1959 Edsel Corsair Retracrable

[mercman from oz]

Someone has gone to a lot of trouble to create this one-off 1959 Edsel Corsair Retractable. They have done an outstanding job. Pity that this body style was not offered on the Edsel in 1959? It looks fantastic.

[Herman Munster]

I like everything but the Conti-kit. That huge extension on the bumper ruins it for me.
Otherwise it's a really nice looking car.

[scicala]

I wonder if it still says Skyliner on the side of the roof.


Sal

[mercman from oz]

I agree with Herman Munster regarding Continental Kits. Too much overhang over the rear. Easy to scrape while driving over some deep or uneven gutters. I too like the "clean" look rear ends.

[rotorwrench]

With a retractable, it only left that little wash tub sized area in the trunk to put luggage. That would make the continental kit more useful in order to solve the problem with the spare tire location. It may look funky but it did serve the guy a purpose. I wonder how many 1959 Ford parts the guy used?

[Herman Munster]

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There is a spot in the trunk for the spare tire but it is a bit difficult to get at. The roof has to be up to get to it and then you have reach for it from the side.
How often do you get a flat?

[Ford blue blood]

Re-skinned 59 Ford?

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by Ford blue blood

Re-skinned 59 Ford?

Modified 59 EDSEL CORSAIR CONV most likely-

[KULTULZ]

The biggest headache with the Retractable wasn’t the top, surprisingly, but the limited luggage space. The top mechanism occupied both sides of the trunk and the top itself took considerable space. A small storage bin to keep luggage out of the machinery was supplied. It measured only 24 x 30 x 15 inches and was virtually useless because it sat in the center, a full 20 inches from either fender side. Because of the rear-hinged deck lid, all luggage had to be lifted over the fins. But that was not as bad as trying to lift the spare tire out of its space beneath the luggage bin. This required climbing into the trunk to get it.

SOURCE- http://www.autoinformant.com/car_pag...-500-skyliner/

[Dobie Gillis]

Sheesh, what PITA!

[Herman Munster]

Cut out a hole and add a seat and you've got a port-a-potty.

[KULTULZ]

What? You don't like full Continental Kits?

[rotorwrench]

Yah, it could always be worse.

[KULTULZ]

Well, I'll tell 'ya...

It all depends on the time period of the actual car and the taste(s) of the owner. I like the full kit on some cars but maybe not others. To me, a 58 IMPALA w/o a kit and skirts is tasteless.

That being said, a basket style kit may present a better appearance. Even if you do use a kit on a 57/59 SKYLINER to get at the spare more easily, where did FORD store the bumper jack ...

[Herman Munster]

This is the only Continental kit I like and it came from the factory that way.
I don't really like them on 56 T-Birds but that's the way the left the factory.

[Grumpy Rick]

From where I live, it seems that continental kits are a back East thing. Reminds me of seeing mud flaps with lights back in the 50's in Ohio. CK's rarely seen on the SoCal cars.

It is the first thing I would dump on any car newer than 1936 or so, including the '56 T-Bird.

Regional, kinda like Eastern cars getting lowered in back, and Western cars in the front.

[Herman Munster]

The CK was an factory approved option in the 59 Edsel sales literature. I'm sure it was dealer installed. Could you imagine someone trying drive one of these onto a car hauler if it came out of the factory with it?

[Herman Munster]

Don't get me wrong, I like everything else about this car except the CK.

[bobss396]

Originally Posted by Herman Munster

I like everything but the Conti-kit. That huge extension on the bumper ruins it for me. Otherwise it's a really nice looking car.

My '59 Ford is long enough. I can't imagine adding a continental kit to it. They in general look like dreck to me.

[KULTULZ]

Looks Good To Me ...

[Kahuna]

I have never owned an Edsel, But in 1958 as a 15 year old kid, who just got his license, I got to drive a new 58 Edsel Corsair or Citation convertible in the Homecoming parade with 5 really cute older girls. I can't remember which one. Corsair, I'm guessing
I thought that it was a really cool car that would smoke the tires in an instant.
It didn't have a Continental Kit on it, but it had a 410 cubic inch engine.
I really liked the gear selector in the steering wheel. I heard these were somewhat problematic later on.
The dealer had loaned 5 Edsels to the school for this parade.
What a great evening.
I just knew you all wanted to know this??? LOL
Jim

[Herman Munster]

Looks like gutters in a bowling alley.

