1959 DESOTO

Model Designations:

DeSoto Firesweep, Series MS1-L, 8 Cylinder

DeSoto Firedome, Series MS2-M, 8 Cylinder

DeSoto Fireflite, Series MS3-M Cylinder

DeSoto Adventurer, Series MS3-H, 8 Cylinder

Body Styles & Prices:

Desoto Firesweep, 8 Cylinder:

2 Door Sportsman Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Model #412, Body #23

Base Price: $2,967; Shipping Weight: 3,625 Pounds

Production Total: 5,481

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model #413, Body #41

Base Price: $2,904; Shipping Weight: 3,670 Pounds

Production Total: 9,649

4 Door Sportsman Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Model #414, Body #43

Base Price: $3,038; Shipping Weight: 3,700 Pounds

Production Total: 2,875

2 Door Convertible Coupe, 6 Passenger, Model #415, Body #27

Base Price: $3,315; Shipping Weight: 3,840 Pounds

Production Total: 596

4 Door Station Wagon, 6 Passenger, Model #476, Body #45A

Base Price: $3,366; Shipping Weight: 3,950 Pounds

Production Total: 1,054

4 Door Station Wagon, 9 Passenger, Model #477, Body #45B

Base Price: $3,508; Shipping Weight: 3,980 Pounds

Production Total: 1,179

DeSoto Firedome, 8 Cylinder:

2 Door Sportsman Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Model #432, Body #23

Base Price: $3,341 Shipping Weight: 3,795 Pounds

Production Total: 2,744

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model #433, Body #41

Base Price: $3,234; Shipping Weight: 3,840 Pounds

Production Total: 9,171

4 Door Sportsman Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Model #434, Body #43

Base Price: $3,398 Shipping Weight: 3,895 Pounds

Production Total: 2,862

2 Door Convertible Coupe, 6 Passenger, Model #435, Body #27

Base Price: $3,653; Shipping Weight: 4,015 Pounds

Production Total: 299

DeSoto Fireflite, 8 Cylinder:

2 Door Sportsman Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Model #452, Body #23

Base Price: $3,831; ShippintWeight: 3,910 Pounds

Production Total: 1,393

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model #453, Body #41

Base Price: $3,763; Shipping Weight: 3,920 Pounds

Production Total: 4,480

4 Door Sportsman Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Model #454, Body #43

Base Price: $3,888; Shipping Weight: 3,950 Pounds

Production Total: 2,364

2 Door Convertible Coupe, 6 Passenger, Model #455, Body #27

Base Price: $4,152; Shipping Weight: 4,105 Pounds

Production Total: 186

4 Door Station Wagon, 6 Passenger, Model #478, Body #45A

Base Price: $4,216; Shipping Weight: 4,170 Pounds

Production Total: 271

4 Door Station Wagon, 9 Passenger, Model #479, Body #45B

Base Price: $4,358; Shipping Weight: 4,205 Pounds

Production Total: 433

DeSoto Adventurer, 8 Cylinder:

2 Door Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Model #492, Body #23

Base Price: $4,427; ShippintWeight: 3,980 Pounds

Production Total: 590

2 Door Convertible Coupe, 6 Passenger, Model #495, Body #27

Base Price: $4,749; ShippintWeight: 4,120 Pounds

Production Total: 97

Chassis:

Wheelbase:

Firesweep: 122"

All Other Models: 126"

Tire Sizes:

Firesweep: 8.00 X 14"

All Others: 8.50 X 14"

General Engine Specifications:

8 Cylinder Engine, Firesweep:

Engine Type: Overhead Valve, V-Type 8 Cylinder

Engine Bore & Stroke: 4.125" X 3.38"

Engine Displacement: 361 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 10.00:1

Taxable Horsepower: 54.45

Horsepower: 290 @ 4,600 RPM

Torque: 390 Ft. Lbs. @ 2,400 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 45-65 PSI

8 Cylinder Engine, Firedome:

Engine Type: Overhead Valve, V-Type 8 Cylinder

Engine Bore & Stroke: 4.250" X 3.38"

