DeSoto

[cheesy]

Success.

Vanity plate ordered that will read SOTO DE.

[cheesy]

Threw in new points, condenser, and rotor, which made a big difference. Didn't set set the timing yet cuz I can't find my 6volt timing light. I might not even have it anymore. The shop manual shows how to static time the engine using a powered test light and I have the one I made for the Solxes, so I guess I'm still good.

Still need to do a vacuum test and plethora of other small things, just in time to park it for the winter. Found the cause of an annoying rumble on acceleration, the exhaust pipe was hitting the rear crossmember. Turns out it was a common problem and that there an was an aftermarket fix for it. Nine bucks on fleabay.

Looking at snow for Wednesday, and that means salt. Guess I will just wash and wax all the vehicles tomorrow and call it good.

[Emerikol]

Nice set of wheels you have there, Cheesy! I wish you guys many happy miles!

[ben2go]

Originally Posted by cheesy

Threw in new points, condenser, and rotor, which made a big difference. Didn't set set the timing yet cuz I can't find my 6volt timing light. I might not even have it anymore. The shop manual shows how to static time the engine using a powered test light and I have the one I made for the Solxes, so I guess I'm still good.

Still need to do a vacuum test and plethora of other small things, just in time to park it for the winter. Found the cause of an annoying rumble on acceleration, the exhaust pipe was hitting the rear crossmember. Turns out it was a common problem and that there an was an aftermarket fix for it. Nine bucks on fleabay.

Looking at snow for Wednesday, and that means salt. Guess I will just wash and wax all the vehicles tomorrow and call it good.

I think .016in points gap would get you very close to the proper dwell angle. Make sure the spring is still stiff. They can bounce in the upper rpm range and cause a miss.

[cheesy]

Originally Posted by ben2go

I think .016in points gap would get you very close to the proper dwell angle. Make sure the spring is still stiff. They can bounce in the upper rpm range and cause a miss.

Thanks for that little tidbit. Learn something new every day.

I will admit that doing the points and condenser was a tougher job than I anticipated. With the distributor at nearly a right angle to the block and down in a hole, along with itty bitty screws, it was a backache inducer. Crawling under the car several times to pick up said screws didn't help, either. I have a spare distributor so there is a very good chance that there is an electronic ignition in my future. Rock Auto has a 6volt positive ground system for under $200. Something to think about, anyway.

[wheelbender6]

I accidently made the point gap too wide once on an Olds 455 4bbl. Flames shot out of the carb like a volcano when I tried to start it. Lesson learned.

[cheesy]

Originally Posted by wheelbender6

I accidently made the point gap too wide once on an Olds 455 4bbl. Flames shot out of the carb like a volcano when I tried to start it. Lesson learned.

I did a tune-up on my 74 Opel Manta and didn't tighten the hold down screw on the points enough. After it stalled, and I got smart enough to pull the cap, I found about an eighth inch gap in the points. Serrated lockwashers used after that.

[cheesy]

Experienced something today that only us old pharts who grew up with only AM radio will remember. The radio signal dropped out when I drove under an overpass. Mrs. C and I busted out laughing.

BTW, I have listened to WGN more in the last couple of weeks than I have in the last 35 years.

[MICRider]

That car is absolutely gorgeous! Does it have the vacuum operated wipers or are they electric already?

[cheesy]

Electric. The only vacuum operated device is the distributor advance.

[cheesy]

Title arrived.

Second best thing that happened today. First was that I finally got back home from the SS in SC.

[cheesy]

Chuffed. Got the plates.

[wheelbender6]

I'd love to cruise Lake Avenue in that Dr Soto.

[wheelbender6]

There is a lot more interest in DeSotos lately from traditional hot rod builders and customizers.
This guy plans to race this 1956 model at Bonneville. It is powered by a Duramax Diesel.

[cheesy]

That's some heavy duty wheels, on it.

Twenty plus years ago, I bought a brand new 1995 Chrysler Le Baron convertible for my wife. Beautiful car, black with a camel top and interior and goldish aluminum wheels. The 3.0 six would scream.
Anyway, while doing the paperwork, the salesman points to lavender Le Baron with a white top on the showroom floor and asks if we wouldn't rather have that one. Seems that car was ordered in that color combo for a Florida dealer and ended up in northern IL instead. They wanted it gone. My wife took one look and said, "Ick." Me, on the other hand, said, "Throw in that 56 De Soto on the used lot and you got a deal." I swear that they were considering it but Mrs. C let go with a roundhouse to my shoulder that I still feel to this day.

1956 De Soto four door in two tone puke green with a dual quad hemi and three on the tree. What wasn't to like.