Well it´s time for an other "build" thread, My name is Jan Frank de Wagt and I live in the Netherlands. Since 23th of July 2012 I'm the proud owner of a '54 DeSoto Powermaster. This is my first real cool ride I always loved the look of the DeSoto's especially the early 50's modells. So when the chance was there to buy one I could not walk passed this opportunity and bought it. The car was imported from Canada (Ontario)early this summer and right after it set foot on Dutch ground I bought it. It's not in showroom condition, but to be honest that's just the way I like it, it's allmost 60 years old and it shows, couple minor welding things on the rockerpanels and the spare tyre floor, but other than that it's ok. To get Dutch papers it needed some small technicall issues solved like brake pads, and lines replaced. Front shocks were not so good any more and some new Coker white wall were bought. And after passing the Dutch tests we could get the car on the road. Over the moon with the car, it drives excactly as I hoped it would be, just like in the old American movies Okay enough of the talking, picture time. Oh and if some of you recconize the car I'd love to come in contact with the former owner, just for a chat history wise. Day 1: delivery!! On Dutch ground, our daughter opserving if all goes to plan! Ready to go for tech inspection for Dutch papers First mod, certanly not the last! A split window sunvisor Had a good weekend working on (perfecting) the DeSoto again. Wanted somewhat a surf look to the car, so what too do! Look for an old surf board and a roofrack Allso wanted to lower the car a bit in the rear, too give it a somewhat taildragger look, no money for bags yet Making some lowering blocks 80mm!! Result!!
Looks good! You should have fun with that Desoto. You may want to rethink those u bolts on the rearend, I tried that when I was 18 and had a major OOPSIE.
That car looks cool.... One thing I did on my 49 Dodge was to buy or build lower spring plates with the shock mounts on them. When you raise the rear axle housing (lowering vehicle) the shocks move to an extreme angle as they go up with the housing. Then they don't work at all.
Thnx for input guys, Main goal for entering was learning!! This lowering was done quick and actually only foe this season, want too have bags allround
Nice de Soto. I'm glad you got what wou want. Like was said the "allthread" will be the end of your dream. The guy I bought my motorhome from had the rear axle overload springs attached with that It got really scary on the first "dammit we forgot a can opener" cruise. Go grade 8 with a plate and drive it hard.
Very sweet ride. I've got a '53 Desoto Powermaster. I swear its the nicest driving/riding car I've ever owned. Since purchasing mine I've done quite a few customizations. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=516827 Keep us posted on the build! Oh yeah....get those "U-bolts" changed out as soon as possible.
Wow nice 2dr Powermaster, wish mine was a 2dr like the two tone color scheme too! Allso made some progress on mine. Had a split window sunvisor on the shelve for a month or 2, but without any brackets Did some attempts to make my own, was happy with the second try Roofbracket was made to secure the centre of the visor Very happy with the final result Roofrack of makes the car much better looking I think
Looks really good that chop, but it´s 2dr mine is a 4dr, but still I like too chop it someday You gonna lower it properly?
U-bolts are replaced, I was warned many times, will go for bags as soon as I have some time amd money
It was a 4 door. I used a s10 front clip to get a cheap plaform for bigger brakes and bags. The rear will be a truck arm style suspension.
Very sweet ride!! But, is that surfboard really strapped down tight? Wouldnt want it flying off... Heres my dads old -55 Desoto Wish he still got it for me to take over but he traded it for a Volvo and alot of cash.... Sold new in Sweden and was driven as a taxi for a time then stood in a barn til the owner before my dad started it up! Was in great shape with alot of funny extra options!
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