Rear axle in a 57 with a 6 cylinder

[Ed Hawkins]

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

[mustang6984]

Welcome to the best site for information on '57 Fords you will ever find! 

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! 

[Ed Hawkins]

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

[CobraJoe]

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

[59meteor]

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.

[RICH MUISE]

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.

[lalessi1]

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.

[mustang6984]

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!

[Jeff Norwell]

Welcome

[djfordmanjack]

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.

[terry_208]

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.

[flatbedfred]

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.