57 fulie advise

[Walt W.]

I have a chance to buy a 57 fulie, 4sp car, but am not familiar with them and wonder if there are any telltale ways to determine origionality of the car. Thanks for the advise.

Walt

[Steven B.]

Re: 57 fulie advise

I have a chance to buy a 57 fulie, 4sp car, but am not familiar with them and wonder if there are any telltale ways to determine origionality of the car. Thanks for the advise.

Walt

Walt, there are some indicators such as a round throttle rod for FI, flat for carbs and the location of the FI emblems on the sides and trunk and the crossed flags on the sides. Many made-up cars have the FI Emblems and flags misplaced and the incorrect rod. Also, check the model number of the FI to indicate if it matches the VIN time frame. Check the FI unit tags. If a fall, winter, very early spring car the 4 speed was not available. Be sure you have a judging manual covering the '57 (a new one just came out) and Noland's book. These sources have great pictures and explanations.

A few years ago I looked at a "verified" Venetian Red FI, 4 speed, HD brake/suspension, 5.5" wheel car. The VIN was 9XX, the FI Unit was a '62 unit, etc., etc.

Steve

[Paul H.]

Re: 57 fulie advise

Walt, if you are unfamiliar with 57 feulies the smartest move you could make is to seek out a member in the area where the car is located and have him go over the car for you. Even if there is a small fee it is well worth not making a major monetary error. Love the single headlight cars. Good luck.

[Steven B.]

Re: 57 fulie advise

Walt, Paul's advice is excellent and the best thing you can do.

[Chuck S.]

Re: 57 fulie advise

Agreed!!! You wouldn`t buy a house without a competent inspection...... key word is competent.

[Tom P.]

Re: 57 fulie advise

Agreed with the above!!!
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

[Loren S.]

Re: 57 fulie advise

Buy Kenneth Kayser's book, The History of GM's Ramjet Fuel Injection on the Chevrolet V-8 and its Corvette Racing Pedigree. Then look at the chart on pages 419-20 for the VIN to Unit No. to F.I. Serial Number comparison, to see if the unit fits that car. The chart also lists the correct distributor number for each month.

[John D.]

Re: 57 fulie advise

HI Walt, Seeing as I have contributed greatly to 100's of 57's being fake FI cars I personally wouldn't dream of buying a 57 FI car just on my own knowledge whether I got it from a book or from one of the posts here.
I am not slamming anyone please. Kenny's book is my bible and I love it.
Anyhow pay a qualified appraiser as Walt it's a really hard thing to do. With enough cash& knowledge the car can be cloned.
If I guy has the bucks and finds a real deal round acclerator rod assembly he/she can build an FI car just around that one part.
4 Speeds came out in early May I believe. So depending on the serial number of the car it would have a 4520 or a 4960 unit on it. Distributor would be a 905 or a 908 depending on production.
Hurry and buy the new 56-57 manual as I heard rumors that the FI info section has been updated for sure. Good luck, JD
P.S. One nice thing about this depression is guys quit calling asking how much to put an FI unit on my carb car. Amen to that I say.

[James G.]

Re: 57 fulie advise

Walt,
I see you live in Maryland. Mike McCagh, former NCRS President and long time Mid Atlantic Chapter member knows more about 57 and 57 FI'S than most people in the world.