Well...after 40 years of working and parenting...it is now MY turn! While I did go off on a tangent for a time with Mustangs (hence the moniker) and still have three to finish...I am also finally beginning to return to my '57 Ford Sedan Deliveries.
I have 2 of them, one bought when I was 17, the other when I was 19. The one bought 2nd is now on the floor of my shop and is in the "deconstruct" stage....although it won't be a total tear-down. Merely looking to clean it up and strip the old paint, then body work it, rip out the factory wiring and replace it with a wiring harness from EZ-Wire, repaint it and drop the 390/428 (we aren't sure what the motor is yet...came from a T-Bird in the era when both motors were a possibility) topped off with a 406 Tri-Power pushing power through a Top-Loader. Once I hang a reconstructed front clip on it along with disc brakes, I'll see if it is road worthy, and then take the final leg of the Street Rodder Road Tour this coming October.
Both of my '57's long ago passed out of the restoration stage, were in hot rod phase before I bought them...the first one actually having been a race car back in the late 60's/early 70's. (1/4 mile car) So I don't feel bad about making them hot rods again.
We have done some sanding on it, and today pulled off the front clip to see what was salvageable...and what is not. About a 50/50 issue there. I will be needing front clip parts. Also...if anyone has or knows where I can get them...I need 4 Courier tags for the front fenders...2 for each car.
Thanks for looking and reading...I'll be around from time to time...in need! LOL!!! LOTS of need I suspect!
When you get to the engine there are a few of us running that combo and we might can help identify yours'. I have a 428/toploader in mine. Goodluck with your project!
Looks like you have lots of fun ahead of you, I have a 57 and a Mustang. if I spend too much time with the 57 my Mustang gets jealous and will puke something in the floor to get my attention. Sometime I think its a human. Good luck on your projects.
Looks like a very cool project! I look forward to seeing what you do with it. I love the plan of an FE and a 4-speed, very cool.
Quote from: BP57CUSTOM on 2016-04-28 07:32
Looks like you have lots of fun ahead of you, I have a 57 and a Mustang. if I spend too much time with the 57 my Mustang gets jealous and will puke something in the floor to get my attention. Sometime I think its a human. Good luck on your projects.
I have the same problem with my Cougar! But in typical kitty fashion, it's more of a hairball that it coughs up.
Looks like a fun project. My Custom was also a former racecar, having run in the 60s with a 390 and 4 speed. The front had been welded together into a flip front. Welcome aboard and looking forward to your build.
Good to see another one make it's way back on the road. Look at the positive side. The front clip parts can be replaced much easier than if they had cut out the quarter panels during it's racing days.
Wishin' great success with a couple of uncommon body styles. Good luck finding fender badges...very rare. Just a though, since you are not doing a restore, have the badges replicated in vinyl and bury them in the clear coat.
Welcome aboard. Look forward to following progress - lotsa photos please
Was thinking of lifting that bad boy up in the air and taking a look at it this next week. Don't have an engine stand for it right now, both are currently holding Mustang engines for their respective cars. Have a buddy who said that he might be able to tell by the numbers if I can find some. I'll need to give the block a good cleaning first.
Left out that I plan to top it off with a 406 Tri-Power...been hauling 2 of these bad boys around behind me for over 40 years. Should be a nice looking and running engine with that set-up.Quote from: lalessi1 on 2016-04-28 06:56
When you get to the engine there are a few of us running that combo and we might can help identify yours'. I have a 428/toploader in mine. Goodluck with your project!
My Mustangs run the gamut of running to in various stages of re-build or customizing. The '68 is awaiting it's new front suspension with upgrade to disc brakes. (we have the parts, just a matter of getting the kid in there to do the work). The '69 still needs one piece welded in for the trunk, and the driver's side quarter removed and new one placed and welded. Finishing those two chores would then enable both to be primered and readied for final body work and paint.
