When I opened the hood for the first time, there were components I did not recognize. By following the oil lines, there are two engine oil filters in series. Well, that is certainly different. On the firewall, that gizmo is an upper lube canister (aka top cylinder lubricator). Since Cornellius Warnaar was an auto mechanic by trade, it is likely he made these additions. In the 1950s, upper lube systems were popular. But two oil filters, that is a new one for me. My guess is the lower oil filter is the one that would normally be on the engine.

There is an electrical box on the bracket for the air cleaner. Cars with the Gyrol fluid drive (also called Tip-Toe) have this box, manual transmission cars don't. It is used to momentarily interrupt the ignition on kick down or down shift; the load on the transmission has to be released for the shift to take place.

Look what I found in a box of spare parts.

Maybe Don came across this years ago and put it aside for the day they might need it. There was no lable on the box I found, so luck was on our side. In another unlabeled box I found a right and a left tail light bezel, likely JC Whitney parts. The chrome is perfect, never been installed. I will keep looking to see what might be in other boxes.

How about this: new in the box 1950 DeSoto grille medallion and trim. What a find!

Just for kicks, I tried to see if the chrome might come up. It took bumper chrome polish with 0000 steel wool to bring it back. I did the driver side but didn't touch the passenger side so you can see the comparison. Some chrome pieces are pitted and won't stand close inspection. The cream paint seems to have stained or taken dirt. Washing did not get to it. Wax cleaner and Scratch-Out did not do it. I used medium grade white running compound with light pressure from only my fingers. The paint came off almost in sheets and the stains were deep. The section I treated is the driver side nose of the hood and you can see the difference. I will try but I am not sure the cream paint will come up. The upper paint, the blue, seems much better.

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