History Anyone know this chopped 57 fairlane

I picked up this 57 fairlane and just curious if anyone knows who/when it was chopped. I found the previous owner who said he got it at Pomona 5-10 years ago. It's a little ruff around the edges but I'm gonna start on bringing it back to life. It's got 59 t bird seats y block. Used to have cadillac fins but they got cut off at some point

 

Thanks guys ya I'm glad the caddy fins are gone too lol ita got a 292 y block in it and runs great

 

Sure "flows" without the fins.

 

nice,,,very nice

 

Are you sure this is a Fairlane and not a Custom series car? It's interesting for sure.

 

I'm learning at my age my memory isn't what I think it is but, I believe you may have a 300 series there. Door says 300 to me and the letters on the front panel being Block and saying FORD is a 300 item. The 500 series would be script saying Fairlane. I also see it don't match the rest of the car and they are a direct bolt up change over. The rear bumper is a 500 series item. Don't go to the Bank with any of this info but that's how I remember things. Hope you can find a good Glass guy to get a windshield done. I have a week spot for 57 Fords, probably why I have more than one.

 

It's a Custom with the optional side trim. The Custom 300 had side trim that mimicked the Fairlane. The Fairlane fins curve down into the doors moving forward with a corresponding 'dip' in the side window opening. The window opening posts are also 'flat', not rounded like these, and would have had polished stainless cladding to imitate a hardtop.

I believe the front clip is the only common exterior sheetmetal to both cars, even the wheelbase is different with the Fairlane being 2" longer.

 

I see a lot of potential in that one. Add me to the crew that says loosing the Caddy fins was a big improvement. To me the Caddy bullets need to go by by too. They are as belly button on customs as those Me too tanks on the front of 32 fords.
The best part may be that it isn't famous and no one will get their undies in a tight not if you make a few proper changes and put your own spin on it.

 

mark i may never get to see your place but your pictures are a joy to see. thank you for showing them.

 

The VIN code will tell you what body style you have.

 

What a find, you will only see something in that shape in New England after a few years of rust repair. One item I did notice was the helper by the rear of the car in the second picture, you might have to have a word with her, doesn't look real interested. Your helper at the front of the car, the one with the purple hair, is getting right to work. Another point in favor of the helper in front is that the color of her hair matches the color of the car as shown in the first picture.

 

Thanks guys, and ya the car is a custom 300 lol gonna start fixing the chop next week. Brakes went out driving it around the yard so a new master is on the way lol. And tail lights showed up today so I can ditch those horrible caddy tail lights. It's got some seriously noisy lifters so that will be on the list of things to do aswell

 

Nice. I agree about the caddy tail lights and fins. Go with the chrome reverse wheels.

 

Now let me confuse you..... My old '58 Fairlane (yes) had a '57 front clip. I love, and have owned many 57's, of all models, but never really cared for the "bug-eyed" look. On the other hand, I really liked the headlights on the '58 models, but that was all I cared for. I had always wanted to marry the two, so when I picked up the '58/57 I figured it would be easy to make the swap, since the "eyebrow" is the same on both. That's where the similarities end. It took a lot of metal massaging to make it work, but I think the results were very smooth. Rounded hood corners and molded panel beneath the hood help. Many people at the drag races asked why I painted it in these colors. Old folks like me will remember the Watson-painted LeFevre '59 El Camino from back the late 50's. I saw that puppy before it was messed up, and told myself that one day I would do the same paint. Needless to say, it took a while.... It was yellow pearl and candy green, with gold pinstriping..... Chrome wheels and poverties always look good..

 

Well 1 problem solved

 

In case you didn't know, all y-blocks have solid lifters so valve adjustment might be all that is needed.

 

Most likely, an outside oiler kit.

 

Ya I'm gonna pop the valve covers off and see, thats what I was thinking... atleast that's what I hope lol

 

Unless you're into the big glitz, which is okay, you might opt for a Custom or Custom 300 bumper under those taillights. They are much smoother, and you can run stock guards, wagon guards, or no guards. This was my '58. and painted 'till I got the chrome one, but you git the idea..... That being said, DO NOT install it upside down..... That's not okay..... In my humble opinion..

 

I'll probably leave the bumper for now, I just wanna put some miles on it lol. Sprayed the dash last night gold flake with Candy green over the top

 

That dash looks mighty fine !!

 

1957 Ford Custom


Next, a '57 Ford Custom 300


Followed by a '57 Ford Fairlane


And finally a '57 Ford Fairlane 500

 

I agree with most everything said. That car is probably a Custom (Ford's base model), not a Custom 300...... at least that's what the side trim is, but many have swapped. Lol, seems like those who have Customs want the 300 trim, and vise versa!! The trim piece between the back window and the spear is what came on the factory two toned Customs. The solid color cars did not have that small piece. The rest of the trim is standard Custom trim, not "optional" as someone said. The back bumper is indeed from the Fairlane series. Sooooo much better without those god-awful caddy fins and taillights. You might consider rolling the back pan......would look cool on that car (see my avatar). Interesting project to say the least!
I'm confused about the last pics from Ltorch.........is that where the car came from?

 

That '57's got a lot of potential for sure. The body style is widely overlooked and needs very little to make 'em look cool... yours has an excellent start with the chop and the stance!
Those Y-blocks are good engines, but be sure the oil return holes under the valve covers are kept clear as they always seem to get clogged off. Any thought about changing the rear window?