🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Coronet

Trim Level:

Royal, Custom Royal

Year:

1957

Chassis Codes:

Refer to manual for specific VIN decoding

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1957 Dodge Coronet series represented Chrysler's mid-range offering, positioned to compete with Chevrolet's Bel Air and Ford's Fairlane, appealing to buyers seeking a balance of style, comfort, and performance.

Competitors:

Chevrolet (Bel Air, Two-Ten), Ford (Fairlane, Customline), Plymouth (Savoy, Belvedere), Mercury (Montclair, Monterey).

Styling:

Distinctive Virgil Exner 'Forward Look' styling, characterized by sweeping fins, wraparound windshield, and bold chrome accents. The Custom Royal offered premium trim and features.

Interior Comfort:

Spacious interiors, comfortable seating, and a range of optional convenience features like air conditioning, power windows, and power seats contributed to the appeal of the Royal and Custom Royal trims.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Complete Workshop Service and Repair

Estimated Pages:

Refer to manual, typically 500+ pages for this era's comprehensive manuals

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital Format (PDF compatible)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (all variants), Transmission (manual and automatic), Driveline

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), Steering, Brakes (hydraulic system, drums, parking brake)

Electrical:

Ignition system, Charging system (generator), Starting system, Lighting, Gauges, Wiring diagrams

Body:

Body panels, Doors, Glass, Seats, Trim, Convertible top mechanisms (if applicable)

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, carburetor(s), emissions control (if any applicable for the era, likely minimal).

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, heater core, cooling fan, hoses.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, pipes, mufflers, tailpipes.

Maintenance:

Lubrication, Fluid changes, Filter replacements, Tune-ups

Repair:

Engine overhaul, Transmission rebuild, Brake caliper/wheel cylinder service, Suspension component replacement, Electrical component repair

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common problems, symptom-based diagnostics

Specifications:

Torque values, Clearances, Timing settings, Component dimensions

Engine Mechanical:

Engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly including pistons, rings, bearings, crankshaft, camshaft, cylinder heads, valve train.

Transmission Repair:

Complete rebuild procedures for both manual and TorqueFlite automatic transmissions, including hydraulic systems, clutch packs, valve bodies.

Body Repair:

Panel replacement, frame straightening, door and window alignment, interior trim fitting.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Detailed wiring diagrams, diagnostic steps for electrical faults, repair of starter, generator, voltage regulator, and lighting circuits.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed component disassembly and reassembly instructions.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Compatible with all PC & MAC computers, tablets, and smartphones. Requires Adobe Reader (free download).

Searchability:

Likely contains searchable text, enabling users to quickly find specific information via keywords.

Quality:

High quality digital reproduction, allowing for clear printing of individual pages or chapters.

Resolution:

High resolution scans ensuring legibility of text and clarity of diagrams and photographs.

Binding:

Not applicable (downloadable digital format)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (downloadable digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

The 1957 Coronet was available with Dodge's reliable 'Red Ram' V8 engines. Primary options included: 270 cubic inch (4.4L) V8, and a more powerful 325 cubic inch (5.3L) 'Super Red Ram' V8, often found in the Royal and Custom Royal trims.

Horsepower Torque:

Approximate horsepower figures ranged from 190 hp for the standard 270 V8 to over 230 hp for the higher-compression 'Super Red Ram' V8 with dual exhausts and a 4-barrel carburetor. Torque figures would also vary significantly by engine configuration.

Carburetion:

Typically equipped with a single 2-barrel carburetor (e.g., Carter WCFB) on base engines, with optional dual 4-barrel carburetors (e.g., Holley or Carter) available on performance variants for increased horsepower.

Block Material:

Cast Iron block and cylinder heads

Ignition Type:

6-volt Positive Ground ignition system with distributor, coil, spark plugs, and points/condenser.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Likely a 3-speed manual transmission (column or floor shift) as standard on some models, with the 'TorqueFlite' 3-speed automatic becoming increasingly popular and likely standard or a frequent option on Royal and Custom Royal trims.

