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Poll 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?
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58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?
OptionAdded byResults
Not OEM - 59 Power Swivel Seat in 58 DeSotoDoctor DeSoto16 Votes - [45.71%]
OEM - 58 Power Seat in 58 DeSotoDoctor DeSoto19 Votes - [54.29%]

Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2014-05-04 4:14 PM (#439279)
Subject: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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Location: Parts Unknown

59 power swivel seat out of Fireflite coupe I parted. OR, ... OEM 58 power bench seat out
of 58 Fireflite I parted ?

Car will be fitted with non-OEM floor shifter (from 60 Fireflite I parted), so it will already be
modified to a "period", but not OEM appearance.



Edited by Doctor DeSoto 2014-05-04 4:22 PM
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soiouz
Posted 2014-05-04 4:46 PM (#439284 - in reply to #439279)
Subject: RE: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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Doctor DeSoto - 2014-05-04 4:14 PM

59 power swivel seat out of Fireflite coupe I parted. OR, ... OEM 58 power bench seat out
of 58 Fireflite I parted ?

Car will be fitted with non-OEM floor shifter (from 60 Fireflite I parted), so it will already be
modified to a "period", but not OEM appearance.



No swivel seats for me. I'm surprised you're even considering this, doc! A 59 over the top option? Really? Has your account been hijacked on this forum?

Even I think swivel seats in pre 59 mopars are like the wire wheels, fender skirts, continental kit, etc.
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Lancer Mike
Posted 2014-05-04 10:50 PM (#439327 - in reply to #439284)
Subject: RE: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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Doc, are you feelin' ok?
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slimwhitman
Posted 2014-05-04 10:53 PM (#439328 - in reply to #439279)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



Elite Veteran

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You need to have your garage show both ends of the spectrum. Base Plymmie with nothing and a loaded 'Soto with everything. Perfect.
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60 Imp
Posted 2014-05-05 5:50 AM (#439355 - in reply to #439279)
Subject: RE: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?


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Location: North Australia
Doc, how long do you intend sitting on this thing? If what I think is right, go for the bench. The one in my Imp is like a lounge, a 6 way power lounge!

Those swivel seats look a bit uncomfortable.

Steve.
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The Chrysler Kid
Posted 2014-05-05 11:00 AM (#439382 - in reply to #439279)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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A high end Fireflite with swivel seats parked next to a 4 door Plaza I would like to see that! Do what you want with your car. But I would put in the swivel seats. I guess you could always say its a very late 58!

Edited by The Chrysler Kid 2014-05-05 11:02 AM
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wizard
Posted 2014-05-05 1:24 PM (#439409 - in reply to #439279)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+

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Doc, although I suffer from ACD and constantly seek options, for your car, I would go with the OEM seat. The swivel seats was not an option in '58 and it might even affect the value of your car.
Then, swapping seat is not a big thing.

The win-win situation is if you re-upholster both the swivel and the bench seat at the same time in the same layout/pattern.................
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GregCon
Posted 2014-05-05 2:16 PM (#439414 - in reply to #439279)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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Well....I'm planning to use swivel seats in my 57. Why? They're cool and only a sliver of people alive (you guys!) know they are not OEM for the year. I might even cover them in (gasp) leather. Plus my original seats were peed on by rats so much I had to throw all but the frames out.

So Doc, let's talk about the real reason you posted this...how could you be using a floor shifter? Manual trans or ?
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The Chrysler Kid
Posted 2014-05-05 2:24 PM (#439416 - in reply to #439279)
Subject: RE: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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I am very easily entertained which is why I like swivel seats. But really a floor shifter in your car? Oh how entertaining it would be to watch the purist go wild!

Edited by The Chrysler Kid 2014-05-05 3:54 PM
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d500neil
Posted 2014-05-05 3:42 PM (#439422 - in reply to #439279)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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

Posts: 19146
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Location: bishop, ca
Are you making a Kustom, or a restoration?


http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/carsforsale/dodge/custom_royal_...


http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/dodge/coronet/1598653.ht...


http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/dodge/coronet/1634110.ht...





