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I got my '58 in 2003 with a zillion miles on it. Early on the water pump showed play in the shaft so I replaced it with a Brand X from the local auto parts store. Even painted it Ford Blue.
While working on my steering this spring I noticed coolant leaking out of it. As I had put a lot of effort into curing all leaks over the winter (expansion tank, a freeze plug . . ) this was really annoying.
So what were my options? Go to the local parts stores for a Brand X or a TBird parts supplier. In either case I end up with something probably from China.
As my car sits all winter, seals can fail so marginal quality stuff is a problem.
A peek at MAC's catalogue showed pumps for $120 or more.
Then I looked in Hemming's Services for rebuilders. I found Arthur Gould in New York state. Their web site is at
I sent my original pump that came with the car (hiding in a corner of the garage; not like I ever get rid of anything). My reasons were as follows:
* 95% of the pump is reusable. Might be original too.
* the money ends in staying in America and the work done by Americans. I like supporting specialists who have spent a long time developing knowledge and skills I don't have.
* it cost $80 to be overhauled (vs $120 for a repro)
* the parts are better than original. Better seal, bearings.
* comes with a 1 year warranty.
* turn around time: 2 weeks
All I gotta do now is paint it Ford Blue! A win-win.
They also do fuel pumps and I may send them a 2 stage one for the TBird. They tell me with a little fine tuning they can get more than stock vaccum for the wipers.
In general, Hemming's has a listing of Services that a collection of specialists that do a few things really well. You can easily end up with something better than original. Definitely worth considering.
John
While working on my steering this spring I noticed coolant leaking out of it. As I had put a lot of effort into curing all leaks over the winter (expansion tank, a freeze plug . . ) this was really annoying.
So what were my options? Go to the local parts stores for a Brand X or a TBird parts supplier. In either case I end up with something probably from China.
As my car sits all winter, seals can fail so marginal quality stuff is a problem.
A peek at MAC's catalogue showed pumps for $120 or more.
Then I looked in Hemming's Services for rebuilders. I found Arthur Gould in New York state. Their web site is at
I sent my original pump that came with the car (hiding in a corner of the garage; not like I ever get rid of anything). My reasons were as follows:
* 95% of the pump is reusable. Might be original too.
* the money ends in staying in America and the work done by Americans. I like supporting specialists who have spent a long time developing knowledge and skills I don't have.
* it cost $80 to be overhauled (vs $120 for a repro)
* the parts are better than original. Better seal, bearings.
* comes with a 1 year warranty.
* turn around time: 2 weeks
All I gotta do now is paint it Ford Blue! A win-win.
They also do fuel pumps and I may send them a 2 stage one for the TBird. They tell me with a little fine tuning they can get more than stock vaccum for the wipers.
In general, Hemming's has a listing of Services that a collection of specialists that do a few things really well. You can easily end up with something better than original. Definitely worth considering.
John
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