57 retractable

[Papa]

Looking buying a 57 retractable. I understood ps & pb were basic standard equipment on these cars. Current owner says this one doesn't.  Seems odd. Ive looked at several others but all have had ps & pb. He has had in storage for past 10 years. Any advice

[Ford Blue blood]

Not standard equipment.  Both were options on the entire line of 57s.  Had one with neither.

[Papa]

Thanks. They tell me the car is in excellent condition with no rust and new interior. Having been in storage for 9 years concerns are the switches, relays and motors for the top. Owner all worked last time it was out. Going to see it this week so time will tell. If all true then I guess $30,000 cdn may be a good deal

[Ford Blue blood]

Relays are "starter solenoid looking" relays.  The switches are all "sealed", I use that word loosely, as they can be disassembled and repaired, so depending upon the location of storage (dry indoor, outdoor, car port etc.) they may or may not be good.  Corrosion of the contacts the main concern.  All the motors turn in both directions, the screw jacks do the work, the connecting cables look like speed-o-meter cables.  If you get the car be sure to purchase the repair manual for the top.  It is very good and shows how to get the trunk up if there is a major failure, same for the top.  It is major fun to watch the top stow and erect!  My car needed the motor running to have it do things as expected. 

Rust areas to look out for are around the front of the trunk channel, the area right under where the bottom stainless and the vertical stainless meet on the rear window and the lip the trunk lid seals to when the top is erected.  The rest of the car is pretty much 57/58 Ford rust areas.  Good luck.

[Papa]

Thanks, hope to know if it's coming home or not this week

[1930artdeco]

There is a guru in the Tacoma area that does nothing but work on the roof system. He is not cheap but when he is done the system is bullet proof. If you want the info let me know.

Mike

[terry_208]

There's also A fellow in North Dakota who works on the top systems.

[oldave57]

We would love to see some pictures of your new ride when you get it home and have some time.