.

 

Thanks! Motor and trans came from a 50 Plymouth. I’ll probably have to get a longer driveshaft made for it.

 

I decided to go ahead and pull the head and change the head gasket. It had a couple of head bolts loose where the guy I bought it from put the chain to pull it. Plus he told me it had a valve job and new seats and he seemed like an honest dude but I hadn’t heard it run for myself.

Looks like I got a good deal, very clean inside and has a set of .040 pistons.

 

Ugh; 3 hours of absolute misery getting the water distribution tube out. The last 6 inches broke off in the back and I didn’t think it would ever come out.
Finally got it out and got some paint on the motor; enough for today.

 

Good job on dealing with cooling system.
Rebuilt at some point, but cooling system neglected.
Here's my 265 tube, was clean and in great shape as its brass. They should all be brass.

 

Nice! Wish this one had been brass but I’m glad I finally got it out.
I got a new one ordered along with a new water pump and some freeze plugs. Cheap insurance.

 

Got a lot done today. Head is back on, finished up my trans mounts, boxed the cross member where I notched it, and a few other small things. Drivetrain goes back in tomorrow.

 

Very nice work. Can hardly wait till you take it 4 a spin...

 

Me too!

 

Nice

 

Drivetrain is back in and I’m getting it put back together. I’m grateful for all the extra garage time lately; just wish the circumstances were different.

 

I decided to do some work on the inside today. The only gauge that worked was the gas gauge but it was faded really bad. The speedo was stuck and it had some under dash autozone gauges for the temp and oil pressure. I got the oil pressure gauge to clean up and it works, I found an NOS fuel and temp gauge on eBay, and also a working speedo. Not using the amp gauge, I’ll add an inconspicuous volt gauge.

 

Got a lot of little things put back together the last few days. I’ve got an exhaust manifold coming in the mail next week; one I get it I should be able to fire the engine up and see what she sounds like.

 

Like your work and thoughts on keeping it somewhat period correct. I went almost thru the same thought process about putting an updated motor and t5 trans conversion but drove my wagon one year total stock before settling on upgrades what I had and doing what someone could have done in the 50’s. Bored the original 218 motor .040,offy intake,dual carbs,Fenton split exhaust manifolds,fatman dropped front uprights,Eaton dropped front coil springs ,relocate front shocks,Eaton dropped rear leaf springs,factory three speed trans with electric overdrive,upgrade drive shaft with spicer u joints,lots of little things. People love it and make more comments on the engine drove it on the Hot Rod Power Tour
two years ago and always had people asking questions. Keep
Up the good work Love those DeSoto front ends

 

That is a fabulous looking wagon! I did the Power Tour in 2017; was hoping to go this year but we’ll have to see if they’re even going to have it.
Thanks for sharing; beautiful ride.