6T-FinSeeker Posted August 24, 2023 Share Posted August 24, 2023 (edited) For sale on Craigslist: 1954 DeSoto Firedome 2-Door Hardtop in Orleans, Cape Cod, MA - $8,500 - Call Josh: 774 534 00 six two Link: https://capecod.craigslist.org/cto/d/south-orleans-1954-desoto-firedome-coupe/7657473328.html Seller's Description: 1954 DeSoto Firedome 2-Door Hardtop condition: good cylinders: 8 cylinders transmission: automatic odometer: 86,000 paint color: red title status: clean delivery available 1954 DeSoto Firedome 86k original mi. Car is mostly original and is in great shape. Runs, drives, and stops good! Original numbers matching 276 ci V8 Hemi. First year with power steering. Power glide aotomatic shifts great. Newer seats and interior, solid frame with no rot, motor mounts are solid. A couple minor spots of rust on the body but she's from '54 after all! 3rd owner This car has been well loved. It absolutely pains me to sell it. It's a head turner, so much fun to drive and it's like stepping into a time machine. I've been battling cancer for 3 years and am going on a cross country road trip and unfortunately I can't take it with me. I would rather not pay storage fees for the year or so that I'm gone either. Serious offers only please no tire kickers! Edited August 25, 2023 by 6T-FinSeeker (see edit history) 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6T-FinSeeker Posted August 24, 2023 Author Share Posted August 24, 2023 6 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrumBob Posted August 25, 2023 Share Posted August 25, 2023 Well, this is real proof that I can get a much better Mopar than that '53 Chrysler I was looking at today. This is just a bit more than what the seller today was asking, and look at the condition of the two cars. It's night and day. This one is really sharp. I like the red/black color combination. Replace that crumbled up steering wheel, and you're good to go. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloo Posted August 25, 2023 Share Posted August 25, 2023 That's a good looking car. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrumBob Posted August 25, 2023 Share Posted August 25, 2023 Just now, Bloo said: That's a good looking car. That's a great looking car! I would love to own it. I wonder if it could make the trip to NJ in one piece? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloo Posted August 25, 2023 Share Posted August 25, 2023 Well, I may not have the best judgement about this, but I would probably do it. Cape Cod to NJ, what is that, 300 miles or so? You'd have to look it over real good to make sure you aren't going to have any fuel fires or exploding brake hoses or anything like that. We haven't seen under the hood. Check all fluids, pop the wheel bearing caps and see if there's still decent grease in there (and no missing cotter pins, that happened to me once, fortunately nothing came apart). 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesR Posted August 25, 2023 Share Posted August 25, 2023 I really like it, too. The price seems very good if the description is accurate. Best wishes to the seller. I wish him the best with his health issues. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted August 25, 2023 Share Posted August 25, 2023 (edited) On 8/24/2023 at 11:58 PM, Bloo said: Well, I may not have the best judgement about this, but I would probably do it. Just have someone follow you with a toolbox and some supplies (water, oil, etc.). On 8/24/2023 at 11:46 PM, DrumBob said: Replace that crumbled up steering wheel, and you're good to go. Agree! Wave $7K in cash in front of the seller and I think you'll own a nice looking DeSoto! Edited August 26, 2023 by EmTee (see edit history) 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossil Posted August 25, 2023 Share Posted August 25, 2023 (edited) If you have AAA just get in the car and go! 🤗 I just love these cars. Hope whoever buys it will bring it by and give me a ride. Edited August 25, 2023 by Fossil (see edit history) 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Perkins / Mn Posted August 25, 2023 Share Posted August 25, 2023 (edited) 14 minutes ago, Fossil said: . Hope whoever buys it will bring by and give me a ride. They can stop on the way and pick me up!! It’s a wonderful car to sort out and enjoy. Go for it @DrumBob! Edited August 25, 2023 by Jeff Perkins / Mn (see edit history) 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brooklyn Beer Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 (edited) With AAA and 3 days of going over I would drive it to Texas. Just check out the above mentioned, maybe a couple spare brake hoses, carb rebuild kit, thermostat, oil, points, condensor, ice cube juice, water pump, belt, and head out. Add an inline gas filter just for kicks. Maybe an electric fuel pump in reserve just in case. Of course some more modern radials just to get home. Easy car to repair in a parking lot Edited August 26, 2023 by Brooklyn Beer (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malo48 Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 23 hours ago, DrumBob said: That's a great looking car! I would love to own it. I wonder if it could make the trip to NJ in one piece? Do it!!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesR Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 44 minutes ago, Brooklyn Beer said: Maybe an electric fuel pump in reserve just in case. Just check to see if it needs a 12 or 6v pump. I wish they had pics of the engine bay. They could have used less of the dramatic sky/sea-scape photos and included one of the engine bay. