I just bought some 59 ford style weatherstrip in the length I need. I havent put in on yet, but thats my plan.
I see, thanks. We have several classic car rubber suppliers over here so I can probably get it sorted soon then.
So today was "Edsel Day." I got up early, had my breakfast and got to work. I installed the fuel tank - which only took about 20 minutes. Bolted right in. Sure is beautiful! I think its the shiniest part of the car now! I then decided - f-it! These wheels are crap - so why not paint them to see how the color scheme fits the car. So I picked out a Krylon "Cherry Red". Masked them off, put them on, and then added the Ford "poverty caps." BIG difference! Looks good in my eyes. Still searching locally for some wheels. Took her for a quick jaunt down the road and back (2 miles). Did fine. The front end is still "iffy" without the PS parts on it - but I'm not planning on going over 40 for a while. I do have the parts - next project will be to install them - and get some decent wheels / tires and power brakes. Every day - getting closer!
Hey all! Drove the Edsel to work on Friday. Lots of comments from folks. The drive really made me realize how badly I need to get the steering and brakes fixed. Also my mixture is still way rich. Think I killed a few endangered species from the fumes.
Thats way cool. I had a old 57 ford truck one time and the guys at work wanted me to come drive it around there street to kill all the mosquitoes.
Thanks yetikustoms! I do have to admit it does have a LITTLE rust - but it's been painted over LOL. There also does appear that there was some minor damage near one of the tail lights that was bondoed over. Meh - it looks fine - I'm not worried about it being perfect! Afterall - how often do you even SEE the 59 Villagers anymore? I had looked far and wide before scoring this car - and in two years of searching only one other came up for sale in that timeframe in Arizona - and if I remember right - it was NOT in very good shape. "Forgetable" was my impression. A friend of mine's mom saw it the day I took it to work - and when I was showing it to her - she realized that when she was growing up - her family had a 59 Edsel as well. "How can you forget that grill!" was her statement. When I offered to take her for a ride... she DEMANDED the keys from me - and took it for a drive around the block by herself. She made it back safe and sound smiled hugely and said "boy did that bring back memories!"
My grandpa had a 58 at one time. My dad said he drove it to florida one time. Said it drove and rode like a dream. It wasnt a wagon.
Time for an update! Yesterday after work I finally scored one 14" later style Ford rim! YES! I happened to mention to a buddy while showing him the car that I needed at least one rim so I can have all 14" wheels on it (two stock style and two later style) - and he showed me one he had and said I could HAVE it. YES! YES! YES! I gave him $20 for it even though it was free cause I was stoked! I've also been procrastinating the PS installation as I always seem to have to "just drive it once more before I begin." For instance I drove it into work yesterday as it was "cool ride Friday" where we bring our "cool rides" in to work on the first Friday of the month. Last time I did this - I was supposed to start work on the steering the next day. LOL - didn't happen as I drove it in to Bisbee for a quick peek at the car show. This time I really mean it - I really should get to it and stop driving this thing without the proper parts on it. One thing I have noticed is that I really dislike this two speed transmission. It is just not geared right. That whole "shift at 30mph into high" thing is just killing me. Also - with the rear being a "1" code (3.10:1) ratio - comfortable cruise speed is about 55. Which pisses just about everyone in the area off (speed limits are 55 - 65 - meaning most people do 60-70). So....this got me thinking.... I'm not an automatic kinda guy. I prefer the ability to shift the car myself. So......what would it take to do a T85/R11 conversion? I know I'd have to find a T85/FE bell housing. I'd also have to install a clutch pedal. I'd also have to decide if I want to do column shift or floor shift. Maybe even a drive shaft conversion. I know if you have enough $$$ you can do anything - but - how big of a headache would I be looking at on this? If I'm going to be taking the car down for some R&R --- this may be the time to do something as crazy as this. I've also pondered the option of a C6 - but - again it's an auto - and it wouldn't get me OD. I COULD change out the gearing on the rear --- but --- I'm just wondering which would be smarter. I've pretty much decided the stock 2 speed - while functional - is just not for me. Also been thinking about a 390. Keep the ole 332 on the sidelines just in case (always good to have a backup motor). So my options are.... 332 w T85/R11 332 w C6 & Gear Change 390 w T85/R11 390 w C6 & Gear Change The 332 MAY give me better fuel economy - but the 390 would give me more power. *sigh* Too many choices --- thoughts?
