Question on 1957 Ford roof

I recently ran across a 1957 Ford 4door sedan that had a inverted ribbed roof like a 57 wagon. Is this a rare option? It looks factory the original headliner is still in the car. Just wandered if anyone car help me out. Thanks Gene

 

I believe only 58's had factory ribbed roofs.
I have one for sale,already removed.

 

Yup it is a 58 feature, no 57s came with the "inverted" ribs.

 

Thanks but it a 57 has a 57 front and the single taillights. very interesting, Gene

 

They are not that hard to change. The roof skin sits on top of the drip rails and the calking covers up the spot welds. Probably an ins. repair in it's Early years while it was still worth something.
The Wizzard

 

Learned a long time ago to never say never, but in any case highly unlikely factory unless maybe possibly an extremely late 57. As P-n-B stated, someone put a 58 roof on a 57, or even easier converted a 58 to look like a 57 since the bodies are so similar. The front clips are bolt on interchangeable and with the correct rear panel and fender extensions (the quarters are not only interchangeable but also have the same replacement Ford part numbers) the deck lid and taillights will also bolt in. Any decent bodyman could make the roof or rear look factory.

If you can go back and take a closer look. And copy the information off the Patent Plate. That will tell what the car was originally.

 

Thanks for the info, just saw it and thought it was strange, again thanks gene

 

Thanks for the info, just thought it was different, Gene

 

It could be a very late production,I have a 55 convertible that has a 56 body and other small parts and was built in august that year. My dad bought it new so I know it came from the factory that way,if it was a ordered car they had to produce it and that plant probably ran out of 57 body shells if it was built very late in 57 production or like what was also said a 58 roof installed when it was almost new.

 

Thanks for your info., makes sense,. Gene

 

F.Y.I. Some not so well known facts on 57-58 fords.
57 has wiper motor mounted on motor side of Firewall 58 wiper motor is under dash.
57 insterment color is Gray back ground 58 is White
57 dash knobs are Black while 58 are White
57 horn wire comes out the bottom of steering box 58 is under dash with signal wires.
Just a few of the different things you could check out if you care.
The Wizzard

 

I am curious to see if this is a 57 with a 58 body,I know I can not be the only one to have a car with the next year parts on it.

 

I will check these things out and let you know, thanks for the info, Gene

 

Another difference with 57/58 Fords. Front fenders are different. 57 has the raised rib on top & the 58 fender is ribbed like the roof.