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Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe
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Powerflite
Posted 2019-11-22 1:26 PM (#590547)
Subject: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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I purchased another DeSoto recently. This one was getting ready to be painted in North Hollywood, close to me. The owner either died or lost interest so the body shop sold it off to the previous owner. Unfortunately, because of how it was acquired, it has been completely stripped on the outside. The only part left on the outside of the car is the right door handle so they could still open one door.But the body is in pretty good shape for one of these cars. It's not as good as it first seems though. There is quite a bit of rust on the roof that needs to be addressed, as well as rust on the front right part of the quarter panel & wheel lip. There is also a littlle bit of rust here and there, but the floors and trunk are almost rust free as far as I can tell. The inner rockers are also rust free, but the outers have a cover over them, so not sure how bad it will look once I remove those, but they will likely need to be replaced properly. It looks to have been a spring special because it has the mounting holes and outline of the trim on the dented up trunk lid. I have most of the parts to put this back together except the rear bumper, the spring special trim, and the fireflite specific stuff, but the interior is mostly complete so that's good.

The original color was French Turquoise, not the lighter green re-paint that's currently showing. However, I can't verify it because the body tag is missing. I'll have to get an IBM printout so I can get a repro made. Fortunately, the VIN tag is still there and in good shape! The interior has been redone with new black vinyl everywhere, including the dash & door panels. I am not thrilled about the color choice, but am glad it is at least usable. The motor turns so there is a very good chance that I can get it running. It seems to be the original motor with a L-360 code, but is painted blue so it has likely been rebuilt before. I'm not sure what all those dots on the head are supposed to indicate. The dual exhaust system is also relatively new and in good shape. If I can get the motor running, I will spend my time finishing all the body work that needs to be done and then paint it before I put it back together. One good thing is I can't lose the parts during the paint process because there aren't any!



(58Fireflite LF.jpg)



(58Fireflite RF.jpg)



(58Fft Motor.jpg)



(58Fft Dash.jpg)



(58Fft Headliner.jpg)



(58Fft Seats.jpg)



(58Fft Trunk.jpg)



(58Fft Engine No..jpg)



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Attachments 58Fireflite LF.jpg (273KB - 445 downloads)
Attachments 58Fireflite RF.jpg (287KB - 459 downloads)
Attachments 58Fft Motor.jpg (225KB - 456 downloads)
Attachments 58Fft Dash.jpg (137KB - 458 downloads)
Attachments 58Fft Headliner.jpg (127KB - 466 downloads)
Attachments 58Fft Seats.jpg (171KB - 467 downloads)
Attachments 58Fft Trunk.jpg (162KB - 443 downloads)
Attachments 58Fft Engine No..jpg (190KB - 454 downloads)
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Powerflite
Posted 2019-11-22 1:30 PM (#590548 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: RE: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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Nice radial tire! There is some bondo here but not bad. Most likely there is a little rust hiding under there, but probably not terrible. The right side is another story and will require quite a bit of work to remake that wheel lip properly. There is also a lot more rust on the sides of the roof than I would have expected there to be, probably caused by the wide roof trim. Since I don't have that trim, maybe I should delete it?

Edited by Powerflite 2019-11-22 4:10 PM




(58Ft Tire.jpg)



(58Fft RtR Quarter.jpg)



(58Fft Rt Roof.jpg)



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Attachments 58Ft Tire.jpg (160KB - 451 downloads)
Attachments 58Fft RtR Quarter.jpg (213KB - 446 downloads)
Attachments 58Fft Rt Roof.jpg (189KB - 471 downloads)
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Powerflite
Posted 2019-11-22 1:36 PM (#590550 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: RE: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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The trunk floor is practically in perfect shape with the original paint still showing on much of it. There are the remains of a very brittle original black speckled DeSoto trunk mat too.

Edited by Powerflite 2019-11-22 1:37 PM




(58Fft Trunk Mat.jpg)



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Attachments 58Fft Trunk Mat.jpg (226KB - 470 downloads)
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jboymechanic
Posted 2019-11-22 2:24 PM (#590557 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: Re: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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How many vehicles are you up to now Nathan?
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Powerflite
Posted 2019-11-22 3:59 PM (#590562 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: Re: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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I find it's best not to count. But I am selling a '33 Chevy coupe and the '57 black/white Windsor coupe if anyone is interested.
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Lancer Mike
Posted 2019-11-22 7:05 PM (#590576 - in reply to #590562)
Subject: Re: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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Nice, Nathan!  Even all stripped out, it still looks good!