When does it shift into high when you hold the gas pedal down? It should be up around 50-60 mph, I think. If not, then the linkage might be misadjusted.
Hey Squirrel! Yes if I'm "gunning it" 50-60 is about when it shifts. If I'm being a "grandma" when I drive - about 35 - 45 or so. It seems to shift OK - it just needs two more gears - one in between low and high - and another after high.
You're probably right Squirrel - it'll probably be much better once I get some good rubber on her, decent brakes, and the PS system fixed. Fun to dream though.
I gotta agree, if your "pissin people off" driving at 55 then that's you and not the car. You'll find that for '58 (at least) the Edsel was damn fast amongst the group of new cars when properly equipped. If I remember correctly, of all the brands and marques, A properly equipped Edsel was tested as more powerful and evidently faster than almost any other car (including Desotos and Mopars with their Hemi's). ...Early on the press gave favorable reviews to the Edsel as it really hauled ass over and above being a well equipped luxury liner. -Oct '57 Hotrod featured a pic of the new Edsel "Big Block" engine... Below is a fairly complete list of period articles, an asterisk indicates that the cover featured a pic of the car. [FONT=arial, helvetica]1958 - Newsweek, November 26, 1956 ("Now Comes the Edsel") 1958 - Motor Life, Volume 6 Number 7, February 1957 ("Ford's New E-car") 1958 - Motor Trend, Volume 9 Number 2, February 1957 ("First Look at Ford's '58 E-car") 1958 - Car Life, Volume 4 Number 3, March 1957 (Edsel hood ornament on the cover) 1958 - Business Week, June 8, 1957 ("The Role of the Edsel Line in Loyalty to Ford") *1958 - Newsweek, June 10, 1957 ("A peek at the 1958 Edsel") 1958 - Motor Trend, August 1957 (One photo, one drawing) 1958 - People Today, August 1957 ("Ford's New Edsel") 1958 - Motor, August 28, 1957 ("The Edsel") 1958 - Autocar, August 30, 1957 ("Ford's Edsel Range") 1958 - Saturday Evening Post, August 31, 1957 ("I Rode Detroit's Mystery Car") 1958 - Automobile Topics, September 1957 ("Long Awaited Edsel Introduction") 1958 - Fortune, September 1957 ("How Edsel Lured Those Dealers") 1958 - Mechanix Illustrated September 1957 (McCahill tests the new Edsel) 1958 - Motor Guide, September 1957 ("First Authorized Report") 1958 - Motor Life, September 1957 ("Who needs an Edsel") *1958 - Popular Mechanics, Volume 108 Number 3, September 1957 1958 - Speed Age, Volume 10 Number 12, September 1957 ("Should you buy an Edsel?") *1958 - Popular Science, September 1957 ("Here it is - the Edsel") 1958 - Time, Sept 2, 1957 ("The Newest Car") 1958 - Newsweek, Sept 16, 1957 ("More Than a New Make of Car.. The Edsel") 1958 - Newsweek, Sept 23, 1957 ("Newest Member of the Ford Family of Fine Cars") 1958 - Newsweek, Sept 30, 1957 (Butler Manufacturing Company) 1958 - Automotive World, October 1957 (Edsel introduction) *1958 - Car Life, October 1957 ("Edsel Consumer Analysis") 1958 - Hot Rod, October 1957 (Edsel engine on the cover) *1958 - Motor Life, October 1957 ("At last, the new Edsel") *1958 - Motor Trend, Volume 9 Number 10, October 1957 ("How Good is the Edsel?") *1958 - Science and Mechanics, October 1957 ("What It's Like to Drive") 1958 - Motor Life, November 1957 ("Cross-Country in an