I have been a 57 Ford fan for a long time.I have been a gear-head for a long time.But of any 50's type car... The 57 Ford is and always will be my favorite.
I have been heavily involved in traditional hotrods most of it..owning a 32 ford 5 window,34 3 window and a 32 ford truck.(just made the cover of this months R&C!)....(pretty stoked 'bout that)
At any rate..I bought a 57 Ford and now in the process of collecting parts.
My plan is to drop in a FE engine(just bought a complete 390 yesterday out of a running 62 bird) use a wide ratio TKO tranny and leave the rest bone stock.
The car will be total black,with factory bench seat...wanna make a simply factory kinda race car.
here is a pic.....needs some love... but the sheetmetal is in great shape.I do need floorpans and I was thinking EMS. Any other alternatives?
i do need some other parts..but it is gonna take some time.
As mentioned...I have other projects..finishing my 32 Ford Coupe and build a 30 A drag roadster.... I got enuff too do! hahahaha
But my 57 is a big deal for me.
I think this site is AWESOME and some really great people and info here
here is my car
(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q7/JEFFNORWELL/DSCF3313a.jpg)
Sorry for the crappy shot...... :001:
And here is my Target....EVIL,MEAN and NASTY!
If a member here owns this beauty...pm me!!!
(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q7/JEFFNORWELL/DSCF3313a.jpg)
(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q7/JEFFNORWELL/10-9.jpg)
(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q7/JEFFNORWELL/11-9.jpg)
Jeff...Can't go wrong with black. That's a sharp looking car you've got for inspiration. With you having a basically sound car to start with, it's gonna save hundreds of hours on the restoration work. Ems is your best shot for any of the repro panels. They are not always spot on, but they're miles ahead of everyone else's. I haven't heard any complaints about their floorpans as I have occasionally about their outer panels, If you can catch their rep at a big swap meet, you can usually get deals on shipping.
I've heard alot about your artwork, and being a former (20 years) art gallery owner, I'd sure like to see some of it...do you have a website? Keep us posted on your progress. Rich
Quote from: RICH MUISE on 2010-11-09 21:39
Jeff...Can't go wrong with black. That's a sharp looking car you've got for inspiration. With you having a basically sound car to start with, it's gonna save hundreds of hours on the restoration work. Ems is your best shot for any of the repro panels. They are not always spot on, but they're miles ahead of everyone else's. I haven't heard any complaints about their floorpans as I have occasionally about their outer panels, If you can catch their rep at a big swap meet, you can usually get deals on shipping.
I've heard alot about your artwork, and being a former (20 years) art gallery owner, I'd sure like to see some of it...do you have a website? Keep us posted on your progress. Rich
Rich, thank you.....
sorry about the "quote" thing..but I like using to help me respond.
I live in Southern Ontario.... and the car at this present time is in the great State of Texas..... Wellington to be exact! Our family travel to Texas often and I call it my second home!
but I digress...
I plan to collect all the parts I need before I jump in.....
I think the small stuff may be the hard items(Window stainless trim,glass,interior parts..... things of that nature.I dunno..I am just learning on the 57 stuff.(be gentle hahahah)
But MANY thanks on the EMS panels and such.
Rich..I understand you have roots in the east coast?.. awesome... my etter half is from Newfoundland.
I have een an illustrator(commercially for over25 years now....I mainly work in T.V./FILM... COMP ARTIST...
At the present time my web site is down(getting revamped) but I have 2 blogs to fill the gap....
http://drawnandquarrtered.blogspot.com/
and a fast blog for Storyboard work
http://slaughterhaus5.blogspot.com/
I have done some gallery work.... but some of the folks I delt with...left a bad taste in my mouth(read:I got ripped off!)
Anyhow.... Thanks for the response....
This is a few samples of some things I do.....
(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q7/JEFFNORWELL/SR010AA.jpg)
(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q7/JEFFNORWELL/DIAMOND001.jpg)
(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q7/JEFFNORWELL/RAYO-FINAL001BB-1.jpg)
(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q7/JEFFNORWELL/ANDY0001.jpg)
Awesome artwork Jeff. I like your graphic style. That garage scene would be great with a '57! I'll check your blog sites tonight after work.
