Well, here is the story. I fell in love with my Dodge when I found it about 15 years ago at a rundown used car lot in Chattanooga. Every time I look at this car I fall in love again, however I think I'm now ready to move on to either a Desoto or Imperial. That point was made recently when the white '58 Fireflite was on Ebay.
So over the past 15 years of being the caretaker of this car, pretty much everything has been done, including all mechanicals, cosmetics and wiring. Each year, I tackled a new project on the car; for example year one was the chrome on the front, year two the suspension, year three the brown exterior, year four the interior, dash and trim, year five the engine rebuild, year six .... Next year's project was to reclean and correctly detail the engine compartment
The car has a 325 which I converted to a 4 barrel and used a new Edlebrock carb. I still have the original 2 barrel intake and air cleaner which goes with the car. It has power steering, manual disc brakes, Jiffy Jet that is disconnected, brake light warning light, radio delete, back-up lights, Solex tinted windows and torqueflite. The car has about 70K miles, which I believe is original. About three years ago, I started to get small amounts of rust in the rocker panels and rear wheel arch, which was than cut out and new metal welded in. Otherwise the car is completely rust free including the floor boards, fenders and headlight bucket.
There are some problems with the car, but I don't think they are too significant. First, the front seat fabric is pulling apart. I'll be ordering new material and having the seat redone shortly. With the disc brake install, the brake pedal lost some travel. The brakes will still lock up but the pedal just isn't as firm as with the original single pot master cylinder. I get vapor lock during the extreme summer heat and only after trying to restart the hot car after sitting for a short period. And lastly, I get a light drip of water into the interior from the A pillar.
So, given the cosmetic and mechanical condition of the car, and to help fund the 'next one', I'm looking for $20K for the car. If anyone is interested, I'll be at the Carlisle show in July and welcome questions, test drives or look-overs.
Posted 2010-06-18 5:14 PM (#228458 - in reply to #228155) Subject: RE: 1958 Dodge Coronet 2 Door Lancer
Veteran
Posts: 103
I am going to pull this up for Dad to see, on Father's day. He may be interested, I hope. He bought one of these new, but it was 2 tone green.
No promises, but I am going to try, as it is the nicest 58 2dhtp Coronet I have seen available.
Posted 2010-06-25 8:30 PM (#229677 - in reply to #228002) Subject: RE: 1958 Dodge Coronet 2 Door Lancer
Elite Veteran
Posts: 610
Location: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Mike, thanks for the direct link on my little Youtube flic. Also, that's the car! I've lusted over the '57 and '58's since the Forwardlook Desoto was featured in Collectible Automobile sometime in the early 90's. In fact, I still have that issue. Also, I still recall an ad showing a '58 convert. (if I recall) in all white with a white top, with a white backdrop, and it was simply stunning.
Posted 2010-06-28 3:04 PM (#230022 - in reply to #229677) Subject: RE: 1958 Dodge Coronet 2 Door Lancer
Location: The Mile High City
Oh, yes! I have an issue of LIFE magazine from November 1957 that has an advertising spread for all the new Chrysler products. That all white treatment was a common theme for DeSoto advertising. I have seen an all white coupe with six sailors inside and a white convertible with a lady all in white and a white poodle. I think there was a white station wagon ad too.
I have a '50s advertising book and they claimed that "white chrome" was all the rage back then. They would set up a completely white backdrop and try to have the chrome capture and reflect the white backdrop. But I digress - have you had much interest in the Dodge? That car sort of sells itself in the video. Very, very nice.
Posted 2010-07-08 4:22 PM (#231664 - in reply to #230022) Subject: RE: 1958 Dodge Coronet 2 Door Lancer
Veteran
Posts: 103
Well, I see you still have the beautiful Dodge. Guess Dad wasn't really interested, since I pulled up this thread and showed the car. Good luck with the sale, it is a great car.
Posted 2010-11-02 1:01 PM (#247970 - in reply to #228002) Subject: RE: 1958 Dodge Coronet 2 Door Lancer
Elite Veteran
Posts: 610
Location: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Torben,
Thanks for the compliment.
The car sold a few weeks ago to a dealer in Indiana although I haven't seen the car posted for sale on his website yet. His web site is http://www.ooleyandblackburn.com