1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Town Sedan. Classic car walk around and drive. 292 V8 Y Block Fordomatic USA

[@TylersNeighborhoodGarage]

That's a neat car. Janet Leigh drove one in Psycho. Someone was fighting fuel system issues. The original Holley 2300 2bbl was replaced by a Motorcraft 2100 with some kind of spacer or adapter. That carb in the trunk is one of those infamous Holley 4000 "teapot" carbs, also called the towering inferno, so named because of the fuel bowl mounted up above the body of the carb. A stuck float would send a cascade of fuel out all over the engine. It probably came off that 4bbl intake. The fuel pump in the trunk is the correct-style dual action pump that incorporates a vacuum pump for the the windshield wipers. Whomever did all those "repairs" to that car, especially the hood pins, took the path of least resistance and didn't do them right. You can fix it though.

[@novaseline4u]

On the headroom issue. It didn't seem right to me either. My parents drove a 58 Fairlane 500 2 dr HT for a couple of years back then, and I don't remember them complaining about it, and the 58 is essentially the same car. Just updated a bit, and newer engines and trans offered. See if someone stacked washers or something under the seat tracks when they put it back in after the recovering job. It might be possible to adjust the tracks too. Fords did not have 6 way power seats back then, and most people wouldn't have spent the cash on it if they did, so there may be a provision under the seat for the dealer to adjust it for shorter or taller owners. I watched some more, and found that you have the clock and steering wheel for it. Great! I'd clean those up and put them right back on. Take note that when in Drive, these cars start off in second gear. To start off in first, either pull the shifter into low and shift back to Drive when ready for the 1-2 shit, OR, mash the gas pedal to the floor when taking off, That will also select first gear, assuming that all linkages are properly adjusted. It has mechanical valve lifters too, so you will have to adjust the valves from time to time.

[@rogerlee3941]

I'm a Mopar guy too. I'm not sure I would have traded for the Ford, but I believe with your common sense and thorough approach to mechanics, that you can have a very nice old Fairlane when you're done. Looking forward to your progress!

[@danielulz1640]

The chrome headlight trims ARE aftermarket. Chrome trim mouldings for the fender edges above the headlights were also available aftermarket.

[@markcollins457]

Love the vacuum wipers on a good day with a driving rain if you put the pedal to the metal the wipers would stop in mid stroke until you let off the gas!😅 The fender skirts would help this 4dr with some "COOL" factor.

[@novaseline4u]

Your door panels are correct originals. You are correct about the car having a padded dash originally. That would sync with the presence of padded visors. I likely had seat belts, too. That was a "Lifeguard" package that Ford offered. Electric wipers were not offered. The first character of the VIN will specify which engine it came with. C is the correct letter for a 292 2 barrel. D would be a 312 4 barrel. You won't see E or F. No way the guy would have traded that car to you if it did, and he knew what it meant. Most likely that is the original 292. There are casting codes on the block near the oil filter that you can look up. The teapot carb in the trunk did not come on that car. It's probably for a 55 or 56. 57s used the new style Holley 4 barrel with the front and rear float bowls. First year for them. You MIGHT have a 9 inch rear under there too. I think those were mostly in TBirds (my 57 TBird has one), station wagons, convertibles, and cop cars. You never know though. Check that data plate on the driver side door jamb for the colors and trans/rear codes. The seats were two toned, like the door panels. Cloth inserts (probably grey) with vinyl bolsters that match the upper color on the door panel.I'm also surprised it started in PARK. 57 Fords (originally) do not start in PARK. You had to shift to N first. My TBird got me like that. Aftermarket suppliers for these cars sell updated switches that will allow starting in PARK. This car might have one, or someone buggered the wiring. I vote for buggered. Make sure it won't start in gear!! Get a clock for it. Should be easy to find one. Most of them had one. The engine sounded real good. Good luck with the car!

[@steves9905]

I luuuv the sound of a Yblock...almost like a flattie. And love this Fairlane...exactly how I would buy one. You have a great driveway of cars

[@nealsidor1323]

She's a beauty. In '57, Ford outsold all other makes AND dominated Nascar as well. My Dads first new car was a Custom 500 2 door post with the 292 and 3 speed manual on the column. First car I ever rode in...👍🏁

[@greggc8088]

9:43-1962 Falcon had vacuum wipers and a huge vacuum pump incorporated with the fuel pump. That may have been the last year, which seems strange since 63 was the end run for that body. Nice car. Thanks for sharing.

[@dwi189]

The rear end treatment of the 57 Ford and the '57 Thunderbird were similar with the angled tailfins and round taillights.

[@dangarrison3503]

My aunt has a black and white 57 ford fairlane 500, like yours. She passed a few years ago at 97. My cousin has the car.

[@mikeb5372]

Could make a drinking game. Everybody drink when he says he's not a Ford guy

[@ObsoleteAutomotive]

Sounds good to me. I’m not much of a Ford guy.

[@mikeb5372]

@@ObsoleteAutomotive Dang! Now I gotta drink and it's only 8:30 am lol

[@ObsoleteAutomotive]

@@mikeb5372 Sorry! Just what happens when you ain’t a Ford guy. 😂

[@terrencegiordan9812]

​@@mikeb5372Breakfast of champions 🏆

[@gened7756]

Years ago, my brother had a 1957 ford fairlane 500. It was a 4 door hardtop. No post. It was yellow and white. And I remember it had power windows.

[@ObsoleteAutomotive]

Power windows would have been a rare thing I’d imagine.

[@markcollins457]

It's fun walking down memory lane, but I'm at the age I can remember both of these vehicles on the road and that old Ford is best used for a small town parade. I would prefer the Plymouth.