Some of the parts you mentioned...glass won't be a problem. In the past year or so they have started making the back windows, so now complete kits are available in clear, green or smoke. One suggestion I would make is to think about the 70D(business coupe) conversion to a fixed back window. The brackets and seals are available in repros. The glass is smaller for the fixed window, and since most of the new flat side glass is tempered, it won't be able to be trimmed from the larger roll-up glass, so it would be good to make that decision before ordering glass.
You talked about the window stainless trim...are you missing pieces? If you need a list of what is restorable stainless, and what is chrome, let me know.
New since the last time you posted..we've got a new section for '57 Ford-specific links for suppliers. I'm still adding to it, but there's about 20 or so links listed already.
Jeff,
In the picture that 57 of yours looks to have the original paint on it!
FE is a good choice for sure. My Ranchero has had some hard running 390's in it in the past. Hell, it was running mid 12's in the 70's
with a 390. Have fun & show us some 57 artwork that we can buy
some more T shirts.
Ron
Hi Ron!
Yep, that's the original paint/ raven black and colonial white.
Anybody know what the HP Rating of a 62 390 out of a bird?
Jeff:
I am a long standing admirer of your work.
To answer your question in 1962 the Thunderbird had two 390 engines available.
A single four barrel engine rated at 300 HP and a rare, optional "M" code three duce engine rated at 340 HP.
BuBBa
Thanks Bubba!.... Well ,ok. I definitely have the single 4 barrel unit....that solves one mystery.
Just got the Christmas sale catalog from dearborn classics, ems pans were on sale for the 57, Mark
Welcome Jeff,its great having a talent such as you join us.Theres a lot of great members and information on this site. Rich do you have any information on were to get the fixed back window kits for the custom 300 2dr.that you could pass along ? Thanks,Tarheel57 :burnout:
Thanks Fellas!
Quote from: tarheel57 on 2010-11-10 21:53
Welcome Jeff,its great having a talent such as you join us.Theres a lot of great members and information on this site. Rich do you have any information on were to get the fixed back window kits for the custom 300 2dr.that you could pass along ? Thanks,Tarheel57 :burnout:
Tarheel...John Gambil at www.1957ford.com is reproducing the brackets. If you go to their website, he has an add in the classified section I believe.They are being laser cut in stainless and they're doing a real nice job. The brackets come with s.s. screws and includes the full size glass "blueprint" to recut the original glass to the correct size. The kit is $85.00, including shipping if I remember. The 70D seals are available at dennis carpenter and are $50. a pair. The brackets, seals and proper size glass are all you need. I converted my front windows to electric, was going to do the same to the back and decided who actually rolls down their back windows...I never do. I elected to go the more watertight route with the 70D conversion...and it was cheaper than electric conversion until I realized the new glass I already had couldn't be cut because they were tempered, not laminated...next month I'll order the glass again. (150.)
Nice find, its almost twin is in the Portland,Or craigslist right now for $2000-, just one step down the list plain ole 2dr Custom. Probably won't last long.
Also raven black and white.
Zap-
Zap/
Man that seems like a bargain... problem is for me. it would cost me more than the asking price to get it home... looks like it has all the parts I need.
It does look pretty good, I'd be interested if I wasn't already buried in projects. If I ever manage to get rid of my 56 Continental Mark2 then i would start looking foe a 57 2dr wagon. One custom is enough for me.
Zap-
zap buddy. How ya doing? '56 lincoln is one of my alltime favorites!
Rich, I'm doing great. its not a Lincoln but a Continental Mark2 the big boy that's styled after the 55 t-bird. I always refer to it as a bird on steroids. $6K would put it in someone elses' to-do list. Complete other than missing air cleaner project.
Quote from: RICH MUISE on 2010-11-10 22:48
Tarheel...John Gambil at www.1957ford.com is reproducing the brackets. If you go to their website, he has an add in the classified section I believe.They are being laser cut in stainless and they're doing a real nice job. The brackets come with s.s. screws and includes the full size glass "blueprint" to recut the original glass to the correct size. The kit is $85.00, including shipping if I remember. The 70D seals are available at dennis carpenter and are $50. a pair. The brackets, seals and proper size glass are all you need. I converted my front windows to electric, was going to do the same to the back and decided who actually rolls down their back windows...I never do. I elected to go the more watertight route with the 70D conversion...and it was cheaper than electric conversion until I realized the new glass I already had couldn't be cut because they were tempered, not laminated...next month I'll order the glass again. (150.)
