Hello. I'm gearheadbill. Been on the HAMB since the 90’s. Just yesterday picked up this 52 Victoria. Best as I can tell it’s an original 74k miles car. Original paint, trim, interior etc.. Modified only in the drivetrain. 1996 corvette LT1, 700R4, 8”. Vintage Air heat/cool, front discs. Unfamiliar with this newer car and I’m sure I’ll have all sorts of dumb questions as I go along. Thanks
Thanks guys. I do have a question: what do I call this large (I’m ***uming cast pot metal) piece at the front of the wing windows? I’d like to start looking for a pair as both of the ones on my car are pitted.
To find some that are not pitted is going to be hard. I looked all over for a set that needed no rework but had to settle for a set that were in better shape that the ones I had. My car is a Victoria, which made matters worse. I had them rechromed. The 53 and 54 were pot metal, the 52, so I understand, were steel. NOTE="gearheadbill, post: 15605233, member: 963"]Thanks guys. I do have a question: what do I call this large (I’m ***uming cast pot metal) piece at the front of the wing windows? I’d like to start looking for a pair as both of the ones on my car are pitted.[/QUOTE]
[/QUOTE] Thanks Paul. Since I'm just getting started with this car I want to look for a while for good used versus having mine re-plated. I think 'new shiny' would look outa place since the other trim is used original pieces. I may end up getting then redone eventually.
Thanks Paul. Since I'm just getting started with this car I want to look for a while for good used versus having mine re-plated. I think 'new shiny' would look outa place since the other trim is used original pieces. I may end up getting then redone eventually.[/QUOTE] Are all 52-54 Victoria pieces (other than base metal differences) the same? That is.. will any fit my 52?
Bill....your car is probably a late production 1952 Victoria as Victorias produced for the first 3 months of the 1952 model year had stainless steel covers over the pot metal vent window frames. Yes, the window frames for all 1952-1954 Ford Victorias, Skyliners and convertibles ( also '52-'54 Mercury hardtops and convertibles) are interchangeable. When I restored my '54 Ford Skyliner, 1954 Ford Convertible and my 1954 Mercury Convertible years ago I was able to locate stainless steel vent window frames for all three cars. The '52 stainless frames fit just fine and look great as they better match the rest of the stainless trim. You see the '52 stainless vent window trim for sale on Ebay once in a while and they usually go for $500.- $600. a pair. I sold an extra pair that I had a few years ago for around $500. Keep your "eyes open" for a '52 Vicky parts car that might have the stainless frames you could switch out or rechrome yours. Either way, it is going to cost you some good money. Alan
I'd Like to ask another question; this time about about steering play. My car drives just-sorta-ok in that there seems to be loose play in the steering. The car doesn't seem to wander too much on the road but it doesn't decisively go where you point it either. Difficult to pinpoint other than it's not quite right. I've got it up on the lift w/most all of the weight off the front tires. When you turn the steering wheel the tires begin to move with very little turn of the steering wheel. I was thinking to adjust the steering box but not so sure now. It'll be job to get at with the LT1 headers in it. I'm all alone so I can't wiggle the wheel and at the same time take a look to see what moves/doesn't move. Any advice appreciated.
I’ll suggest answers: I “covered” the pitted chrome wind wing metal with chrome vinyl on my 56. Been on 12 years now and not quite as bright as when I did them. You can see the angle cuts I made. If I didn’t tell you …. You would never know. Yours look to need sanding. I would do it with a rubber block. It’s time I did them again. Check for grease in your steering gear box. I pumped mine full of ch***is grease instead of gear oil and reset the adjuster screw/nut.
My old '53 had lots of play in the steering when I first got it. I replaced all the tie rod and drag link ends and it steered great after that.
Welcome, and very gorgeous 52! When I was growing up, my longtime family friend had an all black 53 Meteor Victoria. I spent countless times riding in it. Loved that car. If I can find a pic I'll post it sometime. I know it's a long shot, but I remember seeing an interweb photo of a black 53 Meteor Victoria with Florida plates. Considering how rare, I'd bet it's the same one! Love your 52. The grilles were very cool and these cars hold a special place in my heart, as I grew up around a whole fleet of 52-53's in my family.
You can buy it on line as a wide “tape” with sticky **** on the back OR as vinyl like in a car wrap where you put in on wet and squeegee the bubbles out. (That’s why I said you need to sand yours smooth) I use it where I need “wrap” it on un even surfaces. I bought a 12”x60” kit that even had squeegee panel. It took a few tries to get it right. I bought it off eBay. Now I’d use Amazon or talk to a sign or wrap guy.
Great idea. I hoped that's what you meant. I believe that re-chroming my parts would be several hundred dollars. My neighbor 2 doors down has a graphics/vinyl wrap business.
How does the window trim piece that goes on the top of the door (has Victoria embossed into it) fasten to the door? Does it use the same style spring clips as much of the rest of the trim does? I need to pull the p***enger one off as it has a gnarly dent/crease that I'd like to remove. Thanks
Welcome! As far as steering, I would imagine your right foot would have as much to do with steering as the steering wheel does. Just saying, lots of power, skinny tires! Mark
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