1959 Desoto Fireflite Convertible

[goofy62]

Time to move on to another project.



This time I'm probably going to just get myself into trouble, but after a number of mid to late 60s builds, I wanted to get back to the 50s and try to do something a little nuts.

I'm starting with this X-El 1959 Desoto Fireflite 4 door hard top, and converting it into a full detail convertible.

I'll be utilizing as much of the AMT 1957 Chrysler 300 kit for the guts as I can, but the real test is going to be putting together an interior.

The promo has no interior, so one will basically need to be scratch built from the ground up.

I'll hopefully be able to modify some of the interior parts from the 300, and with any luck, I'll be able to find at least a starting point for the dash board.



In any case, the first task was to fill the unwanted door seams, and begin the transformation from a 4 door to a 2 door.



I began this work many years ago, but decided to start over again.

Rather than fill the panel lines with filler, (I hate putty) I filled them by gluing pieces of thinly stretch sprue into the gaps and then sanding and going over it with a very thin glaze of putty.

Shot a guide coat of primer over the mods to see how it's going.



Looks okay so far, although a little more light work might be required.

Steve

[Jcon]

That looks really good Steve!!!

[topside]

Wow, that's a serious project, but I'm sure you'll ace it.
The McCandless Museum has a few '59 DeSotos, and should have some good photos.

[BUCKY]

Glad to see an undertaking such as this. I'm sure there will be plenty notes to take for future projects on my bench! Where did you get the uptop from? And have you thought about using interior parts from an AMT '59 Imperial convertible kit?

[DusterEd]

I really like the forward look Mopar’s. I’m sure you will ace this conversion. I only wish I had one of those old promos they are not cheap these days.

[goofy62]

Oct 5, 2023 16:27:27 GMT -5 BUCKY said:

Glad to see an undertaking such as this. I'm sure there will be plenty notes to take for future projects on my bench! Where did you get the uptop from? And have you thought about using interior parts from an AMT '59 Imperial convertible kit?

The up top is from the Monogram '59 Impala kit.

There's not much about the '59 Imperial convertible that I would find valuable, with the exception of possibly the dashboard.

My plan was to go in a much more detailed direction than the Imperial's antiquated tub.

Steve

[tubbs]

looking good so far Steve!!