Edited by d500neil 2014-05-05 5:27 PM




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Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2014-05-06 2:18 AM (#439499 - in reply to #439414)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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Location: Parts Unknown
GregCon - 2014-05-06 11:16 AM

So Doc, let's talk about the real reason you posted this...how could you be using a floor shifter? Manual trans or ?


================================================

I am a hopeless fan of floor shifters and manual transmissions. Don't like automatics, and though
the pushbuttons are novel today, I find them to just be a quaint twist on an otherwise boring driving
experience.

Neil likes his updated brakes, I like an updated floor shifter tranny. But the kicker is keeping a
vintage appearance. I don't like modern looking stuff on an old car. If you update, it must be done
with care to not clash with the period ambiance.

So, the plan is to use a Tremec or Richmond Gears 5-speed, coupled with a 1960 DeSoto shifter for
"period" appearances in the cab. With gear choices available to the buyer, I will build it as a 4-speed
w/overdrive. The plan is to make this the only regularly driven 58 Fireflite convertible left on the planet,
and for that, I will build it as I like it.

I mean, face it, this car was built back from a piece of sjat. Every other one has either been sold to the
#@! Swedes or turned into a paperweight in a warehouse somewhere. I don't give a sjat about value as
Barrett-Jackson defines it. It is about the open road and pride of ownership and a connection with Perry
Mason, Perry Como, and all things Googie. I'll be dead soon enough. If someone else wants to turn it
into ANOTHER #@! over-restored paperweight, they can buy it from my heirs.

I tossed this question out because I am torn on the seats. I saved both from my wrecking yard days,
and as this old dog comes out of mothballs, I am beginning to rethink ideas I had 20 years ago. Funny,
but today the votes lean to going stock. Yesterday they leaned to the swivels.

If I do go with the swivels, they would be done as properly matching as I could make them look to a
proper 58 interior theme.
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Windsor59
Posted 2014-05-06 4:56 AM (#439508 - in reply to #439409)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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wizard - 2014-05-05 1:24 PM

Doc, although I suffer from ACD and constantly seek options, for your car, I would go with the OEM seat. The swivel seats was not an option in '58 and it might even affect the value of your car.
Then, swapping seat is not a big thing.

The win-win situation is if you re-upholster both the swivel and the bench seat at the same time in the same layout/pattern.................


Think it sounds like a good suggestion to order a standard front seat 1958 and the swivel seat from the 59th So it will be easy to restore the day to sell.
I myself have driven a little extra items. 59 New Yorker ribs in the grill. Built my Chrysler Windsor 59 that I myself would have ordered it with the dealer in 1959.
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60 Imp
Posted 2014-05-06 8:12 AM (#439518 - in reply to #439279)
Subject: RE: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?


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Location: North Australia
Doc, maybe think like Jaokim.

If you could, how would you order a 58 FF Conv from the Desoto factory? (if they offered the swivels in 58).

Steve.
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57burb
Posted 2014-05-06 8:57 AM (#439522 - in reply to #439518)
Subject: RE: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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I'm rethinking the same question on my car, since it appears the swivel seat I have is for a '59 Imp and not a Chrysler.

At this point I think I'll just keep the stock power seat. It is more comfortable than the swivels anyway. I may have to keep an eye out for a swivel seat at a later date, but for now there are plenty of other expensive items to be bought. I'll also have an early '60s thin chrome floor shifter connected to a Tremec 5-speed.
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GregCon
Posted 2014-05-06 9:11 AM (#439524 - in reply to #439279)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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Doc, your view is much like mine. The way I see it, the car I am working on had one foot in the junkyard so anything I do to get it rolling again is to the positive. I also agree with your comment on the auto trans. I have a 6 speed from a Viper which will be behind the 341 Hemi when it's all over. I don't have any cars right now that are manual trans and it's always good to have one around.
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Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2014-05-06 11:48 AM (#439538 - in reply to #439524)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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Location: Parts Unknown
Imperial seats are 4" wider than all the others. OK to use, if you take the doors off the car.