Engine Displacement: 383 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 10.00:1

Taxable Horsepower: 57.8

Horsepower: 305 @ 4,600 RPM

Torque: 410 Ft. Lbs. @ 2,400 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 45-65 PSI

8 Cylinder Engine, Fireflite:

Engine Type: Overhead Valve, V-Type 8 Cylinder

Engine Bore & Stroke: 4.250" X 3.38"

Engine Displacement: 383 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 10.00:1

Taxable Horsepower: 57.8

Horsepower: 325 @ 4,600 RPM

Torque: 425 Ft. Lbs. @ 2,800 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 45-65 PSI

8 Cylinder Engine, Adventurer:

Engine Type: Overhead Valve, V-Type 8 Cylinder

Engine Bore & Stroke: 4.250" X 3.38"

Engine Displacement: 383 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 10.00:1

Taxable Horsepower: 57.8

Horsepower: 350 @ 5,000 RPM

Torque: 425 Ft. Lbs. @ 3,000 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 45-65 PSI

Tune Up Specifications:

8 Cylinder Engine, Firesweep, Firedome, & Fireflite:

Ground Polarity: Negative

Voltage: 12 Volts

Spark Plug Type: Auto-Lite AR-42

Spark Plug: Gap .035

Point Gap: .017

Distributor Cam Angle: 27-32 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

Ignition Timing: 10 Degrees BTDC Mark on Vibration Damper

Engine Idle Speed: 500 RPM

Cylinder Head Torque: 85 Ft Lbs

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 160 PSI (Minimum)

8 Cylinder Engine, Adventurer:

Ground Polarity: Negative

Voltage: 12 Volts

Spark Plug Type: Auto-Lite AR-32

Spark Plug: Gap .035

Point Gap: .017

Distributor Cam Angle:

Each Set of Points: 27 to 32 Degrees

Total Dwell, Both Sets of Points: 34 to 40 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

Ignition Timing: 10 Degrees BTDC Mark on Vibration Damper

Engine Idle Speed: 700 RPM

Cylinder Head Torque: 85 Ft Lbs

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 160 PSI (Minimum)

Valve Specifications:

8 Cylinder Engine, Firesweep, Firedome, & Fireflite:

Running Clearance, Running Hot:

Intake: Zero

Exhaus: Zero

Valve Seat Angle: 45 degrees

Valve Timing:

Intake Opens 15 Degrees After Top Dead Center

Exhaust Closes 15 degrees After Top Dead Center

Valve Spring Pressure: 195 Lbs @ 1.47"

Valve Lift, Zero Lash:

Intake: .390"

Exhaust: .390"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .001"-.003"

Exhaust .002"-.004"

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .370"

Exhaust: .370"

8 Cylinder Engine, Adventurer:

Running Clearance, Running Hot:

Intake: Zero

Exhaus: Zero

Valve Seat Angle: 45 degrees

Valve Timing:

Intake Opens 20 Degrees Before Top Dead Center

Exhaust Closes 22 degrees After Top Dead Center

Valve Spring Pressure: 195 Lbs @ 1.47"

Valve Lift, Zero Lash:

Intake: .390"

Exhaust: .390"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .001"-.003"

Exhaust .002"-.004"

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .370"

Exhaust: .370"

Piston, Pin, Ring, Crankshaft, & Bearing Data:

8 Cylinder Engine, All Models, Except Adventurer:

Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:

Shim Thickness: .002"

Pounds Pull on Scale: 5 to 10

Ring End Gap (Minimum):

Compression Ring: .013"

Oil Ring: .013"

Wrist Pin Diameter: 1.0935"

Rod Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.379"-2.380"

Rod Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.0015"

Rod End Play: .009"-.017"

Rod Bolt Torque: 45-50 Ft. Lbs

Main Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.629"-2.630"

Main Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.0015"

Crankshaft End Play: .002"-.007"

Thrust on Center Bearing

Main Bolt Torque: 100 Ft. Lbs.