The SVO is a car purchased as a basket case, and it needs one more handful of fasteners to be scrounged, then it is ready for primer and paint.
The '88 is in fair shape, needs a rear exhaust and a clutch this summer...but has been well behaved. It is a Saleen with just barely 95k on it.
The two '57's have been long ignored, so the other 4 are just going to have to be patient...it is time for the Sedan Deliveries to get some attention.Quote from: BP57CUSTOM on 2016-04-28 07:32
Looks like you have lots of fun ahead of you, I have a 57 and a Mustang. if I spend too much time with the 57 my Mustang gets jealous and will puke something in the floor to get my attention. Sometime I think its a human. Good luck on your projects.
I had this top-loader in it before with a 352. Solid tranny!Quote from: billd5string on 2016-04-28 08:26
Looks like a very cool project! I look forward to seeing what you do with it. I love the plan of an FE and a 4-speed, very cool.
I want to eventually make mine a flip up. I had a friend who did that with the rams form a '64 Mustang convertible on a 50 Ford panel truck. Flip a switch,. and it slid forward and then popped up. For now though...just want to get it running...it is past time! Sure you know what I mean! LOL!!!Quote from: JPotter57 on 2016-04-28 10:38
Looks like a fun project. My Custom was also a former racecar, having run in the 60s with a 390 and 4 speed. The front had been welded together into a flip front. Welcome aboard and looking forward to your build.
Oh you are so right. Had a friend when I lived in San Diego who had a Delivery that had been cut out in the back for larger tires. He used to lament the work ahead of him to fix that. Mine was thankfully NOT cut...but the guy put NINE (9) leafs under each side...and I can tell you...that bad puppy hooked UP! WHEW!
I am going to need all the little panels that go into the front clip, along with the rubber pieces. Ideas or leads...will be gratefully accepted and cherished!Quote from: John Palmer on 2016-04-28 11:06
Good to see another one make it's way back on the road. Look at the positive side. The front clip parts can be replaced much easier than if they had cut out the quarter panels during it's racing days.
I think I have gotten lucky...in that a friend of mine has a buddy with a C&C machine, and he said the guy can cut me new ones. Only drawback is they won't have the mounting studs, I'll have to glue them on like today's badges are. But I'll go with that. I have ONE original so that is enough for him to use as a template.
So...if anyone needs some made...any kind...hey...let me know! We can give the guy some work!Quote from: gasman826 on 2016-04-28 13:55
Wishin' great success with a couple of uncommon body styles. Good luck finding fender badges...very rare. Just a though, since you are not doing a restore, have the badges replicated in vinyl and bury them in the clear coat.
I think I'll have new ones made...I like that look of the way they were. The Ford script looked pretty cool!Quote from: gasman826 on 2016-04-28 13:55
Wishin' great success with a couple of uncommon body styles. Good luck finding fender badges...very rare. Just a though, since you are not doing a restore, have the badges replicated in vinyl and bury them in the clear coat.
I'll put up more pics as soon as I downsize them. I shoot cars a lot, and my camera is set for RAW...so my pics come pretty big and need to be cut down.
But I promise to take pics!Quote from: junior58 on 2016-04-28 14:48
Welcome aboard. Look forward to following progress - lotsa photos please
Okay...compressor part showed up yesterday...so I installed today, and started sanding. An awful lot of paint on this ride, (meaning several coats thick) but got the driver's door completely down to metal, and started on the panel.
No rust in the door, found some small dings that had been bondoed once before...but not much. Overall, door looks good.
Side panel seems to be in excellent shape as well...from what I got done before having to head back to the house. We are going to try media tomorrow...see if the small blaster my buddy has will do the job.
Anyone know how to get the trim off without damaging it? Both sides are in great condition other than needing to be cleaned and polished. No kinks or dings. Want to take it off but keep it that way.
And here is a pic of today's work.