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Windsor59
Posted 2014-05-06 12:09 PM (#439540 - in reply to #439538)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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Doctor DeSoto - 2014-05-06 11:48 AM

Imperial seats are 4" wider than all the others. OK to use, if you take the doors off the car.



Red marker: Paper profile under clothing on imperial and Yellow marker chrome garnish as New Yorker / Imperial. No difference between Imperial and Chrysler in width. I have assumed a 59 Imperial swivel seat.
I removed the cardboard on the back rest and chrome strip, and then I had a swivel seat that Windsor should have.
But do not forget the cardboard to sit on the frame under the seat. Often gone even on restored cars. Appears only when you turn out the seat.



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Fintail and Son
Posted 2014-05-06 12:10 PM (#439541 - in reply to #439279)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?


Extreme Veteran

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Doc---

Go with the swivels, the floor shifter, and-------dog-dishes!---Fred.
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56300B
Posted 2014-05-06 5:07 PM (#439595 - in reply to #439279)
Subject: RE: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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Doc,

I was faced with the same decision for the 61 NYer and went with the swivel seats. Talking with other owners, the armrest is worth the change if you plan on driving it very much. Just my .02

Arland



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MoParMan57
Posted 2014-05-06 5:35 PM (#439598 - in reply to #439279)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?


10025
Yesterday I voted stock. Today, after thinking about this longer, I would say the swivels. It's your car, and you're not going to turn it into a ricer, I say go ahead.
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The Chrysler Kid
Posted 2014-05-06 6:24 PM (#439603 - in reply to #439279)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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A 3 speed pushbutton transmission fun to look at but BORING. Can't wait to see picture of an ultra rare 58 big body Desoto convertible being driven with a floor shifter!
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1960fury
Posted 2014-05-06 6:39 PM (#439608 - in reply to #439603)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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The Chrysler Kid - 2014-05-06 6:24 PM

A 3 speed pushbutton transmission fun to look at but BORING. Can't wait to see picture of an ultra rare 58 big body Desoto convertible being driven with a floor shifter!


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bbrasse1
Posted 2014-05-06 6:54 PM (#439613 - in reply to #439279)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?


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I vote no swivel seat. The way you eat up non 57-58 Desoto's and then want to put in a 59 option???? Doesn't sound like you Doc. I also don't particularly care for the swivel seat even in 59 but it is a part of that era of trying to be the jetsons. It certainly doesn't fit a Fireflite in my humble opinion but neither does a floor shifter.
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57Kelii
Posted 2014-05-06 7:18 PM (#439627 - in reply to #439613)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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Swivel seats are the way to go doc, if your going to go non period with that shifter, then the seats can be along for the ride Becides...that armrest will be a big help to rest your arm while shifting...
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Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2014-05-06 8:22 PM (#439647 - in reply to #439627)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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Hehehehe !

I never even considered how "tired" my arm might get with all that shifting.
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Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2014-05-06 8:31 PM (#439650 - in reply to #439613)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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bbrasse1 - 2014-05-07 3:54 PM

I vote no swivel seat. The way you eat up non 57-58 Desoto's and then want to put in a 59 option???? Doesn't sound like you Doc. I also don't particularly care for the swivel seat even in 59 but it is a part of that era of trying to be the jetsons. It certainly doesn't fit a Fireflite in my humble opinion but neither does a floor shifter.


=========================================================

I don't think you read me right on that "eating up" ....

I am into design. Architecture to electrical panels, landscaping to line drawings and lighting.

I am down on 59 Mopar body design in the main, but this is just a matter of design critique
and comment meant for the promotion of discussion. I mean, face it, ... for the first 20 years
or so I did these cars, fins were roundly hated by all but a very few eccentrics like me. With
that as a basis, I find it quite pleasurable to hear how someone who might like 59's explains
WHY they like them. Do I think they're nuts ? Of course I do ! We're all nuts ! If we all liked
the same thing, life would be boring. And I do enjoy a well presented contrary opinion. No one
gave me the golden key to the crapper. I have my opinions. Others are equally as entitled.

In other words, don't take me too seriously.

