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My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe
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Powerflite
Posted 2013-11-24 7:49 PM (#412752)
Subject: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



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Location: So. California		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)



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Attachments Windsors Frnt.jpg (113KB - 216 downloads)
Attachments Windsors Back.jpg (99KB - 217 downloads)
Attachments WindsorInterior.JPG (96KB - 221 downloads)
Attachments TrimTag.jpg (97KB - 211 downloads)
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StillOutThere
Posted 2013-11-24 8:08 PM (#412756 - in reply to #412752)
Subject: Re: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



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Location: Under the X in Texas		Great pair. Congrats!
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miquelonbrad
Posted 2013-11-24 11:50 PM (#412792 - in reply to #412752)
Subject: Re: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



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Location: Hay Lakes, Alberta, Canada		Single headlights look great on the '57's with dark paint colours like yours! Congrats!
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DIF-RNT
Posted 2013-11-25 12:10 AM (#412795 - in reply to #412752)
Subject: Re: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



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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?
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d500neil
Posted 2013-11-25 2:15 AM (#412806 - in reply to #412752)
Subject: Re: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

Posts: 19171
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Location: bishop, ca		What will the neighbors think?

There goes the neighborhood....


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FIN ME
Posted 2013-11-25 10:34 AM (#412835 - in reply to #412752)
Subject: Re: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



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Very nice set of cars, Powerflite!

Now you've got double the fun!

Congratulations!

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Powerflite
Posted 2013-11-25 10:57 AM (#412839 - in reply to #412835)
Subject: Re: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



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Location: So. California		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!
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oldwood
Posted 2013-11-25 12:13 PM (#412848 - in reply to #412839)
Subject: Re: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe


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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.
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Powerflite
Posted 2013-11-25 12:38 PM (#412855 - in reply to #412848)
Subject: Re: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



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Location: So. California		 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.
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FIN ME
Posted 2013-11-25 4:28 PM (#412896 - in reply to #412752)
Subject: Re: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



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Location: USA - KY
I think EARL might be someone's ex husband.?


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BigBlockMopar
Posted 2013-11-25 5:37 PM (#412915 - in reply to #412752)
Subject: Re: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



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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?
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d500neil
Posted 2013-11-25 7:17 PM (#412945 - in reply to #412915)
Subject: Re: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

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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
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Powerflite
Posted 2013-11-25 8:06 PM (#412969 - in reply to #412915)
Subject: Re: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



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Location: So. California
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.
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Powerflite
Posted 2014-02-20 11:13 AM (#428133 - in reply to #412752)
Subject: RE: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



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Location: So. California		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)



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Attachments Windsor License Brackets.jpg (101KB - 209 downloads)
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Powerflite
Posted 2014-02-20 11:25 AM (#428137 - in reply to #412752)
Subject: RE: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



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Location: So. California		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)



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Attachments Black Windsor Motor.jpg (76KB - 211 downloads)
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Powerflite
Posted 2014-02-20 11:31 AM (#428138 - in reply to #412752)
Subject: RE: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



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Location: So. California		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)



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Attachments White Painted Windsor.jpg (64KB - 217 downloads)
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big m
Posted 2014-02-20 12:09 PM (#428146 - in reply to #412752)
Subject: Re: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



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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
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GregCon
Posted 2014-02-20 1:21 PM (#428158 - in reply to #412752)
Subject: Re: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



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Location: Houston		I like the single headlights too, kinda gives the car a more bare-knuckles look.
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oldwood
Posted 2014-02-20 1:23 PM (#428159 - in reply to #428138)
Subject: RE: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe


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Powerflite - 2014-02-20 11:31 AM

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 :)
"Neighbors Appreciate" you running down the neighborhood, so do I. I like unrestored cars.
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d500neil
Posted 2014-02-20 2:37 PM (#428168 - in reply to #428159)
Subject: Re: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

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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
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Powerflite
Posted 2014-02-20 5:54 PM (#428203 - in reply to #428158)
Subject: Re: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



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Location: So. California		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
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GregCon
Posted 2014-02-20 6:54 PM (#428219 - in reply to #412752)
Subject: Re: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



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Location: Houston		I guess you should also re-do the black part with some black primer, while you're at it!
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d500neil
Posted 2014-02-20 7:56 PM (#428229 - in reply to #428219)
Subject: Re: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

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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.



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The Adventurer
Posted 2014-02-20 8:00 PM (#428230 - in reply to #412752)
Subject: RE: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



Elite Veteran,, James Passed away March 2021, He will be Missed

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Location: Melbourne, Australia		Wow love the cars Powerflite , the black especially looks great ! Keep up the good work .
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Powerflite
Posted 2014-02-20 8:08 PM (#428233 - in reply to #428230)
Subject: RE: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



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Location: So. California		Thanks James
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Powerflite
Posted 2014-02-20 8:11 PM (#428234 - in reply to #428219)
Subject: Re: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



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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
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GSP392
Posted 2014-02-20 11:09 PM (#428263 - in reply to #428234)
Subject: Re: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



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Powerflite
Posted 2016-12-15 6:48 PM (#528811 - in reply to #428263)
Subject: Re: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



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Location: So. California		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
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Attachments Blk-Wht Windsor.jpg (208KB - 189 downloads)
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AceS
Posted 2017-01-03 11:32 PM (#530358 - in reply to #528811)
Subject: Re: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



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Location: WA		Wow, nice score. To each his own - I love the color combo, manual operations, and single headlights. Perfect!
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1961plymouthfury
Posted 2017-01-04 11:11 AM (#530387 - in reply to #412752)
Subject: Re: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe


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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
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Chrispy
Posted 2017-01-04 1:04 PM (#530403 - in reply to #412752)
Subject: Re: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



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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...
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Powerflite
Posted 2017-01-04 4:24 PM (#530428 - in reply to #530403)
Subject: Re: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



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Location: So. California		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)



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Attachments New Windsor Bumper.jpg (250KB - 189 downloads)
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billy
Posted 2017-01-19 12:06 PM (#531775 - in reply to #412752)
Subject: Re: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



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Location: upstate new york		Beautiful.....
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Powerflite
Posted 2018-08-04 7:34 PM (#567810 - in reply to #412752)
Subject: RE: My 2nd '57 Windsor 2dr Coupe



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Location: So. California		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)



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Attachments 57Windsor RearEnd.jpg (133KB - 162 downloads)
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