The Forward Look Network
The Forward Look Network
Search | Statistics | User Listing Forums | Chat | eBay | Calendars | Albums | Skins | Language
You are logged in as a guest. ( logon | register )

Desoto Firesweep
Jump to page : 1
Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page]
View previous thread :: View next thread
   Forward Look NON-Technical Discussions -> 1955-1961 Forward Look MoPar General DiscussionMessage format
 
MOPAR-TO-YA
Posted 2009-04-29 12:15 AM (#172190)
Subject: Desoto Firesweep


Expert 5K+

Posts: 5139
500010025
Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
Today a friend told me about a car I knew nothing about. He said it was a combination of Dodge and Desoto. I said Canadian and he said no, -US made, I thought maybe it was a concept car---No, he said it was in production for three years--WTF ??? I never heard of this---you sure???? Yup. So I looked it up on the internet---sure-nuff he was right! I really do like that car. Are they uncommonly found? Does anyone on here have one? Maybe I just haven't been paying attention...................MO
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Chrycoman
Posted 2009-04-29 2:15 AM (#172195 - in reply to #172190)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 1819
1000500100100100
Location: Vancouver, BC
MOPAR-TO-YA - 2009-04-28 9:15 PM

Today a friend told me about a car I knew nothing about. He said it was a combination of Dodge and Desoto. I said Canadian and he said no, -US made, I thought maybe it was a concept car---No, he said it was in production for three years--WTF ??? I never heard of this---you sure???? Yup. So I looked it up on the internet---sure-nuff he was right! I really do like that car. Are they uncommonly found? Does anyone on here have one? Maybe I just haven't been paying attention...................MO


I think you are referring to the 1957-59 DeSoto Firesweep which used the DeSoto Firedome/Fireflite body on the Dodge 122" chassis. The 1957-58 models also used Dodge's front end sheet metal. Many people claim the Firesweep used the Dodge body, but that is not the case. The 4" increase from 122" models to 126" models was all in the hood. The 1959 Windsor and U.S-built 1958 Windsor models were the same - Chrysler Saratoga bodies on Dodge's 122" wheelbase and in 1958 Dodge's front clip. The 1959 models had a unique front clip with styling the same as the larger models.

Firesweep rooflines are shared with the bigger DeSotos while the Dodge rooflines are shared with Plymouth. Firesweep sedan front doors are shared with Dodge, but rear doors are unique to Firesweep although also shared with U.S. built 1958 Windsor sedans.

The Firesweep was DeSoto's most popular series in 1958-59 and a second most in 1957. The Firesweep was also the only 1957-59 DeSoto model assembled in Los Angeles. None were built in Canada.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
roadkillontheweb
Posted 2009-04-29 7:57 AM (#172206 - in reply to #172190)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 1357
10001001001002525
Location: Iowa USA
1957 Desoto Firesweep sedan
My first Desoto, bought it when I got out of the Navy in 85 and used it as a daily driver for a few years. It is in england now.
325 wedge motor with a 2 bbl. It was a good car a stuck out like a sore thumb. Loved it!

Still got the girl but that color hair has been replaced with a lighter tone.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
1955Coronado
Posted 2009-04-29 8:58 AM (#172210 - in reply to #172190)
Subject: Re: Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 1918
1000500100100100100
Location: Hell's Outhouse - a.k.a. Buckeye, Arizona
The 2nd FL I tool a stab at was a solid white (w/trim sweep) '57 Firesweep 2 door hardtop - in 1992, seen at Bo's shop. He wanted all of $4,500 for the roadworthy baby with 325, Toruqeflite, PS & PB.

I don't regret the ultimatum to keep on with my '57 Lincoln (no way I could afford to take the 'Sweep on with it & Bo didn't want to trade anyways), but I'm still bugged with hindsight.....
Top of the page Bottom of the page
58 DESOTOS RULE
Posted 2009-04-29 9:02 AM (#172212 - in reply to #172190)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 2308
2000100100100
Location: The Bat Cave, Fairborn, OH

The Firesweep line was a popular one in its day; quite a few still survive. I have one that I've owned since 1981 and I have seen others. I remember seeing a photograph on this site of a Firesweep being built on the same assembly line as the Dodge. Maybe some others remember it. The first pictured car is not mine, but it belongs to a fellow forum member. It looks very striking out in the snow.