[mercman from oz]

Regarding kahuna's comments of his experience as a new driver, the convertible would have the top of the line Citation, as there was no convertibles available in the Corsair series. Both the Citation and Corsair models were built on the long wheelbase. There was also a Pacer Convertible available on the short wheelbase Edsels. The E-475 engine displacing 410 cubic inches was only available on the Citation and Corsair models. The E-400 of 361 cubic inches was used in the smaller Pacer and Ranger models, as well as the station wagons. So the parade car would have been a Citation.

[Kahuna]

Thanks
Why was the big engine only available for the 1958 year?
Jim

[Oldmics]

Probably because the big engine was only availiable in the big car.


That large series Edsel was dropped for the 1959 model year.


Oldmics

[KULTULZ]

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1958 EDSEL CITATION and CORSAIR Assembled on MERCURY PLATFORM (410 MEL Powered)


1958 EDSEL PACER and RANGER Assembled on FORD PLATFORM (361 FE Powered)


The MERC Platform Was Dropped From EDSEL 1959

[mercman from oz]

Did you know that even the wheels are different Bolt Patterns. The Big Edsel has the Mercury Bolt Pattern, while the small Edsel has the Ford Bolt Pattern. How confusing is that??

[KULTULZ]

A easy way to differentiate a FORD EDSEL fromm a MERC EDSEL is the roof-line-

[Herman Munster]

The tail lights and rear bumpers were different between the two series. TI have a feeling the trunk lid was different too.
I'm curious now how different the two series were.

[mercman from oz]

KULTULZ mentioned the two different Roof Lines which is absolutely true, as no Glass is interchangeable between these two series. That is not the only difference between these two different wheelbase 1958 Edsels. Check out the front Fenders. The salmon coloured car is a Pacer built on the Ford Platform, while the Bronze 58 Edsel is a Citation built on the Mercury Platform. Notice the bulge starting at the headlight continuing into the door of the Citation. That means that even the Doors are not interchangeable between these two series. How complicated is that? No wonder Ford lost money on the Edsel Program.

[mercman from oz]

As Herman Munster pointed out, even the Tail Lights and rear Bumpers are different between these two series. He was unsure about the Trunk Lid but I can assure him that the Trunk Lids are indeed different. Take a look at these pictures. It is deeper on the Citation model. It is just a pity that the rear Bumper was not fitted on this Citation. Both cars pictured are Two Door Hardtops. Notice the completely different roof lines. The Tail Lights may look the same, but I have been advised that they are slightly different, however, the wrong model Tail Lights can be adapted with a bit of manipulation.

[Herman Munster]

I think I'll want an 58 Edsel some day. I remember back in the 70's you could get one for $100 anytime. No one really wanted them at the time. My dad talked me out of them because "you can't get parts for them" and they "didn't share anything with any other Ford product."

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by mercman from oz

KULTULZ mentioned the two different Roof Lines which is absolutely true, as no Glass is interchangeable between these two series. That is not the only difference between these two different wheelbase 1958 Edsels. Check out the front Fenders. The salmon coloured car is a Pacer built on the Ford Platform, while the Bronze 58 Edsel is a Citation built on the Mercury Platform. Notice the bulge starting at the headlight continuing into the door of the Citation. That means that even the Doors are not interchangeable between these two series. How complicated is that? No wonder Ford lost money on the Edsel Program.






As Herman Munster pointed out, even the Tail Lights and rear Bumpers are different between these two series. He was unsure about the Trunk Lid but I can assure him that the Trunk Lids are indeed different. Take a look at these pictures. It is deeper on the Citation model.

You know, years back I did a study of EDSEL and wondered about body width as the MERC was wider. And without a period correct PARTS MANUAL, you cannot verify much.

Now I know how FORD ENGINEERING handled the size difference(s).

Look @ the width difference on the rear body panel with regards to BU Lamp placement.

THANX! ...