Thanks Again Rich!..... I think that is the route I will take....!
Makes a lot of sense on this project.
Jeff...I got sidetracked with your artwork and I forgot to congradulate you on making the cover of Rod & Custom. That's gotta be even more exciting than a big trophy! I honestly can't think of anything that would be more rewarding.
I'm gonna make it to the newstand before the issue disappears. Next thing to shoot for is another cover with your '57! again, congrats. Rich
Thanks Rich.
Question
will 58 ford tudor bench seats(front and rear) fit in a 57 tudor?... or are they a different animal?
(EDIT)...or 58 wagon front seat?
Jeff...'57 and '58 floorans are the same, so I can't imagine why the '58 seats wouldn't work. I'd be surprised even if the bolt pattern for the bolt-down was different. You had mentioned you were replacing your floorpans, so the bolt hole location is not a factor I guess anyway.... Wagon seat...don't know..for sure it would have to be from a 2dr wagon so the back would fold forward. Rich (I gave away both my front and back seats a few years back to a local upholstery shop just to get rid of them because I didn't have storage room.)
As long as the seat is out of a two door wagon or two door custom series sedan it should be the same. It must be out of a two door as it has a split in the middle to allow them to fold to get into the back seat. A Fairlane series seat has a dip in the center so it would be different.
The back seat would have to be out of a Custom series only. The botton is different that the Fairlane series has a dip in the top. The bottom must be out of a 2dr as the 4dr cars are rounded on the corners.
If Bob doesn't have the seats you need I may be able to help.
Thanks Rich, Pat....
I am sorry to ask dumb questions,...but i am trying to get all the info before making any purchases.......gotta go pick up that 390 next week.
the only dumb questions are the ones that aren't asked.
(there are however a lot of dumb answers...I know 'cause i've handed out a number of them myself))
Bros:
The rear seat on the Fairlane 500 63A series is different in two ways, the back cushion has the dip or cutout where the chrome emblem sits near the package shelf and the bottom cushion sides are different to allow for the larger armrests. I found all this out the hard way so I thought i would spare others the grief.
BuBBa
Bubba... Thank you!...I am trying to learn ALL the differences between the Fairlaine/500 series and the 300 tudor series.....
I want to learn all the diferences in all ares(trim,sheetmetal,etc,etc)...
I do understand the 2 have different wheelbases...
Again..excuse me from being a virgin on these Magnificent year of FORD!
Jeff the differences were brought about because of the retractable hardtop. Car had to be longer for that top to fit into. Which gave the world for the first time a big and small Ford. The Fairlanes in all their variants are large while the custom series are short wheelbase and o'all shorter.
Zap-
The Fairlane series has roof and windsheild is 1" shorter.
The Custom series is considered the "short trunk" cars as they are shorter. All the wagons and rancheros are the same length and proportions as the Customs.
The tail fins are much smaller on the Customs.
The Fairlanes have a huge back bumper, that can be exchanged for a smaller custom bumper
Thanks Fellers!
Well...I made a deal on a running 62 Bird 390.. single 4 barrel engine.
I gotta go and pick her up tomorrow... as soon as I get time(gulp!)...I will clean her up and post some pics.
i have settled on induction too... gonna run a 3 deuce set up..... edelbrock intake and Rochesters..
A Larry Fulton product.......
Backed with a 5 speed....it should get the results I want.
The 390 is a runner..never been rebuilt and I will have plans for that.I will keep the bottom end stock , maybe a better cam (any suggestions) and do some head work.
i looked at the Edelbrock heads.... but i dunno...kinda pricey..we will see.
(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q7/JEFFNORWELL/Picture6-4.png)
Jeff a few mundane things I was thinking about...I don't know how thorough you're planning for the body restoration but I wanted to give you a few things to keep in mind when you're looking for parts, as they were the problems I ran in to.
The body mount kits that all the suppliers sell is manufactured by dennis carpenter, so when they run out so does everyone else. I had to wait almost a year to get mine. I'd suggest latching on to a set as soon as posible.
