Blog

This unusually fine 1958 Edsel Citation Convertible (one of 930 produced) resides in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. Steve Edwards purchased his Edsel in 1992 in Northern California. Since then, he's invested a ton of time and money to take his car to higher standards.

This particular 1958 Edsel has won 2 Best of Show trophies, and many first place honors. The car is equipped with a 410 V8, power steering, brakes, windows and seat, plus a Town & Country radio. Since the car was sold new in Southern California, there is absolutely no rust on the undercarriage, or on the body itself. Steve keeps the car in a humidity-controlled garage.

Here is something you can do from the comfort of home. Work part time and become a Chevelle online advocate! Help other customers shop for parts at EcklersChevelle.com. Earn cash, accessories and parts for your Chevelle!

Tools: standard socket set, standard wrenches, crankshaft socket, breaker bar

Tinware: new timing chain, new timing cover (optional), timing cover gasket, gasket sealer, oil pan gasket (optional)

Tip: Before getting started, check out the clearance between the oil pan and the crossmember to see if there’s enough room to remove the pan.

Performance gains: A new timing chain and sprockets will deliver consistent performance and reliability.

Time: 4-5 hours

Tools: standard socket set, standard wrenches, floor jack and jackstands, torque converter holding tool (optional), transmission jack (optional)

Cost: varies depending on tools required or transmission selected

Tinware: transmission fluid, transmission tailshaft plug, new transmission mount (recommended)

Tip: After removing the driveshaft from the rear of the transmission housing, install a stop plug over the tailshaft to avoid fluid from spilling out.

Performance gains: Transmission trouble is never fun. Whether it’s for repair, rebuilding, or all-out racing, a finely-tuned transmission is a cornerstone of performance.

Sometime prior to the first week of December, 1968, representatives of the famous Ford performance dealership “Hayward Motors” in Hayward, California, prepared an order for a “local promotion” vehicle under DSO item #8991. This placed into motion a series of events that resulted in the production of a 1969 Ranchero 428 Cobra Jet– a car destined to become coveted by collectors nearly 46 years hence.

Text and Photography by Jeff Ford

Time: 3-4 hours (approximately)

Cost: Approximately $45 for Eastwood’s Steering Wheel Restoration Kit (available at Eckler's)

Tinware: Dremel tool kit, or similar brand. Steering wheel puller, selection of putty knives, various sandpaper grits ranging from 80 through 600-800 grit

Tip: Thoroughly degrease the wheel before applying paint!