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by Kahuna

I have never owned an Edsel, But in 1958 as a 15 year old kid, who just got his license, I got to drive a new 58 Edsel Corsair or Citation convertible in the Homecoming parade with 5 really cute older girls.

I just knew you all wanted to know this??? LOL

Jim

I really enjoyed the part about five really cute girls!

Remember the days before tattoos, body piercings, orange/purple hair and/or hobnail boots?

[Herman Munster]

I just flipped through my Edsel parts catalog and there are a lot of differences between the two series. The models have an "A,B,C,D" reference that you need to use for what part numbers pertain to which model. The Rangers and Pacers are A and B and the Corsairs and Citations are C and D. Even the patent plates are different. The Canadian Edsels had a different plate than the US Edsels but used the same one for all the series. The only difference was the model code. "9" Rangers and Pacers and "O" Corsairs and Citations.

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by Herman Munster

I just flipped through my Edsel parts catalog and there are a lot of differences between the two series. The models have an "A,B,C,D" reference that you need to use for what part numbers pertain to which model. The Rangers and Pacers are A and B and the Corsairs and Citations are C and D. Even the patent plates are different.

The Canadian Edsels had a different plate than the US Edsels but used the same one for all the series. The only difference was the model code. "9" Rangers and Pacers and "O" Corsairs and Citations.

I found some copies years ago but couldn't justify the money then. I wish I had now.

[Herman Munster]

I guess I got lucky with my books. I'm still on the look out for a 60 book only so I can complete my set.
You're welcome to ask for any info I can provide on 58's and 59's.

[scicala]

About the only body panels left are the hood and deck lid. Imagine they were different between the two versions of '58 Edsels too. Maybe not.


Sal

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by Herman Munster

I guess I got lucky with my books. I'm still on the look out for a 60 book only so I can complete my set.

You're welcome to ask for any info I can provide on 58's and 59's.

Originally Posted by scicala

About the only body panels left are the hood and deck lid. Imagine they were different between the two versions of '58 Edsels too. Maybe not.

Sal

Herman, THANX for the assistance. Regarding Sal's inquiry, the Basic PN on a hood is 16612 and a deck-lid 40110. If you could see if they were the same or different.

On a personal note ... ... I am curious about the 1958 hub cap PN (Basic 1130). Not the wheel cover but the center cap. PN and any description please. FORD was WHITE but I have seen GOLD paint color and was just wondering.

[Oldmics]

Hoods are unique to specific series.


B8E 16612-A for the C and D series (Merc platform)


B8E 16612-B for the A and B series (Ford platform)


Full wheel cover part# PB9E 1130-A


Smaller hub cap (dawg dish) part# B8E 1130-A


I believe the fancy one you are looking for is listed under group 18302


18302 "Kit (Wheel Cover Applique)"


B8E 18302-A Consists of


(4) KD-1211-AP ring-wheel trim
(4) KC-3751-A applique wheel cover(
12) 350057-S8 screw & washer No. 10-24 X 7/16


Oldmics

[KULTULZ]

THANX! for that info...


B8E 1130-A is what I was after. Have seen them on both FORD and BIRD of the period. I wonder if the guys knew what they were off of?

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

THANX! for that info...

B8E 1130-A is what I was after. Have seen them on both FORD and BIRD of the period. I wonder if the guys knew what they were off of?

...

How dumb can one man get?

The caps I was wondering about are/were FORD only.

1957 & 1959 FORD 10" Cap w/White Background





1958 FORD & BIRD 10" Cap w/ Gold Background

I've been sitting on this for years w/o realizing it.



B8E 1130-A must be EDSEL DEDICATED DECO ...

[Oldmics]

Edsel Caps - Nuttin fancy !!!


Need any ? I got a few spares.

[scicala]

Guess I never saw a '58 T-Bird with hub caps as opposed to full wheel covers. Must be pretty rare to be factory installed on a Bird.


Sal

[mercman from oz]

scicala commented - "About the only body panels left are the hood and deck lid. Imagine they were different between the two versions of '58 Edsels too. Maybe not.
To answer his question, the Deck Lids are different between the two series. Compare the shape down at the bottom corner, and you will see that the edge is straight down on the Citation and angled on the Pacer.

