Yep I bought Jim's wagon Will give more details as I'll make this my own thread.
We were already planning a roadtrip for Dec/Jan. Why not pick up a nice wagon?
Initially it was to see the folks in Southern Minnesota, So we planned for a flight to MN. Then we flew down to Denver. We visited with family in FT Collins. Then picked up the wagon and headed down to ABQ.
Each stop we basically had friends of family to visit.
The two longer legs of the trip were the ABQ to Phoenix via Payson then the Phoenix to Los Angeles via I-10.
The wagon performed well. It was a little nerve racking on some accounts, to get used to driving a sight unseen car. But it worked out well.
Yes I know this won't be a full build thread but it will have some of the small fixes that it needs. I have yet to completely go through it. I mainly just want to make the small things right.
If you guys think another subforum would for for this please move it over.
Otherwise some of the minor fixes are trim details. Some work on the tailgate. And other interior items that need a looking at. It also need the gas gauge, speedo and a few dash details. I forgot to mention I need to replace one of rear quad wagon windows.
Jim is jrw429. This was the seller of the wagon. I think He was more of a lurker. But actively worked on the wagon. Also he would post about the things he needed and looking for to fix the wagon
Currently working on that list of things to to do. Some of which O happen to have spare parts for already. 8) unfortunately I think we got a pretty bad chip,crack in the windshield from a semi truck. But it is more of little star.
Yes it drove nice. Has a bit of a oil leak and maybe a bit of oil burning- no smoking at all. But I made sure I had extra oil as needed. Suspension-wise this was awesome. brakes worked. We went from 5200ish feet in CO to the mountains in AZ at about 7400 feet with some crazy inclines. And 6 degree grades to come back down. The engine revved a bit but got up and down the mountain passes ok.
Beautiful wagon, and apparently a very reliable one. JIM? Is he someone we know here? Keep us up to date with more info, and as it progresses.
This wagon was in our 4 sale category not long ago:
http://57fordsforever.com/smf/index.php?topic=8918.0
Abe, I am glad this went to another forum member. I had also been thinking about this one quite a bit. It seems to be a very solid and dry wagon for a very good price. I know many 57 Ford friends rather have the fancy Fairlane or Skyliner models or those sporty custom 2dr sedans, but to me, nothing beats a 57 wagon. it is a perfect combination of all time good looks, huge cargo load area, piling family or friends in the comfortable seats and they certainly are no slouch with a y block. I also always loved how these cars drive, stock ride height or slightly lowered. the view and seating is excellent and for the driver, it is an incredibly airy feeling of having all those glass and huge space behind you. the heater is great and the ventilation in summer too. the 2 piece tailgate is super practical and did I talk about the general great looks of this wagon..... :002: :003: haha !
Have fun with this sweet CS !
Did you notice in the first and second photo, there is what I believe is a Morris Minor Convertible and in the second photo there is another '57 Ford. Rather unusual.
Glad you got it. I had considered it also but decided I didn't want to take on another project. The price was more then reasonable for one in this condition..
Quote from: KYBlueOval on 2022-02-07 05:09
Did you notice in the first and second photo, there is what I believe is a Morris Minor Convertible and in the second photo there is another '57 Ford. Rather unusual.
I noticed it, looks like a Fairlane
Thanks for jogging my memory, Gunter. Now I remember even showing it to my wife knowing Christmas was just around the corner, lol.
Yes, it is that wagon and it is in very nice shape. I think I understand some of the Frustration the PO had with the tailgate, I am going to order those latch parts Dennis carpenter sells. I think it does need some work at the bottom of the tailgate.
The heater on this is very well worked out, all the heat settings work great. We were in 20 degree to 60 degree weather and it did it job. It pretty to to have a good working heater.
I ordered the side glass already and will be looking for a car cover too.
BTW, yes that is a Morris Minor in the shot, that is my wife's convertible, we just added some new window seals and 3 point seatbelts to it this weekend. mustang6984 picked up and engine for me up north so we can go 1275 on it. It is in the process of a rebuild. But the car currently runs is is very fun.
The other '57 in the shot is my Hardtop- also a runner. That one I just tool around on- its going 60's mild custom. Currently mostly cleaning up the dry desert patina and sealing off the interior from the exterior.
We sort have to have all cars running to move things around in the drive way.