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1960fury
Posted 2019-11-23 7:04 AM (#590597 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: Re: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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Just GREAT. You can't have enough FL's. I guess I'm alone with this, but I prefer cars in this honest, unrestored condition over overrestored clinical-clean wire wheeled trailer queens.
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Powerflite
Posted 2019-11-24 12:56 AM (#590637 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: RE: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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Thanks Mike, I agree. Yeah Sid, I see no use for trailer queens, but I should probably start painting something now.

My son helped me un-bury the front bumper to mount onto the car as well as the headlight bezels. I painted the bezels silver to go with the '58 DeSoto theme. Putting the front end together keeps the zoning police at bay and it also moves that bumper out of my backyard, which is great. We also mounted the extra set of bumper guards I had to it and installed a couple of missing parts in the interior, including the horn ring, turn signal stalk, some '59 A/C vents, a rear-view mirror and a glove box door. The glove box has a Chrysler emblem on it, but it is painted black to match and looks better than having the two holes there. I didn't install the mirror yet because I will paint it black first to match the dash pad.

I spent the rest of the day getting the motor ready to fire. I tried it out with the original points first. The starter worked, which was really nice and built up good oil pressure, but there wasn't any spark and the water pump started to leak out it's weep hole. That's about as much patience as I have for the original points setup so I pulled it out and started getting an electronic ignition distributor & coil ready for it. The oil in the motor looked brand new. Not sure what that means. Maybe it hasn't been run much since it was rebuilt?

Edited by Powerflite 2019-11-24 1:00 AM




(58Fft Front Bumper.jpg)



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Attachments 58Fft Front Bumper.jpg (251KB - 452 downloads)
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ToMopar
Posted 2019-11-24 9:20 AM (#590649 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: RE: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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Powerflite - 2019-11-22 6:26 PM
I purchased another DeSoto recently.


Congratulation Nathan ! my envy be with you

Powerflite - 2019-11-22 6:26 PM]
One good thing is I can't lose the parts during the paint process because there aren't any!


good Joke !
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56D500boy
Posted 2019-11-24 12:51 PM (#590667 - in reply to #590637)
Subject: RE: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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Why am I confused about the hood?



VERSUS:

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firedome
Posted 2019-11-24 2:55 PM (#590672 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: Re: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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Nice find! My red & white '58 coupe was originally French Turquoise, and I wish it still had been original, it's a beautiful color, I would have painted it back to that color if I'd have kept it. There was a pic of a '58 in that color combo here sometime in the last year... gorgeous.
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Paul Hettick
Posted 2019-11-24 6:19 PM (#590689 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: Re: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe


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Details on the black and white 57 Windsor coupe please!
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Powerflite
Posted 2019-11-24 9:46 PM (#590705 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: RE: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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Tom: You have nothing to be envious of! Your cars are awesome!
Dave: Not sure, only difference between them is more parts installed on it and paint.
Roger, yeah, I agree. That car is my inspiration. Jaw dropping gorgeous!
Paul: I sent you a PM, and the thread on the car can be found here: http://forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=49893




(French Turquoise 58 Fireflite.jpg)



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Attachments French Turquoise 58 Fireflite.jpg (199KB - 457 downloads)
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Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2019-11-25 1:57 AM (#590712 - in reply to #590705)
Subject: RE: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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So, the car goes in for paint, .... who took the trim off, and where did it go ?

Fireflite 2 doors are pure unobtainium. Great find, great car ... I look forward
to following along on this one !
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Powerflite
Posted 2019-11-25 9:25 AM (#590718 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: Re: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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Thanks Doc. I assume that the body shop would have included the trim with the sale of the car, so maybe it remained at the original owner's place? Who knows what happened to it, but it is gone now.
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57burb
Posted 2019-11-26 10:06 AM (#590779 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: RE: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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A new mare in the stable!! Lots of good bones in this car, but it's a real shame the trim is missing. Maybe you can find a rusty coupe with all the trim for a good price?

Or you could just make a custom out of it. You're halfway there with that black interior...
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Powerflite
Posted 2019-11-27 3:16 AM (#590813 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: Re: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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The custom part of it will be all the missing trim - especially the wide roof trim. but I don't see that as a big loss. That trim doesn't add to the design all that much. The side trim I will eventually get by welding 4dr trim together. It's a pain, and time consuming, but it works. Until, I can find the Fireflite fender medallions, I am considering machining some '55 DeSoto horn buttons to fit there. Might look OK if I paint them in a similar fashion.