Automatic Transmission:

TorqueFlite A727 (or predecessor A904), a highly regarded 3-speed automatic transmission known for its smooth operation and reliability.

Clutch Type:

Dry single plate clutch (for manual transmission models)

📐 Dimensions

Overall Length:

Approx. 195-205 inches (varies by body style)

Overall Width:

Approx. 75 inches

Wheelbase:

Approx. 118 inches

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3500-3900 lbs (depending on body style and equipment)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to VIN plate and manual for specific GVWR

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

No formal crash test ratings (like NHTSA or IIHS) existed in 1957. Safety features were basic by modern standards.

Braking System:

Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels. Self-adjusting brake mechanisms likely present.

Steering System:

Recirculating ball steering. Power steering was an optional feature.

Seat Belts:

Seat belts were not standard equipment in 1957 and were typically dealer or aftermarket installations.

Interior Design:

Dashboard padding was not standard. Steering columns and other internal components were hard metal.

💡 Technology Features

Radio:

Optional AM radio, often with a single speaker. Push-button tuning was a common feature.

Power Steering:

Optional power steering system to reduce steering effort.

Power Brakes:

Optional power brake system to reduce pedal effort.

Connectivity Features:

No modern connectivity features (e.g., Bluetooth, USB, AUX inputs). Primarily analog systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Recommended every 2,000 to 3,000 miles or 3-6 months. Specific interval depends on driving conditions (refer to manual for detail).

Tune Up:

Spark plug replacement, ignition timing adjustment, carburetor adjustment typically every 10,000-15,000 miles.

Chassis Lubrication:

Grease fittings for suspension and steering components required regular lubrication, typically every 1,000 miles or as specified.

Engine Oil:

SAE 10W-30 or SAE 20W-50 engine oil, depending on ambient temperature. Refer to manual for specific viscosity grades. API Service Category SE or earlier may be appropriate.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil for manual transmission, viscosity typically 90W.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron-III (or equivalent) Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) for the TorqueFlite. Note: original specification would have been a Type A Suffix A fluid. Dexron-III is a common modern substitute.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 heavy-duty glycol-based brake fluid.

Coolant:

A 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water.

Engine:

Valve seat wear (especially with unleaded fuel if not using additives), potential for oil leaks from gaskets and seals, carburetor issues (gumming from old fuel).

Electrical:

Degradation of wiring insulation over time, generator output issues, points and condenser wear requiring regular adjustment.

Suspension Steering:

Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and kingpins leading to looseness and poor handling. Bushing degradation.

Brake System:

Drum brake adjustments, potential for wheel cylinder leaks, brake hose degradation.

Body:

Rust in common areas (fender wells, rocker panels, floor pans), chrome pitting and corrosion, seal degradation leading to water leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge History:

Founded in 1914 by the Dodge Brothers, Dodge became known for robust engineering and performance. By the 1950s, it was a key brand within the Chrysler Corporation.

Coronet History:

The Coronet nameplate had been used by Dodge intermittently. For 1955-1959, it served as Dodge's full-size offering, adopting the dramatic 'Forward Look' styling that defined the era. The 1957 model year was a significant restyling year, introducing more pronounced tailfins and a cleaner overall design compared to the '55-'56 models.

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in the United States by Chrysler Corporation.

Production Volume:

Specific production numbers for Coronet Royal and Custom Royal are often grouped with other Coronet trims. The overall Coronet line saw substantial sales in the mid-to-late 1950s.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Design:

The 1957 Dodge Coronet, especially the Custom Royal trims, was highly regarded for its embodiment of Virgil Exner's influential 'Forward Look' design, which significantly shaped automotive aesthetics of the late 1950s.

Reliability Reputation:

While robust for its era, the complexity of the V8 engines and optional features meant regular maintenance was crucial for long-term reliability. Owners often praised the performance of the Red Ram V8s.