 

 



Edited by 58 DESOTOS RULE 2009-04-29 9:10 AM




(1958 DeSoto Firesweep Snow Day 2.JPG)



(The Old Desoto ca 1993 3.jpg)



(The Old Desoto ca 1993.jpg)



(330th GH Old Bldg Jul 1991.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 1958 DeSoto Firesweep Snow Day 2.JPG (36KB - 233 downloads)
Attachments The Old Desoto ca 1993 3.jpg (207KB - 225 downloads)
Attachments The Old Desoto ca 1993.jpg (156KB - 227 downloads)
Attachments 330th GH Old Bldg Jul 1991.jpg (226KB - 219 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2009-04-29 9:45 AM (#172216 - in reply to #172212)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown
Steve,

How did the Firesweep escape your notice ???

Are you aware Mopar made a car they called the "Plymouth" ?



Top of the page Bottom of the page
Rebels-59
Posted 2009-04-29 3:41 PM (#172236 - in reply to #172216)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep



Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+

500050002000500
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK
Here you Go STEVE,,

A 1957 Firesweep on Ebay Now for Sale..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1957-DESOTO-FIRESWEEP-4-DR-SEDAN-88-...



(223.jpg)



(225.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 223.jpg (74KB - 221 downloads)
Attachments 225.jpg (65KB - 220 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
d500neil
Posted 2009-04-29 3:54 PM (#172246 - in reply to #172236)
Subject: Re: Desoto Firesweep



Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

Posts: 19146
5000500050002000200010025
Location: bishop, ca
AND, Stephen's blue/white 58 looks to be a "Spring Special" model, based upon its vertical trunk moldings and its
stainless steel rocker panel (rust-cover-up-) 'accent-strip' molding.

Its side-spear area may be aluminum (S.-S. item) , but, it looks like that area might be painted white.





Top of the page Bottom of the page
MOPAR-TO-YA
Posted 2009-04-29 6:11 PM (#172267 - in reply to #172190)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep


Expert 5K+

Posts: 5139
500010025
Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
I don't think anyone has mentioned that they used a Dodge Hemi engine- is that correct? If so, why didn't they use their own engine based on the 1956 Desoto 300 engine?
Ever since that auction in N.W. Iowa with all the years of Desoto's-- I have been interested in them. I believe my favorite would be a 57 with single headlights. Did they also go to 4 headlights in the last part of 1957?....................MO
Top of the page Bottom of the page
57burb
Posted 2009-04-29 6:20 PM (#172268 - in reply to #172267)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 3966
200010005001001001001002525
Location: DFW, TX
For 1957, Firesweeps all used the same single-headlight assemblies.
In that same year, the "senior body" Firedome/Fireflites were available throughout the year with single headlights or optional quad headlights.
The Adventurer was only available with the quad headlights.

Firesweeps never used Hemi engines. 1957 was the last year for ANY DeSoto Hemi (341 and 345ci), but the 341 was only available (and standard in) Firedomes and Fireflites, and the 345 was the only engine available for Adventurers. The 1957 Firesweeps all used the same 325ci Dodge non-Hemi engine.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
d500neil
Posted 2009-04-29 8:04 PM (#172272 - in reply to #172268)
Subject: Re: Desoto Firesweep



Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

Posts: 19146
5000500050002000200010025
Location: bishop, ca
Steve, alas, no, there were no OEM D500 Firesweeps; altho that WOULD make for an interesting customization of one!

Of course, a person could install "Adventurer" and maybe "Fuel Injection" nameplates on it, too.....

A Super-Firesweep! A Fuelie-Firesweep, or a Fireswept-Adventurer ?




Top of the page Bottom of the page
Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2009-04-29 10:01 PM (#172283 - in reply to #172272)
Subject: Re: Desoto Firesweep



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown

Neil,

Are you aware of the 1959 only option and accompanying emblems that say "Adventurer Powered" where you could put the D-Q 383 into ANY model / body DeSoto ? I have some in my box of emblems. A very rare option, although the emblems are a little underwhelming.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
firedome
Posted 2009-05-02 3:35 PM (#172570 - in reply to #172190)
Subject: Re: Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 3153
200010001002525
Location: NY & VT
How did I miss this thread? Of course, my '58 is a 'Sweep Sportsman 4 dr hardtop (see avatar), and Gary "Phins" in FL has a '58 Sweep convertible...Neil is correct, the blue car is a Spring Special, in the SS color of Heather Blue, which has a tad of purple in it... recently on ePay there's an ad that shows one in this color, with the SS chome hash-marks on both sides of the rear license plate. Rare... even my 4 dr hardtop Sweep had only around 2000 made as I recall.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
5859
Posted 2009-05-03 12:52 AM (#172634 - in reply to #172190)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep


Expert

Posts: 2932
200050010010010010025
Location: Lemoore CA
That blue firesweep 2 door hardtop is just great, the firesweeps and windsors look best as two door hardtops to me.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
chrysler300c
Posted 2009-05-03 11:20 AM (#172664 - in reply to #172267)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep



Expert ,, George Passed away July 28th 2021, He will be Missed

Posts: 1295
1000100100252525
Location: Twin Falls, Idaho
Steve...
No Hemis in the Firesweeps or WIndsors.... they had what is referred to as a Spitfire engine.

George
Top of the page Bottom of the page
MOPAR-TO-YA
Posted 2009-05-03 10:51 PM (#172752 - in reply to #172664)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep


Expert 5K+

Posts: 5139
500010025
Location: cornpatch county, Southwest IOA
chrysler300c - 2009-05-03 10:20 AM

Steve...
No Hemis in the Firesweeps or WIndsors.... they had what is referred to as a Spitfire engine.

George
Thanks George and others, I was told they used the Dodge Hemi, but evidently they do use the same poly engine that dodge does?.........................MO
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2009-05-03 10:56 PM (#172753 - in reply to #172752)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown
Pretty simple really. They were built at the Dodge plant. Pull the body off the frame and it is all Dodge. The nose clip was 90% Dodge, and on sedans, the doors were Dodge too !
Top of the page Bottom of the page
RDP
Posted 2015-11-30 12:13 PM (#496547 - in reply to #172190)
Subject: Re: Desoto Firesweep



Elite Veteran

Posts: 1048
100025
Location: PL / EU
Firesweep history by Bill Oliver
http://www.allpar.com/history/memories/1955-57-DeSotos.php
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Viper Guy
Posted 2015-11-30 1:38 PM (#496557 - in reply to #496547)
Subject: Re: Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 2002
2000
Location: Branson, MO
Very interesting reading indeed. Dad was a DeSoto-Plymouth dealer at the time and the "quality" issues were very prominent. However, from my experience, the '56 DeSoto (and probably all '56 MoPar 4-door hardtops) leaked water at least as bad, if not worse, than did the '57 4-door hardtops even with the new body. Also, being in Michigan where fender solvent (salt) ran rampant during the winter months, rust was a major problem that really continued from the '55 and '56 FL models most noticeably over the headlights. Lot of other areas were affected too.

As we know, the Chrysler Windsors were also built on the 122" WB Dodge platform, the same as the DeSoto Firesweeps but may have started with their '58 models - not 100% sure. No mention of this in the article though and I have to believe the Chrylser models suffered the same quality problems.

My '59 Firesweep 4-door sedan is 100% factory original (23,000 actual miles) save for maintenance and wear items, with one repaint, and it is really a fine automobile. No water leaks, no rust issues, but does have some wind noise at highway speeds which was common with most all cars of that era.

"It's deightful, it's delovely, it's DeSoto"



Edited by Viper Guy 2015-11-30 8:04 PM




('59 DeSoto with Wire Wheels PSF.JPG)



('59 DeSoto DS Front Seat-Dash.JPG)



('59 DeSoto DS Engine.JPG)



('59 DeSoto Trunk Inside Rear.JPG)



(1959 DeSoto at Home RS.JPG)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments '59 DeSoto with Wire Wheels PSF.JPG (158KB - 203 downloads)
Attachments '59 DeSoto DS Front Seat-Dash.JPG (132KB - 197 downloads)
Attachments '59 DeSoto DS Engine.JPG (136KB - 200 downloads)
Attachments '59 DeSoto Trunk Inside Rear.JPG (89KB - 194 downloads)
Attachments 1959 DeSoto at Home RS.JPG (140KB - 187 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Chrycoman
Posted 2015-11-30 5:48 PM (#496566 - in reply to #172190)
Subject: Re: Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 1819
1000500100100100
Location: Vancouver, BC

The 122" wheelbase 1958-59 Chrysler Windsors were built at East Jefferson along with their big brothers and not Hamtramck. The Firesweep / Windsor bodies were actually the same as their big brothers and not Dodge, with the difference being the sheetmetal ahead of the cowl. Sedan doors were different, due to the upper door frames, but most people don't realize that the big DeSoto and Chrysler 126" wheelbase models' extra 4" is all ahead of the cowl, and not in the body. Thus the rooflines and rear ends are shared between DeSoto and Chrysler models, but not Dodge.