I got the electronic ignition installed, swapped a good carb onto it and gave it another go. After fiddling with the timing a bit, I got it to a point that it would fire a full revolution or more, and then suddenly stop, like it hit a wall. It did this over and over. Very strange. I had the fuel line feeding out of a gas can, but the fuel pump didn't do anything as if it wasn't connected. So I had to prime the carb every time. I was messing with the timing more, and then the starter completely died. No movement at all, and no current draw out of it. Maybe the reason it would only run 1 revolution had something to do with the starter stopping it once it picked up some speed. So I'll need to fix that before moving forward. I don't want to do this in the dirt, so I'll set it aside until I get the work on the Savoy finished and free up some driveway space for it.
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60 Imp
Posted 2019-11-27 6:04 AM (#590816 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: RE: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe


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Nathan, have you considered cloning your Wife??

You would get a good price for them I recon!

Nice looking DeSoto you got there.

Steve.
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1960fury
Posted 2019-11-27 6:34 AM (#590820 - in reply to #590712)
Subject: RE: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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Doctor DeSoto - 2019-11-25 1:57 AM

So, the car goes in for paint, .... who took the trim off, and where did it go ?

Fireflite 2 doors are pure unobtainium. Great find, great car ... I look forward
to following along on this one !


I'd go with the 57 trim anyway. The 57 lower sweep was perfect and much nicer looking.
The side trim was just altered because they had to change something for 58 and the result was,
like with Plymouth, not an improvement of the original design.

Edited by 1960fury 2019-11-27 6:34 AM
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Powerflite
Posted 2020-01-13 4:55 PM (#592875 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: RE: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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I like the '58 sweep and will keep it that way since it's better to keep it stock anyway. To me, the side trim is 1/3 of the car, so that if I wanted '57 side trim, I would just buy a '57 instead. And getting 2dr trim for a '57 may not be any easier than for a '58. The only thing I am contemplating is if I should swap the roof trim from the red one onto this one. I kinda like it better without it. But I have plenty of time to decide later.

I didn't get much done on my cars this weekend, but I did spend a couple of hours straightening the two spring special trunk trim pieces that I got from Kurt. Thanks Kurt! The one on top is ready for sanding & polishing (the pattern you see on it are just reflections from my keyboard), but the one on the bottom still needs more work. I might have to get a pro take a shot at that one to finish it off. I still need more of these things so if anyone has them to sell, I would be grateful.



(58FF SS Trunk Trim.jpg)



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Attachments 58FF SS Trunk Trim.jpg (67KB - 436 downloads)
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Powerflite
Posted 2020-01-14 12:48 AM (#592891 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: RE: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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I'm trying to make a model of the Fireflite emblem in case I can't find any to purchase. Does anyone have the plastic emblem separated from it that can measure the diameter & thickness (near the edge) for me? Thanks in advance.



(58FF Emblem.jpg)



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Attachments 58FF Emblem.jpg (28KB - 433 downloads)
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Lancer Mike
Posted 2020-01-14 12:32 PM (#592926 - in reply to #592891)
Subject: RE: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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Hi, Nathan:

 

I have three of the Fireflite emblems (I hope none from your cars).  Two I use and one is a spare.  Any tips on how do you safely remove the plastic emblem?  If I can get it out of there, I can take some measurements.

 

Mike

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Powerflite
Posted 2020-01-14 2:31 PM (#592936 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: Re: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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I think the back plate that holds the plastic emblem in, is spot welded in place. So you would have to drill that spot out, and then probably epoxy it back together. I didn't want to do that since I don't have a replacement plastic emblem so that's why I am asking. If you would like to sell your spare, I would be grateful.
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The Adventurer
Posted 2020-01-15 3:05 AM (#592968 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: RE: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



