Master Parts and Illustrations Catalogs

[ashmatk2000]

Hello again, Tom's discussions about reference materials had me hunting for the definitive resource for Ford info. I seem to have two choices, the "Master Parts Catalog" (a single volume whopper) and the Ford "Text Catalog" and "Illustrations Catalog" (a two volume set). I'm leaning toward the latter. Here's what I've found for sources. Ebay has a guy that sells "reprints" for 65 bucks. Some of his bad feedback leads me to believe that he may be producing unauthorized copies, possibly on cheezy paper - not very appealing. Dennis Carpenter and others have the authorized reprints for $200.00 a set (both vol's). These are big books, so that's not out of line. I have found a source that sells the CD with both vol's for $49.95. I am leaning toward the CD, cause I have a printer at home and I'm a cheapskate. Any comments Tom, Brian, others?

[nomadbird]

Ken,

It's a gift even at $200.
You most definitely want both volumes consisting of Text and the other of Illustrations. Here is an example of why I say that: today I looked up the 4001683 part you referenced in the Illustrations book. When I went to the Text volume to learn about other applications for this part; There was a notation to use B5A 70001683-A and "cut to fit". The B5A 7001683-A is a '55-'56 car application. So you see, the Illustrations volume shows what you should have, but the Text volume will list superseding part numbers and application info.

No matter which media or source of supply you choose; these books will pay for themselves.

Good Find! Tom D.

[Brian]

Ken- - I would like to get the CD set. Can you say where it is available, or email me?

Thanks!

PS: Cheapskate? Every $150 I can save on this rebuild adds up quick.

[ 04-24-2003: Message edited by: Brian ]

[nomadbird]

It's great that you folks are going to spring for the manuals. I just have to put out this warning to anyone who uses these manuals and then puts their car in a CTCI Concours thinking they are authentic. The manuals depict "service parts" which may not be identical to "production parts". Also, some illustrations might have minor deviations from what was done in production.

An example of "service part" deviation: Hardware (screws, nuts, washers etc.) frequently deviate from production types. Split lock washers are shown where the factory may have used star washers.

An example of illustration error: The cross arm that attaches the upper control arm to the frame shows the attaching hardware installed backwards.

Granted, all these items are "CS", and most of us couldn't care less, but it does happen!

Tom

[Brian]

With everything you buy these days, from Ebay to even some of the "expert vendors", "caveat emptor" seems to be the rule!

Personally, (and since my car won't be concourse, but close as possible), I just need all the visual help I can get.

Just powdercoated the frame, so it's reassembly time now.

Hope those pictures I took are good enough!

[ 04-24-2003: Message edited by: Brian ]

[ 04-24-2003: Message edited by: Brian ]

[ 04-24-2003: Message edited by: Brian ]

[ashmatk2000]

Brian, no problem - anything I can do to help. The link for the CD is
http://www.metropartsmarket.com/cata...lcd_60821.html

I've never ordered from these folks before, so I'm not sure how good they are, but it's hard to screw-up a CD. Powdercoated frame ...ooh, I'm jealous. Did you do the deal with the heat lamp? How'd you manage that? I'll be cutting out rockers and floor sections and dissasembly for months, so you're way ahead of me. Thanks again for the pics.

Ken

[Brian]

Heat lamp? YOu mean is the powder baked on? I had a commercial coater locally do it, who has done frames before.

Your welcome on the pics, you have a long road ahead of you.

[ashmatk2000]

Hey folks, just thought I'd update all on the catalog discussion. I ordered the CD from the folks on the link I provided. It's great. Not only does it include the entire 49-59 parts and illustrations catalogs, but it also included the 55-57 parts catalog - a neat bonus. All for 50 bucks - not bad.

[Brian]

I got it too - forgot to post that I like it! Although I had to go to their website and update the disk for my later version of Access 2000. Very easy to do - good help from their tech desk.

That's not to say I wouldn't prefer hard copies, but the CD is the next best thing at $150 less.

[Jim 793]

I'm a newbee here. I just purchased a 56 and it needs some work. Please advise were the CD that you refer to comes from.

[Brian]

Just look a few posts above - there is a Web link that has all the info. You can call, or order online.