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Della thte DeSoto

Howdy! Welcome to my garage.

We've got a couple of projects pulled in right now and more waiting in line.

I've completed the 1951 DeSoto for the most part.

I can definitely say that rebuilding the DeSoto was a learning experience. This car was the first one that I have done where you can't just go and get parts for it. Most auto parts stores don't even know what a DeSoto is much less carry replacement parts for one. Plus, this car was the first one to receive some of the new technology in street rodding, such as remote latches for the doors and trunk.

I have set up a treat for you. If you click here, you can view a simple slideshow of different stages during the car's restoration and modification.

Here is a list of some of the modifications made to the car, for you technical guys.

Body:

- shaved door handles and trunk handle
- relocated gas filer door
- recessed liscense plate box
- recessed power antenna
- frenched halogen headlights
- paint: Crimson red with hot pink pearl flames tipped in violet metallic

Chassis:

- Original frame (no clips)
- original front and rear suspensions with dropped spindels and lowered springs on front
- engine: 402 Chevy, bored 0.030, balanced/blueprinted, comp cam
- transmission: 700 R-4 (Chevy)
- custom drive shaft
- ford 8" rearend

Interior:

- custom installed Dakota Digital instruments
- Vintage Air air conditioner
- Alpine stereo/CD deck
- custom flame-patterned door panels

Other:

- quite a bit of rechroming was necessary
- Crager wire wheels

Thanks to UPS for delivering my car one piece at a time.
Photo taken from http://www.racing.ups.com/racing/photo_gallery/gallery.cgi?gallery=20010415&photo=2

Everyone seems to like the flames on the car. They tend to change colors in different lights.

I took the DeSoto to quite a few shows during the 1999 show season and was lucky enough to walk away with some awards. The shows and what awards I received are listed below.

Ennis, Texas

Frank Winn, Donnie Seal, Paul Peck

Location	Club	Award
Abilene, Texas	Key City Truckers Fall Run	Top Five Car
Austin, TX	10th Annual Texas Heat Wave	2nd place Closed Street Rod
Brownwood, TX:	23rd Annual Heart of Texas Rod Run (Pecan Valley Street Rod Association)	Best Non-Ford - 4th Annual Classic Car Show (Holley Auto Superstore) - received People's Choice Award
Coleman, TX	10th Annual Land of the Lakes Fun Run	Best Hot Rod and People's Choice Award
Commanche, TX	Annual Car Show by Commanche County Car Club	Fire Cheif's Choice Award
Lake Brownwood, TX	Lake Brownwood Car Fest	Bondo Buddie's Choice and People's Choice
Santa Anna, TX	Santa Anna Funtier Days	Best Street Rod and People's Choice
Vernon, TX	Summer's Last Blast X	3rd place Street Machine 1948-1960
Abilene, TX	Abilene Street Rod Association World of Wheels	1st place Semi-Post War Hardtop and Street Achievement Award for Best Street Car and Popular Hot Rodding Magazine Award for Outstanding Streetable Performance Car.
Wichita Falls, TX	International Show Car Association	1st place Semi-Post War Hardtop and Street Achievement for Best Interior.
Dallas, TX	Championship Auto Shows, Inc.	1st place Semi-Post War Hardtop and Street Achievement for Best Interior.
Waco, TX	21st Annual Waco AUTORAMA	1st place Semi-Post War Hardtop and Street Achievement for Custom/Sports Car.

One of my favorite photos.

Jordan

It is hard to find shade at shows that are held in parking lots, but Jordan managed.

Click here and let's race Della at TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY. She really likes to go to the Good Guys Show and race around the track with all the other rods.

If you want to compare Della to a more original car here are a few pictures of one located on the East Coast. The man owning this car was trying to sell it and I have misplaced his information. If you recognize the car please send me the information. Click on each thumbnail to enlarge.

Andrew's 39 Chevy

The other project in the shop is my son's 1939 Chevy business coupe. We're just getting started on this car and it will be a few more years until it enters it's first show. This is the 1939 coupe. It is next in to be completed.

Here's a shot of the coupe after it's first major surgery. It has just had it's old and beat up rear pan replaced with a new one.

Donna's Merc

Waiting in line is a 1940 Mercury sedan. This car belonged to Mr. when he was superintendant of Early I. S. D. He bought a train ticket and rode to Detroit and picked up his beauty. My neighbor, Billy Gamblin, ended up with it stored in his barn for many years and I purchased it from him for restoration.

Billy Gamblin had stored it for years in a shed.

Waiting for its turn in the shop.

This is going to be Donna's driver. Someday!!!!

Jordan's 56 Ford F-100

Fondly referred to as the Golden Warrior. It is pretty much original.

He lets us drive it occasionally.

Pontiac Land Yacht

Not fondly referred to by wife as "The Brown Turd".

FOR SALE

All kidding aside, it would make a neat ride. The back window rolls up into the roof and the tailgate rolls under the floor. All automatic.

Totally original or shall I say, "Groovy"?

Roush Stage 2 Mustang

Our modern day hotrod was a 2002 Limited Edition Roush Stage 2 Mustang Convertible. We were fortunate enough to meet up with Jack Roush in Spring, Texas and he graciously signed our 'stang above the glove box and under the hood.Click to enlarge thumbnails.