Edsel) 1958 - Look, November 16, 1957 (A look at the new 1958 models) 1958 - Automobile Topics, December 1957 ("Edsel Road Test" & lubrication chart) 1958 - Motor Trend, December 1957 ("Edsel on Trial") 1958 - Business Week, December 7, 1957 ("Edsel Gets a Frantic Push") 1958 - Car Craft, January 1958 (Custom shop restyles the Edsel) 1958 - Popular Mechanics, February 1958 1958 - Special Interest Autos, #103, February 1988 (Bermuda) 1958 - Car Life, March 1958 ("Edsel: Fireball or Flop?") 1958 - Popular Mechanics, March 1958 (PM Owners Report, 6-page "Edsel Power, Handling Are Tops...") 1958 - Motor, April 16, 1958 ("Edsel Ranger 4dr HT Road Test") 1958 - Car Life, May 1958 1958 - Autocar, May 23, 1958 ("What Happened to the Edsel?") 1958 - Car Life, July 1958 ("Edsel and Ford") 1958 - Automobile Quarterly, Volume 13 Number 2, 1975 (Naming the Edsel) *1958 - Cars & Parts, April 1989 1958 - Special Interest Autos, June 1991 (1958 Edsel vs. 1958 Ford) 1958 - Special Interest Autos, December 1993 (Comparison of 1958 models) 1958 - Car Collector, April 1996 (Pacer & Citation) *1958 - Cars & Parts, Volume 41 Number 7, July 1998 (Bermuda photo spread) 1958 - Automobile, January 1999 (Ferrari historian recalls the Edsel design) 1958 - Special Interest Autos, Number 184, July-August 2001 (Edsel Amblewagon article) *1958 - Hemmings Classic Car, Volume 1 Number 4, January 2005 (Yellow Pacer convertible) 1958 - Motor Trend Classic, Volume 1 Number 1, October 2005 (Edsel cruising in Hollywood) 1958 - Hemmings Motor News, Volume 54, Number 4, April 2007 (Yellow Pacer convertible) 1959 - Motor Trend, August 1958 (What you're getting in 1959) 1959 - Motor Trend, September 1958 (Secrets of the 1959 styling. Short) 1959 - Motor Life, December 1958 ("Edsel Aims for Lower Price Field") 1959 - Motor Trend, December 1958 (1959 Edsel review) 1959 - Car Life, March 1959 ("Edsel Consumer Analysis") 1959 - Motor Life, March 1959 (Corsair sedan road test) 1959 - Speed Age, June 1959 ("New Era for the Big E") *1959 - Cars & Parts, March 2001 ("Route 66 Survivor - 1959 Edsel Corsair") 1960 - Car Life, September 1959 (Short paragraph on the 60 Edsel preview) 1960 - Popular Mechanics, Volume 109 Number 5, November 1959 1960 - Popular Science, Volume 175 Number 5, November 1959 1960 - Motor Life, December 1959 1960 - Car Classics, February 1975 ("The Forgotten Edsel") 1960 - Collectible Automobile, Volume 6 Number 1, June 1989 ("1960 Prototype") 1960 - Collectible Automobile, April 1996 ("Short, Hard Life of the 1960 Model") *1960 - Cars & Parts, Volume 41 Number 2, February 1998 ("Edsel's Last Fling") 1960 - Special Interest Auto, January-February 2001 (Ranger and Buick Convertibles) 1958-1960 - Car Life, May 1969 ("Revenge of the Edsel") *1958-1960 - Special Interest Autos, November 1973 (Seven pages of Edsel in review) 1958-1960 - Automotive News June 16, 1978 ("Edsel: a Bomb or a Boon?") 1958-1960 - Sales and Marketing Management December 8, 1980 (Edsel Affair book review) 1958-1960 - Road & Track November 1981 (Edsel Affair book review) 1958-1960 - Forbes September 10, 1984 ("Whatever Happened to the Whiz Kids?") *1958-1960 - Cars & Parts, April 1984 ("Ford's Fantastic Flop") *1958-1960 - Collectible Automobile, Volume 1 Number 2, July 1984 1958-1960 - Time, July 