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My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe Jump to page : 1 Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page] | View previous thread :: View next thread |
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Powerflite |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9672 Location: So. Cal | I bought a second 2dr Windsor coupe from a very nice guy in Alabama in mid October. I just received it last Friday. If I knew ahead of time what a pain in the neck it would be to transport it, I probably wouldn't have bought it. But it is finally here and I am happy with it. This car was not built in Los Angeles like my first Windsor so some things are a little different. It is a stripper car with not many options. Manual steering, manual brakes, no tint, etc. But it does have the essential 2-tone & dual rear antennae :). A lot of the trim is not on the car but everything is there for it in the trunk, and in good shape, so I am happy with that. Being from back east, it definitely needs floor pans, but all of the under bracing is good. Surprisingly the trunk pan is in pretty good shape with only a very limited amount of rust. It needs a new trunk latch though as this one is broken so it won't shut. I thought the driver's window was broken, but it turned out to have fallen inside the door, still in good shape. I am able to turn the motor so hopefully, with some luck, I should be able to get the motor running pretty quickly. I really like the color combo on this one - black and white with a rose & cream interior. Nice. The only things I am not excited about are the manual steering and single headlights. But the headlights are growing on me and it is nice to be different from my other one. (Windsors Frnt.jpg) (Windsors Back.jpg) (WindsorInterior.JPG) (TrimTag.jpg) Attachments ---------------- Windsors Frnt.jpg (113KB - 415 downloads) Windsors Back.jpg (99KB - 410 downloads) WindsorInterior.JPG (96KB - 415 downloads) TrimTag.jpg (97KB - 407 downloads) | ||
StillOutThere |
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Location: Under the X in Texas | Great pair. Congrats! | ||
miquelonbrad |
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Expert Posts: 1737 Location: Hay Lakes, Alberta, Canada | Single headlights look great on the '57's with dark paint colours like yours! Congrats! | ||
DIF-RNT |
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Location: NE Ohio | Looks like a good project....Don't sweat the power steering issue...I don't have it either and to be honest I like it ...just have to time your parking ahead of time...looks like your other '57 doesn't have a windshield? | ||
d500neil |
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil! Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca | What will the neighbors think? There goes the neighborhood.... | ||
FIN ME |
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Expert Posts: 2788 Location: USA - KY | Very nice set of cars, Powerflite! Now you've got double the fun! Congratulations! | ||
Powerflite |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9672 Location: So. Cal | Thanks, everyone. I'm very happy with it and as long as I can get it running quickly, it doesn't matter what the neighbors think My first one is missing the windshield because I am currently painting the dash. I don't want to attempt to put the windshield back in by myself so I am looking for a glass shop close by that I can drive it to when the time comes. There sure is a lot of wind in your face when you drive without a windshield! | ||
oldwood |
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Expert Posts: 2905 Location: little rock, AR | You know the GREEN people are keeping a EYE on you. Transporting dirt from one state to another,yes I see that dirt under the Black car and is that EARL leaking out from the other one??? LOL Great Combo. Nothing like cleaning up the neighborhood. | ||
Powerflite |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9672 Location: So. Cal | What you see is only a small portion of the amount of dirt, trash, & misc parts to other vehicles that I pulled out of the car. It sure has a different smell to it too - much more mulchy than S. California dirt. It's probably a good thing it was transported in a closed trailer so that the officiales at the CA border didn't quarantine it. I'm not sure what EARL is, but you have a good eye for a leak. I replaced my horns on the car and literally bumped the radiator. Immediately a 1/4" hole appeared in the radiator and started spewing. I got a quote to recore my original radiator for *gasp* $800. I'm not going to spend a small fortune on a radiator. I had a '56 Chrysler radiator stashed at the side of the house so I threw that one in there instead. Unfortunately, it seeps along the top tank creating what you see. Since it is a very slow leak even under pressure, I am hoping it will seal itself, but if not, I will probably put in a minimal amount of coolant sealer product to stop it. | ||
FIN ME |
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Expert Posts: 2788 Location: USA - KY | I think EARL might be someone's ex husband.? | ||
BigBlockMopar |
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Expert Posts: 3575 Location: Netherlands | Nice pair! My Windsor has manual steering aswell. It sure does steer tight and modernly but I really hate the steering-effort it takes when backing in or out my garage. Are the front wheels widened or something? | ||
d500neil |