The drivers door latch is not rebuildable, is almost always worn out, and is almost imposible to find n.o.s.... passenger side n.o.s. can be found. ( I have a source in Arlington Texas that has bunches of n.o.s. stuff, and used parts that had a half dozen of the passenger side latches n.o.s.). If in you're hunting you happen to see a drivers side latch n.o.s. I'd latch on to it (pardon the pun).
Also..I know you don't have the car yet, so you can't check but have a good look at the floor braces where they spot weld to the inner rockers. The design allowed mud, moisture, etc, to be trapped at the ends of the floor braces eventually rotting them and the inner rocker. new braces can be had and I also believe they make a repair kit where you would just replace the brace ends rather than the whole brace.
Fantastic Info Rich!!!
I am looking at a donor car from out west... problem is... it will cost more to bring the car home in transport than the car itself.
I will look into the Carpenter stuff asap.
Rich .. will a 58 drivers side door latch work on a 57?
Not Rich, but i"d bet money on it. I loose a lot of money :003:
The 58 latch is what you need. A '59 is different.
Jeff...I don't have any way to check the numbers, but I'm with the other guys..I can't imagine a '58 latch not working...just make sure it's for a front door drivers side. Where they wear out is the hole in the star wheel gear cover that the gear shaft rotates in (the 'cover' that protrudes thru the door). I looked at a used set on ebay that claimed it to be "tight", but when you looked at the pic closely, you could see where they had used a center punch to "close up" the hole... not good..I did a post not too long ago about it, that had some photos comparing my old one with a N.O.S. latch I found (mercury...diferent but adaptable)
On the 57-58 latches...did Henry use different ones for different models?... or do all fit. Nothing mundane at all Rich!.... I am a newb on this stuff and to me its concrete info..... I just want to learn about these cars....
As far as I know all the front door latches are the same, just left and right. Back door latches are different. Front latch P.N. is
B7A-7021813-A drivers side,... B7A-7021812-A passenger side. Maybe I'm putting too much emphasis on worn out door latches as I'm the only one that has brought the subject up in the last year, so maybe I'm more concerned than I need to be. A few months ago one of the members posted a query on what was causing his door to move up and down and I brought up the latch posibility. Gary (Canadian Ranchero) as usual suplied a whole bunch of useful and surprising (to me at least) info on the door latches,how they function and adjust.
(B7A in the part number designates 57. Most of our part numbers will have the B7A prefix which tells you it is the correct year.)
CORRECTION:
Above listed part numbers have been corrected from originally posted.
Fellas......Want to apologize for not being around here for a while... Crushing amount of work,Moderating the Hamb and re-occuring health issues have kept me away.
I apologize to Rich Muise as well... Rich,.You sent me a pm and I never got back to you...very sorry........
Good to see you back Jeff. No problem on the pm...to be honest I don't even remember what it was about. In rereading this thread today I realized I am not now positive about my statement about all '57 ford front latches being the same...in looking thru the trim and sealant manual looking for a part number for the key lock lever, I noticed different numbers on the station wagons than on passenger cars.I have no idea why. Rich
Thanks Rich
I will be in Wellington Texas on March 28 until the 30. Staying with My pal Bob Owens for a few days before we head out to the Austin Lonestar round up.
I think Pat is gonna show up for Bob's Party and hotrod night on the 29th. Rich, if you could make it.it would be a pleasure to meet you.I know Bob is having a bit of a party(hotrod movie night) and I know you would be welcome. We could talk 57's all night! hahahah
Jeff, The Roundup poster you showed on the FAS last week is that going to be available online?
Zap-
No Zap...I believe they are only available at the show. People ask me if They can buy them thru me...I just did the art... not involved in the sales at all.
If you have a friend going.... see if they can scoop one for ya... Last year all the posters sold out the first day by noon.And this year with McPhail,Weez and Von Franco.... I think they will go just as fast.
Jeff...just when I was thinking of cutting down on some of my trips this year(gas costs, etc.) I get a great invite, and Pat tells me of a swap meet in Lubbock this weekend! I'm really tempted..Austin is about a 9 hour drive from Amarillo, but what the heck I've never been to Austin. I as well would like to meet you and some of the other guys. You probably know one of Pat's brothers lives in Austin. Heck, I'm excited just to be invited. I'll let you know. Thanks Rich
Hope to see you Rich!
Well I am off to the great state of Texas tomorrow... but a quick update on the 57 project.
scored a 10k mile hood and parts.Very mint.
