1934 DeSoto Airflow Four Door by Kim Forster
On September 5, 2013 my friend Mike Terry called to say, that while he was looking at a 1953 Corvette, he had seen a 1934 DeSoto Airflow in the same garage work shop. Mike knew that my wife and I owned a 1959 DeSoto Firedome. He asked if I was interested in purchasing the car. I told Mike that Rachel and I would stop by his house on September 9, 2013 to look at the car. We looked at the car and bought it on the spot. The car was delivered by Mike on September 11, 2013.
I was familiar with the DeSoto Club web site. Because I had never restored a car before I went back to the DeSoto Club website to look up the name of the person that was listed for the 1934 DeSoto technical advisor. I am very fortunate that Charles (Chuck) Cochran was listed on the web site as the reference for the 1934 DeSoto. Chuck lives an hour from my home in Indiana. I called Chuck and asked if we could meet to discuss the restoration of the car. Chuck and I met near his home and discussed what was involved in the restoration of the car. Our first meeting was on September 19, 2013. I began, with Chucks help, to learn the history of how and why the Airflow car was produced by Chrysler and DeSoto. The restoration of the Airflow would not have happened without his council, support, and advice.
The people listed here have helped in the restoration of the 1934 DeSoto SE Sedan.
Rachel my friend, champion, and wife.
The Monday Night Men's Bible Study at Bethel Lutheran Church, Noblesville, Indiana they provide accountability.
Chuck Cochran, from Shelbyville, Indiana.
Dan Lloyd from, Arcadia, Indiana.
Bill Estes from, Sheridan, Indiana.
Gary McHugh, from Sheridan, Indiana.
Max Rudy, from Noblesville, Indiana.
Steve Middleton, from Cicero, Indiana.
Joe Rudy, from Noblesville, Indiana
The photographs of the car were taken after the car was delivered to Lloyd's Automotive, by Mike, on September 11, 2013. These pictures provided a visual reference for me during the restoration process. Pictures were taken of the car during disassembly and reassembly too. This web site was prepared and is maintained to document the restoration of the 1934 DeSoto Airflow Four Door Sedan, by Kim Forster© 2022.
References and Telephone Numbers
Lloyd's Automotive, mechanical and technical advice in Arcadia, Indiana. The telephone number for Dan Lloyd is 317-984-5787.
Specialty Paint Applications, paint and body work, Steel Orton, Bakers Corner, Indiana 317-758-0157.
White Post Restorations, wheel cylinder restoration, is located in White Post, Virginia. The telephone number is 540-837-1140.
Nick & B's radiator repair in Anderson, Indiana. The telephone number is 765-640-8010.
The Airflow Club of America sold the DeSoto hubcap skins. Web site http://www.airflowclub.com.
Robinson & Son, media blasting, located in Noblesville, Indiana. The telephone number is 317-373-0111.
Van's Electrical Systems generator and starter rebuilding is located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The telephone number is 317-240-5900.
Custom Metal Finishing, chrome plating is located in Cambridge City, Indiana. The telephone number is 765-478-9990.
Hazlewood Enterprises sill plates, is located in Thamesford, Ontario, Canada. The telephone number is 519-285-2279.
Central Indiana REDI Strip is located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The telephone number is 317-545-2088.
North Central Auto Recovery, towing and transportation is located in Sheridan, Indiana. The telephone number is 765-327-1057.
N/C Industries, front window manufacturing, is located in Sayre, Pennsylvania. The telephone number is 507-888-6216.
Bannon & Son, towing and transportation in Noblesville, Indiana. The telephone number is 317-773-3761.
This document is being revised and it may contain typing, spelling, and grammatical errors.
A post script to the story. The car was sold September 3, 2019. Approximately 6 years from the date of purchase. Don't be sad! I started and finished the restoration of a 1934 DeSoto Coupe, called the "Carotte Car". Now it's time to start a second 1934 DeSoto Coupe!