I've recently picked up a 1959 Ford Fairlane. Got a smokin deal on it. Has 312 in it. I wasn't lucky enough to grow up around cars, so my knowledge is pretty basic. Been reading as much as I can about the car, ordered the shop manual cause the wiring is a rats nest. But my question is, where do you think I should start? Get it running, or get the body and wiring type stuff done first? It has some rust but nothing too crazy. It needs a carb, radiator, battery, and distributor cap. The motor looks super clean like somebody took care of it. Anyways, I'm new to all this just trying to learn as much as I can. Also anyone know a site for bench seats, or other bench seats that will fit that year? Thanks for any info.
Stopping is important, too. Make sure the brakes are in working order. I had a '59 four door Galaxie during high school that was a gas to drive. Finally sold it to a guy restoring his '59, and he decided to use his old one as the parts car. I think it's still around town.
Yeah, I plan on going through everything. I don't know who owed it before. I got the car from a tow yard. Looks like somebody tried to start getting it together, but did it a little shitty. I'm in no rush to just go get it on the road. I want it to be safe for my kids to ride in.
I’ve had a few cars. I like to get them running. Then stopping. Worry about the body and paint later. I definitely wouldn’t recommend tearing the thing apart you may get overwhelmed and get discouraged. Keep it together, get it running ,driving and drive it. Something I need to remind myself of sometimes. Let’s see a pic Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
Welcome @DaBeers34, congrats on your new...Old...Project... I did a quick search for you and here's a few threads to check out... https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...airlane&o=relevance&c[title_only]=1&c[node]=5
Get it running first, then stopping, then yard drive it. The success or failure here will point you in the direction you need to go.
Like said, change oil,get the engine running. Nothing fancy at first. Then do a complete brake job and check suspension. New tires or newer tires. Now you have something that will move and stop. Then do what you want to do on it next. But don’t scatter it, keep it running. Are you sure it’s a 312???not a 292? Bones
@DaBeers34, You will notice when you go to the search link there is 2 tabs one says Google results that will be additional hits... You have a couple of options...Custom or Street Pounder...nice being a Tudor
I always start with brakes. Why? Because they're relatively easy, AND, the first thing you want to do once you have it running is to see if you can drive it. Stopping is pretty important in my book. For your safety, the safety of others, and the safety of the car.
Drain and replace all the fluids, replace all the brake shoes, get tires, flush radiator, get it running, and then start the party. Looks like a nice score.
I'm a body man/painter and I would get it running and driving before I would think about doing bodywork. Hell you might get it drivable and not like it.
Great car. If I were you I would get it registered and in your name before spending any more money or labor on it. Nothing worse than having the car fixed up then finding out there’s a big snag in the registration. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
...it's already a Lowrider...I'm interested in your journey in discovery...nice mild Custom material...Keep your eye out for some skirts...wait they're in the trunk right... I gotta say it again...from Rust Belt Central...you fella's Got It Good...
The most important thing to do you are doing, research, research and more research. Keep asking enough questions and reading up on what you have and soon people will be asking you questions. Well Done. Just remember to get info from many sources and then cross check, some written info is incorrect or not complete, some opinions are great,and some are not based on fact.
One thing for sure @DaBeers34, there is great potential for a Mild to Wild Modded Cruiser...You are fortunate...but getting the Paper Straight is probably the best advice then everything else...I had to snoop for some of the Best of these Stylish Rocket Age Classics...many wild factory features already way out there...consider the following...Inspirations...which of these do you see as being a direction? Again Congrats and have fun with it... ...both looks above with Stance adjustments as desired rock... ...Near what you have now... ...A Mild Custom with Attitude ...This has a Stealthy Moonshiner/Stockcar Feel Credit to Photographer's, Owner's
You did the right first step in buying a manual. first figure out if you can put it in your name to avoid potential future hassles. just to keep the momentum going, get it running, all new fluids including trans and diff. Nothing to get you going then to hear it run. then brakes and suspension, gas tank fuel / brake lines etc. the pretty stuff can always wait and while you get it mechanically sound you will figure out what style you want. Very cool twodoor I see Watson style paint with bell flower exhaust!
Congrats on the find.. And welcome aboard LOTS of GREAT info can be had on this site. As others have posted get the brakes working FIRST ! Like most, once running you are going to want to put it into D and hit the GO peddle and find yourself in a situation where the WOAH peddle does not work and cause some serious problems.
I second that. Had a friend spend a lot of time and money on a project only to find out he didn't legally own it due to a snag in some paper work. Eventually got it straightened out, but took time and more money.
Going more for the rat rod look. We go to viva Las Vegas every year for last 15 years. Just been waiting to find the right car.
Yeah I usually have about 5 websites at once open, just to make sure one or the other isn't wrong. Read forum questions, or watch videos. Just trying to learn as much as I can before I actually start tinkering.
Agree, get it running and driving first, put some seat time in, and determine then if you like it enough to go further..if you decide you don't like its characteristics, it will at least be more saleable.
Perhaps you meant to say that you're more interested in getting it driving and working well, than finishing the body work and paint at this time....???? You've got some good advise so far. Although I wouldn't be spending money on new fluids, until I got it going and discovered what all things need to be repaired/resealed. If, for example, the rear end pinon seal is leaking like a sieve, why spend money on gear oil before you discover the leak, then have to spend it again after you fix the leak? Although you will want to make sure everything has fluid in it.
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