8 Cylinder Engine, Adventurer:

Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:

Shim Thickness: .002"

Pounds Pull on Scale: 5 to 10

Ring End Gap (Minimum):

Compression Ring: .013"

Oil Ring: .013"

Wrist Pin Diameter: 1.0935"

Rod Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.379"-2.380"

Rod Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.0015"

Rod End Play: .009"-.017"

Rod Bolt Torque: 45-50 Ft. Lbs

Main Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.749"-2.750"

Main Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.0015"

Crankshaft End Play: .002"-.007"

Thrust on Center Bearing

Main Bolt Torque: 100 Ft. Lbs.

Capacities:

8 Cylinder Engine, Firesweep:

Cooling System:

Without Heater: 16 Quarts

With Heater: 17 Quarts

Radiator Pressure Cap: 14 PSI

Fuel Tank: 20 Gallons; Station Wagons: 22 Gallons

Engine Oil Refill: 5 Quarts*

Manual Transmission: 2-3/4 Pints

Automatic Transmission: 10 Quarts

Rear Axle: 3-1/2 Pints

* Add 1 Quart with filter.

8 Cylinder Engine, Firedome, Fireflite & Adventurer:

Cooling System:

Without Heater: 15 Quarts

With Heater: 16 Quarts

Radiator Pressure Cap: 14 PSI

Fuel Tank: 23 Gallons; Station Wagons: 22 Gallons

Engine Oil Refill: 5 Quarts*

Manual Transmission: 2-3/4 Pints

Automatic Transmission: 10-1/2 Quarts

Rear Axle: 3-1/2 Pints

* Add 1 Quart with filter.

Auto-Lite Distributor Specifications:

8 Cylinder Engines, All Series Except Adventurer:

Distributor #1BP-4005B

Rotation: Clockwise

Cam Angle: 27-32 Degrees

Breaker Point Opening: .017"

Condenser Capacity: .25-.28 Mfds

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 0 Degrees @ 440 RPM

Full Advance: 9-1/2 Degrees @ 2,150 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 7.2" Vacuum

Inches of Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 16-1/2" Vacuum

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 12-1/2 Degrees

8 Cylinder Engines, Adventurer:

Distributor #1BS-4006

Rotation: Clockwise

Cam Angle:

Each Set of Points: 27 to 32 Degrees

Total Dwell, Both Sets of Points: 34 to 40 Degrees

Breaker Point Opening: .017"

Condenser Capacity: .25-.28 Mfds

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 0 Degrees @ 530 RPM

Full Advance: 9-1/2 Degrees @ 2,000 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 7-1/2" Vacuum

Inches of Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 18.2" Vacuum

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 14-1/2 Degrees

Auto-Lite Generator Specifications:

Generator #GGA-6007A, GGA-6003E, GGA-6001N

Generator Output: 40 Amperes @ 1,800 RPM

Brush Spring Tension: 34-41 Ounces

Direction of Rotation: Clockwise

Field Current @ 10 Volts: 1.2 to 1.3 Amperes

Regulator #VAT-6201

Cutout Relay:

Voltage to Close Points: 13.1 Volts

Armature Air Gap: .032"

Voltage Regulator Setting: 14.3 Volts

Current Regulator Setting: 40 Amperes

Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .050"

Ground Polarity: Negative

Generator #GHM-8001A, GHM-8005A

Generator Output: 30 Amperes @ 1,800 RPM

Brush Spring Tension: 35-53 Ounces

Direction of Rotation: Clockwise

Field Current @ 10 Volts: 1.2 to 1.3 Amperes

Regulator #VRX-6201

Cutout Relay:

Voltage to Close Points: 13.1 Volts

Armature Air Gap: .032"

Voltage Regulator Setting: 14.3 Volts

Current Regulator Setting: 30 Amperes

Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .050"

