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Classic/Antique Car Repair/'59 Ford Failane 500 Galaxie

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Expert: - 8/1/2008


Question
I found a '59 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie that I'm interested in buying. I test drove it and it has manual breaks. I was wondering if you knew how costly it would be to switch to power breaks. I know on modern cars it can be simple to do, I just wasn't sure on the amount of modification that would need to be done to make it work for a '59 or if it's even possible.

Answer
Back in the day most Fords came from the factory without power brakes and steering. We mechanics in the dealerships installed these items as dealer installed options. Check Hemmings Motor news, the old car classified bible, to see if there is a dealer selling the parts to make the installation. www.hemmings.com
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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