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FIN ME
Posted 2014-05-07 8:13 AM (#439726 - in reply to #439279)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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I agree with 56300B in that the arm rest is a very nice feature to have in a car.

As you know, my '57 came with '59 swivel seats. I left them in place because:
- after being in the car for well over twenty-five years, I now consider them as being an acceptable aspect of the car's evolution
- they are a unique feature among cars of any age
- they are a feature associated with the era of our FL cars
- the armrest adds comfort
- the swivel seats really do come in handy with anyone needing a little help with ingress/egress, such as folks with limited mobility, or anyone wearing a tight skirt (and let's face it; none of us are getting any younger )

So those are my reasons for having '59 swivel seats in a non-'59 car, and you will have reasons of your own as to whether or not you install swivel seats, so I say to just make yourself happy.

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lownslow
Posted 2014-05-07 10:07 AM (#439736 - in reply to #439279)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



Extreme Veteran

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What ever you decide just don't forget the fuzzy dice!
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Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2014-05-07 10:22 AM (#439738 - in reply to #439736)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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Oh, HELL YEAH !!!!

.... and the window tray full of plastic food and the drive-in movie theatre speaker and the back seat
full of dolls and the trunk with the cardboard James Dean, Elvis, and Marilyn Monroe cut-outs, the
reproduction Coke paraphenalia, and the legless lawn chairs for wasting all my summer weekends
on a parking lot somewhere, listening to those same 15 bubblegum 50's songs over and over again !

That'll be terrific !
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jimntempe
Posted 2014-05-08 5:55 PM (#439964 - in reply to #439279)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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Doc's views on trophies...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6SiZ_v8RsU
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Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2014-05-08 10:11 PM (#439985 - in reply to #439964)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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I want to spend my free time like that ... in a parking lot by the freeway. What a life.

Kill me first.


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57burb
Posted 2018-09-16 10:23 PM (#570218 - in reply to #439627)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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57Kelii - 2014-05-06 6:18 PM

Swivel seats are the way to go doc, if your going to go non period with that shifter, then the seats can be along for the ride Becides...that armrest will be a big help to rest your arm while shifting...


I can confirm that the swivel arm rest is a HUGE improvement in comfort over the flat bench seat.



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57chizler
Posted 2018-09-18 1:11 PM (#570307 - in reply to #570218)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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I'm thinking, with my advancing age and deteriorating knees, swivel seats are more appealing.
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Powerflite
Posted 2018-09-19 12:07 AM (#570363 - in reply to #439279)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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I like to have my woman next to me on the seat, something you can't do with the newer cars. A moment from the past that is almost lost. I wouldn't give that up, and no, she doesn't want to sit on that arm rest thingy. When she isn't sitting there, I usually have one of my kids there instead, usually sleeping on my shoulder.
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miquelonbrad
Posted 2018-09-19 12:40 AM (#570365 - in reply to #570218)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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57burb - 2018-09-16 8:23 PM

57Kelii - 2014-05-06 6:18 PM

Swivel seats are the way to go doc, if your going to go non period with that shifter, then the seats can be along for the ride Becides...that armrest will be a big help to rest your arm while shifting...


I can confirm that the swivel arm rest is a HUGE improvement in comfort over the flat bench seat. :laugh:


Are you doing a '57 New Yorker?
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57burb
Posted 2018-09-19 8:47 AM (#570374 - in reply to #439279)
Subject: Re: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



Expert

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Location: DFW, TX
Me? Yes.

Doc's car is a '58 Fireflite convertible.
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58 DESOTOS RULE
Posted 2018-09-19 1:53 PM (#570392 - in reply to #439279)
Subject: RE: 58 DeSoto - Swivel Seats or Stock ?



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You guys realize the Doc posted this poll 4 years ago, right? As for me, I'd go with the swivel seats. I have a 1958 De Soto Firesweep with the 6 way power bench seat already so I pretty much know all there is to know about that. The appeal of a bucket seat that cradles you instead of a sofa that lets you slide around when driving a car quickly is undenialable.



Edited by 58 DESOTOS RULE 2018-09-19 1:56 PM
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