My wife just bought herself a new car.
https://goo.gl/photos/6JfXxuwHqu4sRxa4A
Is any two door sheet metal likely to work - except for what is specific to the bed? Starting with this;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Full-Size-Ford-Quarter-Patch-Panel-Lower-Rear-Right-1957-1958-60-13274-1-/112326203055?fits=Year%3A1957|Model%3ARanchero&hash=item1a2729d6af:g:0kwAAOSwfVpYvcHJ&vxp=mtr
This is her other new car which we have been working on for a year.
https://goo.gl/photos/aF9XY5czAW6ZAuqG8
If your wife keeps dragging stuff like that home, then she is a keeper. I like both of her cars.
The patch panel says full size Ford, I don't know if that means Fairlane, you need on for Custom with the shorter wheel base. My friend just got one from EMS for his Ranchero build.
The wagon is a major project, nice job on that...
Welcome to the forum. I really like what you've done to the 55. You're obviously not afraid to get into a major project and have the talent to do it.
Keep the posts coming.
The pic in the link to the Mac's/Eckler's patch panel should have you taking a close look at it. The forming of the panel looks really bad IMHO. As Jim said, EMS is the overwhelmingly preffered way to go. May be more expensive, will still need some finessing to make it fit right of course, but by far the best forming and base material.
Love the wagon. Were did you get the R&P ?
Welcome!
I should have expanded my first reply a little more......You asked if any 2 door sheet metal would work. As Jim said, not from a Fairlane (from the firewall back). The fenders, hood, etc., are all the same all models exclusive of trim holes of course.
From many reports I've read, you can't depend on what Mac's/Ecklers tells you. Many reports on the internet about Ecklers, a GM supplier/conglomerate that has for years buying out old reliable businesses (like Mac's) and turning them into made in China shops with bad customer service. Not just my opinion..........check the web on places like the Hamb. Eckler's probably doesn't even know what models their panels will fit.
Full size 57 Fords were built on 2 platforms. The Fairlanes (sedans, hardtops, converts.)all had a longer wheelbase. The Customs, sedan deliveries, wagons, rancheros are all built on the shorter Custom platform. Exterior body panels from the cowl back will not interchange between the different platforms. The inner rear quarters on a Fairlane, for example, are 4" longer than those on the Custom.