The Courier trim is more than likely the same as other models in the way it attaches. It'll be a combination of push in fasteners and threaded stud ones that'll require getting to the backside of the panel to remove the nuts. Take Pictures, bag and tag everything!! Can't say that enough.
Okay...I'll check from the inside then.
And yea...the bag & tag thing...has saved my butt with the Mustangs over the years! LOL!!!
Thanks!
Okay...after a summer spent doing other things...than working on my '57 for most of the time, I have dug into it.
all the paint is gone, (except for a few places where it will take hand sanding) and I have torn out most of the inside of the car. Dashboard is still in there, along with wiring harness. since this is not going to be a restoration, but rather a mild custom/hot rod, the wiring will be leaving, ( I HATE in-line fuses!) and will be replaced with an E-Z Wire wiring harness.
In pics below you can see the passenger side floor...or what's left of it.
And then there is the "patch" job...ugh...and yet one more look at the passenger side rust. I had thought the driver's side was going to be the worst, but now...not so sure. I think the easiest solution is to replace both toe-boards, both floors and the transmission hump. (Yea...dig that repair job from 1968!) LOL!!!
New pics! As of today the body and frame are no longer married! Took a week or so of on and off work, but got them apart. The easy job it turned out was getting rid of the bolts. A bit more of a challenge raising the body up high enough to roll the frame out. but got 'er done.
So...pics below show the process...and end result.
Pic # two is supposed to say 1/3 of the way...
A few more pics...Last two are of my buddy Bob checking out the newly freed (and very dirty) frame!
one of the 390/428 differences is the 390 is internally balanced and the 428 is externally balanced.if you look at the flywheels,the 390 has no balance weight and the 428 does have a balance weight
Good to know that...except that the motor I have...has no flywheel. It came out of an automatic car, and I didn't get the ring gear either. Any numbers that will tell me? Or am I going to have to just wait until I tear it down to know?
Quote from: canadian_ranchero on 2016-11-11 10:47
one of the 390/428 differences is the 390 is internally balanced and the 428 is externally balanced.if you look at the flywheels,the 390 has no balance weight and the 428 does have a balance weight
If you are positive you have a 428 then it is externally balanced from the factory, they all were. One way to be sure you have a 428 block it will have an upside down "A" or a backwards "C" crudely raised on the rear of the block made by scratching the sand before casting. A is a standard 428, C is a Cobra Jet. There are rotating assemblies that are internally balanced that can be used, all stroker kits are internally balanced. In the absence of the A or C markings you can measure the stroke through a spark plug hole with a wooden dowel, a 428 should measure roughly 4".
I discovered today that I lied earlier. I haven't messed with the motor for several months, so I forgot that the ring gear for an automatic is still on it. Is there any way to tell by looking at that?
I'm not positive I have a 428. The T-Bird I got it out of could have had either one...it was from the era when either could be ordered. I am positive it is one or the other.
I want to put it in my Delivery with a 406 tri-power. If the engine is a 390, I'll use my 406 heads. If it is a 428...I'll use those heads. Still a couple of months away from engine re-build though, so not critical yet to know. I will however do the measure of the cylinder. It's on an engine stand, so that won't be hard to do. And I'll look for that casting A or C as well! Thanks!
Quote from: lalessi1 on 2016-11-11 12:57
If you are positive you have a 428 then it is externally balanced from the factory, they all were. One way to be sure you have a 428 block it will have an upside down "A" or a backwards "C" crudely raised on the rear of the block made by scratching the sand before casting. A is a standard 428, C is a Cobra Jet. There are rotating assemblies that are internally balanced that can be used, all stroker kits are internally balanced. In the absence of the A or C markings you can measure the stroke through a spark plug hole with a wooden dowel, a 428 should measure roughly 4".
The factory 410 & 428 flexplates, in addition to the welded on counterweight, had a series of triangular "pie slice" cutouts between the crankshaft bolts, and the converter stud holes. 390s and other FEs had solid flexplates without the cutouts. That said, I have seen some recent aftermarket replacement 428 flexplates that were solid, but had a weight welded on for the external balance. Also, some 1966 428s, had a unique 2 piece flexplate, with a heavy cast iron outer ring attatched to the cutout stamped steel center piece.
