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57 Fairlane Budget Build

Started by akusler763, 2021-01-15 16:58

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akusler763

Thought I'd start my project build thread and update throughout the winter. I have a 57 Fairlane 500 2 door sedan that i am working on a 390 for. So far I am accumulating parts (mostly around drivetrain and suspension), then I will be working on the interior/exterior. More posts and pictures to come. Love the forum and the knowledge you have all shared.

Andy in MN
1957 Fairlane 500 2-door Sedan w 390FE/C6
2001 Mustang GT Convertible
2016 F-150
1968 Thunderbird w 429/C6

CobraJoe

I love engine porn.   :003:
Looking forward to watching this come together
When I was fourteen years old, I was amazed at how unintelligent my father was. By the time I turned twenty-one, I was astounded at how much he had learned in the last seven years!

'96 Bronco,
'39 Ford Coupe,
'57 Fairlane,
'68 Torino GT
'15 F150,
'17 Escape,

Ford Blue blood

Love build threads!  Keep the pics coming.
Certfied Ford nut, Bill
2016 F150 XLT Sport
2016 Focus (wife's car)
2008 Shelby GT500
57 Ranchero
36 Chevy 351C/FMX/8"/M II

lalessi1

Love those FE's. Keep the pics coming!
Lynn

alvin stadel

Good luck, I have found  that a budget build is like a wet dream, it will get away from you.

RICH MUISE

Nothing better than a build thread with pics!
lol, budget build.........I quickly found out what that meant...........keep myself on a strict budget so my car doesn't have to be. What helped me a bunch was planning my projects so when I was saving $ for a particular project, I'd be working on other projects that were more time than money.
I can do this, I can do this, I, well, maybe

gasman826

When making a plan, lead time is more important than ever.  Many parts or services that were available in a week or 10 days are now 3 months out or more.  Paint and upholstery have year or more waiting lists.

mustang6984

Welcome to the family. No matter what valley you need to cross or mountain of annoyances you may find in front of, there will be someone here who has already forged a way to get past them.
And this really is a family too. Enjoy!

And I LIKE having another FE guy in the fold... :003: There are couple of guys here who are FE gurus as well. And as Rich said..pics are GREAT!

As for a budget build...gee guys...he didn't say how BIG his budget was gonna be...maybe it's an insane one we (I) wish was available!  :006:
Nothing is impossible...
The word it's self says I'M POSSIBLE  (Audrey Hepburn)
2 '57 Ford Couriers AND '57 Fairlane
3 Mustangs, '69 fastback-'84 SVO-'88 Saleen Convertible
'49 Ford P/U
'50 Dodge P/U
'82 RX-7
'65 Chrysler New Yorker

Ford Blue blood

The true definition of budget size is really "relative"!  As many a wife has exclaimed in the past....The difference between men and boys is the price of their toys!
Certfied Ford nut, Bill
2016 F150 XLT Sport
2016 Focus (wife's car)
2008 Shelby GT500
57 Ranchero
36 Chevy 351C/FMX/8"/M II

mustang6984

Nothing is impossible...
The word it's self says I'M POSSIBLE  (Audrey Hepburn)
2 '57 Ford Couriers AND '57 Fairlane
3 Mustangs, '69 fastback-'84 SVO-'88 Saleen Convertible
'49 Ford P/U
'50 Dodge P/U
'82 RX-7
'65 Chrysler New Yorker

akusler763

Have not updated in a while, but progress is occurring. The 390 is at the machine shop, cam bearings are being installed, deck is being slightly lowered, heads are getting cleaned up, along with a valve job. Compression should be at 9.5:1 when finished (since it was a truck engine, original was 8.2:1).

Have been spending many hours cleaning parts, now starting some painting on external parts, along with getting the starter and alternator ready for rebuild. it is 15 below zero here, great time to work on a car in the heated garage.
1957 Fairlane 500 2-door Sedan w 390FE/C6
2001 Mustang GT Convertible
2016 F-150
1968 Thunderbird w 429/C6

RICH MUISE

The parts are looking good. I see someone else has also figured out new car donuts make for good cheap rollers. I got my 16 inchers from Lincolns......5 bucks each. lol, I still use one for a spare.
I can do this, I can do this, I, well, maybe

akusler763

Quote from: RICH MUISE on 2021-02-08 13:05
The parts are looking good. I see someone else has also figured out new car donuts make for good cheap rollers. I got my 16 inchers from Lincolns......5 bucks each. lol, I still use one for a spare.

I also have a 2001 Mustang GT with 9"/10.5" wheels and I had to go to the u pull it yard and grab 3 more donuts when I used to store it on the roller skates. Can't beat $7/each! Worked out great to put them on the 57 now.
1957 Fairlane 500 2-door Sedan w 390FE/C6
2001 Mustang GT Convertible
2016 F-150
1968 Thunderbird w 429/C6

mustang6984

Looks like what I'll be doing soon I hope...once I get the shop set up that is! Have I mentioned I HATE this move? I know where NOTHING is! Since i had the damn COVID...I didn't get to do the packing...so NOTHING is labeled! UGH!   >:(
Nothing is impossible...
The word it's self says I'M POSSIBLE  (Audrey Hepburn)
2 '57 Ford Couriers AND '57 Fairlane
3 Mustangs, '69 fastback-'84 SVO-'88 Saleen Convertible
'49 Ford P/U
'50 Dodge P/U
'82 RX-7
'65 Chrysler New Yorker

akusler763

Been a while again. I have been busy sandblasting parts, painting, and got the engine back from the machine shop. I have the C6 torn down and need the rebuild kit to arrive. Yesterday I started the engine assembly and I now have the cam, crank, connecting rods and pistons installed. Just starting to get my springs on the heads so I can test fit and measure for connecting rods.
1957 Fairlane 500 2-door Sedan w 390FE/C6
2001 Mustang GT Convertible
2016 F-150
1968 Thunderbird w 429/C6