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By tail waggon - 12 Years Ago
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I have a 1959 Ford Wagon that i have owned for about a year and a half. It belonged to a late friend of mine and sat for about 7 years before I got it only getting about 100 miles a year. I drove it from point a to point b last summer. The 292 seems to have no major issues and the 2 speed shifts fine. I also have a 1954 Aljoa (small) camper to match. I have towed it less than a mile with a bumper hitch that was already on the car. My friend who owned the car and camper never got to take the two together on a voyage before he passed. I would like to do this. I understand the issues of putting strain on car made in 1959, and plan to put in an after market trans and oil cooler. I am worried about the temp of the motor, and have been toying around the idea of a larger fan. I drove the car last summer and it only got hot in traffic, and on a 150 mile trip when it was over 65 mphs. I am mechanical, but not a mechanic.
My questions
I have been only running 92 octane fuel, I have read about lead additive, but have not used any yet. What should I be using, how often, and how much?
Should I just bag the camper idea (I don't plan on getting rid of either the wagon or the camper due to sentimental value)
If I do end up using the car to tow what should I do to prep the old wagon?
I talked to a welder who does welding for our business and he said they could make a Reese style receiver for the car rather than the bumper hitch, but i think I may need to look into air shocks first.
I have many other questions, but lets start here. I have enjoyed reading posts on the forum and everyone seems very helpful and informed on all of the topics!
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By lowrider - 12 Years Ago
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Those cars towed trailers back in '59 I don't see why yours wouldn't. Set the car up like you mentioned & I think you'll be fine. As far as heating up, I would make sure the radiator is in good condition & add a 5 blade fan and most of all a fan shroud.
Nice looking car & trailer. Is that a Michigan plate on the front?
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By speedpro56 - 12 Years Ago
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I would also set the timing in the 10 to 12 degrees, make sure the thermostat is in good working order (160 to 180 degrees ) in addition to better fan blades etc. others have mentioned.
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By speedpro56 - 12 Years Ago
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Another thing I forgot to mention in to make sure the vacuum advance is working in the distributor.
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By MoonShadow - 12 Years Ago
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That is a great looking tow rig. The right trailer and everything. You said the wagon got hot in traffic but how hot did it get? With the stock fan its not all that unusual to see a little heat increase when setting in traffic. My memory of the bumper hitches is not good. There were an awful lot of twisted bumpers "back in the day". I think I would follow up with the friend to put a more modern hitch on. There are also some load leveler and antisway things that weren't available then. Ask your friend about them. As far as towing with the wagon I would have the cooling system checked out completely. The radiator may have some crud in it after years of use and then setting. You can also add a new style fan. Double check the water pump for and seepage at the weep hole (under the cast tube that the shaft rides in there is a small hole). It also wouldn't hurt to have the transmission serviced and a new filter added while you are installing the trans cooler. You probably already have cooling lines to the radiator from the transmission and if that cooler is working correctly you can add a second cooler in the same lines. If all else is good I don't think you would need an engine oil cooler but it wouldn't hurt.
Next, once you get the rig where you want it schedule some increasingly longer trips around the area to see if any problems arise.
There is a fellow from New York with a older wagon that pulls a little Airstream to Columbus, Ohio for the Y-Block meet. He hasn't mentioned any problems as yet.
If the car hasn't had some guages added for my personal ease of mind I would add some mechanical gauges for water temp, and oil pressure. I always feel better when I can see actual numbers telling me what is going on in the engine.
That said the meet in Columbus is Labor Day weekend. Love to see you there! Chuck
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By brokengate - 12 Years Ago
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I agree with Dan this would have been a great setup in 59, that two speed should have a selectable L or low range which is good for starting the tow, the bumper hitch has to go, but if the frame is solid a new receiver should be only an issue of dollars. I would carefully examine the rear suspension and your brake system as any issues will effect handling under braking and downhill conditions, and you don't want that.
Looking at the rear window stickers the 59 appears to have been well traveled as a family vacation cruiser. The two as a pair are vintage and seem the perfect couple, you will get plenty of advise here to complete your mission. I'll leave that to the more knowledgeable and offer my encouragement, that 59 sure made me smile.
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By tail waggon - 12 Years Ago
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Yep, Michigan plate. Car is not from Michigan originally, but you would think it was by the looks for its underside!!
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By MoonShadow - 12 Years Ago
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Forgot to ask, where are you located? It helps to add your location in your tag line so people near you can get in contact. Chuck
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By DANIEL TINDER - 12 Years Ago
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tail waggon (6/9/2013)I have been only running 92 octane fuel, I have read about lead additive, but have not used any yet. What should I be using, how often, and how much?
The advantages of lead were: raising octane, and cushioning of valve seats. Unless the '59 has had a valve job since lead was removed from gas, there is likely plenty left on the valves. Unless you fill that trailer with concrete and tow it across the country at 80mph, you shouldn't have a problem. The 92 octane should be more than enough for the 292, but 55 years of carbon buildup on the pistons might make that a lower limit (?). You'll know for sure after the timing/advance is properly adjusted.
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By pegleg - 12 Years Ago
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You guys realize the car may very well run HOTTER with less advance don't ya?
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By Jeff - 12 Years Ago
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I would also mention that if '59 was similar to '57 offerings, the highest rear end ratio you could get in a wagon 3.56. So your engine is revving somewhat higher than another body style, which could partially account for a rise in temperature at greater vehicle speeds. In my opinion air shocks are patch or cover up for other suspension problems. I would suggest having the rear springs rebuilt and perhaps stiffened slightly and install some quality heavy duty shocks.
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By MoonShadow - 12 Years Ago
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I recently installed a set of Air Lift's on my van. I don't see why they wouldn't work with a station wagon. Although I would still get the rear springs re-arched and new shocks. The Air Lift bags set on the side of the frame and make contact with the spring or axle. You run on stock suspension until you apply a load and then can use air to adjust the ride height allowing for the additional weight. They really solved the nose high problem I had with the van when towing my car trailer. Chuck
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By pegleg - 12 Years Ago
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MoonShadow (6/11/2013)
I recently installed a set of Air Lift's on my van. I don't see why they wouldn't work with a station wagon. Although I would still get the rear springs re-arched and new shocks. The Air Lift bags set on the side of the frame and make contact with the spring or axle. You run on stock suspension until you apply a load and then can use air to adjust the ride height allowing for the additional weight. They really solved the nose high problem I had with the van when towing my car trailer. Chuck
And you can let some air out when you run without the trailer for a better ride. If you stiffen the springs it will be stiffer all the time.
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By MoonShadow - 12 Years Ago
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Mine recommended 30lbs minimum. There is absolutely no affect on the normal ride. With the trailer, plus storage, plus my 56 Vicky I went up to 50lbs and it was perfect. I do run a load leveler hitch with it. Chuck
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By lyonroad - 12 Years Ago
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One of the biggest issues with towing isn't so much the engine but the transmission. Make sure the transmission cooler is working or even add an auxiliary one. And as others have suggested get a frame mounted load equalizer hitch to keep the front of the car down. Have fun, your outfit looks great.
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By MoonShadow - 12 Years Ago
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Definately want the trans in tip top shape. Even a filter and trans oil change would be smart. Also, even with the 9" rear end you want to make sure the bearings are all good. Towing puts a load on the rear axle too. Chuck
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