Projects **New Driver! - '57 Ford Wagon**

A few years ago my Dad had a red '57 wagon that I'd borrow every now and then. It was a nice car to drive, but it did leave me stranded at the ice cream stand once. And then there's the time it ran out of gas a quarter mile from home.

 

Good on ya, Nick.

I'm a total wagon nerd (currently own 6), and I love '57 Fords. I've owned my '57 Ranch Wagon for 15 years.

Enjoy your new machine!

 

Looks like you did good,Nick,congrats!!!!

 

I love it Nick. I've been looking for one like this too. It's getting tough to haul the family and all their "stuff" to events.

I want a 57-59 ford, merc, or Edsel wagon and I want it set up to safely haul my T in tow.

Congrats on the wagon!

 

@Corn Fed -- Chris, have you looked into adapting a modern auto trans. in your wagon, or have you already? I'd like to hear more if you have a minute to chime in. @alchemy mentioned you ---- I completely forgot you had that wagon!

 

He has done it all. New trans attached to the Y-block, dropped spindles with disks and dual master, air.

 

Totally jealous! We will be campaigning a wagon one of these days.

 

Very cool man, I'll keep an eye out for you when we are in town next weekend

 

guess it didn't load right, looks real nice, hope to see it this summer at shows. Wednesday nights at 78th & Military is turning to a good show. I'm there most Wednesdays.

 

clean looking wagon. good road trip story

 

Great Wagon! I must admit I wanted it too, just couldn't justify two of them now that I have the Falcon. Have fun with it. Cheers!

 

Enjoy the wagon, very nice. Great story how it came together.

 

Another *****'n ride.

 

Nice! I'd be all over your wagon.Enjoy!

 

Now that's a nice station wagon.Good luck with her!Bruce.

 

Super cool wagon, Congrats. Nice photos for memories of the purchase.

 

Good story, Nick. Hope to see you sometime this summer.

 

Thanks, guys -- It's really been a joy to drive an old car daily again... been too long!

 

Cool wagon Nick, saw it on IG. Super jealous, been getting the wagon itch lately.

 

FINALLY, someone else who appreciates a 1957 Ford 4-door wagon. Our family had a 1957 red and white 4-door Ford Country Squire wagon that would haul 4 kids around for about 12 years.

 

Very cool, '57's have always been one of my favorites.

 

Well, I finally dropped the center section out of the rear last night. I found some pieces in the bottom of the axle housing --- not good! BUT, at least it got me home. The original 3.56 ratio tag was still bolted on and that's what the teeth count calculates to. My friend @jho gave me a 3.55 or 3.56 28 spline center section that he had laying around. It doesn't have the fill plug in it, but his dad is going to help me check it over and most likely drill/tap it for a fill plug.

The axle bearings both seem a little rough, so I'm replacing them and the axle seals while it's apart. Two seals and two bearings for a big bearing 9" aren't that easy to find in parts stores anymore. I found all four pieces here in Omaha, but it's going to take trips to THREE different parts stores to get them.
Should be back in business soon!

Link to photo, since I can't get it to post:
https://instagram.com/p/2pBcJ5AP-R/

 

It'll be nice to see it around town this summer. If you're missing any of the big bearing [1/2"] backing plate bolts, I have a bunch of those.
Great looking wagon. I'd imagine Bendtsens [sp] prolly has a kit to use a modern trans behind the Y-block.

 

Nice Wagon!!

 

Congrats Nick!
Old cars are just awesome as daily drivers. I'm really glad I get to grive my Olds agian.
Hope you'll have lots of trouble free miles and smiles in your new wagon!

 

I was having problems posting the Instagram image - @Ryan helped fix it - thanks!

Here's the pieces I found in the bottom of the rear axle housing:

 

Oh dang!

 

Looks like you were fortunate to drive that far! I dig the wagon...

 

Great wagon-Have fun