happy new year all! i picked up this 59 retractable about three months back and haven't really done much other than clean the rodent shit out of it. just started pulling the 292 today. planning on swapping the runner from my 57 ranchero into it and hopefully have a runner in the next couple days i'm going for a subtle mild custom look. kind of like floyd debore's 58 bonneville before watson paneled it.
Man that's my absolute favorite car of all time!!!! I've got a 59 4 door in my shop now but ild give my first born for a retractable! Hope you do it justice and good luck. Hope you keep us posted on your progress. Ps. If you don't mind me asking. What did you pay for that fine automobile? later ken
My wife owns a 1957 Skyliner and we haven't decided on what direction we are going to take it in. I will be following your progress closely.
Neat car, looks like it's got '58 Edsel hubcaps on it. 59 Fords look really good with a '57 DeSoto front bumper on them, although they're really hard to find.
The tops on those can be tricky, most can never get them to go up and down correctly. if you need help with it, let me know. I rebuild the motors and parts for them daily. I also have parts if you need them.
Floorjacks50, I have been a big fan of Skyliners myself. I have been working on a mild custom based on a 58 Skyliner. I have not seen many Skyliner customs, I am looking forward to see how yours turns out. BTW, There is a real good network of resources out there for these cars. Is your roof functioning properly? Repro service manuals for the roof mechanism are readily available.
so ladies and gents.... this particular skyliner is a low option car, kind of what drew me to it. other than power steering the retractable top is the only other option this build has, no power brakes, manual windows, 292 2 bbl drivetrain. so it didn't cost a whole lot for me to drag it home the 292 is locked up solid. i have a mild 312 in my '57 that i'm pulling and mating up to the original COM transmission. i pulled the 292 yesterday, only snag so far is the speedo gear fell to pieces, so i'll have to remove the tail shaft to retrieve it rough plans as of now....cookie cutter treatment....wide whites, lowered....etc. i love the look of the 57 desoto grilles, but as someone already said, kinda hard to find. i have a complete 59 edsel dash that is going in along with some other edsel goodies to set it off nothing too crazy
Hey man. I know you don't know me from Adam but if you have any plans on changing your front bumper and grill. I sure would be interested in buying the old ones from you. Just shoot me a pm if you want. Thanks Ken
Cool car! My uncle had one when I was a kid. Every time I went over I made him put the roof up and down so I could watch. Good luck with your build.
not having a garage sucks! but i still got some work done. pulled the 312 and sealed up the rear of my trans. mated her all together, plopped right in. i've got my drop blocks coming along with new parts, hoses and smalls.
thanks for the encouraging words all. not too many kustom skyliners, trying to break the mold with this behemoth.
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