57 bird oil pan removal

[Ferrbird]

I have a a 57 bird with auto trans and want to change the oil pan gasket.
Is there a simple method, without an engine hoist, to get the pan off, because the front engine mount is in the way for several front pan bolts and removal.

[CSPIDY]

I have not removed my pan so take this for what it's worth. My car is currently up on jacks and I looked at the oil pan installation, in fact I put a socket on all of my bolts just to make sure they are all tight. I was able to get to the front bolts using swivel sockets, I have a 1/4 inch set of snap-on that will take the necessary torque. I can't tell you if the pan will clear the bottom of the engine. Although I would not be afraid to try. Good luck.

[CSavaglio]

The book also says that you have to have the #1 cyl at top dead center. I've never tried to do the pan on the car, so I'm not sure if you can clear everything.

[paul2748]

The pan will come off. You may have to unbolt the idler arm from the frame for clearance, but the pan will come off. I helped a friend take his off to change the rear seal.

[Ferrbird]

Thanks for the input guys!
I had #1 piston at top center, removed idler arm and pan slid right out, no issues.
Hardest part was getting the right tools to remove 2 of the pan bolts below front engine mount. I used a 1/4 inch drive flex joint on a 1/2 inch socket and 4 inch extension, as I didn't have the flex socket itself, but worked fine.
Thanks Again!

[scolastico]

Just saw this post as I was searching for this procedure. How were you able to get the two front troublesome bolts back on? I may need to change my gasket as well.

Thanks

[55Greg&Amy]

I used a 1/4 “ drive socket with a universal joint and 6” extension to get the troublesome bolts back in when I did the job earlier this year.

[scolastico]

Thanks, it sure looks tough.

[scolastico]

Greg, sorry to be dense, but were able to start to the thread bolt with the universal? Or could you start it with your fingers?

Thanks

[55Greg&Amy]

I was able to put the bolt in the socket and use the socket, universal and extension to start the bolt. It took some patience and made very sure it spun on without any force to avoid crossthreading it

[scolastico]

Thanks Greg

[Firstandtenth]

Good information to have as this will probably be one of my "winter projects" for the car. Mine is a manual tranny, but I assume it is the same procedure for the oil pan.

[Wineaviator]

Older discussion but does anyone have a vendor for a replacement oil pan for the 312? Mine is pretty beat up and abused, looking for a NOS or repop….

Thanks.

[ICON 1956]

I found mine on EBay,

[paul2748]

Try CASCO, Hill's or Prestige as they may have a spare pan to sell. In addition, try these guys - they have used parts and are good people to deal with:

Bob Schermerhorn 518-392-2472
Tony's Classics 515-321-0767
Adrian Lori 570-709-0823

They usually are not cheap.

Older discussion but does anyone have a vendor for a replacement oil pan for the 312? Mine is pretty beat up and abused, looking for a NOS or repop….

Thanks.