Need Help Already!

[sswingle]

I recently picked up a 57 Fairlane 500 Skyliner.  It appears to be in pretty good shape (no body damage and very little rust). I plan to do an off-frame restore--with some help.  Does anyone out there know if the top can be retracted other than by the switch?  Also, does anyone know the sequence that the solenoids power when the top is retracted using the switch?  Thanks for the help! 

[JPotter57]

This isn't my auction, but it is a good price on a great resource for retractable owners...check out this evilbay ad...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1957-FORD-RETRACT-HARDTOP-SHOP-MANUAL-SUPP_W0QQitemZ8043664372QQcmdZViewItem

Also, I am trying to locate another schematic I've seen somewhere, with a drawing of the solenoids, and the wiring that goes to each.  Im sure it probably came from the shop manual, but I cant find it right now...

[cool57]

The best thing a retract owner can do is join the I.F.R.C. http://www.skyliner.org/. All the info you seek is available through the club, it's members or vendors. There are tech manuals and articles addressing the concerns you mentioned. If you do a body off restoration; brace yourself, and get some experienced and/or very talented people to help. I did one and many, many days I called myself  :dumbass: but i got through it and you will too. good luck.
Sam

I recently picked up a 57 Fairlane 500 Skyliner.  It appears to be in pretty good shape (no body damage and very little rust). I plan to do an off-frame restore--with some help.  Does anyone out there know if the top can be retracted other than by the switch?  Also, does anyone know the sequence that the solenoids power when the top is retracted using the switch?  Thanks for the help! 

[briney]

Sswingle

I agree with cool57 skyliner.org is a good place to start.  I also know of another resource, however he is a professional, but he knows his stuff and does share in their knowledge. See the link
http://www.jerrysclassiccars.com/

Patrick 
Dallas TX

[Ford Blue blood]

Get the manual for the top on that car!  You will be lost like a ball in high weeds without it.  The manual tells you how to do everything from getting into the trunk to taking the top off the car.  I have one for mine and it has been a life saver.  Basicly the cycle goes as such...trunk unlock, trunk open, flipper panel open, roof unlock, roof retract, trunk close, trunk lock.  Each step is seperate and the next one will not occur until the the previous has been completed.  When the planets and stars are all aligned properly the operation is a site to behold!