57 Fairlane Budget Build

[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

[CobraJoe]

I love engine porn.   
Looking forward to watching this come together

[Ford Blue blood]

Love build threads!  Keep the pics coming.

[lalessi1]

Love those FE's. Keep the pics coming!

[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.

[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... 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! 

[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!

[mustang6984]

^

[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.

[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.

[akusler763]

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.

[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!   

[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.