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil! Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca | On another thread, re-coring radiators was discussed and $450.00 appeared to be the fair cost for that work. ...Just called my local radiator shop and was quoted a price between $450.00-$500.00 for the job. Edited by d500neil 2013-11-25 7:23 PM | ||
Powerflite |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9672 Location: So. Cal | BigBlockMopar - 2013-11-25 2:37 PM Nice pair! My Windsor has manual steering aswell. It sure does steer tight and modernly but I really hate the steering-effort it takes when backing in or out my garage. Are the front wheels widened or something? Are you referring to the black car? I didn't think they were widened, but I don't know. | ||
Powerflite |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9672 Location: So. Cal | I couldn't locate any license plate brackets for my car, so I fabricated some. I used a bench vise and a hammer to make the bends so they have that beaten plow share look to them. They turned out a lot better than I expected they would. I made the slot on a mill after I did the bends and the front plate pulled up in the vise at the end and gouged it quite a bit. So I had to weld it in and fix it. (Windsor License Brackets.jpg) Attachments ---------------- Windsor License Brackets.jpg (101KB - 403 downloads) | ||
Powerflite |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9672 Location: So. Cal | I have been busy on this car recently. I replaced all the wheel cylinders, master cylinder, brake lines, and hoses. I got the motor running, replaced the gas tank, worn out idler arm and installed the radiator. The motor runs pretty well, but the timing chain is extremely loose and needs replaced. I took it for a short drive and the trans works very good. It's really amazing how well the mechanical parts last through the years. (Black Windsor Motor.jpg) Attachments ---------------- Black Windsor Motor.jpg (76KB - 393 downloads) | ||
Powerflite |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9672 Location: So. Cal | I decided to repaint the white parts on the car since one side had been painted over with black and the roof was pretty rusty. It is going to take me quite a while to finish all the body work before it is ready to do a complete paint job so I am hoping that the new white will make it nicer looking in the meantime and help my neighbors appreciate the car more. It really helps me to appreciate it more too (White Painted Windsor.jpg) Attachments ---------------- White Painted Windsor.jpg (64KB - 407 downloads) | ||
big m |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 7807 Location: Williams California | Nice score on the Windsor, Nathan! I personally like the single headlight treatment, maybe because you don't see them often. ---John | ||
GregCon |
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Expert Posts: 2524 Location: Houston | I like the single headlights too, kinda gives the car a more bare-knuckles look. | ||
oldwood |
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Expert Posts: 2905 Location: little rock, AR | Powerflite - 2014-02-20 11:31 AM "Neighbors Appreciate" you running down the neighborhood, so do I. I like unrestored cars.I decided to repaint the white parts on the car since one side had been painted over with black and the roof was pretty rusty. It is going to take me quite a while to finish all the body work before it is ready to do a complete paint job so I am hoping that the new white will make it nicer looking in the meantime and help my neighbors appreciate the car more. It really helps me to appreciate it more too :) | ||
d500neil |
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil! Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca | That's a "Low Boy" dual master cylinder in your car, off of some sort of mid/late-60's Mope. This unit holds VERY little fluid in reserve, but it is the one that is easiest to access from underneath a power brake booster. With manual brakes, like yours, literally, the sky (ok; the hood) is the limit on the height of a dualie M/C. Edited by d500neil 2014-02-20 2:38 PM | ||
Powerflite |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9672 Location: So. Cal | Thanks John, your parts are being put to good use. And my thinking is moving along the same lines as Greg. The single headlights do give it a more hotrod style that is nice. I am like you Dorsey. I can appreciate 'em all along the way to completion; but to many people, it is junk if it isn't shiny. Since I can't physically fit this into my pathetic garage, I have to appease them to some degree. And for Neil, the master is a used drum/drum unit that I bought for my '70 Satellite wagon. I removed it when I converted the wagon to discs. I didn't want to buy a new one here because this thing is temporary until it gets discs too. But I don't want to convert to the Scarebird discs until I wear out these nice 14" whitewalls. I may change my mind if I don't like the way the tires handle or how the brakes stop. I hope to be able to drive it around a bit more to see how it performs once I get the exhaust sealed and the lights working - oh, and get it registered & insured. Edited by Powerflite 2014-02-20 6:25 PM | ||
GregCon |
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Expert Posts: 2524 Location: Houston | I guess you should also re-do the black part with some black primer, while you're at it! | ||
d500neil |
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil! Posts: 19146 Location: bishop, ca | The M/C will do nothing to assist the braking operation. The brakes could probably use new linings, and the drums might need turning. | ||
The Adventurer |
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Elite Veteran,, James Passed away March 2021, He will be Missed Posts: 1028 Location: Melbourne, Australia | Wow love the cars Powerflite , the black especially looks great ! Keep up the good work . | ||
