Hot Rods 57 FORD Build #2... Glutton for Punishment.

NO Thanks.

 

I completely agree.... I had a 460 in my black 57 when I first purchased it.. ran great.... but I came across a done 428 for an incredible bargain.. and it was more in line with my traditional aspects.I just lean to a FE...
I would LOVE a 427... but I am sure as hell not going to start with a block and heads @ $7500 and then on to a $20-$25k engine..... simply out of my snack bracket.Much to much $$$$ for me.
As for modern engines..I respect others that have used them..... just not my cup of tea.

At the end of the day...... one man's meat is another man's Poison.

 

Well........good amount covered today...

Mocked up the rad and rad cradle today.... its just sitting there on its single core support should bolt.
I really wanted to see the spacing between the fan and rad.I think I have 2 inches at the max.... which in the future I can adjust when the inner fenders and fenders go back on.
No other sheet metal will go on.. so I can do all the other things needed and freely,(steering, headers ,etc, etc)
Also,,... the front suspension is not tightened... I need to wait until its on the ground and on its on weight.... don't want any binding.I also want to move freely to do the master and brake lines.... and finish the cowl drains..... plus a plethora of small things....

 

So.... I'm really close to seeing the fuel tank go in...I had 2 spares....but after a closer inspection..I broke down and bought a new one,.... the 2 I have would require more $$$$$ than buying a new one.... they are really filled with rust..... and somewhat dented.... hard to fix ,clean, boil and pray it works.
but I have many tank straps... cleaned and painted, but did not have the rubber bands to go between the straps and tanks.
Yea.... you "could use a old inner tube... but.. its just plain sloppy.
My pal Terry who I have mentioned a few times is a Ford Tech, works the local dealership..... anyhow.. months ago... he had a ton of this material that is used on a re-call for a certain Ford on the door handles..... can't remember the vehicle.... but he said..."Maybe you can use them for something"

Definitely,..... They at Ford, just throw this excess away.... and its really pliable, stretchy and super strong, very easy to cut.So I cut some strips, using the adhesive side down and will work and never be seen. Gonna use it as well between the body and fuel tank.The factory used a cardboard fabric that was long disintegrated.
I am going to use it as well in the interior as a sound deadener.In between the dash/body, anywhere a squeak could happen.Anywhere where 2 body parts or brackets are joined.. its so thin, durable and easy to work with.The Adhesive side really sticks well.

 

Have not done that yet, but the fuel AND brake lines will be run on the inside of the frame,(drivers side((left)) like my other 57.... Ford put the brake lines on the outside of the frame from factory...(drivers side)..I don't like that...

 

So here is another thing for the 57-58 person..... the factory hood latch is...an... "OK" design... but it has 2 working blades to make it open, close and function.
I personally have not had an issue. and use one on my other 57.. and it works well.... but there have been issues... the cure is to use a 1959 Ford latch.. direct bolt on adjusts just like a 57/58 and is a single blade action.
rummaging through the parts room,..I found one! (Thanks BOB OWENS!!!)
I forgot I had one.... and after a 5 minute dual of Elbow grease.. came out cherry.

 

BTW,..... eBay is a complete rip off.... These are worth $5-20 bucks max!
I was just checking online to make sure mine was indeed a 59.

I think this seller owns a weed shop as well!

 

So.. I mentioned this at some point in my other 57 thread.. but.... if you wants a bigger tire on the rear(and the 57 is VERY limited , ) Go with a standard 56 Ford rear shock... drops the rear another 2-4 inches, .I had an issue because I LOVE a big side wall... I literally had to deflate the rear tires to get them on and off.
Real PIA,.... so I picked up another set.....
Now.. when I bought my first set...Napa,... They were $22 bucks a shock.... now..... $45 bucks in 2 years........
Oh well... the world is very greedy.

 

So after the shocks went on.....(I'll keep the 57's for spares) I have been itching to get my Traction Masters on....
Well made and these are the bolt on units..... Did not the permanent weld on units...
so got that done.... Since the company has been around since 53... it was the right choice.
Whether they will work to maximum efficiency.. doubt it... this is a street car.... but..I love them and they are correct for the car and cool.
At least they aren't those god awful yellow Mr Gasket JUNK....

hahah
I left the arms loose until the car is sitting on its own weight.....
but.. it was very straightforward.... Just reefing on them long U-Bolts kinda got real long in the tooth.

 

And lastly.. Had my 56 Ford 15's painted up by Tom the Painter (like 8 months ago) and bought the Firestone Champs in the summer
Trying to get Coker or Universal products... today is PAINFUL.... not their fault.... but if your looking for rubber for your ride... better order.... you could have an extremely long wait.
So....running a 6-70-15 up front and a 7-10-15 in the rear... they balanced up PERFECT.
I keep hearing these horror stories.. and Owned countless Bias Plus...... NEVER an issue.Ever.
When I go for a super long haul...I'll dump the radials back on.... but 80% of the time.. I will be hugging my Stones.

Im a happy guy today.

The fight continues.......

 

Not double latched Stogy,..... but the single latch has a dual (latch system )
They have been known to be faulty.... now thinking of the double latch.... you mention.. yes.. drivers side there is another latch/catch you must use to fully open the hood.... but.... if you were rambling a good speed... pretty sure the secondary hand latch would rip right off.