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrumBob Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 Well, I texted the seller and asked for additional photos of the engine compartment and undercarriage. Let's see if he responds. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StillOutThere Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 Think we all are aware the "Power Glide" automatic transmission equip. he mentions is incorrect. That was the name of the old early GM 2 speed automatic. 1954 Mopars have "PowerFlite" 3 speed automatics. That is always printed on the shift quadrant of these cars. It takes a great deal of sunlight and heat and time to deteriorate a Mopar steering wheel of this era to this degradation. And the interior has quite obviously been redone. In the past this car has not lived a life without some abuse and that should be considered. You won't find a steering wheel replacement readily. Best to set aside $1000 to have this one redone and send it off "over winter". And I too very much like the looks and model of this DeSoto ! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloo Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 Powerflites are 2-speed, assuming that is what it has, and that could account for some confusion. I wonder if it could be an M6? I think that may have been still technically optional in 54. 3 speeds with pushbuttons came along with the cast iron Torqueflite in 1956, and even then not every car got one. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brooklyn Beer Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 only 2 pedals so not an M6. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodneybeauchamp Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 (edited) On 8/25/2023 at 1:16 PM, DrumBob said: Well, this is real proof that I can get a much better Mopar than that '53 Chrysler I was looking at today. This is just a bit more than what the seller today was asking, and look at the condition of the two cars. It's night and day. This one is really sharp. I like the red/black color combination. Replace that crumbled up steering wheel, and you're good to go. DrumBob, I think this one has your name all over it. Sure it’s not perfect but is a sharp looking Mopar. Worth a serious look? Rodney 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀 Edited August 26, 2023 by rodneybeauchamp Spelling (see edit history) 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossil Posted August 27, 2023 Share Posted August 27, 2023 Go Bob Go! And please keep us informed. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrumBob Posted August 27, 2023 Share Posted August 27, 2023 6 hours ago, rodneybeauchamp said: DrumBob, I think this one has your name all over it. Sure it’s not perfect but is a sharp looking Mopar. Worth a serious look? Rodney 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀 I like it a lot. I texted the seller with no response yet. If I don't hear from him tomorrow, I will call directly. Apparently, he's not well, so that may have something to do with his lack of response. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrumBob Posted August 27, 2023 Share Posted August 27, 2023 Just now, DrumBob said: I like it a lot. I texted the seller with no response yet. If I don't hear from him tomorrow, I will call directly. Apparently, he's not well, so that may have something to do with his lack of response. As far as the steering wheel, I'd probably just put a leather wrapper on it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6T-FinSeeker Posted August 27, 2023 Author Share Posted August 27, 2023 (edited) 3 hours ago, DrumBob said: I like it a lot. I texted the seller with no response yet. If I don't hear from him tomorrow, I will call directly. Apparently, he's not well, so that may have something to do with his lack of response. Also, the Craigslist ad says to Call Josh: 774 534 00 six two or contact him through Craigslist email. Doesn't say anything about texting. Perhaps the number is for a landline phone and then he wouldn't have received your text. Your best form of contact is probably to call. Best of luck to you, Bob. Please keep us posted! Edited August 27, 2023 by 6T-FinSeeker (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidinCA Posted August 27, 2023 Share Posted August 27, 2023 It looks like a nice car. Needs a bit of work, but nothing crazy and when you’re done you have something really interesting. Cape Cod to NJ isn’t that far, but I’d make sure I had AAA and other than next Monday, I’d try it if I had a friend in a chase car so I wouldn’t have to spend too much time at the side of the road if something went wrong. For the steering wheel, when I had the one done on my 50 Chrysler I bought a cheap one off eBay so that the car was useable while I had it done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrumBob Posted August 28, 2023 Share Posted August 28, 2023 2 hours ago, DavidinCA said: It looks like a nice car. Needs a bit of work, but nothing crazy and when you’re done you have something really interesting. Cape Cod to NJ isn’t that far, but I’d make sure I had AAA and other than next Monday, I’d try it if I had a friend in a chase car so I wouldn’t have to spend too much time at the side of the road if something went wrong. For the steering wheel, when I had the one done on my 50 Chrysler I bought a cheap one off eBay so that the car was useable while I had it done. Just curious, what does it cost to have a steering wheel redone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidinCA Posted August 28, 2023 Share Posted August 28, 2023 The one for my car was a marbled plastic look and was well over $1k. It would presumably be less for a solid color, but the $1k is not a bad number to have in the back of your mind. I’m told you can do it yourself, but that is not the sort of thing I’m at all good at. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted August 28, 2023 Share Posted August 28, 2023 9 hours ago, DavidinCA said: ...but the $1k is not a bad number to have in the back of your mind. I’m told you can do it yourself, but that is not the sort of thing I’m at all good at. If this were my car I would probably take the wheel to my workbench, remove the loose pieces, scuff the remaining hard plastic with 80 grit sandpaper and then use polyester bodyfiller to fill-in the gaps. Bodywork the rim (sand, re-coat, sand, recoat...) until it looks presentable, then prime and paint. I'll bet it would look pretty good and hold up until you could either save money to have it re-cast, or find a better original wheel. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_S_in_Penna Posted August 28, 2023 Share Posted August 28, 2023 (edited) 10 hours ago, DrumBob said: Just curious, what does it cost to have a steering wheel redone? I don't know how this steering wheel would be repaired. Would it be taken down to the underlying steel rod and recast? If so, who does that? Alternatively, save money by finding a good used one. I have had steering wheels repaired, but they had only a few cracks, or else the inlaid plastic woodgrain (of the 1970's) had broken and fallen out. Those cost about $650 each to repair, plus about $150 labor of getting the steering wheel off and back on. The repairs were done by Gary's Steering Wheel Restoration in Carlisle, Pa., phone (717) 243-5646. You can see, Bob, how getting a good car to begin really is a financial bonus! Edited August 28, 2023 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The 55er Posted August 28, 2023 Share Posted August 28, 2023 That steering wheel might be a lost cause......I'd be afraid that once I started removing the loose pieces a lot of it would fall apart. There might be too many cracks to fill and the pressure from the sanding would just cause more of it to come loose. It will be a lot of work. I don't know what the solution is but it sounds like a pretty expensive fix on a car I've already spent all the money on just to buy and (hopefully) drive home without incident. BTW the car has a Powerflite automatic and not a Powerglide. 1953 was the first year Desoto offered power steering, not 1954. And I'd be more worried about the condition of the body mounts, not the motor mounts. And the statement addressing the rust situation "she's a 1954 after all" is not necessarily what I want to hear about a car from the northeast rust belt 300 miles away from my house. I'd really like to see pictures of the engine & trunk compartments and less pics of the incorrect bright red reupholstered seats. I'd also want to see an overall shot of the rear of the car. IMO I am not asking for too much when someone's asking $8500 for a car that has somewhat faded paint and a lot of unknowns.......... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodneybeauchamp Posted August 28, 2023 Share Posted August 28, 2023 As Emtee suggests, remove the wheel and make a temporary repair. Then perhaps use a leather steering wheel cover for now until you source a good/better one. If the rest of the car is good and floats your boat, don’t be put off by the wheel. It is not insurmountable. Besides you can always use that as a bargaining tool if necessary. Too often we focus on the obvious issue and don’t see the rest. If it drives well, starts and stops …… Just my two bobs worth Rodney 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The 55er Posted August 28, 2023 Share Posted August 28, 2023 There are a number of possible solutions the the steering wheel problem. Parts book shows 1954 Desotos came with two different wheels. The lower priced 6 could be had with a 2-spoke rubber wheel that would have held up better over the years and one might be found in good overall condition today with minimal cracks. It wouldn't look out of place at all and it's very possible it could be repaired & repainted with minimal effort. Of course you would need the correct horn ring with all the appropriate parts to complete the installation. The 2-spoke wheel I'm showing is from a 1950 DeSoto and it's only for illustrative purposes but it's one possible solution if all the correct parts could be sourced. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrumBob Posted August 29, 2023 Share Posted August 29, 2023 13 hours ago, John_S_in_Penna said: I don't know how this steering wheel would be repaired. Would it be taken down to the underlying steel rod and recast? If so, who does that? Alternatively, save money by finding a good used one. I have had steering wheels repaired, but they had only a few cracks, or else the inlaid plastic woodgrain (of the 1970's) had broken and fallen out. Those cost about $650 each to repair, plus about $150 labor of getting the steering wheel off and back on. The repairs were done by Gary's Steering Wheel Restoration in Carlisle, Pa., phone (717) 243-5646. You can see, Bob, how getting a good car to begin really is a financial bonus! It certainly is, John. the steering wheel issue is not an issue at all. I'd deal with it for a while, then do something about it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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