[mercman from oz]

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Here is another made up Edsel Retractable. This one is based on the 1958 Pacer, but uses Station Wagon Tail Lights.

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by Oldmics

Edsel Caps - Nuttin fancy !!!

THANX! again.

I had trouble finding a sharp photo.

Base line RANGER I would think.

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by scicala

Guess I never saw a '58 T-Bird with hub caps as opposed to full wheel covers. Must be pretty rare to be factory installed on a Bird.

Sal

Only on a BASE 58 BIRD or it is cataloged as such.

A senior member @ SQUAREBIRDS has (had?) a 58 and posted photos. It had me wondering also...

I somehow got it into my mind ... ... that they must be EDSEL but if so why would FORD be stamped on them?

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by mercman from oz

Here is another made up Edsel Retractable. This one is based on the 1958 Pacer, but uses Station Wagon Tail Lights.

Here is an additional photo of wheat I think is the same car.

It appears (to me anyway) that he used a 57 SKYLINER for the conversion and the SW tail lamps will allow him to easily convert it back to a FORD with a sheet metal/trim change.

[KULTULZ]

Wheel Cover Discussion-




Discussion Continued On New Thread - https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=251772

[Ford blue blood]

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

Here is an additional photo of wheat I think is the same car.

It appears (to me anyway) that he used a 57 SKYLINER for the conversion and the SW tail lamps will allow him to easily convert it back to a FORD with a sheet metal/trim change.

Agreed, the wheel well opening is defiantly 57 Ford. Here is a shot of the 58 Pacer wheel well.

[Oldmics]

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

THANX! again.


I had trouble finding a sharp photo.


Base line RANGER I would think.

============================================



That's a shot of the dawg dish"s on my Roundup wagon


Oldmics

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by Oldmics

============================================

That's a shot of the dawg dish"s on my Roundup wagon

Oldmics

And where may that be ... ?

BTW- I came across an aftermarket trim ring that will set those center caps off. Interested?

[Oldmics]

Pics of two of mine in the Two Door Wagon thread




https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=233197


Scroll down on the first page




Thanks for the offer on the trim rings but I like em as is.


Oldmics

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by Oldmics

Pics of two of mine in the Two Door Wagon thread

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=233197

Scroll down on the first page.

That's OK Mike... I will do your secretarial work for you. I am retired and have no life ...

Thanks for the offer on the trim rings but I like em as is.

Oldmics

They're not mine, just came across them on EvilBay.

They would really set-off a set of EDSEL hub caps IMO.

BTW- Are those FORD hub caps I see?

[mercman from oz]

It seems that creating an Edsel Retractable is more common than you think? Check out these three examples of 1958 Edsel Retractables.

[mercman from oz]

1959 Edsel Retractable

[scicala]

Quote:
Originally Posted by scicala

Guess I never saw a '58 T-Bird with hub caps as opposed to full wheel covers. Must be pretty rare to be factory installed on a Bird.

Sal
Only on a BASE 58 BIRD or it is cataloged as such.

A senior member @ SQUAREBIRDS has (had?) a 58 and posted photos. It had me wondering also...




Thank you Kultulz. Always nice to learn something new.


Sal

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by scicala

Quote:
Originally Posted by scicala

Guess I never saw a '58 T-Bird with hub caps as opposed to full wheel covers. Must be pretty rare to be factory installed on a Bird.

Sal
Only on a BASE 58 BIRD or it is cataloged as such.

A senior member @ SQUAREBIRDS has (had?) a 58 and posted photos. It had me wondering also...

Hey... I found it hard to believe it also when I saw the photo. Base BIRD.


Even a HTR was an option.




Thank you Kultulz. Always nice to learn something new.


Sal[/QUOTE]

[KULTULZ]

Hey... I found it hard to believe it also when I saw the photo. Base BIRD.

Even a HTR was an option.

The car also had the skirt pins but may have been installed as an ACCESS.

I like to pass on as much as I can as a lot of this has been forgotten.


... Now, this is an EDIT of the above post ...


Don't ask how I did this but I am good at it ...

[mercman from oz]

1958 Edsel Citation Retractable

[mercman from oz]

Here is another idea for the 1959 Edsel Corsair, as a Two Seater like the early Thunderbird.