Elite Veteran,, James Passed away March 2021, He will be Missed

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Annoyingly Goerge Laurie used to make them beautifully , but that wont be happening
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Powerflite
Posted 2020-03-01 1:49 AM (#595013 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: RE: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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I finished swapping the starter out of the car. It took me a while because once I disconnected it, I couldn't figure out how to get it past the torsion bar or exhaust. Both options were quite
painful for a typical R&R of a starter, in a field of dirt. Instead, I removed the master cylinder & throttle linkage. Then I was able to pull it out from the top. It had shorted itself out for
some reason, so I swapped it out with the '60 Chrysler starter I had. But I had to remove some material around the lower mount in order to get it to fit. Then I replaced the fuel pump &
plugged the oil pressure port because it started leaking. After some further timing adjustments, I got the motor to run. And I put it in drive & reverse, and moved the car around a little
(about 15 feet). Yay! Unfortunately, the brakes almost thought about working, but decided not to, and the motor would die almost immediately when I put it into gear. Not sure why it
was doing that, except it could be that it needs further adjustments on the carb & timing. The power steering was bone dry, and I had to fill it twice. Hopefully that is OK, but the generator
didn't even think about working so either that or the regulator needs to be replaced. Overall, a good day to get moving on this car again. Next, I'll move it over to my driveway to get it
really driveable by going through these issues.

Edited by Powerflite 2020-03-01 2:09 AM




(Turquoise 58FF Engine.jpg)



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Attachments Turquoise 58FF Engine.jpg (218KB - 417 downloads)
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22mafeja
Posted 2020-03-01 4:08 AM (#595015 - in reply to #595013)
Subject: RE: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe


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I noticed also that the starter has to be removed upwards and first you have to remove at least the master cylinder and the
linkage. Since I put a mini starter it had room to be fitted from the underside. The ministarter battery post came very close to the engine block.
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Powerflite
Posted 2020-03-01 12:10 PM (#595028 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: Re: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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Yeah, I noticed that if the starter were slightly smaller diameter, that I could fit it between the torsion bar & the frame. If this starter gives me any trouble, I will definitely purchase a mini starter for it to avoid the trouble later. I'm just more broke than usual, so I am hesitant to spend very much money right now.
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Powerflite
Posted 2020-03-06 3:34 PM (#595320 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: RE: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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I got the motor running better by rebuilding a different carburetor and installing it; as well as by retarding the timing a little. I took a chance and drove it from my lot over to my driveway without any brakes except the e-brake. It worked, but was a little scary because the e-brake didn't work as well as I thought it would. I kept it safer by often switching it into neutral to keep the speed down. Now I am working on going through the brake system to get it working properly. I would like to use the new disc brake system from Scarebird on the front that uses a 12" rotor, yet will still fit within 14" wheels, but I already have the old disc kit, and I am broke so I will just use that. I may swap it out to use on my '60 New Yorker when I have time to do it because I would like to continue to use the original hubcaps on this car.



(Turquoise 58FF Brakes Started.jpg)



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Attachments Turquoise 58FF Brakes Started.jpg (186KB - 427 downloads)
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KcImperial
Posted 2020-03-06 11:01 PM (#595343 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: Re: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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Speaking of the Scarebird disc conversion, what do you think about it now using the smaller Chevy Celebrity calipers instead of the old kit that used larger Dodge Ram calipers?
I know the point is to now fit 14in wheels, but do you think that caliper is big enough to handle a full size car?
I've used their old kit before and was getting ready to do it again a few months ago until I found out the change. Kinda hoping to hear someone else's opinion or experience about the new, smaller parts.
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jboymechanic
Posted 2020-03-06 11:38 PM (#595345 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: Re: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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That is why I've been using AAJ brake kits, big GM caliper for the full size cars.
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mikes2nd
Posted 2020-03-07 1:42 AM (#595346 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: Re: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe


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the dodge ram calipers are big and I got powder coated nice ones, the new kit uses HD 1990 celebrity huh? eh its a similar big single piston as big as the AAJ kit...

I am happy with scarebird. 

 

looks like they both raised their prices?  AAJ is 250$ and Scarebird is 205$



Edited by mikes2nd 2020-03-07 1:46 AM
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Powerflite
Posted 2020-03-07 2:29 AM (#595347 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: Re: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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The annoying thing about the Ram calipers is they stuck out too much on the ends. I had to trim them down a bit to even get them to work with 15" wheels. But they are nice and big, and work well with a large master that's pretty much required if you want to keep the original rear brakes. The large 2.935" piston worked well to apply lots of force to the 12" rotors. The Celebrity calipers are only 2.5" diameter which equates to a 38% reduction in force with an equal amount of line pressure. I would like to know how well it works too, and thought I would give it a shot, but probably not on a large Chrysler with a hemi motor.
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KcImperial
Posted 2020-03-07 2:57 PM (#595372 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: Re: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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Thanks for the info. I think we're both on the same page about the smaller calipers.
Hope I didn't hijack your page too much, definitely enjoy seeing all the work you do on your cars
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Powerflite
Posted 2020-03-07 3:08 PM (#595373 - in reply to #595372)
Subject: Re: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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No problem. Since this car is more visible now and I have intentions of being able to drive it before I get the body work done, I swapped the rear bumper & tail light bezels from the red Fireflite over to this car. I also stole the good lenses from my gold Firedome. It wasn't very easy to do because of the excessive rust on the back end of the red car, and the fact that they had welded the exhaust to those connectors that go up into the bumper. So I had to extend electricity over there to get it done, but it's looking more like a real car now.



