Hard parts to find

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robingudgel
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Joined: Sun Dec 02, 2018 12:03 am

Hard parts to find

Post by robingudgel »

I am restoring a couple of 57 D codes and one E-code. One has an air cooled automatic without the torque converter. This may actually be from a 56? Can't find the converter. another has no steering box. Can't locate one of those either. I do have 7 E- codes in great shape and 3 D codes that drive very well, but these two parts are a problem. The cars are in such bad shape, I may as well open up my Casco catalog and order 2 of everything! Any help would be appreciated. I'm sure there will be additional parts, but those are the only ones identified so far.
1957Birdman
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Joined: Thu Nov 20, 2014 8:58 am

Re: Hard parts to find

Post by 1957Birdman »

Try Hill's or Prestige Thunderbird. They have used parts or may know of where to get them if they don't. Ebay is another option and those parts show up there from time to time. The automatic is definitely right for a 1957. You will need to get the number off of the tag on the transmission case to figure out its application.
Best regards,
Lew Bachman
1957 Colonial White
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paul2748
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Re: Hard parts to find

Post by paul2748 »

The air cooled trans is a 56. I think mid 56 Ford went to the water cooled. All 57's were water cooled.

If you are not restoring the cars to concours specs, you might want to consider a later trans such as a C4

Ditto on Hill's for used parts. Another source is a guy named Adrian, lilbirds567@wmconnect.com 570-709-0823. Lots of 57 parts. He might have a 56 torque converter
1956 Fiesta Red 312
1954 Ford Victoria 312
1948 Ford Convertible Street Rod 302
TNcoupe
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Re: Hard parts to find

Post by TNcoupe »

Is a 55 steering box the same as a 57? If so I think I have one laying around somewhere where I converted mine to rack in pinion.
Oldmics
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Location: Glen Burnaaay Md.

Re: Hard parts to find

Post by Oldmics »

55 steering box is different than the 57 boxs.

Different ratio

Oldmics
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paul2748
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Re: Hard parts to find

Post by paul2748 »

Old Mics - is the difference only internal?
Oldmics wrote: Mon Dec 03, 2018 6:25 pm 55 steering box is different than the 57 boxs.

Different ratio

Oldmics
1956 Fiesta Red 312
1954 Ford Victoria 312
1948 Ford Convertible Street Rod 302
Oldmics
Posts: 314
Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2005 10:56 am
Location: Glen Burnaaay Md.

Re: Hard parts to find

Post by Oldmics »

I know the spline count is also different where it couples.

I am not sure about the bolt pattern to the frame. Even if the box will bolt to the frame you would have to change the entire steering column.

Best to find the right box.

Oldmics
goldwinghg
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Location: Houston, Tx.

Re: Hard parts to find

Post by goldwinghg »

I have found hard to find parts on eBay. You just have to keep checking everyday.
ICON 1956
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Re: Hard parts to find

Post by ICON 1956 »

Ditto on the E Bay search.....
1956 Thunderbird Sage Green
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
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