The harmonic balancer is unique to the 410 & 428 as well.
...and then you have to watch out for used parts that silly people, like me, zero balance all external parts.
Here is a pic of the front counter weight....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-Ford-MUSTANG-428-Super-Cobra-Jet-Shelby-Harmonic-Balancer-COUNTER-WEIGHT-/262566338818?hash=item3d222c6102:g:mmcAAOSwARZXpmXb&vxp=mtr
LOL!!! Well...luckily for me...I will escape that one. I am thinking about having it balanced by a machine shop...so that way I will have a nice smooth engine...and wont do anything like that. (glad to know I am not the only one who does silly things! whew!)
Quote from: gasman826 on 2016-11-13 09:42
...and then you have to watch out for used parts that silly people, like me, zero balance all external parts.
Thanks! I probably won't get to look at the motor again until Tuesday...(it is at my shop where I keep my toys...25 miles from here) but now I have some things to look for thanks to you and others.
Seems like that was kind of a high price for that counter weight...or have they real.y gotten that expensive now? YIKES!
Quote from: lalessi1 on 2016-11-13 10:48
Here is a pic of the front counter weight....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-Ford-MUSTANG-428-Super-Cobra-Jet-Shelby-Harmonic-Balancer-COUNTER-WEIGHT-/262566338818?hash=item3d222c6102:g:mmcAAOSwARZXpmXb&vxp=mtr
Quote from: Ford Blue blood on 2016-11-13 08:15
The harmonic balancer is unique to the 410 & 428 as well.
Not true, the only 428 FE engine that has a unique harmonic balancer is the 428 SUPER Cobra Jet, 410s, big car 428s and regular 428 Cobra Jets use regular balancers, narrow with a built in pulley for 66 &67, the wider balancer that only uses bolt on pulleys for 68 thru 70. (410s were only made in 66& 67, and only in full sized Mercurys). 390 car engines from 1968-71, and 360-390 PU trucks from 68 thru 76 use the same balancer as the non SCJ 428s. The 428 SCJ damper is slighter larger, and is used with a counterweighted spacer sleeve between the balancer and the timing cover. All other FE engines use a straight, non counterweighted spacer. The 410 and non SCJ 428s are externally balanced, but only at the flywheel/flexplate, the SCJ is also externally balanced at the flywheel, AND the crank spacer.
The reason for the 428SCJ front counterweight is due to the heavier (about 75 grams per rod) 7/16" capscrew "LeMans" connecting rods, plus the SCJ crankshaft is unique, in that it is lacking the small counterweight near the middle of the 410/428 non SCJ cranks. The 428SCJ crank is stamped "1UA", while the regular 428s are stamped "1UB", and regular Galaxie/big Mercury/T Bird 428s are "1U". Some sources say that some 428 CJs used the 1U crank, but in racing and building FEs for 40 years, every real 428 CJ that I have owned or built had a 1UB crank. I have all 3 versions of 428 cranks on hand, and to be honest, I can`t see any visual difference between a 1U and a 1UB crank, and have made hundreds of low 10 second 1/4 mile passes in my race car, using the "plain" 1U cranks.
The reason for the 428 SCJ
59meteor, thanks for the clarification. That is valuable info and will be added to my FE note book!
Ditto!
59meteor...that is a wealth of knowledge. Thanks!
So...catch up time on the project. Things moved fast and furious for a bit, then came the Thanksgiving and Christmas distractions. We'll start up again after new years...but here is what has been done up to this point.
And some more...
Then there are the things that are in good shape...and some NOT in such good shape...
Upon initial inspection the frame looked pretty bad. But a little more checking and it was found to be actually REALLY good!
