The Forward Look Network
The Forward Look Network
Search | Statistics | User Listing Forums | Chat | eBay | Calendars | Albums | Skins | Language
You are logged in as a guest. ( logon | register )

My new '57 Savoy - a dream come true
Jump to page : 1
Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page]		View previous thread :: View next thread
   Forward Look NON-Technical Discussions -> Members RidesMessage format
 
BalazsAckermann
Posted 2017-02-01 1:18 PM (#532891)
Subject: My new '57 Savoy - a dream come true


Member

Posts: 7

Hi Forward Look Guys,

Finally I reached my 10 years dream, an all original 4 door '57 Plymouth. The previous owner was a great guy from Arkansas who fixed up perfectly the whole drivetrain, brakes, electric stuff etc. I'm from Hungary, Central Europe and love classic American cars, you should know this is the very first '57 Plymouth in my country so everybody so amazed here. I restored some other European classics already ('57 Opel - my daily driver, a Volvo 122S and my favourites, the unique two-stroker Trabant cars from behind the Iron Curtain). I plan to register the Plymouth here and use it in nice weather and for my job too. I guide personal city tours for mostly American Guests who love my cars and my passion about them. But back to the car, I want to keep it all original (except one thing, below) and keep it's age, so will fix up the few rusty spots on the floor, fix up the paintjob (not perfect, more like a driver shape) and reupholster as the clothe is really wore on the front seat. I don't want to turn it into an over restored too shiny, overchromed beauty. It should stay as it is.

Here is my question:

Originally I was dreaming about a nice big V8 with push button drive and finally fell in love with this flathead 6. Now I accepted the engine as it runs great and the sound is almost as a typical V8, so it convinced me. But I would be happier with an automatic. What do you think? Should I keep it original, because this is super unique to see an old American car with original straight 6 and 3 on the tree or follow the dreams? I don't want to modify anything what is not reversable, so don't want to drill many holes, especially not to cut the beautiful shape dash. Is that possible to do the swap in a reversable way if I decide it later? (I mean changing the whole dash prefer and will keep everything well stocked.) I recognized the handbrake has different drum on Powerflite (which matches my 6 cylinder) and the rear axle ratio is different too. Will I need different drive shaft or flywheel or rear axle too?

And in general, what about the driving, is the Powerflite is a good, durable trans? I really appreciate the simplicity of the manual 3 speed and the option of push start if it's necessary. What about mileage and top speed, are these much worse with Powerflite?

Sorry for the too many questions I try to upload some pictures to show the car. Thanks a lot ahead for any suggestion, I just want to see the possibilities or be convinced that I should keep the 3 on the tree. Also sorry for any grammatical mistakes, hope I was understandable.

Kind regards,
Balázs from Hungary



(P1390314.JPG)



(P1390309.JPG)



(P1390318.JPG)



(P1390321.JPG)



(P1390331.JPG)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments P1390314.JPG (375KB - 162 downloads)
Attachments P1390309.JPG (328KB - 173 downloads)
Attachments P1390318.JPG (277KB - 179 downloads)
Attachments P1390321.JPG (298KB - 167 downloads)
Attachments P1390331.JPG (270KB - 163 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
soiouz
Posted 2017-02-01 3:43 PM (#532903 - in reply to #532891)
Subject: RE: My new '57 Savoy - a dream come true



Expert

Posts: 3480
20001000100100100100252525
Location: Montreal, Canada		Welcome here!!

My god, that interior looks brand new! how many miles does this car have? Looks like a survivor for the most part.


I have experience with only a couple of Powerflite cars and they drove really well. Since these cars had pushbuttons shifter when Automatic, if you wanted to do a proper conversion in yours, you would have to do some changes that would be irreversible: the push button shifter has to be installed by cutting a hole in the dashboard,.. i don't know if you could do another type of conversion that would not modify the car too much, but maybe other members can share some ideas.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
BalazsAckermann
Posted 2017-02-01 4:14 PM (#532905 - in reply to #532903)
Subject: RE: My new '57 Savoy - a dream come true


Member

Posts: 7

Thank you! The interior needs some work, but only the textile fell apart, the vinyl is perfect everywhere, the headliner too. So will restore it as much it needs. Both seats were perfect about 2 years ago when the previous owner bought it, but this 60 years old materials couldn't deal with daily use. Anyway, it will be nice again. 65k miles what it has and that's all, nothing does look worn or over used.

