Ok - Hopefully there is some Edsel buffs out there!! I recently just picked up a 58 Ranger, actually it was my first car and i just got it back. Anyways since its all torn apart i would like to right now replace the front end (tie rods, ball joints, etc.) and convert it to disc. I know i know, but i just have too many issues with the damn drums. My question is what do you think the easiest conv. would be? A late Merc setup? Does anything bolt right up? Also - for the front end parts, i refuse to go through a rare parts guy when i am almost posotive the setup for the 58 Edsels are the same as 57 ford. Does anyone know for sure? If not, i will just pull parts and match em up at the auto supply store. But it would be nice just to order and apply. Thanks for the help! -Cassaundra
I don't know for sure either, but I always assumed they used Ford chassis' and running gear. Gotta photo?
I think 77-9 thunderbird spindles will bolt on,I know they will bolt on back to 62 and I think they are similar back to 57. Jeff
Be careful. I had a '58 Edsel Ranger myself and I distinctly remember that when I had to replace the front brake drums they were Mercury drums, even though the chassis is generally the same as '57/'58 Ford. That was part of Edsel trying to be a step up from Ford. I don't know about the spindles but I would try to contact an Edsel club that may have some members that already went through a disc brake conversion. Personally if you have properly functioning power brakes in that Edsel you wouldn't need discs. My Edsel would stop on a dime every time. By the way, if you ever go to Universal studios in Osaka Japan, stop by Mel's Diner and check it out. That's where it ended up.
WEIRD stuff with edsels... they say the smaller ones like pacers supposedly used ford stuff, whereas the larger ones used merc stuff. however, my buddy's 58 pacer used a merc adjuster cable (i think, the ford one was far too small) so i wonder if the brakes aren't merc all around. i'm surprised he hasn't posted yet, but you might send little_e a PM about it. he's got a few links to association websites, was even in BG, KY for the edsel owners' meet to pick up a fender.
Not yet, i should have one up by maybe this weekend. I'm a loser and stuck with the 35mm camera so i have to go get my film developed.
Scott - thanks for the info. Good to know. Iv'e tried to contact a few Edsel clubs - no luck. Hahaha - this car defanitly does not have properly functioning power brakes. If i had working brakes i dont think id touch em till i had too. If you know any Edsel club guys, please have them PM me. Thanks! -Cass P.S. If im ever in Japan i will check out your Edsel...
Check out www.mpbrakes.com. If you don't find anything on the site, give them a call. Those guys helped me out with my '58 Ranchero.
Email spooky if anyone has the info he will. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/sendmessage.php?do=mailmember&u=44
PMed ya, but for the sake of the board this is what I know. Ranger/Pacer are considered small series cars and are based on the Ford Chasis, and the Citation/Corsair are big series based on Merc chasis. As far as I know all the brake parts for Ranger should be interchangable with Ford of same year. I kept the drums all the way around and used Kanter's to get hardware kit, wheel cylinders, and on a different note motor mounts. I used Mac's autoparts to order the Master Cylinder for my ole single acting brakes. If you need to call Kanter's call ext. 375 the guy's name is John and he's badassed, will go a long way to help you and he knows a guy who has a few Edsels. As far as customer service, Mac's sucks I haven't found anyone to go out of the way. Another source of parts I haven't utilized yet is Dennis Carpenter. Also, Egay has treated me pretty well Edsel Carb = 25 (holley 4bbl), taillight lenses = 20-30 each, mirrors = 90 (need work), etc. I would post some pics of the International Edsel Owner's Club meet last weekend if I could figure out my starblvd account to link the pics in. Anyone know another free site to post pics from??? Scott
The Jalopy Journal
