First post. I just bought a 2 door sedan custom 300 and need to know if that would have a 9 Inch? While I am here what is available for a electric wipers? This is my first 57 and I am very disappointed by the car at this point.Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Welcome to the best site for information on '57 Fords you will ever find! :006:
Yes...it would have a lusted for 9 inch.
As for the electric windshield wipers...PLENTY of guys here will have that answer.
You will have a LOT of questions in your trip down the lane toward getting your car road worthy...and they will all be answerable by guys here. Never feel like you cannot ask a question...someone here has already faced anything you might come up against, and there are plenty of answers for you. Just ask!
Again...Welcome!
OH...and one last thing...PICTURES! We are a bunch of picture addicts...so share what thing are now,, and how they change as you progress! :003:
Thanks for the reply. I never figured out how to take pictures. I always had requests n the HAMB.I have been building Hot Rods for a long time and had a lot of Fords and Chevy's through the years. The car arrived with 3 flats so I could not get under it. I pulled the seats all the patch panels and all the junk out today the sun was out. Started a inventory for what is missing.Lots
Welcome, plenty of info here.
Also, I did this how-to on how to post pics if this helps: HOW TO POST PICTURES USING IMGUR (https://57fordsforever.com/smf/index.php?topic=7624.msg65949#msg65949)
As mentioned, all 57 Fords came with the new for 57, 9" rearend. Easiest way to convert to electric windshield wipers, is to install an electric wiper motor from a Tri 5 Chevy car. Direct bolt up, even the factory wiper switch cable hooks right up. Only needs a 12 volt source for the single wire from the wiper motor.On my 57, I just connected the wire to the hot side of the factory brake light switch on the master cylinder.
Yes, welcome! If you install the electric wiper and find an issue with the cable and pulley system inside the cowl afterward, keep in mind that the factory manual's diagram for the cable routing is WRONG. There is an excellent thread here with pictures and instructions on how to reinstall the cable correctly.
Yes, 1957 Fords all have the famous 9" rear.
Welcome to the forum! My Custom was originally equipped with a 6 cylinder/3 speed manual. It also had an optional ratio. As indicated by the serial number plate it had "axle 4" which translated to a 3.89 to 1 gear. I bought a kit to do my wiper motor conversion which had a switch that replaced the cable one it even had a matching knob.
See Ed...I told ya'...info is here! Again welcome! Look forward to seeing those pics after you master Joe's link and reading about your progress as well!
Welcome
Welcome to the forum !
Please make no mistake and don't be disappointed by 57 Fords in general, if your car has been neglected or badly repaired by someone else. There are many problem areas in a 57 that can be badly butchered. There are rust issues, as in most cars of the period, but 57 Fords are very comfortable and reliable cars, easy to navigate and going down the road in a smooth manner. also the wraparound windshield and (relatively modern, but modest) dash give a spectacular view from the drivers position.
Somebody correct me if I am wrong, but I believe the 57 9" is a one year only as it has a different pinion bearing design/cover. So remember that, if you have to order replacement parts.
Welcome to the forum. And as G, DJ above, said the 57's 3rd member is different. When I tried to replace the pinion seal on mine all I could find was a leather seal.
Welcome to the forum. I bought my my 57 Skyliner over a year ago and I have done a fair amount of work on it since.My other old cars have been Chevys and I really enjoy working on my Ford. It is a really nice car going down the road, especially on the highway.
I wish you a great journey as you go along.
Thanks for all the replies! I started with the trunk drivers side cleaning up the side piece and the wheel well. They are both pretty bad so I cut them out and I am fitting them in. I sanded the interior and put a light under the car and put a primer on the good spots. The front floor pans are bad and I cut them out. The drivers side rocker inner and outer are bad they are both out. This car has some history (of owners) and none of it makes a lot of sense. The last owner bought it and sat on it for 2+ years. The previous started but quit. I purchased a second car for parts but I may have to revise that plan. The only thing I am missing is a steering box! Both cars are 57 custom 300 2 door sedans.
Please tell us a little about your car and plains for it. Where are you located?
Welcome! As many said all kinds of experience here, both the good, the bad and the ugly!
I am in southern Maine. I moved a couple cars to storage put this car in my shop lifted the frame and moved the body up off the frame 4 inches. I removed the hood grill and support pieces took the seats out and some odds and ends. Most of the car was disassembled and thrown back together to sell. No glass except a broken windshield I have been looking gray tinted glass as long as it is not too dark. I have a 370:1 rear gear and a drain plug in the housing and a fill plug in the center section. I will disassemble later to put new bearing's and seals this winter. I did buy a second car but it is in pretty good shape so I will not strip it for parts. The big issue is no steering box. Does anybody know if a Mercury box is the same?
I have always wanted a 57 so in spite of the too many issues with the car ! I am enjoying the work!There are very few 57 Fords in this part of Maine so I have to do a lot of reading. I don't believe I have seen a 57 in 5 years.I purchased a 74 Thunderbird for the drive train and gave the rest to my son now I do not have to part it out. It was a very nice car and the person I bought it from no longer had inside storage for it. So a FE 390 3 speed is going into the car. I had a 57 rear axle from a F-100 and found that a rebuild kit for it was for a 1957/1961
I put a 390/3 speed in a '57 in 1967. It is basically a bolt up with the right parts. I also put a 3.89 "chuck" from a pick up I bought in the junk yard. The 57 axle housing and axles worked fine with the rear center section, I changed it in the car, I was 17. I love '57s partly because NOBODY around these parts has ever seen one! The 3 speed is the weak link though, I went through 13 of 'em back in the day"
Have FUN!
At 17! I am at 77 and my first 57 Custom 300. I have a 370:1 rear center chuck in it already. I believe I will be done with the floor soon and the trunk,spare tire storage,side pieces are all in. Under coating and one wheel wheel repair. I know I could have bought a 57 Custom for less money than I will have in it. The best way to know a car is to build it!