Has anybody dealt with Carls Ford Parts...I have rethought my 3x2 approach and nearly the same money I am gonna go with a 390/406 induction...
Rich..Pat.... hope to see you both in the near future.
(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q7/JEFFNORWELL/8576nf6_20.jpg)
(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q7/JEFFNORWELL/4438bjg_20.jpg)
(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q7/JEFFNORWELL/IMG_0184.jpg)
(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q7/JEFFNORWELL/IMG_0188.jpg)
Wow! That hood looks fantastic. Great score!
Jeff, Funny how we rethink things during a build. I have sitting in my 57 a 2000 4.6 with a T5, also standing by is a 69 302 C6 combo,and a 60 Merc 429 with a C6. I usually decide these things way ahead but for some reason this is really up in the air for me. There are a lot of side issues that are affected by the final choice. So whatever ends up in there will direct a lot of the rest of the build.
Zap- :unitedstates:
wow..those are great looking parts..Where is Carl's, and does he have a website?
I really appreciate the invite to Austin, but unfortunatly I won't be able to make it this year..my part time job may be disappearing in the near future, another victim of the economy. This shop has been in business for 40 years, finally giving up on trying to keep the doors open, so we're gonna start winding it down and clearing things out. I've been bored to death with it, but it's been a great 30 hours or so a week for me because I've just been able to come and go as I please and just work whenever I wanted. Anyways, even though Austin sounds great, I decided I'd better spend this months extra money on the rest of the paint supplies for my '57 so I'd have something to work on "between jobs" Have fun!! Rich
Www.carlsfordparts.com, great site for us vintage folks. Great choice on the 3x2 setup Jeff. Thats a good looking hood and other goodies you have also. Nice scores.
Thanks James.
ha ha .. yea...I have rethought the induction system....I kinda said "these guys are gonna kill me if I use chevy carbs on a ford engine!!!"
and plus.. the 390/406 induction is just off the charts in the cool factor.
Rich...sorry ya can't make it..I understand completely!
I get to texas a coupla times a year.... Hopefully one day we can hook up!
Jeff : I am new to this site. i don`t have to much to say because I have only owned a 57 for a year or so. I look listen and learn for the most part. However I jumped in here to tell you that Carl`s a strait shooter and his stuff is excellent and not over priced. You won`t be disappointed with your setup. also I am curious. Is that the hood and pieces from Ken Heslips (Haggersville) project? Let me know if I can be of any assistance with parts etc. ; i don`t think we are that far away from you. (Newmarket) We are likely to be the only two in Ontario restoring 57 posts. My email ( estaterc@sympatico.ca) cheers Gary
Hey Gary!
heck... were neighbors! I live just on the outskirts of Orangeville .. East Garafraxa.
Yes, I bought the parts from Ken last weekend..really nice fella. I have to meet up with Ken upon my return from Texas.I have great things form Carls Place and he came highly recommended from a pal in the chicago area.He does have all the right parts.
Gary.i will email you
Jeff
Wow, those parts you scored are amazing! Great find.
Bob, gave me a list of items to bring to Wellington this week, but it looks like you picked some premo stuff up. Let me know what you need, and I'll bring some stuff.
I'll bring my car so we can go for a ride with the Good-Old Y-block power...
Pat
I'm curious as to how a vintage car with only 10k miles on it got to be a parts car?? Rich
Quote from: RICH MUISE on 2011-03-30 06:02
I'm curious as to how a vintage car with only 10k miles on it got to be a parts car?? Rich
I assume it got turned into this! :003:
http://57fordsforever.com/smf/index.php?PHPSESSID=9fae36366258e2cb5f45c5949bf03a22&action=gallery;sa=view&id=545
CDN.SD : You are absolutelety correct. I have heard all about it and have been waiting to see it in real life somewhere. Looks amazing; you must live in his neighborhood somewhere. It`s interesting that its the same color as his last project. Speeking of the last project; its siting about 1000 yds. from my shop as we speak. If you are watching this site Ken, get in touch with me when you get a minuite. My email is a couple of postings back. Cheers Gary
Actually, I'm from down London way, but I saw the car at a car show in Paris last fall.
It's a really nice car, but that colour green is a little too much for my taste on a monochrome car.
It drew an instant crowd when it pulled in though...