The 300

[djfordmanjack]

BTW isn't it astounding how those FEs go into the 57 like they were made to fit ? or the other way round ? Does anybody else think that with the evolution of MEL engines and the '58 352 in the making, they KNEW back in 1956 how to design that engine bay, so they could fit the larger engine coming ?

[Jeff Norwell]

Guenther...Ford Knew in 56 all about the new FE and MEL's..I am sure of it.... It must have been an exciting time to be a designer or engineer working at Fords test track back then.

[RICH MUISE]

Jeff... Yesterday I went on a local rod run. About a dozen of us from Amarillo drove down to Childress...115 miles south. We were going to see a collection of Fords owned by a Childress collector. Some of us actually had no clue we were actually going to participate in a car show that was going on in old downtown area of Childress right in front of an old building that back in the day housed a few car dealerships, but now houses a small portion of  the classsic collections of two locals. Anyway, there were about 40 or 50 cars in the streets, I was told "no registration, no fees, just park and have a good time". Jeff, your probably already figured out what I'm leading up to...
I had tons of people around my car all morning, more so than most others there. I think folks in general are really digging the fact it's a Ford. After answering questions/talking to one gentleman for about 15 or 20 minutes I realized I was talking to the man who owned the collection we were going to see, that I was parked in front of. I do believe he's the same guy who told me earlier he sold a nice project car to some artist fella up in Canada. My old age memory is getting really bad, but I think his name was Larry? Gillette??
Also there was some short guy with a long grey Goat-tee that drove a stock model t (?) down from Wellington.

[RICH MUISE]

Forgot to post a pic....

[Jeff Norwell]

Rich..I spoke with Bob a week ago(we were catching up) and I mentioned the pic you have shown.... he does remember and  says hello.Yes.. you were at Larry Gillette;s street party thing...Larry has an Amazing collection and is a 1956 Ford fanatic..I believe he is the president of the American Organization of 56 Fords.He is the man I bought my 1st. 57 from.(The B/W one)

[Jeff Norwell]

Well. after road testing the 57 this past summer and getting the car up to snuff.... the 57 performed flawlessly.As mentioned..it was in need of a dire tune up.The complete fuel system has been changed... new tank,new fuel pump,complete lines right to the carb.The car drives straight,stops and steers very well.I do plan to install a front sway bar set up before spring as it does wallow in cornering.
Performance wise, that big ole BB is mighty torquey and loves to really giddy up.The rear end leak was again poor maintenance and just required a new gasket and for a seal and fresh gear lube.
The hillbilly exhaust has been replaced and a nice 2 inch exhaust give it a very nice growl with no excessive noise in the car.

The front marker light/turn signal  pods needed attention as the driver's side was not working and upon inspection I replaced the whole unit with a spare and it is working well.

[Jeff Norwell]

Since the winter month are upon us up here... my attention is now turned to cleaning up the inside.This car was very dirty....I repaired a few very small tiny holes in the floor and have repainted the floor and complete roof area,floor,trunk and side panels.I used an aftermarket light grey rust paint and it covers very well.Opened up all the window inspection plates and serviced the all the winders...

[Jeff Norwell]

More.....

[Jeff Norwell]

Right now I am building a loom for the rear of the car..... the wiring is a tad brittle and it's just old.Now that the car is an empty shell.. it is a good time to replace the gauge cluster with a factory model.I am also replacing the steering wheel with a T bird unit that a friend gave me.He works at a high end restoration shop and they were throwing the wheel away....He scooped it out the trash bin and brought it over(it's really amazing what these guys chuck away!)
I have 3 or 4 gauge clusters and made one.I completed took it apart and cleaned,painted the inside,repainted the gauge sticks, replaced all the bulbs with LED bulbs for a brighter face.I ordered a new speedo cable thru Lokar for a 57 Ford and a C6 combo.... easy set up.I am test fitting the gauge cluster then I will paint the dash.
I have the Bench seat out now and for the time being I will put in the black bench I bought from KYOval (MANY Thanks!) I have already made my door panels and am in the process of building the rear side panels as well.My side rests are in ok shape, but i found a local upholstery lady that can re skin and mach the light grey.The pass. side is in great shape but the drivers side needs attention.On the gauge cluster..I will not be using the fuel  or Temp gauges...I have already installed a 4 gauge package to read the cars vitals...I trust them better.

[Zapato]

Looks really nice and clean. Did you spray or roll/brush that paint?

Zap - 

[Jeff Norwell]

As soon as these projects are wrapped up...A very good friend who owns a service centre in a town near me..is allowing me to use his lift over a few weekends....At that time I will post a few before and after shots of the underside.Someone.at some point.. sprayed a white gravel guard under coating..... I have bought an oscillating tool the will quickly remove all the crap...I will then repaint the entire underneath over a few weekends.
For now...I have my hands full and hopefully i can get there before Christmas.

Overall.I am pleased with this car.

[Jeff Norwell]

Looks really nice and clean. Did you spray or roll/brush that paint?

Zap - 

Zap...I did it both ways.. rolled,brushed and sprayed.I sprayed in the very difficult areas of the roof area.... all the little nooks and crannies.I had to seal myself in the car...(with a mask) because I did not want any over spray on the other cars.
Thank you!

[RICH MUISE]

Well, Jeff, looks like You've OFFICIALLY jumped into the 1957 Ford club instead of hangin' around the outskirts, lol.
I like what your doing with 57/#2. You're making a dependable great looking dd in short order.
I ain't gonna ask who got ya that Texas farm road #1932 sign. Very cool, hmmm have to see if there's a farm road 1957...may need another roadtrip! lol.

[Jeff Norwell]

Thanks Rich.
Eventually the body and it's ugliness will be taken care of... but for too long I have languished on 6-8 year projects..... Never again.
That farm sign Mysteriously showed up one day..... ha ha ha ...with bullet holes!

[RICH MUISE]

JFYI.....Texas Farm to Market 1957 is just outside of San Antonio!, "although technically redesignated as Urban Road 1957 a few years ago, it is still signed as FM1957.