Powerflite |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9672 Location: So. Cal | Thanks James | ||
Powerflite |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9672 Location: So. Cal | GregCon - 2014-02-20 3:54 PM I guess you should also re-do the black part with some black primer, while you're at it! That kind of reasoning can get you into trouble, and it would be pointless once I start cutting into the rockers & lower quarters or blasting the hood etc. Not only that, but my plan is to just get this car driveable so I can enjoy it -bad paint and all- while I work on the other one. Edited by Powerflite 2014-02-20 8:24 PM | ||
GSP392 |
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Veteran Posts: 209 Location: The Republic of Texas | Awsome cars! I | ||
Powerflite |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9672 Location: So. Cal | I've been neglecting this car for quite a while, mainly because the motor didn't run very well with a lot of valvetrain noise. I finally fixed it so the motor runs a lot better now with plenty of pep to drive it around. It runs well enough now that I could probably drive it in to the DMV and get it registered. But the seats and floor still need a lot of work before the car could be used. (Blk-Wht Windsor.jpg) Attachments ---------------- Blk-Wht Windsor.jpg (208KB - 374 downloads) | ||
AceS |
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Veteran Posts: 281 Location: WA/USA | Wow, nice score. To each his own - I love the color combo, manual operations, and single headlights. Perfect! | ||
1961plymouthfury |
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Expert Posts: 2633 Location: Minor Hill, TN | Were about in Alabama did this car come from? When my dad would get a car like for example a 1961 plymouth he would go over the car to make sure the brakes and the front end is good . He will not put a car on the road until he knows its safe to drive Edited by 1961plymouthfury 2017-01-04 11:17 AM | ||
Chrispy |
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Extreme Veteran Posts: 520 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado | Interesting, i didn't know the 57 was the 126" wheelbase, i thought 57 and 58 were dodge based. It was just the 58, very cool. Being a 7" headlight car, i suggest putting a set of cibie e-code headlights in it, you'll get a much better light pattern and the option to put higher output bulbs in it if you run relays. I run them in my 944 and plan to in my Firesweep. Worth every buck if you ever drive it at night. https://www.amazon.com/Cibie-082440-82440-Light-Unit/dp/B008DQV88Q/r... | ||
Powerflite |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9672 Location: So. Cal | Mike: Thanks, I like it too, except for the manual steering. That is gonna change. Too hard to maneuver it around when parking. Stephanie: Your father sounds like a smart man! I don't remember exactly where it came from, but I think it was near Gadsden on the Eastern side of the state. Chris: Yes, a lot of people assume that the '57 Windsor was short wheelbase like the '57 Firesweep, but not so. Thanks for the headlight suggestion. I didn't know those were as inexpensive as that. I replaced the front bumper yesterday with a straight one I had laying around. Looks a lot better without it hanging down on the side like it was. I am not real impressed with the bend in the right side of the grill though, so I will probably swap the old grille back into it. The rain has been preventing me from getting a lot done, but it provided a nice photo op. The paint actually looks decent on it now. Edited by Powerflite 2017-01-04 4:31 PM (New Windsor Bumper.jpg) Attachments ---------------- New Windsor Bumper.jpg (250KB - 374 downloads) | ||
billy |
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Extreme Veteran Posts: 395 Location: upstate new york | Beautiful..... | ||
Powerflite |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9672 Location: So. Cal | Thanks Bill. I originally swapped out the rear axle on this car for one from a '65-'69 C-body because I couldn't figure out how to get the rear brakes to work on the original. They were always locking up in reverse on me. But I have figured it out now that I have worked more with these brakes and I decided to swap the original axle back into the car. I replaced the oddball '57 yolk for one from a '58 so that I could continue to use the standard u-joint on it, and I cleaned it up and painted it nice. I had to replace both wheel cylinders as well, but got it all together and working properly. That will free up the C-body axle to use under my New Yorker that has an aluminum push-button trans without an E-brake on it. Edited by Powerflite 2018-08-05 10:40 AM (57Windsor RearEnd.jpg) Attachments ---------------- 57Windsor RearEnd.jpg (133KB - 344 downloads) | ||
Powerflite |
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Expert 5K+ Posts: 9672 Location: So. Cal | I picked up some 7" rims from the fling so I welded 1/2" spacers to the nubs and installed dog dishes and whitewall tires onto them. This is what I ultimately want to run on this car. One of the few that I would like whitewalls with dog dish caps. I only did the front for now as this car doesn't need to drive anywhere yet, and I left the protective blue coating on them to help break them in to the UV exposure. At least, that's my reasoning. Edited by Powerflite 2022-05-21 12:15 AM (BW 57 Windsor Whitewall.jpg) Attachments ---------------- BW 57 Windsor Whitewall.jpg (136KB - 112 downloads) | ||
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