(58FF Rear Bumper.jpg)



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Attachments 58FF Rear Bumper.jpg (171KB - 425 downloads)
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Powerflite
Posted 2020-03-07 5:39 PM (#595376 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: RE: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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This steering arm lower bolt fought me all the way and won. I give up on it. I've tried everything on it and can't get it out with heat, a 20 ton press, smacking with a large hammer etc. Also, I think the bolt is broken inside it because I could turn the bolt (with a ton of force) on one side and it wouldn't move on the other side. With it finally removed from the car, I can't get it to budge one way or the other. I may have to get a different steering arm or take this down to get it wire EDM machined out of there.



(Steering Arm Stuck Bolt.jpg)



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Attachments Steering Arm Stuck Bolt.jpg (329KB - 408 downloads)
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56D500boy
Posted 2020-03-07 6:35 PM (#595379 - in reply to #595376)
Subject: RE: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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Nathan: I have a neighbour with a Dodge Caravan wheel bolt that refused to budge during his front brake replacement. In the process he rounded off the "hex" head of the bolt. My recommended solution (which I was surprised he followed) was to center punch the head of the bolt and then start drilling it out, starting with a small diameter bit and then going progressively larger until the threads finally gave up clinging to the hub. It didn't take very long and he had the bolt out.

You could try something like that, especially if you have drill press to guide the bit (my neighbour did it on the car with a portable drill).

Maybe?



Edited by 56D500boy 2020-03-07 6:37 PM
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Powerflite
Posted 2020-03-07 6:54 PM (#595380 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: Re: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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I think I have sufficiently destroyed the temper (hardness) of the bolt now with the heat, that I might be able to drill it, but I don't know that I am willing to go through that. I would almost rather pay the $35 to get it EDM'ed out of there instead. But I'm too impatient, so I'll probably just dig out another one from my parts stash.
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Powerflite
Posted 2020-03-08 12:42 PM (#595407 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: Re: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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That steering arm delayed my progress a while, but I pulled a new one from the original suspension of the white New Yorker sitting on my driveway. That steering arm didn't give me any trouble at all, and I was able to get the parts assembled yesterday. Next, I'll work on making up new lines & installing the new master. I will use one of the Mitsubishi Fuso remote masters that I had previously machined for these power brake cars.



(58FF Disc Brakes.jpg)



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Attachments 58FF Disc Brakes.jpg (178KB - 431 downloads)
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scottbit
Posted 2020-03-08 8:17 PM (#595415 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: RE: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe


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The Chevy caliper used in the Scarebird kit is also used by GM on the 85-89 Cadillac Deville. If it can stop that it should stop our cars as well.
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jboymechanic
Posted 2020-03-08 10:56 PM (#595417 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: Re: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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Nathan, do you have your brake pads installed properly? It appears your "worn pad warning spring" is on the outside pad, this should be installed on the inside pad as the pad pushed on directly by the caliper piston will always wear out faster.
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Powerflite
Posted 2020-03-09 1:38 AM (#595419 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: Re: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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Inside and outside pads cannot be swapped with each other, so that part is correct as it is shown. It would probably be better if it were on the inside pad, but that's not how they made them. But you can swap the outside pad from left to right which will put the squealer on the dragging or leading edge of the rotor. I have it on the leading edge to hopefully make more noise when it gets low.
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ToMopar
Posted 2020-03-10 7:20 AM (#595452 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: Re: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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the visible car compels you to act Make a brake on the NY and spend the energy to another treasure.
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Powerflite
Posted 2020-03-10 12:16 PM (#595464 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: Re: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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Yeah, my priorities are somewhat convoluted. In about a month, I have gone from the Savoy engine to Coronet exhaust to New Yorker frame swap to Fireflite motor, brakes, etc. But there is a method behind all this madness, I think. I may be moving before the end of the year and I need to get as many of my vehicles driving well as I can, so I have to tow as few of them as possible. The rain here today isn't helping me much though, but I managed to get the hood on this car to latch yesterday. I can't drive it with a hood that can fly open. It was missing the latch on the hood, and the crossbar had every bolt broken off in the fenders. The lower mount for the crossbar is also mangled and disconnected. Not fun, but I grabbed a hood latch from the 4dr New Yorker I parted out and welded one of the captured nuts back into it as it had rusted it's way out. Then I removed all the broken bolts by heating the remains from inside the fender with a torch, and unscrewing them with vice grips. Then I adjusted the latch post higher because the fenders are mounted too low in the front. Re-adjusting the fenders and fixing the mangled lower mount are repairs that can wait for another day. But at least now I can latch the hood well.

