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1978 Ford Custom 500 2-Door 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. Back to the default reading
8T52S208048
400 CID V8 (S)
Engine
2-Door Hardtop
Body
Metuchen, NJ (T)
Plant
Malaise Era
Era
No factory image on file
1978 Ford Custom 500

VIN Breakdown

PositionValueDecoded
Year Code 8 1978
Plant Code T Metuchen, NJ (T)
Model Code 52 Custom 500
Engine Code S 400 CID V8 (S)
Serial Number 208048 Production #208048

Basic Information

MakeFord
ModelCustom 500
Year1978
Body Style2-Door Hardtop
ManufacturerFord Motor Company
EraMalaise Era

Engine & Details

Engine400 CID V8 (S)
Cylinders8
Displacement400 CID
Assembly PlantMetuchen, NJ (T)
Plant CodeT
Pattern SourceFord

Original Specifications (Matched to: Custom 500 Coupe)

Height53.7
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 $2699.00
No. Produced 8983

Body & Style Enhanced Data

No. Doors 2

Dimensions Enhanced Data

Weight 3480 lbs
Length 213.3 in.
Width 78 in.
Height 55.8 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
Battery 12 V
Cooling System Centrifugal water pump
Cooling System 13 Quarts
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 62B
Body Maker Ford
Emergency Cable and conduit on rear service brakes
Service Dual hydraulic
Brake Size 11 in.
Rear Differential 4.5 pt.
Fuel 25 gal.
Oil 5 qt.
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
Rear Tread 62 in.
Wheelbase 119 in.
Differential Ratio 3.1 :1
Differential Hypoid
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.