Tracing back the gears of time, the story of Ford's iconic "P-R-N-D-L"

Tracing back the gears of time, the story of Ford's iconic "P-R-N-D-L"

Tracing back the gears of time, the story of Ford's iconic "P-R-N-D-L" (affectionately pronounced "prindle") starts in the golden era of automotive innovation. This simple, yet memorable acronym represents the sequence of gears on an automatic transmission: Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, and Low. It's a nostalgic nod to the heyday of American car culture, beginning its journey in the 1950s.

In 1951, Ford revolutionized their lineup by introducing the first "automatic" transmission in its cars. This was the birth of the P-R-N-D-L sequence, a groundbreaking innovation at the time. Imagine the delight of drivers who, for the first time, could shift gears with a smooth slide of the lever, just once – a far cry from the manual efforts of the past. It should also be noted that unlike todays automatics the early automatics would only start in neutral!

The 1950s and 60s were a golden age for Ford. Cars were more than mere transport; they symbolized freedom, style, and the American dream. The P-R-N-D-L was an integral part of this. It wasn't just about the ease of shifting gears; it was about the experience. Each letter was a step in the ritual of driving, a connection between human and machine that modern digital interfaces can't replicate.

Fast forward to today, and while cars have evolved with dizzying technology and efficiency, the charm of the classic Ford P-R-N-D-L endures. For enthusiasts and collectors, operating this gearshift isn't just a mechanical action; it's a trip down memory lane, a tactile piece of history that harkens back to the days of chrome, tailfins, and the open road. In essence, the P-R-N-D-L of classic Ford cars is more than just a gear sequence. It's a symbol of a bygone era, a testament to Ford's pioneering spirit, and an enduring part of America's automotive legacy.


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MORE CLASSIC FORD INSIGHTS

1979 Ford F150

1979 Ford F150

1979 Ford F150 The 1979 Ford F150 stands as a significant chapter in the storied history of Ford trucks. Known for its durability, classic design, and utility, the '79 F150 is a beloved model among enthusiasts of classic Ford automobiles. Specifications Engine Options: The 1979 F150 came with various engine options, including: 4.9L 300 Inline-6: A reliable workhorse known for its longevity. 5.0L 302 V8: Offered a balance of power and efficiency. 5.8L 351M V8 and 6.6L 400 V8: These larger engines were preferred for heavier towing and payload capacities. Transmission: Standard: 3-speed manual. Optional: 4-speed manual and 3-speed automatic. Dimensions: Wheelbase: Ranged from 117 inches (regular cab, short bed) to 155 inches (SuperCab, long bed). Length: Varied based on the model, from 188.5 inches to 235 inches. Width: Approximately 79 inches. Towing and Payload: Depended on the engine and configuration, with the larger engines supporting greater capacities. Part Numbers: Locating specific part numbers for a vehicle as old as the 1979 F150 can be challenging. However, some common parts include: Brake Pads: D84-2 Oil Filter: FL-1A Spark Plugs: AGSF32. For more specific parts and their numbers, enthusiasts often refer to vintage Ford parts catalogs or online forums. A great place to get real people to talk parts with, is C&G Ford Parts in Escondido, California. Production Numbers: Ford does not publicly release detailed production numbers by year and model. However, it's known that the F-Series was America's best-selling truck in 1979, contributing significantly to the series' overall sales. The F150's popularity in this era helped solidify its legacy in the Ford lineup. Accessories and Customization: The 1979 F150 was often customized and accessorized, reflecting the owner's needs and style. Popular accessories included: Chrome Bumpers: For enhanced aesthetics. Toolboxes: Fitted in the bed for utility. Lift Kits: Many owners lifted their trucks for off-road capability or for a more imposing road presence. Custom Paint Jobs: Reflecting the era's penchant for personalization. Conclusion: The 1979 Ford F150 remains a beloved classic. Its robust construction, range of engine options, and classic styling have ensured its lasting appeal. While specific part numbers and production figures can be elusive, the truck's impact on the automotive landscape is undeniable. Whether restored to its original glory or customized for modern roads, the '79 F150 continues to be a symbol of Americana and the enduring legacy of Ford trucks.
Evolution of Ford Generators