I also mounted the new fender spears I purchased for the car to add a little bling. I'm not going to re-assemble everything on the car yet, even though I have it all, but these were easy and I wanted to see them on there.



(58FF Broken Bolts Removed.jpg)



(58FF Fender Top Bling.jpg)



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Attachments 58FF Broken Bolts Removed.jpg (138KB - 409 downloads)
Attachments 58FF Fender Top Bling.jpg (238KB - 438 downloads)
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Powerflite
Posted 2020-03-10 8:13 PM (#595483 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: Re: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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The rain gave me an opportunity to work on the interior. I stole a day/night mirror from the gold Firedome (the red Fireflite didn't have any mirror) and installed it along with the second ash tray and cleaned it up quite a bit. It looks much better now, but the carpet needs to be thrown out and I can't find out if anything works without a key....



(58FF Dash.jpg)



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Attachments 58FF Dash.jpg (138KB - 457 downloads)
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Powerflite
Posted 2020-03-11 10:04 PM (#595508 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: RE: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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Can't say that I'm impressed with the exhaust system on this car. I'd be tearing this out if I hadn't just redone the exhaust on 2 cars previous to this. I guess I'll leave it until I am ready to make more major changes to it.



(58FF What The Smeg.jpg)



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Attachments 58FF What The Smeg.jpg (145KB - 406 downloads)
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mikes2nd
Posted 2020-03-12 1:18 AM (#595509 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: Re: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe


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hah get er done with the welder! doesn't look like it leaks?
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ToMopar
Posted 2020-03-12 7:23 AM (#595515 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: Re: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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Yes, the exhaust tubing under the transmission support and torsion bars is a challenge for all hobbyists and even official garages. I hate to "repair" this ever and ever again, too
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Powerflite
Posted 2020-03-14 1:07 PM (#595602 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: RE: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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It doesn't leak so it does 'work', sortof. That gives me the excuse to deal with it later.

It's nice to have the motor out of my New Yorker so I can use it to mock up my brake lines before transferring them over to the Fireflite. I was expecting to have to use a 10lb residual pressure valve for the rear brakes so I made the line a little too short. But then I realized that this master was used with rear drums. so I pulled the loop lower on the end to make it work without having to redo it. This master may have issues working well with a hemi motor in there because of the downward direction of the lines. That outer line may collide with the valve cover. To use it with a hemi, I may need to angle the master upward or make some other adjustment. But for the Fireflite, it is fine.

Edited by Powerflite 2020-03-14 1:15 PM




(Brake Line Mock Up.jpg)



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Attachments Brake Line Mock Up.jpg (228KB - 423 downloads)
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Powerflite
Posted 2020-03-14 10:04 PM (#595607 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: RE: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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I finished making all the new lines for the car and installed them, except the ones to the master. I am stuck for a while on this because I am waiting for parts to come in. I didn't realize that the Mitsubishi master had larger connections to the reservoir until I went to hook it up. So I am waiting for some 10mm hose barbs to come from China & 6ft of 10mm brake hose to arrive before I can "bench bleed" the master. I find that bench bleeding one of these remote master setups is best done while mounted on the car. While I am waiting, I need to shorten the push rod to the master and add an electrical brake light switch to the pedal. The stock push rod is adjustable so hopefully I just have to twist it in to get it to work - but I doubt it. It's rare for things like this to be that easy.



(58FF Remote Master Mounted.jpg)



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Attachments 58FF Remote Master Mounted.jpg (205KB - 422 downloads)
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57burb
Posted 2020-03-16 11:08 AM (#595642 - in reply to #590547)
Subject: Re: Turquoise '58 Fireflite Coupe



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It's never that easy.
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