What tailgate hardware do you need? I think I still have these.
gasman826, thanks!
the latching is is not solid, likes its iffy (if it actually locked/closed), I think its those upper parts in your image, are they both parts #'s I see they have left and right's, I would welcome the other parts below, I have to check those also.. the ford # B5A-5943147-A, B5A-5943146-A
Sending PM. I'll take another look into the spare parts bin that came with the wagon also.
I also have to have a key made for the rear lock, the door keys dont work, they look like they have been replaced, the doors and ignition match. I have ot tried the glovebox. I read the doors and rear tailgate should match, but, it not going to happen here.
Some of the distributors sell/sold matching ignition switch and door lock sets, so it's quite possible they have been replaced. I'm sure glad Jim advertised it here so one of our members could grab onto it, and I don't want to make him feel bad, but I wouldn't have been surprised to see the price at 2 to 3 times what he was asking.
Congrats Abe....nice score! :006:
Abe, If you don't want the catches that Gasman has for sale I will take them.
Mike
Hey Mike I'll let you know on those parts.
I think those and the lock might be some of the only items that are needed. I search the board and see the 59-60 tailgate lock might not work.
I have yet to find the guy that used to make keys with a file at the old Pomona swap. I tried a few place for my Cadillac and it was much easier to just buy keyed sets already as old world locksmith are just about gone in Los Angeles.
Anyhow
The first let of the road trip was from Erie to Trinidad Colorado. It was a good 3 hour drive.
Here are some pics.
HEY! I know that fellow leaning up against the car...Looks like you bought yourself a nice rolling resto! :006:
Yeah. I just went through all of Guenters' pages now to reread Mike's resto.
I have a few things to check on the engine like Guenter did. I also have the 292. It does have a bit of a low pressure issue at idle. But the idle is also set really low. So I'm gonna check that out.
Well...if my buddy retires from Phoenix P.D. like he is supposed to...I'll be back this summer. I'll come by and see how you have progressed. We're going to go to Santa Monica and begin the Route 66 road trip headed to Chi town. :burnout:
Quote from: mustang6984 on 2022-02-08 22:11
Well...if my buddy retires from Phoenix P.D. like he is supposed to...I'll be back this summer. I'll come by and see how you have progressed. We're going to go to Santa Monica and begin the Route 66 road trip headed to Chi town. :burnout:
Route 66 from LA to Barstow is good, from Barstow to Arizona is a poor condition road. Great through Arizona, they have maintained it well..
Yea...He has done part of it and I seem to remember his saying some parts in CA were less than polite. But we aren't gonna be in any hurry so all's good. You comin'?
Hugh.you plannin on having one of those couriers ready for a long road trip? What are you guys going to be in..if anything old, I may join you for part of the way. You know you can't avoid me, lol.
I cheat and avoid LA altogether. I cut across the dessert and start in Victorville and run to Barstow. I've done it 3 times in the 57, nice two lane and minimal traffic. From Barstow east and through Arizona I've only done it in my 60 F100 on my way to New Mexico and Colorado..
Quote from: RICH MUISE on 2022-02-09 13:25
Hugh.you plannin on having one of those couriers ready for a long road trip? What are you guys going to be in..if anything old, I may join you for part of the way. You know you can't avoid me, lol.
Not sure which one he will take though I suspect will be the '66 Mustang. I will either be in my '84 SVO or the '88 Saleen.
If I didn't have anything else to do between now and then, (Probably early July) and a solid supply of cash...I could probably get one of them up and ready to go. But I still have apartment bldg issues and then my wife wants a house built on the upper pasture. So...time and money...not quite there yet.
I do know he would love to see your car...I have spoken to him about it. :006:
Quote from: hiball3985 on 2022-02-09 14:00
I cheat and avoid LA altogether. I cut across the dessert and start in Victorville and run to Barstow. I've done it 3 times in the 57, nice two lane and minimal traffic. From Barstow east and through Arizona I've only done it in my 60 F100 on my way to New Mexico and Colorado..
He wants to do every inch on this trip...in the Mustang. Been thinking of it, planning the drive and working toward it since '04. Nothing is gonna deter him...although a couple of things have slowed him down a touch. I may have to spend a week there with him to finish his car as he has an injury from the job that keeps him from heavy lifting.
