Johan 60 Desoto

[Ken]

Okay, I finally scored one thanks to a gracious member here on the board. So now comes the planning for the build. My first question is... What would be a good donor for a decent chassis for this kit? The Johan offering is a little dated for my tastes. I know that Dodges and such of this vintage are unibody, right? So that rules out the AMT 58 fury, although that kit will do well for engine, interior and such. what kit should I try to find for the chassis? I know this board will know the answer.

Thanks guys!

[RodBurNeR]

I actually used the chassis, but I don't look under my models on the shelf lol

The real problem you will have is fitting the glass and interior tub. Put the glass in and interior tub with dash.....you will see that the tub needs to go "up" more and the glass needs shaved.

[MrObsessive]

Yup, the Mopars (save Imperial until '67) from 1960 on were unibody. There's never been a decent chassis for those 'cept for maybe the mid '60's MPC Dodges.

Maybe the Lindberg '63/'64 Dodge 330 for starters? That's about as close as I can think of without breaking the bank for one of those MPC kits.

[MrObsessive]

Come to think of it, if you were to cut off the frame rails from that '58 Plymouth------use just the front and rear "subframe"................you come almost perfect for that '60 Desoto.

Mopar did nothing more than integrate the front and rear subframe from the '57-'59's to make that new frame for '60.

[HotRodaSaurus]

Hi All, I have one of these kits(built) , unpainted in a blue tourqoiscolour plastic. Is this the original plastic colour? Just wonderin'

J

[tuffone20]

Okay, I finally scored one thanks to a gracious member here on the board. So now comes the planning for the build. My first question is... What would be a good donor for a decent chassis for this kit? The Johan offering is a little dated for my tastes. I know that Dodges and such of this vintage are unibody, right? So that rules out the AMT 58 fury, although that kit will do well for engine, interior and such. what kit should I try to find for the chassis? I know this board will know the answer.

Thanks guys!

Ken, I'm glad I could help you out with getting that kit and can't wait to see what you do with it!

[Olle F]

Hi All, I have one of these kits(built) , unpainted in a blue tourqoiscolour plastic. Is this the original plastic colour? Just wonderin'

J

Yes, that's one of the colors it came in. I have got one blue resto project and one white that's unbuilt, and I believe I have seen it in red as well. Not sure about the red though.

[RodBurNeR]

Hi All, I have one of these kits(built) , unpainted in a blue tourqoiscolour plastic. Is this the original plastic colour? Just wonderin'

J

not sure, mine was molded in white and according to one of them "price guides" mine was a first issue...so I am glad because I don't collect anyways.

[MrObsessive]

Bob's green Desoto is quite a beauty! certainly more enjoyable to look at then an old box "collecting" dust.

just a thought, could the '57 Chrysler 300 chassis be a good fit under one of these?

Dave

Yes------but some shrinking is in order for the floorpan. Don't forget to get rid of those frame rails though as I mentioned in the post above.

[Ken]

Mine is in cream/white, USA oldies edition. I don't think it is first issue... who cares if it is!!!! She will be a mild custom with some newer touches. Maybe I will go VIP with it, curtains and all I do know that it will most likely have a hemi under the hood. Just getting to sanding mold lines and such. Everytime that I pick it up, I am amazed at the engraving on these 'old' Johans. Interior, will be tossed. I am looking at using the 57 300 or the 58 belvadere(sp??) as a donor for most of it. This one is still in the planning stages... gotta finish the 'deathrace' build first.