Will it run? [John]

We spent much of Saturday trying to get the DeSoto to start. It cranks well on its charged 6V battery and even better with a 12V jump. Fires and runs on gas splashed into the carb. We drained the tank and put in some fresh gas, then flushed the fuel line, pump, and filter. Removed the top of the carburetor and found the float bowl dry and dirty. Accelerator pump plunger was trashed, but we found a new one at a local carb repair shop, Rick's. We installed the new plunger but found that crud in the carb was blocking some internal passages. Took the complete carb to the expert, who inspected it and said we did the right thing to bring it to him, because we had no more chance "than a horse in church" to start the engine as it was. It will take a couple days for him to overhaul the carburetor.

Leather wiper completely perished; stretched distorted spring seal has fallen away

New plunger has fresh leather and a neat, tight spring inside to aid the seal. The slot is slightly longer.  OK?

On uniform advice from several old car experts we visited, we pulled the plugs to pour in a little Marvel Mystery Oil into each cylinder. It's recommended for your tank, for your oil, and I think you can brush your teeth with it. Compression ranges from 60 to 80 pounds, pre-treatment, and all cylinders hold the pressure, so we think no valves are leaking. The car should be running by next weekend unless something else is wrong. Not likely. 

Magic? Mysterious at least.

Our carb guy, Rick, says do NOT put a 4-barrel carb on this engine. All it will do is give you a little more oomph on a freeway on ramp. Leave the 2-barrel in place. Convert to 12V? It's a major headache: all the 6V stuff won't work any more except the starter. If the electricals are too weak for you, you can still get 8V batteries. Put one of those in, and the lights, heater, wipers, generator even, should all be fine. For the radio, you want a Vol-ta-drop. I found this interesting thread: vol-ta-drops-are-history.html, which contains bad news, but apparently H.A.M.B. has some alternatives. Anyway, maybe we don't need to convert. Winters aren't very cold in San Diego county.

I think he's right about the power upgrade. This isn't a dragster. But then, we haven't driven it yet.

Jan (Mrs Phil) stopped by to take a photo of other people working. Well, hobbying then.

Phil, John, and Andy concentrating hard, totally focused.