1955 Ford Mainline Makeover

I don't see any side trim holes. Did you decide against the '56 side trim? I really like the look with the trim on and two tone paint, wondering what you decided to do.

 

I am still going to run the trim. I'm leaning toward using molding tape to mount it as I don't have the original clips and I'm not too sure about the plastic ones I picked up. I'm open to advise on this one!

 

Great looking project, done for all the right reasons.

 

Having put the very same '56 Fairlane side trim onto my '53 Mainline, I can tell you that moulding tape is not going to work. The problem is that the back side of the trim is not flat, it's stamped with a rolled edge, but the edge is not substantial enough to put the tape on. The whole trim would be supported by a 1/4" on each edge.

What you need are metal moulding clips, the universal kind like these.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/56-5...3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=65:12|66:4|39:1|72:1171

That particular bunch might not be the right size, but that's the style of clip you need. I've bought clips from that seller before, they seem pretty decent. Tell him the width of the mouldings where you want the clips and how many you need, he should be able to provide a set. I'd say 5 for each front fender trim, 5 for each door trim, and probably 6 or 7 per each quarter moulding, a total of probably 34 clips you'll need.

Granted, you'll probably end up spending $40 or more on clips, (they usually work out to be a little over a buck each with shipping) but it will be well worth it. These are the style I used on my '56 trim and it worked out great. The best part is that the dimensions of the clip don't have to be an exact match for the trim, the shape of the clip allows it to be used in a range of widths.

And you'll obviously want to drill your holes before paint.

 

Thanks for the info! Where can I see pics of your 53?

 

I'll give you this, my man...great work...and yes, I hate you...Great work...she's a beaut...

 

What did you use for the fill panels in the trunk? I need some for my '56 fairlane.

 

I love the 3 blade fan on the water pump. How is the front crossmember, the one in my 56 was totaled when I got it. A fellow Hamber sold me a rust free on that did the trick. Very nice build and pics.

Brad

 

Thanks for the kind words all! I'm lovin' this car! It's just like when I was a kid - I drift off to sleep every night thinking about it!

I just cut them from Masonite. $11 a sheet at Lowes. I made them a little longer so they went all the way to the back by the lights.

 

Friend of mine bought a 63 1/2 Galaxie that had received a fresh restoration but one of the long rear quarter trim parts was not quiet lined up right. He asked me to look at it to see if anything could be done. When I got to looking at it I found it had on retainer clips showing on the inside so I preyed the piece off and found it was held on with something that looked like liquid nails or something? We replaced the clips for that part but the rest of the trim is still held on with that stuff? Might try something like that?

Scott...

 

Liquid Nails??? Really? Now that is ghetto fabulous! I'm gonna p***.

 

Great thread! I've got a stocker '53 Customline that's in great shape-65k on the V8 flattie, nice original interior, etc. I was wanted to go mild custom, but I think after catching this thread I'm gonna keep it real close to stock. Its nice that some people dig the NBFW rides. I think that stock keeps the history alive. If I get another ride that needs a lot of work, I'll go mild custom on it.

Did yo use masonite for the kickpanels as well? I'm looking at replacing mine.

 

I love this car! I had a few '56s in high school, love the side trim. A '56 Customline my dad owned is sitting at a shop a few miles from here, but the guy must watch BJ, cuz the price is way up there, for the shape it's in. I'd love to find a decent '55 or '56 for my next project! Cool car, great work! I can't wait to see the finished product.

 

Great Work! Looks Awesome!

 

Great work, you're parents will be proud.

 

Great work, but God intended a Mainline from '55 to be a bare-*****. JMO

 

I know, I know.....

Been playing in photoshop with someone's car:

 

Here's a pretty good side shot with the trim on. The car's been sitting for a while and I'm planning to go through it again and make changes, but the side trim will stay.

If you do get those clips, it doesn't hurt to tape off the threaded part and paint the clip part on both sides before you install them. They come with what looks like cad plating on them but it seems like they will get rusty easily if the car stays outside.

 

That car looks great! Nice job adding the trim. I cleaned all of mine up today and wondered about the edge of the trim rubbing/wearing the paint. There was already some rust on the back sides from the old clips.

 

Here's the trim I polished up today. It's driver status but good up to about a foot away. It's not dented up - just a little faded/pitted. I alos picked up some 56 reverse lights and tail lights to help with the dressing up. I have all the original lights and block offs to keep for posterity's sake.



I'm having a hard time deciding about the roof color. I was planning to do it white for Ford style consistency, but the more I look at it the more I think it would look better with green roof. What do you guys think?

 

Nice work, brings back good memories, my first car was a 55 Mainliner( Police Interceptor). It was totaled sitting on the street in front of my parents house when I was away at Basic training in 1978. I have always thought of getting another one.

 

beautiful job btw....i lean towards the green roof look. either will be primo and i applaude your work ethic, i wish i had a bit more jam to get going on mine

Derek

 

I like it with the green roof as well. One color on top and one on the bottom. If it was a hardtop, I might say differently, but I don't like the roof one color and the pillars another color when there is no trim separating them.

 

Awesome build thread. I think it looks good with green roof.

 

Man you work fast! Nice job!

 

Nice looking 55 and a great story too! I've always had a soft spot for the 55-56 Fords.

 

Man you work fast!! This is a great thread! You're dad is going to be a happy man!
Personally, I like the side trim. Gives it a bit of a custom look, and I also like the roof color to match the bottom color. Since this is for your dad, why don't you try to find out what he would like? If he doesn't know about this, maybe your mom can get the opinion out of him?

 

I would imagine you could get trim clip sets for this car from Dennis Carpenter in Charlotte NC or Obsolete CL***ic Parts in OKC or other dealer in mid-50s Ford stuff.

Love the car, either way on the top and the trim, love the idea of your realizing the time train was catching up to you and your Dad's dream, and you bought a First Cl*** ticket for your Dad and Mom to enjoy the trip back in time!

I salute you! HUZZAH! HUZZAH! HUZZAH!

 

I also think the green top is the way to go. The white top just seems to make the top "float" above the rest of the car, in my humble opinion.

 

Dennis carpenter carries those trim clips, but they are a little high on price with them. Some of the paint & autobody wholesalers sell them cheaper. Those same clips were used into the 70's on the trucks.

Squablow, good idea about painting the clips, they do rust pretty fast. I'll have to remember that.