1953 DeSoto Parts Wanted

Please contact me with leads or offers. Anyone know of a 53 wagon in salvage?

John Boyd

Drjohn96@icloud.com; 858 997-7002

San Diego

Looking for a few parts for my 1953 DeSoto Estate Wagon fix-up project.

1. Oil-bath air cleaner. Carburetor is a Carter BBD, and I measure the OD of the opening at 2-9/16 in. Might not have to be DeSoto if the throat diameter is right. Need the clamp too of course.

2. DESOTO letters for the tailgate. The S has two pins and the others appear to have only one/ Not sure what the theory is for keeping them straight.

3. The S for the hood. Thought we had that, but it seems to be gone.

4. What is the content of the hood medallion supposed to be? Mine appears to be almost blank, but there might be a head of Hernando DeSoto in it. Anyone have a replacement? A photo?

5. Moldings for rear fenders, both sides.

6. Draft seals for the clutch and brake pedals. These are oval stampings with a slotted, rubber or fabric fill to keep engine compartment air out of the cabin.

7. My car was built with power-assisted brakes, but the booster that should be at the master cylinder under the floorboard is gone. Might want to replace that if I can find one.

8. Advice. Should this car have welting between the rear fenders and the body?

9. Rear license plate bracket and lamp. The original bolts to the body below the tailgate, and it should have a lamp fixture that fits the rectangular hole just visible under the edge of the bumper.

10. Windshield wiper towers. Chrome castings that hold the wiper armature bearing in place. I also need the wiper arms, but I might find those new at a parts store. The first photo is my car; the second is a 53 Chrysler that has the towers. I presume the DeSoto towers are similar to the Chrysler.