DeSoto production was a major change for 1957 with the Firesweep and its Dodge chassis frame and front clip being built at Hamtramck and Los Angeles. The larger Firedome, Fireflite and Adventurer models were built only at the Wyoming Avenue plant and no 1957 DeSotos were built at Windsor. Chrysler of Canada imported Firedome, Fireflite, and on special order, Adventurer models. Firesweeps were never sold in Canada. When they decided what the first serial numbers were to be for the 1957 models, the list included numbers for LA-built Firedomes and Fireflites, but none were actually built there. Firedome models were built at Windsor for 1958 and 1959 while production at Wyoming Avenue was moved to East Jefferson for the 1959 model year.

The 1957 models were meant to be 1957 models, at least in Virgil Exner's mind, when he presented the first mock up in late 1954. The rush to get the cars into production within 2 years caused a lot of grief.

All 1957 models had problems with water and dust leaks, regardless of make, model or assembly plant. The car magazines placed the blame on the assembly line, as usual, but when all assembly plants are having the same problems, the source of the problems is usually somewhere else. The quoted article's author mentions problems with trim on the DeSoto front quarter panels which is an example of the problems the assembly division was facing in 1957.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2015-11-30 10:32 PM (#496581 - in reply to #496566)
Subject: Re: Desoto Firesweep



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown
The Firesweep does not share the roof with Fireflite/Adventurer. It has the
small back glass like the Firedome.

Is not the sedan body the same on all makes - Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto, Chrysler ?
The Firesweep doors have painted steel window frames like the Dodge and Plymouth.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
JT Vincent
Posted 2015-11-30 10:33 PM (#496582 - in reply to #172190)
Subject: Re: Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 1493
1000100100100100252525
Location: Jamaica Plain, MA
I have one. I love the short wheelbase cars. I guess middle wheelbase. Some of the info on this thread is a little off. The Plymouth was 118", as opposed to 122 and 124 inches. the difference being between the front wheel-to-firewall, and the back window to the deck lid. Plymouth has shorter front fenders and shorter distance from the deck to the greenhouse. The Dodge/Firesweep had a shorter nose and Plymouth fenders will fit on them. The deck to greenhouse is, however, the same as any DeSoto or Chrysler. The body of a Firesweep will actually fit on something like a Chrysler 300 frame, but you'd have to change the front clip and some mounting brackets, and the roof would have a smaller rear window. Dodge and Plymouth shared the same roof. Firesweps and Firedomes shared the same roof with a small rear window with the low and mid line Chrysler, while the Adventurer, (special order Firedomes), Fireflites and senior DeSotos shared the same large-window roof. We are talking about coupes here. It's a little complicated. They were more modular than most people realize. Another fun-fact is that DeSoto Styling Division won the bid for DeSoto/Chrysler basic design for 1957, so Chryslers were actually based on DeSoto designs. If anyone has umbrage with this statement, look it up. It's well covered. There was a lot of intermingle with body, frames, roofs, noses, etc. A 57 Firesweep is basically a Dodge frame and driveline, with a modified Dodge front clip, and a mid-range Chrysler roof, and the same body as a Chrysler. I could draw a diagram, but I'm too lazy.

Edited by JT Vincent 2015-11-30 10:36 PM




(Dee.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments Dee.jpg (166KB - 222 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2015-12-01 12:55 AM (#496586 - in reply to #172195)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown
The wagon body shells were the same 57 thru 59, but were built so that they
would mount up to the various frames, so the body was pretty much irrelevant
to the wheelbase of the frame they were mated to.

I am thinking it was the same for four door sedans too (?) Can anyone confirm ?

As long as we're chasing rabbits, this is how I know things .... please correct
anything I have wrong ....

The Firesweep is built with a standard 122"wb Dodge frame, chassis, and drive
train. Take the body off the frame, it's ALL Dodge.

Depending on the body style, these were fitted to the frame, 2 door hardtops
getting a standard low backglass Firedome body, 4 door hardtops, sedans (no 2 door
sedans in the DeSoto line), convertibles, and wagons getting the standard bodies,
with the exception of the sedan body being fitted with Dodge all-steel doors.