22, 1985 ("A Gallery of Goofs") 1958-1960 - Car and Driver, January 1987 ("Ten Ugliest Cars" and "Ten Best Cars") 1958-1960 - Car and Driver, January 1989 ("Ten Best Grinmobiles") 1958-1960 - Classic & Sportcar, September 1988 (5 pages of Edsel nostalgia) 1958-1960 - Motor Trend, May 1989 ("40 Years of Hits and Misses") 1958-1960 - Forbes November 13, 1989 ("The Hole in Ford’s Doughnut") 1958-1960 - Automobile Quarterly, Volume 31 Number 1 Fall 1992 (20 pages of Edsel) *1958-1960 - Cars & Parts, November 1993 ("New Perspective on an Old Story") 1958-1960 - Automotive News, Volume 2, June 26, 1996 ("100 Events that Made the Industry") 1958-1960 - Car Collector, June 1998 1958-1959 - Car Collector, October 1998 ("Edsel Homecoming: Return to Mahwah") 1958-1960 - Collectible Automobile, Volume 16, Number 1, June 1999 (Profile: Robin Jones) 1958-1960 - Cars & Parts, Volume 51, Number 4, April 2008 ("Edsel's 50th Anniversary")[/FONT] Additionally, here's a list of Edsel Factory reference material that pops up on ebay from time to time. The original Ford Brochure/Reference Number is shown at the tail end of each line. [FONT=arial, helvetica]1958 - Prestige Catalog "This is the Edsel" (32 pg, full color, all '58 models) ED-7101 1958 - Large Color Foldout "This is the Edsel" (24 x 48 inches, full color poster) ED-7102 1958 - Small Color Foldout "This is the Edsel" (21 x 15 inches, full color poster) ED-7103 1958 - Edsel Station Wagon Catalog (8 pg, full color, all '58 Wagons. 9/57 & 12/57) ED-7104 1958 - "Edsel Features Digest"/Edsel Quick Facts (8 pg, b&w, small booklet) ED-7105 1958 - "You Drive the Edsel by Touch" (full color brochure, shows accessories) ED-7106 1958 - "Accessories for Your First Edsel" (32 pg, all options & accessories) ED-7107 1959 - Prestige Catalog "1959 Edsel" (24 pg, full color, all '59 models, Rare) MD-7101 1959 - Large Color Foldout "1959 Edsel" (25 x 19 inches, full color poster) MD-7102 1959 - "Versatile Edsel Station Wagons for 1959" (full color foldout) MD-7103 1959 - "Quick Facts for the 1959 Edsel" (small b&w with blue booklet) MD-7104 1959 - "Accessories for the 1959 Edsel" (small b&w with blue booklet) MD-7105 1959 - Ford of Canada Accessory booklet (4x6, 20 pages) PA929-1 1960 - Full color Sales Catalog (28 pages of illustrations and photographs) 60-100 1960 - "1960 Edsel Quick Facts" booklet (b&w with gold, no catalog number) 1960 - "70 Reasons to Buy a 1960 Edsel" foldout (Green & white) 1960 - Showroom Poster (See Saturday Evening Post ad, 10/24/59) 50 x 38 inches . [/FONT]
The '59 Edsel Brochure: (If your interested I can upload and post additional info (I have a fair amount of Edsel reference material on the hard drive ))
Wow - those brochures are awesome! I do have a 1957 Popular Mechanics that has the review for the new '58 Edsel laying around somewhere. It may be that I'm still a bit gun-shy. I was in a pretty bad accident back in 2010 while driving a stock restored (by me) beetle (other guys fault - did not stop at stop sign) that scarred my face and head pretty badly. Combine that with the rattles on the old girl (window felt is gone - need to replace all of them) - and it's probably just me. I do know the acceleration is very healthy. I ain't smoking tires - but I did surprise a few passengers!
