Dumb 1957 spark plug question

This area is for posting questions/information concerning 1955-57 year Thunderbirds NO FOR SALE POSTINGS

Moderator: Joe Johnston

Post Reply
cscolastico
Posts: 200
Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2017 12:21 am

Dumb 1957 spark plug question

Post by cscolastico »

I'm about to ask what I believe will be the dumbest question ever asked on this forum. I am trying to replace my spark plugs but can not get a socket to grab the plug. I am starting with the front plug on the passenger side as it seems the easiest to access. It seems that my socket can't get deep enough on the plug as it seems to be slipping off. Seems like the outer diameter of the socket is too wide to fit in the spark plug indention. Is there a special tool that is required to change these plugs? Is the socket size standard? Ie 11/16, 3/4 etc? Thanks
Daddio
Posts: 64
Joined: Mon Jul 01, 2019 12:51 pm

Re: Dumb 1957 spark plug question

Post by Daddio »

There are spark plug sockets available. They're deeper than standard sockets, but it looks like the wall thickness is the same.
I just bought a set of 5 (different sizes) off Amazon. Chinese quality, but they'll suffice, I won't use them with an impact driver. The only thing I didn't like was the plastic inserts in each, intended to grab and hold the spark plug during install/removal. They were too stiff. I popped them out, started the plug by hand and then tightened them.
Mike
1956 TBird
SOLD - 1959 Cadillac Biarritz
Massey Ferguson 165
2005 Lincoln LS
2014 GMC Yukon
cscolastico
Posts: 200
Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2017 12:21 am

Re: Dumb 1957 spark plug question

Post by cscolastico »

Thanks for the quick reply. I was digging through some of my cheap spare sockets and found one that fits!!! Thanks again
ICON 1956
Posts: 2545
Joined: Sun Jan 11, 2015 9:11 am
Location: USA
Contact:

Re: Dumb 1957 spark plug question

Post by ICON 1956 »

Getting to remove the spark plugs is not easy task, there under the exhaust manifold. You must hunch over the fender to try to grab them, remember not to wear a" belt buckle " if your not adding a fender bib . besides the other obstacles that can be in the way.
1956 Thunderbird Sage Green
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
cscolastico
Posts: 200
Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2017 12:21 am

Re: Dumb 1957 spark plug question

Post by cscolastico »

Thanks ICON. I am in the process of replacing my heater core so I removed some hoses and the diffuser box. That is giving me some decent access - don't know what I'm going to do on the driver's side though. lol
User avatar
paul2748
Posts: 2147
Joined: Sun Mar 15, 2009 12:23 am
Location: Northeastern New Jersey

Re: Dumb 1957 spark plug question

Post by paul2748 »

If I remember correctly, the socket size is 13/16
1956 Fiesta Red 312
1954 Ford Victoria 312
1948 Ford Convertible Street Rod 302
CSPIDY
Posts: 418
Joined: Sat Jun 25, 2016 7:10 am

Re: Dumb 1957 spark plug question

Post by CSPIDY »

Access to the plugs can be done from the lower side with more ease.
57 D code Colonial White


Wise man once told me, "you don't know what you don't know"

West Newton, PA
cscolastico
Posts: 200
Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2017 12:21 am

Re: Dumb 1957 spark plug question

Post by cscolastico »

Thanks again. Going to tackle the job this weekend
Post Reply