The nose on the Firesweep (57-58) was a standard Dodge clip, with a couple special
parts used to mate it to the mildly modified standard DeSoto front bumper. 59 was
kind of its own critter, at least on the outer skin, which were shortened versions of
the long WB car fenders and hood.

Interiors were shared with Firedome. This may have changed for 59. I am not
too sharp on the details for 59.

Wagons had a specific frame, with different length front parts to accommodate the
different makes. The cowl-back part was identical to all.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Viper Guy
Posted 2015-12-01 9:06 AM (#496597 - in reply to #172190)
Subject: Re: Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 2002
2000
Location: Branson, MO
Wagon wheelbases ranged from 122" to 126". Plymouth and Dodge, DeSoto and Chrysler respectively.

'59 Firesweep interiors were separate from the Firedome in standard trim but the Firedome interiors were an option.

"It's delightful, it's delovely, it's DeSoto"

Edited by Viper Guy 2015-12-01 2:00 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
58coupe
Posted 2015-12-01 10:04 AM (#496600 - in reply to #172190)
Subject: Re: Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 1739
100050010010025
Location: Alaska
I see one mistake above, the Plymouth wagons were also built on the 122" wheelbase.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Viper Guy
Posted 2015-12-01 2:04 PM (#496629 - in reply to #496600)
Subject: Re: Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 2002
2000
Location: Branson, MO
58coupe - 2015-12-01 10:04 AM

I see one mistake above, the Plymouth wagons were also built on the 122" wheelbase.


Yeppy, I fixed it. There were only two different wheelbases for wagons. The 118" wheelbase was used on
Plymouth sedans, etc. except wagons. Sorry 'bout that.

Edited by Viper Guy 2015-12-01 2:05 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Greg P.
Posted 2015-12-03 5:29 PM (#496834 - in reply to #172190)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep



Elite Veteran

Posts: 769
5001001002525
Location: Oley, PA
Just to clear one thing up, while the Firesweep front clip is "basically" the same as Dodge, the parts won't directly interchange.

By that I mean you can't replace a Firesweep Fender with a Dodge fender. While the basic stamping is essentially the same, there are some differences. The most obvious difference is seen on the '57 models where the Firesweep single headlight bucket is centered under the headlight eyebrow. Also around the bumper area is quite a bit different.

I'd guess the hoods are the same except for the trim holes, but I never really verified that.



(57 Dodge and firesweep.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 57 Dodge and firesweep.jpg (66KB - 193 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2015-12-04 12:48 AM (#496863 - in reply to #496834)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown
While I have never held the two together to see exactly what the difference/s are,
the parts book gives a different number for the Firesweep front bumper as well.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Viper Guy
Posted 2015-12-04 8:42 AM (#496883 - in reply to #496863)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 2002
2000
Location: Branson, MO
Doctor DeSoto - 2015-12-04 12:48 AM

While I have never held the two together to see exactly what the difference/s are,
the parts book gives a different number for the Firesweep front bumper as well.


My guess the difference is the indentation/relief on the outer upper bumper just beneath the headlight brow molding on the outside of the fender. I don't think there is a need for that on the rest of the series. Or it also could be the center portion of the upper bumper runs "deeper" between the indentations/reliefs and is basically a "filler" to cover a gap. I dunno????? Just an observation.

"It's delightful, it's delovely, it's DeSoto"

Edited by Viper Guy 2015-12-04 8:48 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Greg P.
Posted 2015-12-04 5:38 PM (#496920 - in reply to #496883)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep



Elite Veteran

Posts: 769
5001001002525
Location: Oley, PA
I grabbed this photo from the article http://www.allpar.com/history/memories/1955-57-DeSotos.php that was posted by RDP. I enlarged and enhanced the center section that lists the modified parts and new parts required. It's pretty interesting to hear it from someone who was there.

I notice that the photo below shows fender top ornaments that I have never seen on a production Firesweep. any ideas on those?

Good question about the bumper. It's not listed in the photo board, but who knows? Perhaps the mounting to the frame horns is different? I know that on the '61 Chryslers the bumpers are slightly different between the short wheelbase and long wheelbase models because of the mounting hardware.

I've always had a soft spot in my heart for the Firesweeps. While I certainly understand that they are not the darlings of many FL enthusiasts, I think they have their place. The basic look has weathered the test of time rather well. At least in my opinion.

