New Guy Back Into Car Hobby

Hey everyone. Long time car guy here who has been out of the hobby for 20 years. My first car was '59 T-bird that I put 4 different engines into in 6 years. As I near retirement at the end of this year I began looking for a car. In June I acquired a '57 Fairlane Club Victoria from a local seller. And so it begins. I've spent the past month sorting it out and making a list of longer term projects for it.
I'm looking forward to being a member, and I'm sure I'll have a lot of questions for you guys.

Tim

 

Welcome to the HAMB from Illinois.

Nice '57. Is there a difference between a 1957 Club Victoria and a Victoria?

I thought the last Victoria was 1956 and in 1957 the hardtop was a Fairlane?

 

Sharp ride. Welcome from Dubuque, IA, the home of the world-famous Vintage Torque Fest.

 

According to the data plate and info on the 57 Fords forum it's a Club Victoria which is a 2 door hardtop. The Town Victoria is a 4 door hardtop. Other than that, I'm not aware of any other distinctions.

The car I bought was originally owned by a Ford dealer in Boaz, Alabama. He had his dealership shop swap in a 351W and AOD trans. They also swapped in power R&P steering, and pwr front disc brakes. It sat in their show room for many years. The valve covers were made to look like Y block valve covers and the air cleaner resembles a T-bird AC.
I've discovered the throttle set-up is only allowing about half throttle using the original pedal and linkage rod. I think I can put a bend in it to allow for WOT.

 

Welcome from beautiful downtown Cleveland, TN. Looking forward to seeing more of your project. I am absolutely green with envy.

 

Welcome to the H.A.M.B., beautiful car that is!

 

Welcome from Missouri

 

Thanks guys for the warm welcome! I'm still sorting out the car and have made some progress. The edelbrock carb was way out of adjustment-the right idle mixture screw was almost closed completely. The timing was way off as well.
The gas pedal and linkage were only allowing 1/2 throttle, so replaced it all with a Lokar pedal and cable set-up. I adjusted rear brakes, and installed new front/rear anti-sway bars. After adjusting carb and timing I was able to get sufficient vacuum for the power brake booster- stops much better now.
Future plans include a new 3rd member for the 9" rear with posi unit and 3.73 gears, and a new tilt steering column.
I'm trying to find which QA1 shocks I need for the front and rear. Anybody know? QA1 website only goes backk to '66 for ford shocks.