I'd think your Edsel should have no problem exceeding 55 mph even if it's only running half-decent. I don't remember what engine you've got but even a 292 with a 3.10 axle should be able to reach '60s highway speeds without too much effort. Forget a trans change for now and concentrate on the tune-up instead. Is the engine basically sound? How much vacuum does it pull at idle? Does the distrubutor mechanical and vacuum advances work properly? I think you've mentioned a rich exhaust smell. May be time to to do a proper carb overhaul. Try doing a thorough tune-up, don't just try to set everything "by ear". You might find that you can live with the 2 speed trans after all if the engine's making the proper power when it needs to. It'll take less throttle to run a given speed and save you some gasoline to boot.
Its got the FE 332 - I think. Its an FE - it has a 2 barrel carb I havent tried to determine what stroke it has on the crank yet. I'm assuming it's stock to the car - I can't be sure though. I do think it has been rebuilt at one point - or at least has been taken out of the car...why? The whole engine has been repainted as has the engine compartment - and I can't find overspray anywhere. It also does NOT leak oil. The tranny only leaks a little - and that from the hoses running to the radiator. I can accelerate to 55 - and have gone up to 65 - however the time it takes to get to that speed is a little slow. But then again - I have no frame of reference really. This is the first big wagon I've owned with a V8. I know it's faster that my old 64 Chevy bel-aire with the 6 and 2speed - but slower than my 97 GMC with the 5.7L Vortec. Through the discussions on here I also came to the conclusion that my issue of holding the speed down is due to reacting to safety / gunshyness from a previous accident. I used to drive a restored 62 beetle to and from work - and one day someone pulled out in front of me. I did have a lap belt - no shoulder restraint. The doctors insisted if I did have one - the shock would probably have snapped my kneck (50 to 0 in a second). Sufice it to say my face and shoulder took the brunt of the impact - and I was scared pretty good from the incident. A great question for sure. I agree that it's probably time to get the right tools to diagnose this correctly. I havent really done this on a car since HS. The stock Model T ran fine and needed no adjustments. The beetle was very simple - never bothered to check as it ran fine - I just did a compression test to ensure the engine was good before re-sealing the engine with all new gaskets. The engine was a turn-key that was pretty much plug and play) - plus it ran fine. I do know when I got the Edsel - it ran on 4 or 5 cylinders. I had four bent push rods and a dropped lifter. After fixing that - things got better. I also blocked off the vacuum wiper system as that had a BIG leak. Again - I agree. Next chance I get I'll see if I can get some vacuum readings, maybe a compression test, and check the timing. It may be that the carb will need to be re-rebuilt. Its running leaner now - but its still pretty rich. I may re-rebuild it just to be sure - kits are cheap enough.
Not a lot to report --- too damned busy --- and too damned hot. Ordering some parts tonite. Front suspension rebuild kit, brake hardware overhaul kit, spedometer cable, and hood latch cable. I have just about enough parts to make it safe. Need to grab my compression guage in Tucson and then try to get this car tuned up. I have an old Motors guide to use as reference. I did get the tire removed from the "new" rim - and I painted the rim this afternoon to match the rest on the car. I am planning on new tires this week. I also discovered that my heater blower works! Pretty cool! Dunno if the core is good - not like I need heat right now. Also I need to remove the steering wheel. Does someone make a removal tool for these cars? I can see in the middle of the steering wheel two threaded holes next to the shaft and the shaft has a divit where it looks like a tool has carved a little indent in the past. The turn signal switch is screwey and needs to be replaced.
I think you're probably looking for a tool like of these listed here- http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=15708901 The Jeg's, Grant or Lisle style puller should probably do the job. $10 to $20 and you're in!
