As I mentioned my first car was a 58 Ford-O-Matic that my Dad had owned since about '62. He gave it to me in 1970 just before I got a drivers licence. I drove the car till it was sold in about 1984. In the beginning the car was stock and I did some changes along the way, my dad must have cried as he watched my improvements (?) First we painted it red, fitted bucket seats (they were lay-back style so real good for a young bloke with his girl) added dual exhaust with 4 outlets what a hoon eh ! next I removed all the chrome trim and welded the holes up never to be used again?? 'spose that would be the same as a USA Mainline model..... by the way a Mainline in Australia was a Ute - pick-up to you blokes- the car was in the end a de-chromed mild cutom with chrome wheels and tube grill (made by me) the Y block featured head work, twin carbs and extractors - that was pretty "HOT S**T" back then!! Sorry I haven't got any Mainline Ute pics at present but I'll find one and send it.... best regards. Rick Lowe

If you ever wondered why we can't find NOS parts for our '55 and '56 Meteors this may be a good reason. Looks like Ford of Canada shipped all the spare 55 grilles and 56 hood and trunk chrome along with the 56 Rideau side trim to Australia so they could finish thier 1958 Ford-O-Matics.
Book me on the next flight for Australia.
Gerry