I have gathered almost everything I need for the swap, if someone has done this, how about the driveshaft, does it need to be modified or swapped out?

I have a 3.56 57 Stationwagon rear.  All it is missing is the brake line fitting and the two brake lines from the fitting to the backing plates. I do not have the right tools to make the brake lines, does anyone know of a source of prebent lines and the fitting with a vent?

292 with aircooled Fordomatic.

Marty

Marty,

           Fitting with vent, junkyard, clrearifieds in YBF, conours, Carpenter. Maybe NAPA.

       Brake lines are easlily bent by hand when they're new. Just be carefull not to kink them. Tunig benders (hand held) can be bought at the local auto parts store for $10 or less.

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

I got a set of stainless from inline tube.  It seemed real expensive at about $175 if i remember correctly.  Be careful because the main line from the front to the rear is impossible to install prebent so that was a big waste.  (that part of the kit went in the trash, and I had to make my own from scratch) but the rest of the lines fit well.  So if you can get components do that.

- John

John: Lake Forest, IL



'57 Fairlane 500 - Looking better every day.

As far as the driveshaft, you will have to get a new Ujoint as I am sure they are different. As far as length, you will have to measure or test fit once you get the new rear in. Note how much the front slider goes into the trans and use (duplicate) this measurement when checking length.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Thanks for the input, The only lines I need are the ones that run from the fitting on the differential housing to the backing plate, bending the brake lines is not the problem, I have tried many times to get the flare right, seem I always get a leak, I have a flaring tool, but as my wife said about a car we had years ago, "it just does not like me".  I have bought all kinds of parts for the Fairlane at NAPA, I just didn't think about that they may carry the fitting or at least one that will work.

This is a great website for Y block info.

Marty

Two points; Apparently the complete brake line kits sold by SS Brake & others, as far as the main line is concerned, are intended for "frame off" installation. Probably because that is what the factory did originally. I've heard about this problem before. As for the leaking flare, it may be because a "double flare" tool is required. Someone else with direct experience may want to comment on this..     

Paul

Marty, Paul is right, you need a double flaring kit. It is just about the same except you have an adapter that has a stub on it that goes into the end of your line. You have to use the correct adapter that is in the kit to your size of brake line.   You clamp your flaring tool on the same way, with about 1/4" sticking up, if I remember right, then insert the adapter, and compress your flaring tool.   It will make a nice rounded (bubble) type flare.  Also if you can take a complete brake line off, you can buy a length a little longer, and copy the bends pretty easily then make your ends.    Mike

     

Stainless brake lines are great but I find they take a couple of extra tugs on the proper line wrench to get them to set properly and not leak. And while your at it switch over to silcone brake fluid and avoid stripping any paint off with dot 3 brake fluid. did that plenty in the old days.

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

I put a 57 rear in my 54 - the spring pads did not have to be changed - I just had to spread the springs about an 1/4 inch. The stock 54 emergency cable fit the 57 as is - no mods required.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

9" rear was a straight bolt in in my 56 other than the driveshaft. Had to have two made thanks to an incompetent shop that could not read a measuring tape FYI, I was able to use my stock 56 backing plates and drums on the 9" rear. I was quite surprised when they bolted right up. Saved me buying new drums, liners and hardware.

Rob

I love the smell of burning rubber in the morning!