Plan is to put an "H" frame addition in between the rails from just ahead of the transmission mount back to where the frame rail kicks back in front of the rear wheels, adding some rigidity to the frame and ride.
And the tool that gave it's life for the cleaning was my trusty Harbor Freight grinder. I think I asked a bit more of it than what it was designed for. But hey...I've had it for nearly 17 years...and it has done a lot of work...so no complaints. OOPs! So...I went and bought a much heavier duty one, and it is doing just fine.
And this brush...YIKES! I was afraid it might actually eat the steel! This thing is GREAT for disposing of rust!
And isn't there supposed to be a spring on either the top or bottom of this arm to help it keep the gate up in the air? If I can find one, and make it work like it is supposed to...then I will ditch my idea of splitting the gate.
Okay...lesson learned...CHECK before you post pics...to keep from duplicating pics already shown! LOL!!! I just discovered I had already posted some of the frame/body separation pics. OOPs!
Let the flogging begin! :deadhorse:
Wish I had your space to work in when I separated mine. What I'm seeing is looking pretty solid. I sure hope you're gonna get something more substantial holding up that body before you get under it. Nice to see a car getting ready to be done right.
LOL!!! As scary as it looks...it is VERY solid up in the air on those tires. The stacks have been moved closer together, and the front beam is actually a 4x5 beam and the rear one a 4x4. all four stacks of tires are wheels and tires and it is rock solid. NO WAY I am crawling under anything that couldn't withstand an earthquake. I share your thoughts on safety!!!
Hope to have all the metal work done by the end of February...since I don't weld, I am sort of at the mercy of the availability of the fellow who does it for me. Once that is done, I can sail along on my own pretty much. Already began some of the body work...my first time at shrinking metal...had some success...will probably go back at it over the next week...once I finish building the kitchen center island I am creating for my wife. Right now...the frame is acting as a work bench with a sheet of plywood over it so I can work on that island. Should be done by Wednesday...then back to work on the car!
Quote from: RICH MUISE on 2016-12-17 22:09
Wish I had your space to work in when I separated mine. What I'm seeing is looking pretty solid. I sure hope you're gonna get something more substantial holding up that body before you get under it. Nice to see a car getting ready to be done right.
great efforts and brave wire brush job ! Lots of solid areas on the car. Those dreaded cowl vent drain rubbers...just discussed them with Jay and they are guilty for most all 57s haven rotted out floors.
You should rethink your tailgate split. first this is the real trademark of a SD and then it is much more practical to lift heavy stuff in and out the car. that splitbone holder is just for a prop. I think the real lift springs for the gate are in spring assit units that are bolted to the upper gate hinges. maybe they are weak or broken.
I have given the split a lot of thought...over the years...and now...again since mentioning it on this site. I am of a mind to keep it as is...IF I can do something to fix the springs. Damn near took my arm off the other night! OUCH!
One of the other guys in the club lives about 2- 1/2 hours from me, and has a Courier...I am going to go over and see him after Christmas, need to make a template for the storage box anyhow because same kid took mine out and put seats in it from a regular station wagon. I want my storage box back.
I bet those rubber are a huge problem. LUCKILY...I have no rotten cowl. My floors went because the car spent a couple of years sitting in grass...and it grew up and did the job on part of the floor...the rest was from some kid in '68 cutting way too big a hole in the floors trying to put in a floor shift. I am going to go over the cowl with a fine tooth comb though before reassembly...hell before paint...to be sure as sure can be that everything is good. Did a set of cowls on my '69 Mustang...real PITA.
Heading to bed now...3:00 a.m. here...but thanks for the thoughts. I'll see what I can find out about the springs in the hatch above. Good call! :icon_super:
Quote from: djfordmanjack on 2016-12-18 04:41
great efforts and brave wire brush job ! Lots of solid areas on the car. Those dreaded cowl vent drain rubbers...just discussed them with Jay and they are guilty for most all 57s haven rotted out floors.