Just curious what part of Phoenix he lives in. Phoenix is on my bucket list because of the Scottsdale Pavillion cruise, but I'm not going to have the $ for the March date I was hoping for.....and any hot summer month is definitely out.
He works in Phoenix, lives in Glendale.
Classic. Anyhow more trip pictures
The first pic looks so period perfect! Big grin in the one in the driveway of the motel. You must have been lovin' it!
Was that first pic in the Santa Fe old town square? pics make me want to hit the road again!
Yep. That was in Santa Fe. Met up with a buddy and had lunch then went downtown to pick up some wine. We got lucky as we really wanted to come down by way of Taos. But would have definitely got caught in the snow. The timing worked out though, we had lunch and a short shopping rest. Then headed down to Corrales, north of ABQ. To visit a coworker. And we went to dinner from there.
Heading off to bed now...but I gotta tell you I thunk you did well. Looks like a solid base to work with. Gunther did a a rolling resto not too long ago...so he'll be a great source for you. Glad it went to a good home!
WOW ! those are great pics ! cross country trips are exactly what these cars were built for. Thanx for posting !
Great pictures. It brings back memories of our trips to Fort Collins to visit the wifes grandmother we use to do every summer.
That Santa Fe/Taos area is one of my favorite road trip areas. The Town square where I think that pic was taken is the site of my favorite car show. July 4th the square is filled with 20k+ people in for the pancake breakfast and car show. We have a member here that lives in Rio Rancho, just North of Albq on i25. Glad you took pics, something I don't do enough of. Light traffic highways thru mountains and forests has got to be tons better than downtown LA!!
My birthday weekend came and my wife and I, made me this cake. It's pretty good, she even got a Valentine's Day heart cake in. I never had a car cake before. It was a fun time burner.
I got my window glass. That will be going in this week!
SWEET! Thanks for the share. You guys are talented! :003:
Ha......"sweet" was a very appropriate description.
Quote from: abe_lugo on 2022-02-13 20:28
My birthday weekend came and my wife and I, made me this cake. It's pretty good, she even got a Valentine's Day heart cake in. I never had a car cake before. It was a fun time burner.
I got my window glass. That will be going in this week!
I have to ask this question regarding Abe's posts. I think my question has been discussed before, but I do not recall the answer.
My question is this..........Why do I see these "strange letters" in Abe's post. First in the Topic Title and then in replies from Abe? A quick review of his post and replies indicates that where there is an apostrophe or a contraction, it appears as these strange letter formations and the small "TM", which as I recall is short for Trade Mark. Am I the only one seeing this? Does Abe see it?
Why does this happen ? Inquiring minds want to know.
John
Me too.......
I think it has something to do with the language setting in your profile. Mine is set to Albanian?
I do not see what you're seeing. Could be what Jim mentioned, but why would the odd stuff only show up on Abe's posts?
Yes, it appears to be inserting different characters in place of apostrophe and s.
Hey Guys, I dont see the characters, I'll check my language settings- I guess. Also sometimes I post from my phone, sometimes Im at my desktop.
I just checked my Language settings are set to English, either way in some of my post I do go back in and "Modify", maybe that make something happen. Either way- if someone can post a screencap of it it would help me check.
Also note that I just got an email from Coker, saying tire prices will rise 5-20% on Feb 21. So get your orders in.
Im looking at some BFGs for the CS.
I'm seeing the same characters in Abe's posts. But the one just posted is clear.
I just checked on my wife's phone and we do see the characters. Really odd. I don't see them on my desktop or laptop.
I double checked the date on the price hikes and it actually February.
Quote from: Lgcustom on 2022-02-15 13:47
I'm seeing the same characters in Abe's posts. But the one just posted is clear.
It appears to me that the only time I see these odd letters etc, is where Abe uses an apostrophe or a contraction. That last post did not have an apostrophe or a contraction. I don't get it. There must be a computer guy on the Forum that can explain what is going on, I hope.
This is the only thing I see weird...and not all the time. It is what shows up in my computer e-mail telling me I have a message. And only on Abe's stuff.
but I did use an apostrophe above - us lets see if this works I cleaned up the thread.
So now Im cross between the BFG Bias 14-800 or the 215/75R14 Diamond back or even Cokers. The price difference is like 10.00-15.00 per
The CS does wonder a little bit on the road. it manual steering. I want to get the tires before prices go up.