Edited by Greg P. 2015-12-04 5:55 PM




(1957-grille ENHANCED.jpg)



(1957-grille.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 1957-grille ENHANCED.jpg (73KB - 200 downloads)
Attachments 1957-grille.jpg (62KB - 203 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Viper Guy
Posted 2015-12-04 8:57 PM (#496944 - in reply to #496920)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 2002
2000
Location: Branson, MO
Greg P. - 2015-12-04 5:38 PM

I grabbed this photo from the article http://www.allpar.com/history/memories/1955-57-DeSotos.php

I notice that the photo below shows fender top ornaments that I have never seen on a production Firesweep. any ideas on those?

I don't recall any type of fender ornament available from the production line on '57 or '58 Firesweeps. I do know that customers did have the Fireflite units installed on their Firesweeps. Not something I would do though as the heavy chrome brows on the fenders were enough gingerbread for me.

"It's delightful, it's delovely, it's DeSoto"
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Brushwolf
Posted 2017-04-23 11:21 PM (#538713 - in reply to #496834)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep


Veteran

Posts: 292
100100252525
Location: Twin Cities MN
I have been watching for several years for a 57 Dodge passenger side fender that is better than mine, but only found one for the driver side. (Which I bought, though I really didn't need it). It is an Arizona fender and is in superb shape. Better than my original driver side,even though my driver side fender is fairly decent. Double-covered there..

But, my passenger side fender has a botched rust repair section by earlier owner on lower rear (warped the back edge all up) and it also has some compounding damage to rear lip where it meets the door. While I could probably save it, it is kinda tough shape.

Stumbled across a cosmetically stripped 57 Firesweep not too darn far from me that has a decent front clip and appears to be a fairly solid shell. Having heard before that the Firesweep was partly Dodge and noticing fender and hood resemblance, I started looking up comparative posts and found this one.

From helpful info in earlier replies and especially the two front fenders side-by-side, it appears to me that I could graft the good front section from my Dodge fender on to a DeSoto fender and that would fill the bill. I know the headlights are placed differently between the two makes, but with my Dodge front section on fender grafted to the DeSoto fender that should resolve both headlight location and lower front fender differences.

Earlier info also indicates the frame is the same on the Firesweep as the Dodge, so any part up to the whole chassis would probably also fit my Dodge. Suspect that maybe also the lower parts of quarters and floors, floor supports and trunk drop off panel might also be the same. Perhaps deck lid also fits from appearance, although my deck lid is very good anyway..

So, all you Firesweep experts out there, what all parts from the 57 Firesweep will likely fit my 57 Dodge? Assume I know how to use a torch and welder...

Thanks, Mike
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2017-04-24 10:40 AM (#538748 - in reply to #538713)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown
Been a long time since I had both, side-by-side, but what I
do remember is that the fender itself is the same. What varied
was the welded on pits at the lower front where it meets the
bumper and the headlight insert.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
big m
Posted 2017-04-24 10:49 AM (#538751 - in reply to #538713)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep



Expert 5K+

Posts: 7805
50002000500100100100
Location: Williams California
Brushwolf - 2017-04-23 8:21 PM

I have been watching for several years for a 57 Dodge passenger side fender that is better than mine, but only found one for the driver side. (Which I bought, though I really didn't need it). It is an Arizona fender and is in superb shape. Better than my original driver side,even though my driver side fender is fairly decent. Double-covered there..

But, my passenger side fender has a botched rust repair section by earlier owner on lower rear (warped the back edge all up) and it also has some compounding damage to rear lip where it meets the door. While I could probably save it, it is kinda tough shape.

Stumbled across a cosmetically stripped 57 Firesweep not too darn far from me that has a decent front clip and appears to be a fairly solid shell. Having heard before that the Firesweep was partly Dodge and noticing fender and hood resemblance, I started looking up comparative posts and found this one.

From helpful info in earlier replies and especially the two front fenders side-by-side, it appears to me that I could graft the good front section from my Dodge fender on to a DeSoto fender and that would fill the bill. I know the headlights are placed differently between the two makes, but with my Dodge front section on fender grafted to the DeSoto fender that should resolve both headlight location and lower front fender differences.

Earlier info also indicates the frame is the same on the Firesweep as the Dodge, so any part up to the whole chassis would probably also fit my Dodge. Suspect that maybe also the lower parts of quarters and floors, floor supports and trunk drop off panel might also be the same. Perhaps deck lid also fits from appearance, although my deck lid is very good anyway..

