I just joined about 2 minutes ago, and I can't wait to see what has changed in the y block world. I last used a y block in 1970 in a 57 ranchero. I have owned 10 of these cars, but most were used as parts. I've been in and out of the hobby, and retired almost 3 years ago. I now have enough time to put into my latest purchase. 4 of the 57 rancheros. 2 are for sure parts cars, and 2 are well suited for rebuilding. One was from behind a barn, and had set there since 1964. There is a lot of rust in the bottom 4 inches, as there was a few floods that reached into the car and stuffed the frame with red sand. This one is so original I want to return it to it's factory produced product. The battery that was in it was an allstate, as was the rubber mat. Allstate, not Diehard. Everything else was totally original, and missing only the hubcaps, and the air cleaner. The tires are a set of BFG Silverton, that are at least 50 years old and hold air very well..... The other Ranchero is in better shape and I will power it up with my favorite small block ford.It will not be original in many ways at all, but will be a blast to drive. I know, because I have owned a few 57 fords in my life....Jack 

Welcome, reminds me of my wife's uncle. He had a '21 model T that had Montgomery ward riverside tires that were put on in '23. He used them up into the 80's before he got new ones. Complained about the new ones.

  Dennis in Lititz PA

According to some of the "old guys" way back when, the older tires got the more they "cured" and would last a lot longer. When I was stationed in Germany my 69 Fairlane Cobra needed front tires. The base service station couldn't help me out and ordering shipped in was terrible. They did find a pair of (I think) 7-75 x 15' that had been on the shelf for a least 15 years. Still paper wrapped. They wore like iron when I got back to the states they still looked new 3 years later. I finally took them off and put on some more appropriate tires for "the look". Gave the old ones away. They could still be out there! Chuck



Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

I've experienced old hard tyres and they last, but with no grip. Safer with new tyres.

Welcome to the site.  It's a personal call on the tires but old is old.  Simply driving around town on older tires that are not weather cracked may work out but any kind of highway driving could present problems.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

JJF: It's nice to have a 57 Ranchero enthusiast come on board... although you may find some of us wondering why you are apparently intending to use a SB Ford engine instead of a Y-block?  If you've been out of the loop for a while, there have been several positive developments in recent times, re our favorite engine. And some resurgence of interest in it. For a start, try "linking" from here to John Mummert's Y-block site. You should be pleasantly surprised..  


Paul

Paul, My choice of a small block is easy as I have a few of them around already. Ranging from old original 289s to nicely built 302s and a few 351s. I only have one Y block, and it needs a total rebuild.I can afford to do a Y block, but don't want to waste any of my other engines, when original isn't all important on the one I mentioned as a good one to rebuild as a street rod.I also have a built 460 but gas mileage is a consideration.

Oh yeah, about those tires, they will never see the street again. they are excellent as rollers while construction is going on.I'd never try to use anything that old , and try to get by with that.