You should rethink your tailgate split. first this is the real trademark of a SD and then it is much more practical to lift heavy stuff in and out the car. that splitbone holder is just for a prop. I think the real lift springs for the gate are in spring assit units that are bolted to the upper gate hinges. maybe they are weak or broken.
I`m guessing that quite a few sedan deliveries had the storage boxes removed over the years. On my first 57 Ford Sedan Delivery, the boxes had been removed, and a wooden church pew crammed in. My other SD did have the boxes unmolested. The front wall running side to side, was sheet metal, about 15" tall, with a step, with flush sitting plywood lids, hinged at the sides. The bottom was just the cars (truck?) floorpan. I think they were welded into place, so I imagine that most that were removed were destroyed in the process. It would be nice if you can find a good storage box setup in a parts car, and carefully remove it.
Hugh, since obviously somebody wanted go racing at one point and maybe they removed the boxwall and lids in favor of weight savings. maybe they also took off the rear door lift assist spring units ?
A church pew? LOL!!! That must have been a sight to see!
I have a friend who owns a rod shop, and they make some of the panels they use in their work...so I'll take copious pics and make a good template of the box the fellow in Normandy Park has of his car...(he told me I could make templates of anything I need...he's being a real help) then take them down to Larry and ask him to make mine. You are correct they were welded i to place, so yea...probably ruined when removed. I know where there are two Couriers in a yard in California, but he isn't going to part them out. He will sell them to someone who wants to rehab them and put them back on the road. Which is as it should be. I don't mind having mine fabricated.
The boards that sit on top were ash, I remember being told that back when I got my first one...do I'll make those myself in my shop.
Quote from: 59meteor on 2016-12-18 17:45
I`m guessing that quite a few sedan deliveries had the storage boxes removed over the years. On my first 57 Ford Sedan Delivery, the boxes had been removed, and a wooden church pew crammed in. My other SD did have the boxes unmolested. The front wall running side to side, was sheet metal, about 15" tall, with a step, with flush sitting plywood lids, hinged at the sides. The bottom was just the cars (truck?) floorpan. I think they were welded into place, so I imagine that most that were removed were destroyed in the process. It would be nice if you can find a good storage box setup in a parts car, and carefully remove it.
Nope...this car wasn't raced. I have the owner history pretty well nailed. Originally was a state of Washington vehicle, assigned to the Department of Fisheries.
Sold at auction, to a young kid who pulled out the box and pout seats from either a Del Rio or a Ranch Wagon in it...and dropped a T-Bird 352 into the engine compartment along with a T-85 overdrive transmission...so that he could drive it from Olympia WA to Pullman WA for college for 4 years.
After he graduated he sold it to a carpet installer, who owned it when I first saw it. I harassed him all summer long for that car...(he bought his gas in the station I worked at)...until one day my boss told me that the guy had come in that morning before I came to work, and told him he was ready to sell. When he came in the next day, he told me he wanted to sell by Friday, and for $600. I went to the bank, and on Thursday...I owned a Courier! That was in August of '72, and I have owned it since.
As for the hinges...I did as you suggested and looked at them...they do not appear to be spring-loaded. (DAMN! That would have made things oh so much easier!) Dan Langdon (a member here) has one, and inn his pic he sent me, it shows a spring at the bottom of the arm, hooked into a catch at the bottom. If you open the pic and blow it up you'll see what it looks like. He's gone for the rest of the month for Christmas, but I will be seeing him in January...and I plan to ask him about the spring set-up...is it original or did he just innovate?
BTW...I have those back seats...if anyone wants them. They are not torn, and the frames are in excellent shape other than needing to be cleaned and painted. I am going to cut the mounts off the floor and package them up to go with the seats as well. At some time I'll list them for sale...but if someone wants them now...hey...make me an offer. Not looking to get rich, just looking to see them go to a good home.