This dash is just perfect so I'm pretty sure won't cut the hole, if I choose to convert it to a Powerflite, prefer find another dash sheet, match it in color and swap. I just feel I should keep it without ruining anything, this is a real survivor, a "truly granny Savoy".
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Paul Hettick
Posted 2017-02-01 8:57 PM (#532936 - in reply to #532891)
Subject: Re: My new '57 Savoy - a dream come true


Elite Veteran

Posts: 705
500100100
Location: California		Beautiful! I have a similar yellow and black one. My interior was nice but the textile cloth izerts were wore out too. Got new old stock correct cloth from original auto interiors for about 80$ per yard. My vinyl was mint so the upholserty shop just replaced the cloth and padding and presto! Perfect correct new seats. Good luck!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
AceS
Posted 2017-02-01 11:13 PM (#532944 - in reply to #532891)
Subject: RE: My new '57 Savoy - a dream come true



Veteran

Posts: 281
100100252525
Location: WA/USA		They are only this original once. I vote to keep the 6 and manual three speed! Congrats.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
RUSTORICHES
Posted 2017-02-01 11:53 PM (#532945 - in reply to #532891)
Subject: Re: My new '57 Savoy - a dream come true


Extreme Veteran

Posts: 494
100100100100252525
Location: Alberta		I vote to keep your Savoy original as possible, they are rarer I agree because everyone wants a V8 auto self included.The conversion is not going to be that simple because of availability of parts in your country.The cost of shipping and importing and the time frame to complete this deal must have taken a special effort on your part Congratulations and Happy Motoring
Top of the page Bottom of the page
57DODGECONV
Posted 2017-02-02 6:26 AM (#532955 - in reply to #532891)
Subject: Re: My new '57 Savoy - a dream come true


Elite Veteran

Posts: 854
5001001001002525
I vote for keeping it original ,I really like the 3 speed manual Transmissions I have in both my 58 Furys ,I have other Forwardlook cars with Automatics but I prefer the 3speeds .You have a very nice car there Leave it original and Enjoy it .
Top of the page Bottom of the page
jboymechanic
Posted 2017-02-02 1:32 PM (#532992 - in reply to #532891)
Subject: Re: My new '57 Savoy - a dream come true



Expert

Posts: 2196
2000100252525
Location: Muskego, WI		If you swapped in an automatic transmission, you wouldn't want a 2 speed PowerFlite behind that straight 6. To simply the conversation, how much would you enjoy your current transmission without 1st gear? That is what a PowerFlite would basically get you. I'd rather have the 3 speed manual as it makes the 6 cylinder FEEL more powerful than it is, and there is a certain kind of charm to rowing through the gears on the column.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
di_ch_NY56
Posted 2017-02-02 3:14 PM (#533005 - in reply to #532891)
Subject: RE: My new '57 Savoy - a dream come true



Expert

Posts: 1530
100050025
Location: ZH, Switzerland

Congratulation to your "new" 57 Savoy. I assume it is very rare today (I6 and 3 speed manual). If I were you I would keep it as it is (from the engine/transmission combination).

Happy Motoring!

Dieter

Top of the page Bottom of the page
Paul Hettick
Posted 2017-02-02 6:23 PM (#533024 - in reply to #532891)
Subject: Re: My new '57 Savoy - a dream come true


Elite Veteran

Posts: 705
500100100
Location: California		That paint looks nice too. Maybe get a better paint match on the fender......
Top of the page Bottom of the page
BalazsAckermann
Posted 2017-02-03 7:46 AM (#533080 - in reply to #532992)
Subject: Re: My new '57 Savoy - a dream come true


Member

Posts: 7

Hello Guys,

Thank you for the great answers and all suggestions! Originally I was thinking on the Powerflite as I guess only the 2 speed was available for the L6. But it is good to know it would feel as this manual without 1st gear, not really attractive...

I think you basically convinced me as I should keep it original. I have other "3 on the tree" car (my '57 Opel Olympia Rekord), but it feels more practical to drive. Anyway I'm happy what I have and good to know you appreciate this car even with Flathead 6 and manual tranny.

It has a great story by the way. The first owner bought it in Kansas in 1957, he was a farmer and babied it until he has died early 90s. Once a truck reversed into the front right fender (that's why the color doesn't match) so I'll repaint it. Later a young and enthusiastic guy bought and fixed up the mechanics very carefully, so it is totally driveable. A year ago he did a nice trip to California and drove it on the remaining parts of Route 66. This is my biggest dream in traveling... So here is a picture, enjoy.

If you like seeing the procedure of fixing up the body, later I can post some photos here too.



(phone pics2 190.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments phone pics2 190.jpg (124KB - 176 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Viper Guy
Posted 2017-02-03 8:00 AM (#533081 - in reply to #532891)
Subject: Re: My new '57 Savoy - a dream come true



Expert

Posts: 2002
2000
Location: Branson, MO		Welcome! Please do keep us posted with your progress. We are here to help so if you run into any needs, this forum is the best source for answers.

Very nice original '57 Plymouth you have and I'm sure you will have lots of enjoyment in your future.



Edited by Viper Guy 2017-02-03 10:26 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mikes2nd
Posted 2017-02-03 9:22 AM (#533084 - in reply to #532891)
Subject: Re: My new '57 Savoy - a dream come true


Expert 5K+

Posts: 5006
5000
I dunno the push button transmission is very cool, a automatic transmission would make your life easier.

Keeping it all original would be the best for collectors etc but it sounds like this car is going to get driven and enjoyed.

