[FWDLK] 1957 Dodges

["brians" <brians@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi group!

I am starting the restorations of two '57 Dodges,
a convertible and after that my 2dr hardtop.

I am going to be installing PW in both cars and
have the complete pwr window controls and
mechanisms from a Dodge 4dr h/t.  Can they be
modified to fit the convertible?

If they don't fit, I understand that the rear
quarter PW from the Chrysler New Yorker and DeSoto
Fireflite hardtops and sedans are the same as the
Dodge convertible - is this correct?

Do any of you know of any other PW window
mechanisms that are common with the Dodge
convertible or would work?


I am also going to be installing a/c in both
cars.  With the 325 hemis there are unique
brackets and pulleys for a/c - different from the
Red Ram 325 (one car is already equipped so I do
have a guide) but I was wondering if any of you
have been through a similar project (adding it to
a car) and if so what are the pitfalls to watch
for. I am planning to have both converted to
accept a new ozone-safe charge.

I have four Torqueflite 3 speed trannys to work
with (actually four complete cars) - the two from
the cars I drive and two more.  Is there a good
way to check these out to determine which two are
in the best shape other than driving them or
taking them in to a transmission shop?
The drivers seem to drive okay, but one is
sluggish on up-shifts and sometimes clunks from
neutral or going into reverse.  One of the spares
has sat for 27 years so that will surely need new
seals, etc. but the fluid was clean and the other
is a complete mystery as to how long it has sat
(it did have fluid in it).  The previous owner
claimed 5 years since the car had been driven
but.....

Any other tips will be gratefully accepted!

A comment on new automotive technologies.  I too
grew up in the era of lead finishing over careful
welding for body work and the smell of lacquer and
enamel fumes, but during the last several years
many new technologies have been developed for
automotive manufacturing including epoxy
"welding", new water-based paints and adhesives
for holding mouldings and appliques to the body.
I don't see why we shouldn't take advantage of
these new technologies in the restoration process
as long as they remain transparent to the observer
and deliver the same or better performance as the
old ways.  Hey, once a car has been "restored" or
"repainted" it no longer is "original" anyway.
Look at what stereo fm and CDs have done for the
sound systems!  We are facing lower octane fuel
and stricter emission standards which will
necessitate some mods to our engines.  We all know
that radial tires perform better on the road and
the new ss exhaust systems will last for ever, so
why not use this stuff?

So, have any of you used water paints on your
cars?

How about any of the new adhesives?

Any personal success or failure history with epoxy
welding?

Thanks for your input!  I'll most likely be back
from time to time with other questions!

Brian Skogler