Came across this site while searching for '57 info. I own a '57 Town Victoria that I got from my grandfather in 1998. The car lived it's entire life until I got it in East Los Angeles. Grandpa loved his car, even after a hit and run that resulted in a damaged rear quarter and a demolished door. The car is blue and white, and luckily I found a guy in the desert parting a bunch of classics a few years ago who was parting a '58 with a perfect rear door. The car is a 312, power nothing. Its been sitting in a garage since I got it. Plans for the new year are too get it up and running and throw on a flat black paint job, for now.
Welcome to the forum. It's always great to get a car handed down from family. You found the right place for any help you may need. Lots of good information and helpfu/knowledgeable guys here. Post some pics...we like pics... and keep us updated.
Rich
Welcome to the site. You are going to get a lot of support here.
Like Rich stated, we like pictures. Have you started doing the body work yet? Does the car still start up and run?
You're gonna love this site. I'm a fairly new member in south LA (Louisiana, that is) and I have only recently been more active here. I have a Custom 2dr and I bought it through a classified ad posted here in August 2012 from a guy just outside of Detroit. My first car, a 57 Fairlane 500 4dr, was bought new by my grandmother. She gave it to my mother who later gave it to me. Enjoy!
The car does run, was driven into its parking spot, but if course, after having sat so long it now needs a little tlc to get it up and running. I haven't yet done any body work on it. I've been trying to figure a plan of action in the best way to get the new door on and get it so it latches shut. My grandpa passed away a few years ago, so this car is to be built in his memory, he owned it since '58. Pictures will be coming soon, right now it's sitting in a one car garage, so until I can get it running right and can pull it out getting picture is hard.
Welcome from Canada! HRD
Welcome aboard Gary! I think you will find this place a fun and learning and sharing place.
Welcome!
Welcome from another So Cal member. We actually have three running 57's and one Ranchero in progress in my little town.. You've come to the right place for help and info. Make your grandpa proud..
Welcome from central Oregon . . .
Hello from middle of Europe !
great thing to have somthing to remember your grandfather, even better so a 57 Ford :003:
these days you might want to rethink about a black primer paint job on a very elegant car. Right now we have no idea what your car looks like but maybe the original paint can be saved and blended in where body repairs are necessary. old paint has a certain charm that often can't be replaced by an expensive paint job. remember this is the paint that your grandfather washed and waxed in person.
just saying.
Welcome, I also have a Town Victoria, all original, found after being parked for 35 years. Mine is in remarkable condition for it's age. Sure, it would be a lovely car if restored, but it's only original once, and that's a big part of it's charm. Look forward to seeing pics of yours.
I would save the paint if I could, I prefer paint to primer. I've done lots of work to buff out the original black paint on my '86 Mustang GT. However, grandpa had repainted the car years ago in the driveway with a cheap paint which did not hold up well. The flat black is going to be my best route to get it looking better as I tend to the body needs. I won't be keeping the car stock, going to be making some mods, but nothing that is irreversible.
Quote from: djfordmanjack on 2014-12-14 13:36
Hello from middle of Europe !
great thing to have somthing to remember your grandfather, even better so a 57 Ford :003:
these days you might want to rethink about a black primer paint job on a very elegant car. Right now we have no idea what your car looks like but maybe the original paint can be saved and blended in where body repairs are necessary. old paint has a certain charm that often can't be replaced by an expensive paint job. remember this is the paint that your grandfather washed and waxed in person.
just saying.
I agree with that 100% especially the part about it being the same paint that your grandfather washed and waxed in person.
Welcome from another Gary, this forum is better than any shop manual, you won't regret joining, just keep posting, be it questions, answers or just plain chat. I belong to several forums but there's just something about this place that puts it above the rest.
Welcome to the best source of 57 Ford forums. Lots of knowledge here and some from those who saw the cars new on the lot. I started school that year, and my Mom had a 4 dr Wagon bought in 1959. I've had a thing for 57 Fords ever since, owning 12 in my life. I believe that might qualify as an obsession .Again, welcome.
Welcome from the Canada, the place where all your rust free cars go to. :002:
Welcome from another in SoCal (the Inland Empire)! As with the others, looking forward to photos!
These guys are the best when you need help!
Rob
...my "Winter in SoCal" photo...
57TownVic:
Welcome to this great 57 Ford specific site (although occasionally we stray a bit). There is a wealth of information available here and some parts availability, if you can travel as far as Twenty Nine Palms or Hisperia. Come on out to Knott's Berry Farm on April 19, 2015 and you can see quite a few of Southern California's 1957 Fords in the 1949 to 1959 area. The owners love to talk about their cars and can provide lots of good information.
Bob
57 AGIN
Bob...I know Steve in is 29 Palms...what's in Hisperia?
RICH MUISE:
Bud Kolar has a bunch of 57 Ford parts. I've gotten a few pieces from him, but I've never been to Bud's place in Hisperia. I have been out to Twentynine Palms to see Steve Pierce and his 57 inventory which is extensive.
Bob
57 AGIN
How is Bud? I bought a few things from him a while back but the last couple of emails to him went unanswered
lalessi1:
I don't really know how he is now. I bought a horn from him in March 2011 and haven't been in touch with him since then.
Bob
57 AGIN