1957 Ford Fairlane

Retractable Convertible

8 - Cyl.

Manual

D7KW173921

Gasoline

Here is a GREAT find! This 1957 Ford retractable has been in storage since 1987. There are just over 67,000 miles on this car. The motor and 3 speed Tranny were rebuilt in 1987. The car was originally an automatic from what I was told. The Build badge reads: Body 51A, Color A, Trim BF1, Date 05W, Trans 3, Axle 2. I think the original Factory Color was Raven Black. All One Color. The car is currently in 3 different color Primers. The car has been undercoated also. All the stainless trim and all the chrome has been removed and saved. The holes where the trim fasteners bolt to the body have all been filled with bondo and primered several years ago. The car was going to be lowered and painted all Bright Mustang Yellow. With No trim and No seams. "The Lead Sled". The whole car was stripped to the bare metal with aircraft stripper in 1987. It was then taken to a body shop that repaired rust spots in the doors. The Entire car was shot with a green Primer. Some type of oxide. I can't remember the name anymore. This was my first car I ever bought, when I was 15. The intention was to restore it with my Dad during High school years. Like he and my older brother did to a 1950 Chevy. Unfortunately, I got interested in sports and things other than an "Old cars". Long story short, I am 40 now with 3 kids, and after hundreds of hours of day-dreaming of how I would finish the retractable. Other than starting it once in a while, and listening to the rumble of the old mufflers, Nothing has been done. The car runs and drives...just not well. The car sounds good when in neutral, just not much power when driving. The motor is a 312 "Thunderbird special". Everything works except the original fuel pump. I replaced the original mechanical fuel pump with an electric fuel pump. Works fine now. The gas in the car (other than a couple of gallons 3 years ago) is from 1987 also. There is a little smoke from the drivers side exhaust. Smells like it is running really rich. I expect the carbs are gummed up pretty good. The brakes work. It will need new pads before driving it out of the driveway though. I took it around the block a few times 3 years ago, but didn't feel too safe with the stopping power. I have all the parts that have been taken off the car. Inside and Outside. The drivers side window is cracked, but the other glass is in good condition. The entire interior has been removed, with the exception of the seats. The carpet was taken out and thrown away. The floor is solid, and so is the trunk area. All the interior metal trim was blasted, sanded and primed. (Except the chrome pieces) They will probally need done again though. I bought brand new leaf springs for the back, because of the sagging that is typical with these cars. The leaf springs have never been installed. I also bought new Patch panels for the rear quarters.(They are a 2 piece set for each side.) I also have a new set of bezels for the headlights and all new rubber gaskets for the doors and the top. The gasket set was around $800.00 The top Does work. All the motors and relays are in good condition. There is a rusted place at the bottom drivers side of the rear window that has almost rusted all the way through. I have been told by retractable guys that this is a common problem with the tops. I was also told its not too expensive to have repaired. I have left the top down for the almost the whole time I have owned the car. The top can be put up if needed. This car has never been wet since I owned it and the previous owner never took it out in the rain either. Call me if there are any questions. I will answer them to the best of my knowledge. 574-265-9327 Eric The Reserve is set at $4,500.00 That is a steal for this car.On Mar-07-11 at 04:55:41 PST, seller added the following information: I have both of the original bumpers and the grill. They do need rechromed. I also have the original air filter and engine fan.