Ground Polarity: Negative

Generator #GJM-8001A, GJM-8002A

Generator Output: 35 Amperes @ 2,400 RPM

Brush Spring Tension: 18-36 Ounces

Direction of Rotation: Clockwise

Field Current @ 10 Volts: 1.6 to 1.7 Amperes

Regulator #VAT-6201

Cutout Relay:

Voltage to Close Points: 13.1 Volts

Armature Air Gap: .032"

Voltage Regulator Setting: 14.3 Volts

Current Regulator Setting: 35 Amperes

Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .050"

Ground Polarity: Negative

Starting Motor Specifications:

Part # MDT-6001, MDT-6002

Rotation: Clockwise

Brush Spring Tension: 31-47 Ounces

No Load Test: 56 Amperes, 10.0 Volts @ 3,600 RPM

Torque Test: 350 Amperes, 4.0 Volts @ 6.5 Ft Lbs Torque

Carter Carburetor Specifications:

Carburetor Model: BBD

Part #2822S, 2793S

Float Level: 9/32"

Idle Screw Setting: 1 Turn

Pump Stroke: 1"

Fast Idle Throttle Valve Clearance: .020"

Unloader Choke Valve Clearance: 1/4"

Automatic Choke Setting: Index

Carburetor Model: AFB

Part #2794S

Float Level: 7/32"

Float Drop: 3/4"

Idle Screw Setting: 1 Turn

Pump Stroke: 7/16"

Fast Idle Throttle Valve Clearance: .012"

Unloader Setting: 1/4"

Automatic Choke Setting: Index

Carburetor Model: AFB

Part #2790S

Float Level: 1/4:

Float Drop: 3/4"

Idle Screw Setting: 1 Turn

Pump Stroke: 7/16"

Carburetor Model: AFB

Part #2791S

Float Level: 7/32"

Float Drop: 3/4"

Idle Screw Setting: 1 Turn

Pump Stroke: 7/16"

Fast Idle Throttle Valve Clearance: .012"

Unloader Setting: 11/64"

Automatic Choke Setting: Index

Rear Axle & Brake Specifications:

All Series:

Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash: .006"-.008"

Drive Pinion Adjustment: Washer

Drive Pinion Bearing Adjustment: Shims

Axle Shaft End Play: .013"-.018"

Wheel Cylinder Bore:

Front: 1-1/8"

Rear: 1-1/8"

Master Cylinder Bore: 1-1/8"

Wheel Alignment Specifications:

Firesweep:

Caster:

Manual Steering: - 3/4 Degrees

Power Steering: + 3/4 Degrees

Camber:

Left: + 3/8 Degree

Right: 0 Degrees

Toe In: 1/8"

Toe-Out on Turns

Outer Wheel: 18 Degrees, 46 Minutes

Inner Wheel: 20 Degrees

Kingpin Angle: 6-1/2 Degrees @ 0 Camber

All Except Firesweep:

Caster:

Manual Steering: - 3/4 Degrees

Power Steering: + 3/4 Degrees

Camber:

Left: + 3/8 Degree

Right: 0 Degrees

Toe In: 1/8"

Toe-Out on Turns

Outer Wheel: 18 Degrees, 30 Minutes

Inner Wheel: 20 Degrees

Kingpin Angle: 6-1/2 Degrees @ 0 Camber

Popular Options:

Power Steering, Power Brakes, Power Windows, Power Seat, Swivel Seats on Firedome & Fireflite. Dual Exhausts, White Sidewall Tires, Standard Radio, Electro Tune Radio, Dual Rear Antenna, Rear Seat Speaker, Electric Clock, Windshield Washer, Automatic Transmission, Variable Speed Windshield Wiper, Air Conditioning Padded Dash Wheel Covers, Rear Defogger, Tinted Glass, Non-Slip Differential, Outside Mirror, Remote Control Outside Mirror, Undercoating, Two Tone Paint.

Promotional Models Available:

Plastic: Fireflite 4 Door Hardtop.

1959 DeSoto Historical Data:

Total 1959 Desoto Production: 45,724.

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