So, all you Firesweep experts out there, what all parts from the 57 Firesweep will likely fit my 57 Dodge? Assume I know how to use a torch and welder...

Thanks, Mike


Mike, I'm pretty sure that I have a good RH fender for your Dodge if you'd rather go that route.

---John
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Brushwolf
Posted 2017-04-24 11:07 AM (#538755 - in reply to #538751)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep


Veteran

Posts: 292
100100252525
Location: Twin Cities MN
I just mailed the check for the DeSoto. I bought a rear bumper from you a few years ago and was well satisfied, but for $200 I figure having the whole SD Desoto parts car is a good idea.

It still has complete drivetrain and a bunch of spare chassis parts in the event I need some of them, plus a whole front clip (front fender modifications not withstanding).

Engine appears to be a 325 Poly and I have a 325 Hemi, so it may yield some mechanical parts as well and my Dodge may have a bent right rear axle to boot.

Thanks for letting me know though, as I hadn't made the deal or was sure the car was still available, up until about an hour ago.

Thanks, Mike
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mogge65
Posted 2017-04-24 1:15 PM (#538759 - in reply to #172190)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 1295
1000100100252525
Location: Nasco , SWEDEN
.



(12523827_10206200857287274_4194994182372554838_n.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 12523827_10206200857287274_4194994182372554838_n.jpg (88KB - 189 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Chrycoman
Posted 2017-04-24 3:44 PM (#538769 - in reply to #496920)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 1819
1000500100100100
Location: Vancouver, BC
Greg P. - 2015-12-04 5:38 PM

I grabbed this photo from the article http://www.allpar.com/history/memories/1955-57-DeSotos.php that was posted by RDP. I enlarged and enhanced the center section that lists the modified parts and new parts required. It's pretty interesting to hear it from someone who was there.

I notice that the photo below shows fender top ornaments that I have never seen on a production Firesweep. any ideas on those?

Good question about the bumper. It's not listed in the photo board, but who knows? Perhaps the mounting to the frame horns is different? I know that on the '61 Chryslers the bumpers are slightly different between the short wheelbase and long wheelbase models because of the mounting hardware.

I've always had a soft spot in my heart for the Firesweeps. While I certainly understand that they are not the darlings of many FL enthusiasts, I think they have their place. The basic look has weathered the test of time rather well. At least in my opinion.


The front clip unit shown in the photos was a pre-production arrangement to show the LA plant what was needed to assemble Firesweeps at LA. Those ornaments, though, never made it to production on the Firesweep. The LA plant in 1957-1959 built only the DeSoto Firesweep and not the larger models. Wonder if the gaps in the front fender edge mouldings was due to the fender top ornament being dropped.

The bumper bar on the Firesweep was the same as used on the Firedome, Fireflite and Adventurer. The reinforcements and support pieces were different due to the different front end sheetmetal.

The Lynch Road plant used the front fender and grille assembly for the Firesweep on the export DeSoto Diplomat.


Edited by Chrycoman 2017-04-24 4:16 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Brushwolf
Posted 2017-04-24 4:36 PM (#538771 - in reply to #538769)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep


Veteran

Posts: 292
100100252525
Location: Twin Cities MN
Yes, that was interesting. I had seen the earier post of the DeSoto front clip, but couldn't read the legends. Modified Dodge parts list confirms that hood is same, fenders were the same before modified in the front. So, I just need to reverse what they did with the fenders and headlight panel.

Radiator support says same too, except for holes added. Already fixed mine, but I'll keep the DeSoto one for a spare. Know if filush fit factory type fender skirts fit between Dodge and Firesweep? That would probably tell me if wheel arches are the same on rear, as lower section on right side quarter looks a lot better on the DeSoto than on my Dodge..

Thanks, Mike
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Chrycoman
Posted 2017-04-24 7:48 PM (#538784 - in reply to #172190)
Subject: Re: Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 1819
1000500100100100
Location: Vancouver, BC
The 1957 Firesweep body was actually the same body as the Firedome and Fireflite, except for the sedan doors. The roof stamping on the Firesweep sedan is part number 1681 604, which was also used by Firedome, Fireflite, Windsor, Saratoga and New Yorker. The 1957 Plymouth and Dodge sedan roof (2 door and 4 door) was 1681 600. The 1957 sedan rear window on all DeSoto and Chrysler sedans was 1681 694 clear and 1681 695 while Plymouth/Dodge sedans were 1681 682 and 1681 683

The Firesweep doors were shared with the Windsor. The front door shell was also shared with Dodge.