Quote from: djfordmanjack on 2016-12-18 17:49
Hugh, since obviously somebody wanted go racing at one point and maybe they removed the boxwall and lids in favor of weight savings. maybe they also took off the rear door lift assist spring units ?
Mine had the same spring/arm setup. The floor sections were plywood attached with piano hinges. Mines previous life was a Wisconsin plumbing shop. The doors still have the advertising.
You still have yours?
Quote from: gasman826 on 2016-12-19 07:45
Mine had the same spring/arm setup. The floor sections were plywood attached with piano hinges. Mines previous life was a Wisconsin plumbing shop. The doors still have the advertising.
I've had two. The better one is long gone. The other too gone to save. Hidden in the junk yard...still has a good roof.
Still have that spring? If so...I'd be happy to put it ot good use! :003: Or if you are in need of something...we can swap...I have two extra grills, and I think one extra front splash pan under the grill. And of course there is that wicked cash...
That spring arm was snatched up on eBay a long time ago.
Phooey!
If you think your friend is serious about machining out some emblems, You said you had one, but if that doesn't work, I might be able to loan you a sample to use a pattern if needed. If' he can make accurate copies I'd buy a few sets. I Really like look of a courier with the emblems on the fenders.
Do you still have the factory bucket style seats? I managed to find a nice set for mine, and then found a parts courier that had a set too.
I'm using a supercharged 312 with all factory VR57 parts in mine, so it has that Junior Gasser look.
That should be killer, Pat. Be sure to share some photos of that one, can't wait to see it.
Well...now that the insanity of Christmas & New Years is over...I called and spoke to the friend who had told me about the ability to re-machine the parts.
He said to send him my Courier emblem and he will take it to the guy with the equipment and get us a quote.
Also stated that the downside is there will be no pins to insert into the fenders...so we will have to stick them on with automotive double sided tape. Not biggy for me, but for someone doing a restoration it might be an issue.
Also said that they would be made out of aluminum, not the pot metal they were originally...but he says that when polished, they look as good as chrome without the expense.
As I said, my emblem is in two pieces, but he said that wasn't an issue. However, I think sending a solid piece would be better. I'll send you my number in a PM...
As for anyone else who might see this and want emblems made...let me know...and we can take a collection of them to him and have a source for repro parts.
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I do not still have the factory bucket seat. I didn't even know they came with bucket seats...I always thought they had bench seats. I have a pair of bucket seats out of a T-Bird, unknown what year. They were in the car when I bought it back in '72...and are still in good shape. But if I had an option to get a pair of original seats in good shape, I'd be interested.
What else is available off that parts Courier? I have a small list...
Mine will be running a 390 with a 406 Tri-power with 406 heads.
Quote from: suede57ford on 2016-12-22 10:21
If you think your friend is serious about machining out some emblems, You said you had one, but if that doesn't work, I might be able to loan you a sample to use a pattern if needed. If' he can make accurate copies I'd buy a few sets. I Really like look of a courier with the emblems on the fenders.
Do you still have the factory bucket style seats? I managed to find a nice set for mine, and then found a parts courier that had a set too.
I'm using a supercharged 312 with all factory VR57 parts in mine, so it has that Junior Gasser look.
I hate being a responsible adult. I thought I was going to be able to sail through this car and start enjoying it. Then I bought a small house in Bisbee AZ to rehab and sell, figuring I'd unload it quickly and have all the cash I needed to finish my Courier. HAHAHAHAHA! Two and a half years later...(after I had finished the re-hab on the house) I was finally able to sell it!
Meanwhile we began prep for my wife's retirement, which will see us moving from Port Angeles in WA state to the area around Branson MO. So...I went there and bought an apartment building this past March, and spent the following 6 months rehabbing it. Now...it looks like I will be able to finally start back on Henrietta! I have acquired 3 Explorers (for everyone's favorite price) with anywhere from little annoyances to be fixed (radiator/thermostat/front fender/alternator on one to transmission on another or an engine on a 3rd.) and when sold will give me operating cash for Courier work. The first Explorer went up for sale yesterday.