[@martinavila6821]

Very nice ride.Looks nicer lowered, even with original hubcaps.Beautiful car.

[@wiremupaki3793]

That the best deal ever I'm jealous as. I just love 57 ford's

[@JohnSmith-cf4gn]

I had a 56 and a 57 Ford back in the late 60s.

[@trippberry]

Great cars, can't wait to see what happens with it 🤠

[@danielpodgorski2949]

Nice 57 ford. Definitely worth more than the mopar you traded with. It is a Y block 292. Only real issue with the Y block is the poor upper oiling design they have. To bad about the hood pins and dashboard. Still definitely a winner trade. I have a 58 2dr fairlane 500 with the new for 58 FE 332ci 4v v interceptor. 332 and the 352 were the first year of the FE’s

[@danielpodgorski2949]

The fairlane club doesn’t cover the earlier fairlanes.

[@ObsoleteAutomotive]

I’ve had my experiences with Y Blocks. The oiling issues were very common. The engine that came out of this car had the aftermarket oiling kit.

[@glockumollie1230]

That Fury probably rides a lot smoother and is much more comfortable than the Ford. Fury likely has air condition too right. Believe it or not I had a Fury the same color as yours and it was a different name because it was a little fancier model than yours got it from a widow and it was in perfect condition. I really loved the comfort.

[@centralbears3010]

You will get straight through the pearly gates now.

[@greggtolbert8317]

Had one with the 312, 4 barell, 2 door coup. Loved it but had a problem with a resister that shut off when it gets hot. Rusted away, .

[@JohnDragoo]

Back in 1959 & 1960, owners would name their 57 Fords & paint them on the bacl quqrter panel.e

[@jeremiahboria4512]

If you need any help at all with mechanical stuff engine wise or interior/exterior make a comment or video on any concerns I'd love to see more videos of this 4 door 500

[@ryanwitman8672]

Thankfully this comes with the original wheel. That aftermarket one looks terrible lol

[@ObsoleteAutomotive]

Yea I had to get rid of that one!

[@ryanwitman8672]

@@ObsoleteAutomotive Is the paint original or is it a respray?

[@ObsoleteAutomotive]

@@ryanwitman8672 some original and some touched up.

[@OnkelPHMagee]

AMC had vacuum wipers until the early 1970s. I'll invite you to the group about these Fords on Facebook since I'm in it.

[@ObsoleteAutomotive]

Crazy. Haven’t messed with but a couple AMCs over the years. Never paid attention to the wipers!

[@AlwaysSullied]

I had a 1961 Ford Falcon with vacuum wipers(cant say a fun experience for Alaska driving). I sure hope AMC figured em out by the 70s. Luckily my '74 J20 has electric wipers.

[@jeffreykurth2703]

You did good or the trade!

[@davidjustice5805]

👍👍👍

[@seana806]

Not sure why the ‘57 Chevrolet is popular to the point where I didn’t know what a ‘57 Ford looked like until I was a freshman/sophomore in high school. Then again, it’s no real surprise since Chevy guys have BIG egos with a chip on their shoulder. It’s also funny when people make fun of Ford’s styling in the mid to late 50’s, Ford was a bit conservative with their styling which actually was nice since it wasn’t ‘over the top’ like GM’s styling was. Ford completely eliminated the fins and ‘dog leg’ windshield post in 1960, GM along with Chrysler’s over the top styling came to roost by the time the early 60’s came around proving Ford was ahead all along.

[@JohnReitz-ps2ct]

My parents bought a 1957 Ford new. Years later my father said between the rust, the rattles and flaky electrical issues it was the worst car he ever had. He said the 1960 Chevy he traded it for had no problems.

[@ObsoleteAutomotive]

@@JohnReitz-ps2ct 1957 being an all new body style I could see some cars having issues especially early on.

[@roymiller6964]

I thought the 312 was used in passenger cars and the 292 was mainly used in trucks

[@dstrau7987]

The 292 was common in cars through the 1962 model year.

[@roymiller6964]

@dstrau7987 did not know that thanks for the information

[@anthonycassata5152]

Cool car, I like the Grant steering wheel, had one of those on my Chevy Vega along with horn button. I like the 2 door better than the four door cars, especially the old cars like that, I just think it looks more sporty, non the less still cool car.

[@edwardberwind8544]

The only thing that I do not understand . Why would you trade your 67 Mopar for a 4 door 57 Ford that is hiding a ton of work to restore?

[@ObsoleteAutomotive]

Because the Plymouth needed work to be a driver and extensive rust repair. Not the most popular car either. The Ford will be an easier sell and I can drive it as is. Plus I’ve never owned a Ford so doesn’t hurt to try new things.

[@edwardberwind8544]

Now I know why and enjoy your new car.@@ObsoleteAutomotive

[@terrencegiordan9812]

Your Plymouth looked like a better car at it was a four door hardtop. Why didn't you look for a 2dr hardtop. To the idiot drilled holes threw the hood and ruined the dash. I am glad you got the original steering wheel so you can get rid of that rose auto steering wheel. I always liked the 57 Fairlane my had one when I was little it was 2 dr hardtop yellow and white.

[@richardwhite9577]

Anytime You Change Anything On A Vehicle Big Or Small It No Longer Is A Original. Aside From The Opinion The 1957 Ford Is Great. Mine Was Black And Yellow Back In 1966. They Were More Common And Available Back Then And Could Be Bought For Almost Nothing. If One Were To Spend $300 To 500 You Were Getting A Beautiful Car. Especially The Long Ford Custom Or Fairlane 500.