The rear quarter panels for the DeSoto sedans were 1757 468 (R) and 1757 469 (L). And they were for all 1957 Firesweep, Firedome and Fireflite sedans.

Chrysler did offer fenders skirts for Plymouth and 118" wheelbase Dodge (1752 676) and 122" wheelbase Dodge (1752 675) and they fit sedans and hardtops in 1957-58. Nothing for DeSoto or Chrysler.



Edited by Chrycoman 2017-04-24 7:51 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mogge65
Posted 2019-03-19 8:39 AM (#579525 - in reply to #172190)
Subject: Re: Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 1295
1000100100252525
Location: Nasco , SWEDEN
My Desoto last year at a summercruise



(37114441_10215487265929044_5750506672955064320_o.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 37114441_10215487265929044_5750506672955064320_o.jpg (244KB - 157 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
58 DESOTOS RULE
Posted 2019-03-19 10:04 AM (#579527 - in reply to #579525)
Subject: Re: Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 2308
2000100100100
Location: The Bat Cave, Fairborn, OH

Nice car! The Caddy next to you looks like it was pretty sweet too. It has the famous "knee knocker" A pillars by the look of that windshield.

Top of the page Bottom of the page
mogge65
Posted 2019-03-19 11:13 AM (#579530 - in reply to #579527)
Subject: Re: Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 1295
1000100100252525
Location: Nasco , SWEDEN
Thank´s Stephen . yeah, it`s a sweet colorcombo on it too. The Cadillac was nice too but to clumsy car for my taste. But nice colorcombo on it. about those fenderornaments further up in the thread i think these are similar.



(54515027_2202959503297672_1866193913228820480_n.png)



(s-l1600.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 54515027_2202959503297672_1866193913228820480_n.png (466KB - 147 downloads)
Attachments s-l1600.jpg (119KB - 152 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
58 DESOTOS RULE
Posted 2019-03-19 11:51 AM (#579532 - in reply to #172190)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 2308
2000100100100
Location: The Bat Cave, Fairborn, OH

Those fender ornaments you posted a picture of remind me of similar ones that were on the full size Ford cars in 1961-64. I've never seen a Firesweep with fender ornaments, but that is not to say that there were not offered on some cars. My 1958 Firesweep has the stylized eagle hood ornament, but no fender spears. 

Top of the page Bottom of the page
mogge65
Posted 2019-03-19 1:37 PM (#579541 - in reply to #579532)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 1295
1000100100252525
Location: Nasco , SWEDEN
it sure is 63 Ford ornaments. i could entertain the thought of grinding of those sidemarks and rechrome. But in the end it´s Ford parts ? what´s your thoughts ?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
1960fury
Posted 2019-03-19 3:47 PM (#579545 - in reply to #579541)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep



Expert 5K+

Posts: 7385
50002000100100100252525
Location: northern germany
mogge65 - 2019-03-19 1:37 PM

it sure is 63 Ford ornaments. i could entertain the thought of grinding of those sidemarks and rechrome. But in the end it´s Ford parts ? what´s your thoughts ? :wince:


As long its not European or Asian it's okay Fomoco build some nice cars. I'd rather fabricate a small fl patch and glue it over the Ford ornaments.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
58 DESOTOS RULE
Posted 2019-03-21 8:23 AM (#579639 - in reply to #579545)
Subject: RE: Desoto Firesweep



Expert

Posts: 2308
2000100100100
Location: The Bat Cave, Fairborn, OH

1960fury - 2019-03-19 2:47 PM
mogge65 - 2019-03-19 1:37 PM it sure is 63 Ford ornaments. i could entertain the thought of grinding of those sidemarks and rechrome. But in the end it´s Ford parts ? what´s your thoughts ? :wince:
As long its not European or Asian it's okay Fomoco build some nice cars. I'd rather fabricate a small fl patch and glue it over the Ford ornaments.

That's an idea. Somebody could make up a small FL emblem to put in the place where the Ford emblem is now. Or you could just grind off the Ford emblem and get the spear rechromed.

Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jump to page : 1
Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page]
Jump to forum :
Search this forum
Printer friendly version
E-mail a link to this thread

* * * This site contains affiliate links for which we may be compensated * * *


(Delete all cookies set by this site)