I do have 14-8.00 Bia Plys on the hardtop and they do OK, but I have yet to drive hard on the freeway.
Abe, as you know I have the 8.00 BFG on my CS and they are by far the most drivable and best brake in wet condition bias ply I have had in 27 years. they do need 8-10 inches of travel side to side on bumpy roads but that's about it. In the beginning I made the mistake of always trying to steer the car straight, resulting in an odd zig zag course that was always trying to get worse. once you let loose of the steering wheel and with the correct frontend alignment, it just wants to go straight with said tolerance. No need to always push the car around. imho the ww width and tread /sidewall design of the BFG really perfectly fit a 57. of course radials will improve some of the handling characteristics of the car, but make sure to align the frontend correctly for that. bias ply tires need slightly positive camber, while radials work better with zero or slightly negative. In the end it's very much a matter of personal taste, and especially what you want to have in looks. I have had www radials and driven them with great results, but these days I just can't get over their clumsy looks. They just don't look right on an old car, if you prefer the olden day og look. this is just my opinion.
ps. I have made great efforts with excessively low tire pressure with bias plies. I like to drive the CS at 18-20 psi but on long highway cruises I will increase to as much as 30.
Quote from: abe_lugo on 2022-02-15 18:14
but I did use an apostrophe above - us lets see if this works I cleaned up the thread.
So now Im cross between the BFG Bias 14-800 or the 215/75R14 Diamond back or even Cokers. The price difference is like 10.00-15.00 per
The CS does wonder a little bit on the road. it manual steering. I want to get the tires before prices go up.
I do have 14-8.00 Bia Plys on the hardtop and they do OK, but I have yet to drive hard on the freeway.
Abe...........Don't know what you did but the odd letters are now gone. Both in the Title line and in the post verbiage.
Looks good. Much easier to read.
I too got three notifications of a post...and no more Egyptian letters... :003:
I called BFG in 2017 and asked if they were ever going to run 14" again and was told the following year. They did and I got BFG Radial TAs 215 75 14 in 2018 from a local tire shop and a lot less expensive then Coker.
I'll be working on getting tires on Monday. Today I got the cowl vents fix done. I used Tom's method. It was not too hard. I may use some dumdum around the tube to the body.
I found that I still had a little weep along that seam right above the cowl vents.
Now onto other small things.
My Country Sedan script suffers from the missing "N" on one side. So I took it upon myself to 3D print and temp one. Not sure if I should foil it it just paint it silver. You can see I marked one. I printed 2. Just in case. I will be happy if get that and the glass install this weekend.
Looks pretty good buddy! Artist you are!!! :003:
Got the new glass in this weekend. Now I have to replace the other side rubber to match.
It was actually pretty easy to do with a helper.
Went over to Long Beach and got some new tires and a battery.
I ended up going with the radials! A few reasons. It already had radials and the alignment is ok for it. Also I have bias plus on my hardtop already.
Lastly as of today the Coker tires went up about 40.00.
Performance plus tires in Long Beach has not raised the price yet.
New battery as I knew it was closing in on ver 6 years olds. And it gave me the gem light today.
Now the aftermarket Amp meter was reading high on the way back home and the gauge was way hot. It fluctuated from 30 to 60 amps. The light would turn on and off.
I recently motored the generator and checked the brushes. So the only thing might be a reg. Or a wonky gauge.
I'm ordering a new voltage regulator and a new amp gauge.
Does one change amp gauges out to voltmeter with a generator?
We also worked on my Wife's 57 Morris. Did all new felts in the doors, windwing rubbers. Just waiting on the fuzzies now.
they are a real professional go-to shop in SoCal ! I heard people travel from as far as Europe... :002: :003:
Awesome!
I got to doing a few more things. I fixed the speedo cable. Made the rear tailgate lock work.
The ammeter issue is still concerning. I didn't mention in the previous post it was jumping a lot while driving back. The actual ammeter housing got really hot.
I tried testing the regulator. Not sure I'm connecting tot he correct tabs. But it seems to still fluctuate. I cleaned the points on it and connection tables.
I was going to order a new one. But I got caught up wondering if the generator is a 35 or 40 amp.
So here we are.
So decided to pull the ammeter. I'll see about finding and NOS one to reinstall.