Evolution of Ford Generators

The evolution of the early Ford generator is a fascinating journey through the annals of automotive history, showcasing Ford's pioneering role in electrical system innovation. From the early 1900s to the 1950s, Ford generators underwent significant transformations in design and output, reflecting the increasing electrical demands of automobiles. 1920s: The Birth of the Ford Generator In the 1920s, Ford transitioned from the magneto system to actual generators. These early generators, used in models like the Model T, were a leap forward in automotive electrical systems. They typically produced about 6-8 volts and 10-15 amperes. This was a modest output, but it marked a significant improvement over the earlier systems, providing more reliable power for lighting and ignition. 1930s: Advancements in Power Output By the 1930s, as vehicles incorporated more electrical components, classic Ford generators evolved to meet these new demands. The output increased to approximately 12 volts, with the current rising to around 30-40 amperes. This improvement was crucial in powering additional features like radios and heaters, which were becoming standard in vehicles. 1940s: Post-War Technological Growth Post-World War II, the 1940s saw further advancements in Ford generators. The output stabilized around 12 volts, but the current capabilities expanded, reaching up to 40-50 amperes. This era's generators were more efficient and reliable, reflecting technological advancements and the growing complexity of automotive electrical systems. 1950s: The Peak of Generator Technology The 1950s represented the peak of generator technology before the transition to alternators. Ford generators during this decade were robust, producing 12 volts and capable of up to 50-60 amperes. This increased capacity was essential for powering more sophisticated electrical systems, including advanced lighting, climate control, and entertainment systems. In conclusion, the evolution of the early Ford generator from the 1920s to the 1950s is a testament to Ford's innovation in automotive technology. Each decade brought significant improvements in output and reliability, mirroring the evolution of automobiles themselves. From the humble beginnings of powering basic vehicle functions to meeting the demands of more complex and luxurious features, Ford generators played a crucial role in the advancement of automotive electrical systems.
Steering Tube Bearing Kit B-3517-K

B-3517-K Upper Steering Tube Bearing Kit

Since you buy all your classic Ford parts from us, we thought we would enlighten you to a product that you might find useful! Let’s say you’re cruising around town in your Classic Ford… you’re reveling in the number of folks you see looking at your ride (yes your car, not you anymore). You roll to a stop easily and decide to turn the corner and drive down Main Street to see if any of your buddies have made it to the Burger Barn. Suddenly, you feel “clunk” and you KNOW the old Ford didn’t come that way from the factory, so you begin to wonder “Hmmm, what could the old girl need now?”Finishing the cruise you head home and call it a night. Next day you’re up and at ‘em, headed out to the garage. You whizz past your wife in your grubby's and wonder for a moment why she has a big grin on her face, “Oh well, she musta been on the phone” you figure. With a big grin on your face and a wave to the wife, you whistle out loud as you head out the door thinking, “I’ll be at this most of the day” After organizing your tool box and getting everything ready for troubleshooting you begin to diagnose what could be ailing your “baby”. After troubleshooting for a while, you begin to realize that the bushing in the upper steering tube has worn out. It turned to rock and the steering shaft is wobbling around in the tube causing the clunk you felt last night. “Well, that’s a relief” you gush, “I don’t need to tear apart the front end!” “I wonder if Ford has a warranty recall on those” you chuckle to yourself as you pull your dog eared copy of your trusty C&G Ford Parts catalog off the shelf. You see that there is a replacement rubber upper bushing that often gets worn out over the years. “Just what I need” you think. “Hold the phone, what’s this?” you spot a new- fangled “kit” that only C&G has! This Upper Steering tube bearing kit includes bearing, spring, and bushing sleeve that replaces the original rubber bushing for a longer lasting, easier turning, tight fit. The kit includes a diagram to show you exactly where to install the parts, and in it what order. “Excellent” you whistle. So you pick up the phone, call C&G and after speaking to some friendly and knowledgeable parts folk, you have your kit on the way. A couple days later, your classic Ford parts show up and you’re ready to install the new B-3517-K kit you ordered. Remove the steering wheel. Remove original rubber bushing from over worm shaft. Install in this order- bearing , sleeve , spring. Make sure the tapered ends are facing down on both bearing and sleeve, drive the bearing down the worm shaft about 3/4" with a large socket, then let sleeve follow. Finally, put spring over worm shaft, in-between the sleeve and the steering wheel. Put steering wheel back on and tighten down the steering nut. No more play in the upper part of the column! Steering Tube Bearing Kit B-3517-K