"Sure, 352s could be special ordered for a '57 Ranchero"


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By 46yblock - 13 Years Ago
Laugh

I was in Auto Zone today.  An older guy (my age) was there who I've been meaning to thank.  Several months ago he was looking for a part for me, and saw it was in their other store on the N. side of town, and he drove there to bring it back.  Pretty unusual.  I thanked him for his special effort.  Usually you cant even get eye contact in the place.

Well, he started talking about his many past projects in general, then got to a '57 Ranchero that might be had.  I said it likely would have a 292 or 312.  "No, it probably is a 352.  You know they were a special order item in the '57s".  No comment, end of conversation.

By Glen Henderson - 13 Years Ago
Mike, most likely could have ordered a HiPo 390 or 406! Sometimes the best thing, is just smile and walk away. Good thing, sounds as if you have a parts guy that will work with you.
By LordMrFord - 13 Years Ago
I was at the city parking lot years ago with my '63 Fairlane and some older gentleman came and tell me, how he got just same like Chevy in the 50s.

!!!!!!???????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By DANIEL TINDER - 13 Years Ago
[quote][b]46yblock (7/21/2011)



they were a special order item in the '57s".



If I learned anything in all the years I dealt with classic guitars, it's that most anything was possible.



Take: An unsold Ranchero from the last of the '57 run, that didn't get from the conversion facility to the dealer's lot until after the '58 352s were on display in the showroom. Then, add a well-heeled influential customer who (in error) wants the most powerful motor available. So, if there was a fresh wreck (maybe a brand new Sunliner fell off the car carrier and was totaled by the ins. co.?) sitting in the dealers service lot......

You can see how someone who knew personally of a '57 that was bought new with a 352 engine might get the wrong idea about "special orders".
By charliemccraney - 13 Years Ago
DANIEL TINDER (7/22/2011)
[quote][b]46yblock (7/21/2011)

...You can see how someone who knew personally of a '57 that was bought new with a 352 engine might get the wrong idea about "special orders".




Bingo. There are also people who use factory installed, special ordered, and dealer installed interchangeably. I have no doubt that people bought '57s bran new from the show room with 352s installed before they drove off the lot. But it wasn't factory, stock, or original. This can be said of virtually anything. In most cases, when in doubt, the VIN will tell the truth.
By Jerryp - 13 Years Ago
Mike,

Maybe your parts man was remembering a 58 ranchero, after all the bed and tail lights are the same as a 57. I am looking for a restorable 57 ranchero if his lead turn out.

Jerry

By 46yblock - 13 Years Ago
So good.  He was half right, making me half wrong.  Jerry I'll try to get a little more info on the '57, and let you know if there is a possibility.
By Jerryp - 13 Years Ago
Mike,

I appreciate your following up on the 57 ranchero lead.  Let me know if it turns out.

I just looked at a 58 ranchero last week. It had a G code engine code which is for a 332. It also had a cruisomatic transmission. Had been wrecked many years ago and was pretty rusty now.

Jerry P.