I already had purchased steel 2 years+ back for some frame mods I wanted to do to stiffen up the ride a bit, and eliminate some body roll. I came up with a design, shipped it off to Steve Saleen and he liked what I had, so now...it is installed.
A friend of mine, Carlton Posey, did the welding...if you ever saw MY welding...well...you would know why HE did the job! LOL!!!
We finished yesterday...so here are some pics. I will be gone for 5-6 weeks back to Branson, then home to begin the next phase on Henrietta's rebirth!
Transmission crossmember mock-up, modification and placement...The crossmember bolts in and cmes out nice and smooth.
Nice fab work
Thank you sir. I agonized over it for some time, but then when I sent it off to Steve he said it was good. So, given his background with frames and suspension...I moved forward.
Quote from: Frankenstein57 on 2019-01-31 22:12
Nice fab work
Here is the last set of pics. This set shows Carlton welding in the supports from the original frame to the added section, and then the completed work from above.
When I get back from Branson, I will clean the entire frame, then POR-15 it, paint it and then lay the body back on to begin to replace the floor and rockers under the doors.
That looks great. Just curious were the exhaust will route? I'm guessing above the two center pieces?
It does look great and I was wondering the same, except I thought with the frame mods, maybe he's not building a street car, so may be wheel well exit headers??
AH! I did think about that before I went forward. The exhaust will go through the new frame. Before I pull the motor block mock-up out I am going to take it to the exhaust shop and let him drill his holes and figure out his route. The frame (original and modification) is 4" so that leaves plenty of room to drill holes for a 1-7/8 or even 2 inch exhaust.
I don't think there would be enough room to go over the center and still clear the body. I got the idea of going through the frame from looking at some of the street rods built by shops. To avoid hanging exhaust but still have road exhaust that exits out back they go through the frames.
Thank you, I never thought about going through the frame, DUH!
Thinking on Friday tires one out for the thinking needed for how to enjoy Saturday! LOL!!! I try to avoid thinking about much of anything...unless it is my 57!
Thank you for posting. I really enjoy following everybody's projects or technical ideas; what a wealth of information and talent on this site.
Quote from: mustang6984 on 2019-02-01 15:31
Thinking on Friday tires one out for the thinking needed for how to enjoy Saturday! LOL!!! I try to avoid thinking about much of anything...unless it is my 57!
LOL.............you'll have to remind us retired ol farts when Fridays are here.
HEY! I am one of those old farts! Turn 66 this coming March. Isn't the definition of an old fart one who knows how to have fun...WITHOUT getting caught? LOL!!!
On another note...I may be in Amarillo sometime in the next few days...depending on how I take my trip to Branson. Or might on the way back from there. I'll let you know.
Quote from: RICH MUISE on 2019-02-01 21:33
LOL.............you'll have to remind us retired ol farts when Fridays are here.
Quote from: RICH MUISE on 2019-02-01 21:33
LOL.............you'll have to remind us retired ol farts when Fridays are here.
LOL, I'll be 72 in March, maybe I should start shutting down on Wednesday :003:
I'll be 66 in March. Perhaps we should meet up and have rootbeer floats together to celebrate lives of interest...and 57 Fords! :003:
Quote from: hiball3985 on 2019-02-02 06:54
LOL, I'll be 72 in March, maybe I should start shutting down on Wednesday :003:
rootbeer float or not ( always a yes :002:), but this frame work turned out great, Hugh ! looking real sturdy !
pm sent. Just saw your post about being in Amarillo, hope I'm not too late.
Thanks! I am looking forward to seeing the body back on the frame. And starting on the new floors and rockers.
Quote from: djfordmanjack on 2019-02-03 05:26
rootbeer float or not ( always a yes :002:), but this frame work turned out great, Hugh ! looking real sturdy !