Guest TWIN FINS Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 Brand spanking new to this forum. Hi everyone! Just purchased a 58 Firesweep and I'm trying to figure what the VIN or ID all means:SO NO MODEL ST PT TR**** **** LS1L *** OMO ***Thanks!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Bill-W Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 Brand spanking new to this forum. Hi everyone! Just purchased a 58 Firesweep and I'm trying to figure what the VIN or ID all means:SO NO MODEL ST PT TR**** **** LS1L *** OMO ***Thanks!!The tag is the body tag and has no VIN infomation.The four digits under the "SO" form the month and day of the Scheduled Build Date. The digits under the "TR" are for the colour and type of interior upholstery. If memory serves, there are three digits under the "ST" which identifies make, series and body styles.The "Model" code "LS1L" decodes as -L - Model Year : 1958S - Make : DeSoto1 - Engine : 350-cid V8 (or 230-cid 6)L - Series : Firesweep(Do not know how many were built in 1958, but in 1957-58 DeSoto offered a 6-cylinder Firesweep taxi 4-door sedan - used the same engineering code as the V8. 139 were built in 1957.)Under "PT" (Paint), the "OMO" decodes as -O - Roof colour : Autumn RustM - Body colour : Rose BeigeO - Sweep insert colour : Autumn RustThe serial number should be stamped on a plate attached to the driver's door hinge post, "Vehicle No.". Should start with "LS".BillVancouver, BC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 (edited) 1958 DeSoto Firesweep 4 door sedan = 7, 6461958 DeSoto Firesweep/Sportsman 2 door hardtop = 5,6351958 DeSoto Firesweep 4 door hardtop = 3,0031958 DeSoto Firesweep convertible = 7001958 DeSoto Firesweep Shopper (station wagon) 6 passenger = 1,3051958 DeSoto Firesweep Shopper (station wagon) 9 passenger = 1,125 Edited December 12, 2009 by keiser31 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TWIN FINS Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 ....and I thought that was the VIN plate. Noob!! Thanks for your help!!Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 Sorry....I meant to say "production numbers". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TWIN FINS Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 No, I'm the noob!! Knockin myself in the head. Just bought this car and am learning as I go!! Look like I have a long way to go!! Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 No, I'm the noob!! Knockin myself in the head. Just bought this car and am learning as I go!! Look like I have a long way to go!! Thanks again.So....which body style do you have?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TWIN FINS Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 4 door sedan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 Here is some more info on your car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TWIN FINS Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 Thanks keiser31. When it gets here tomorrow, I'll post photos. It was purchased out of Seattle (ebay) and was a 1 family car, stock and in original condition, with no restoration.Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TWIN FINS Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 Here is a photo of the car. Got another newbie question. Is it normal for these cars to have some smoke coming from the oil filler tube?Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 Boy, that is a very nice ride!! All of my vehicles smoke, so I am probably not the person to ask about the smoke. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TWIN FINS Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 OK Thanks anyway. Anyone else feel free to chime in!Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JACK M Posted December 17, 2009 Share Posted December 17, 2009 Its normal on an old car without PCV. Keep an eye on the dipstick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TWIN FINS Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 So then, I'm learning quickly I guess. I would like to get rid of the draft tube then and install a PCV valve. Is this something I can easily do myself or should I leave it to the experts. This is where I'm coming from....I can cut hoses, remove screws and bolts and even change the oil! Should I attempt, and how would I do this? Again '58 w/361 Wedge V-8. I can supply photos of the engine if it would help.Thanks!Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JACK M Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 Its easy to do, just find a vacuum source and plug it in. Your best bet would be to find a later valve cover. Here is a pic of the one that you want. Notice that this one has had the PCV dissabled. This is a dirt car and when we get it hooked up the oil tends to hang up in the valve cover and the vacuum would pull oil up and make smoke. Take a good look at the bolt pattern on your valve cover as there is a couple of models that are different on the big blocks. The Mopar performance electronic distributer kit is a worth while investment as well on these B' and RB' engines. Your 361 is a B' engine. Have fun, nice car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TWIN FINS Posted December 22, 2009 Share Posted December 22, 2009 Thanks Jack. I'll show this to my nephew in a few days. He'll know exactly what you are talking about. Are you saying to install the pcv valve to the existing draft tube then run a line into the valve cover?Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JACK M Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 No, the PCV valve goes in the valve cover and is held in place with a rubber grommet. You will need to tap into a vacuum source. There may be a plug in the intake manifold or a tube at the base of the carburator. Last case would be to T off of the power brake vac line. If no power brakes then there will be a pluged hole in the intake manifold. Usually to the rear of the carb and towards the driver side. Once you do all this you would plug the draft tube. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JACK M Posted December 23, 2009 Share Posted December 23, 2009 After some thought. It is not uncommon to see a little smoke from the breathing system in these old cars. I just wanted to point out that this smoke does not hurt anything. Can be kind of messy.The other point is that you would not want to make a bunch of changes that could not be reversed. There is some merit to being original. Or at least able to be brought back to original.Have fun.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TWIN FINS Posted December 24, 2009 Share Posted December 24, 2009 The tag is the body tag and has no VIN infomation.The four digits under the "SO" form the month and day of the Scheduled Build Date. The digits under the "TR" are for the colour and type of interior upholstery. If memory serves, there are three digits under the "ST" which identifies make, series and body styles.The "Model" code "LS1L" decodes as -L - Model Year : 1958S - Make : DeSoto1 - Engine : 350-cid V8 (or 230-cid 6)L - Series : Firesweep(Do not know how many were built in 1958, but in 1957-58 DeSoto offered a 6-cylinder Firesweep taxi 4-door sedan - used the same engineering code as the V8. 139 were built in 1957.)Under "PT" (Paint), the "OMO" decodes as -O - Roof colour : Autumn RustM - Body colour : Rose BeigeO - Sweep insert colour : Autumn RustThe serial number should be stamped on a plate attached to the driver's door hinge post, "Vehicle No.". Should start with "LS".BillVancouver, BCThe number under the "TR" is 603. Does anyone know the color or have a photo sample of the color? We're trying to match the new carpet.MERRY CHRISTMAS!!Thanks,Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted December 24, 2009 Share Posted December 24, 2009 It is normal for there to be smoke coming from the oil filler when the car is not moving. The fumes blow back under the car from the road draft tube when the car is moving. This tube is located at the back of the engine and is about 1 inch in diameter, steel tube. Find the end the next time you are under the car for an oil change and make sure it is clear and not plugged up with dirt and grease.With the hood closed and the car moving there is a slight pressure at the top from the fan and a slight vacuum at the bottom. This clears the crankcase of fumes.If the smoke is really pouring out like a chimney it is a sign the rings are shot. They are probably a little worn right now, that is why the smoke.It may clear up if you give the car an oil change and drive it for a while. Put in a can of Rislone or Bardahl and go on a 100 mile trip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted December 24, 2009 Share Posted December 24, 2009 I wouldn't change to a pcv valve but if you insist, the best thing to do would be to look at a 70s Chrysler big block and copy it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TWIN FINS Posted December 24, 2009 Share Posted December 24, 2009 OK. You talked me out of it! I'll try Rislone or Bardahl and see if that helps.Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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