1978 Ford Custom 500 4-Door Pillared Hardtop
The Custom 500 was Ford's fleet and Canadian-market full-size series for 1978; Ford's parts catalog lists the code through 1978. Fleet/Canada series: listed in the Ford Master Parts Catalog series table; not in the US retail model chart.
Shown as 1978 Ford Custom 500, not confirmed by the VIN.
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8E53F147832
302 CID V8 (F)
Engine
4-Door Pillared Hardtop
Body
Mahwah, NJ (E)
Plant
Malaise Era
Era
No factory image on file
1978 Ford Custom 500
VIN Breakdown
| Position | Value | Decoded |
|---|---|---|
| Year Code | 8 | 1978 |
| Plant Code | E | Mahwah, NJ (E) |
| Model Code | 53 | Custom 500 |
| Engine Code | F | 302 CID V8 (F) |
| Serial Number | 147832 | Production #147832 |
Basic Information
MakeFord
ModelCustom 500
Year1978
Body Style4-Door Pillared Hardtop
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
EraMalaise Era
Engine & Details
Engine302 CID V8 (F)
Cylinders8
Displacement302 CID
Assembly PlantMahwah, NJ (E)
Plant CodeE
Pattern SourceFord
Original Specifications (Matched to: Custom 500 Sedan)
Height54.8
Length224.1
Wheelbase121.0
Width79.5
Source: Historical automotive documentation (1960-1972)
Powertrain Details Enhanced Data
Axle Type
Semifloating
Clutch Size
9.5 inches
Pricing & Production Enhanced Data
Original Base Price
$2741.00
No. Produced
49398
Body & Style Enhanced Data
No. Doors
4
Dimensions Enhanced Data
Weight
3531
lbs
Height
55.8
in.
Length
213.3
in.
Width
78
in.
Additional Specifications Enhanced Data
Make
Ford
Type
Constant mesh
Type
Inline 6 overhead valve
Colors
Exterior Colors
Color Options (37)
Radiator
Down flow
Exhaust System
Single
Ignition System
Distributor and coil
Fuel Type
Regular
Cooling System
13 Quarts
Cooling System
Centrifugal water pump
Battery
12
V
Optional Equipment
427 cu. in. V8 engine
Optional Equipment
Front disc rear drum brakes
Optional Equipment
428 cu. in. V8 engine
Optional Equipment
390 cu. in. V8 engine
Optional Equipment
Power windows
Optional Equipment
Speed control device
Optional Equipment
Power seats
Optional Equipment
Power brakes
Optional Equipment
Radio
Optional Equipment
Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission
Optional Equipment
Air conditioning
Steering Gear
Magic Circle recirculating ball
Front Suspension
Independent ball joint with coil springs
Rear Suspension
Coil link
Drive
Rear wheel drive
VIN Location
On tab on instrument panel close to windshield on passenger side visible from outside.
Spare Location
Trunk
Tire Size
7.75 x 15
Model Year
1968
Series
Custom 500 6
Origin
United States
Model Number
54B
Body Maker
Ford
Brake Size
11
in.
Emergency
Cable and conduit on rear service brakes
Service
Dual hydraulic
Rear Differential
4.5
pt.
Oil
5
qt.
Fuel
25
gal.
Transmission
3.5
pt.
Carburetor
Carter
Type
Single downdraft
Brake Horsepower
150@4000
hp
Torque
234@2200
ft/lbs
Displacement
240
cu. in.
Compression Ratio-Std
9.2
:1
Lubrication
Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Rated Horsepower
38.4
hp
Main Bearings
7
Cylinders
6
Valve Lifters
Hydraulic
Wheelbase
119
in.
Rear Tread
62
in.
Differential
Hypoid
Differential Ratio
3.1
:1
Clutch Type
Semicentrifugal
No. Of Gears
3
1st
2.99
:1
2nd
1.75
:1
3rd
1
:1
5th
Not applicable
:1
Reverse
3.17
:1
Enhanced Data Note: The enhanced vehicle data shown above represents the base vehicle configuration as manufactured. Individual vehicles may vary depending on factory options and modifications made throughout the vehicle's history.