Thanks for the info on the steering wheel tool - I guess I had forgotten those existed! I remember my dad having one --- maybe we still have it somewhere. Right now I'm still waiting for parts. 5 to 10 Business Days. MEH! I ordered a front suspension rebuild kit off of ebay - and a deluxe brake rebuild kit from Kanter. Also ordered a hood pull and speedometer cable from Macs.
Yesterday I decided it was time to get new tires. I took the newly painted rim and drove the Edsel over to the local Discount Tire - and they had one set of Hankook 205-75r-14's in stock. Then I got the kicker --- "do you want the white stripe in or out." What? Yup - I guess they still make thin white walls. So the stripe went out. Looks good (pics later). Then as I was driving down Fry - I decided to pull into the local Brake Masters and had them inspect the brakes. I was shocked as I was pulling in, and I could see all the Tech's looking at the Edsel as I pulled in - and one shouted out "59 Edsel Villager!" He later told me his Grandpa had one years ago. The assistant manager also ended up talking to me for a good while as he's a hot-rodder. I had already purchased a complete brake rebuild kit but wanted someone to take a look at what I had first. Remember I'm a Model T guy - brakes a strip of cotton cloth inside the transmission. The last time I did a brake job on a REAL car was in Auto Shop in HS! Turns out the brakes had already been rebuilt - minus the wheel cylinders and master cylinder. I guess I should have pulled the drums off BEFORE ordering the rebuild kit. I guess I have a kit for later. I had them re-adjusted the brakes and I was on my way. The drums are a little thin and I have pulsing - so I may have to get a new set of drums soon. ***Steering*** So I've been doing some research online on the PS system and found a lot of info. Most people have said the Edsel system is identical to the Ford system. The Ford / Edsel PS systems are interchangable and were used for years. However...I'm wondering if anyone can assist in explaining to me why the Edsel Control Valve is a different part number than Ford - when all other parts are the same (From MACs Auto): Control Valve Edsel: B9AA-3A730-A Ford: B9AZ-3A730-C Pump Edsel: COAZ-3A674-FM Ford: COAZ-3A674-FM Ram Edsel: B9AZ-3A540-AN Ford: B9AZ-3A540-AN The reason I'm asking is I need hoses and a rebuild kit for the control valve as I think the "rebuilt" one I bought is NOT rebuilt. I just want to be sure I'm getting the right parts. MACs carries hoses for Ford but not Edsel - if the parts are the same - then shouldn't hoses be the same as well?
LOL! You are SO busted! You realize, of dourse, that you'll never be able to get into any kind of "mischief" without somebody knowing who you are. Sounds like a good car to keep you on the straight and narrow! Good to hear that you're getting it rolling safely.
"You'll really stand out when you drive an Edsel!" No kidding! Well I had the brakes done today - she stops straight and even now - and the new shoes (tires) - what a difference. I brought her back down to Palominas so I can stable her under the carport during the monsoon rains. She was really running straight and true - with only some minor vibration caused by the road. So on the straight stretch on 92 between Hereford and Palominas - I kicked her in the tail. Whew! Ok - I was wrong - the 2 speed and 332 are a NICE combo. I checked on the GPS speedo - 75 and just purrin' along. Granted she was probably 3000 RPMs or so at 75 - but held steady and had plenty left. She steers a lot more true with good tires on her. I really do need to do a tune up on her. She's still rich. I did dig out my dwell meter and timing light. If only I could find my vacuum gauge and compression tester I would be all set. The pic was taken at a friends before heading home. She sure would look a lot better with the scallops painted white. I think the thin white walls looks good with the red wheels and poverty caps.
What great progress on your car. That picture with the nice houses and the mountains in the background is really cool. All we have here are small hills. Looks like a great area for a photo op. Im heading to the garage in a few, but havent been on my edsel for a while, since the heat wave.
If you're not up to laying out scallops on it yet, how about painting the inset of the body side moldings white. That would help break up those big coral body side panels. Or is that what you meant by scallops?
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