I would prefer to experience the car without having to shift all the time

That being said its not an easy conversion. If it was me I would probably toss a v8 and TF in because I have two of them here but its certainly not easy for you...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
oldwood
Posted 2017-02-03 9:00 PM (#533129 - in reply to #532891)
Subject: Re: My new '57 Savoy - a dream come true


Expert

Posts: 2905
2000500100100100100
Location: little rock, AR		I know the person you bought it from in Arkansas. I also live in Arkansas. He is very honest and if your happy with the price there would be no reason to change it to an automatic. I drive a '59 Dodge 4dr Sedan with a Flattie and 3 onda tree. I'm 59 and enjoy shifting a 3 onda tree. That looks like a great rust free '57. Happy Motoring!!! I used a air cleaner from a '57 Plymouth when I got it running after it was parked 30 years ago.


Edited by oldwood 2017-02-03 9:11 PM




(008.JPG)



(001.JPG)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 008.JPG (346KB - 182 downloads)
Attachments 001.JPG (185KB - 174 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
RUSTORICHES
Posted 2017-02-03 9:40 PM (#533131 - in reply to #532891)
Subject: Re: My new '57 Savoy - a dream come true


Extreme Veteran

Posts: 494
100100100100252525
Location: Alberta		I love the heat deflector, what's the part # You know what they say "if it don't work fix it with what you can find" One of my Uncles just loved those old Dodge trucks and he always said "pull out the choke on that damm thing before you shut it off " this would compensate for the evaporation in the carb bowl caused by the exhaust manifold being right under the carb thusly oldwood you've upgraded Great I just love seeing your old car.

Edited by RUSTORICHES 2017-02-03 9:43 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
BalazsAckermann
Posted 2017-02-05 4:34 AM (#533233 - in reply to #533081)
Subject: Re: My new '57 Savoy - a dream come true


Member

Posts: 7

Thanks a lot Viper Guy! I'll keep on posting in the future as I go forward with the bodywork. You do here a good encouragement for those who loves Exner's tailfin creatures. I read the forum for 6-7 years and still love to see this helpful manner here. One more pic, the first one with her together - first minutes of owning a beauty.



(20161122_103341a.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 20161122_103341a.jpg (166KB - 163 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
BalazsAckermann
Posted 2017-02-05 4:40 AM (#533234 - in reply to #533129)
Subject: Re: My new '57 Savoy - a dream come true


Member

Posts: 7

Hi Oldwood, this Dodge is great. Can I see more photos somewhere? Yes, the previous owner is a great guy, we are still in touch and he told lots of good stories to me about him and about the Plymouth. Just a fun fact we are in the same age and he sold the car to get his biggest dream and I bought it to reach my biggest one. Ironic how the world mooves to make pepole happy.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
PlymouthFury
Posted 2017-02-05 12:03 PM (#533257 - in reply to #532891)
Subject: RE: My new '57 Savoy - a dream come true



Expert

Posts: 1324
1000100100100
Location: Hickory, NC		Awesome car. That photo along Route 66 is Lucille's gas station in Hydro, OK. I've been there several times myself.

Wonder how many 57 Plymouths have stopped there???



(lucilles_polaroid.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments lucilles_polaroid.jpg (62KB - 157 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
oldwood
Posted 2017-02-05 8:09 PM (#533304 - in reply to #533234)
Subject: Re: My new '57 Savoy - a dream come true


Expert

Posts: 2905
2000500100100100100
Location: little rock, AR		Use the "search" feature in the top left corner. Then you can look at anyone's posts by typing in their user name. Its great to see younger people having an interest in the FL years of Virgil Exner's finest. I have a '57 Plymouth parts car if you ever need any parts.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
BalazsAckermann
Posted 2017-02-07 1:17 PM (#533440 - in reply to #533304)
Subject: Re: My new '57 Savoy - a dream come true


Member

Posts: 7

Thanks a lot for the help in parts! Sure I'll need later. I have my interest in Exner era cars for many years, since I've seen the moovie Christine (like almost anybody else). My only point was, I didn't want a red one and it had to be 4 door. So I reached my two important points in this one. I love simple, conventional old cars like this without high performance and hunderds of extras.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
BalazsAckermann
Posted 2017-02-07 1:20 PM (#533441 - in reply to #532891)
Subject: RE: My new '57 Savoy - a dream come true


Member

Posts: 7

I have one more question about transmissions:

Is here anybody who has experience with overdrive? I know it was an optional extra for this Plymouth and my Dad's '65 Volvo 122S has overdrive, we love it. Is that a useful extra in a '57 Plymouth or something what always struggles with problems? Looks easier conversion later than a Powerflite and maybe more practical on highways. But probably almost impossible to find one... What do you think? I haven't find too much information here in older posts about it.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
oldwood
Posted 2017-02-07 2:09 PM (#533447 - in reply to #532891)
Subject: Re: My new '57 Savoy - a dream come true


Expert

Posts: 2905
2000500100100100100
Location: little rock, AR		Those OD transmissions are very hard to come bt. I would like one also.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jump to page : 1
Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page]
Jump to forum :
Search this forum
Printer friendly version
E-mail a link to this thread

* * * This site contains affiliate links for which we may be compensated * * *


(Delete all cookies set by this site)