1955 Restoration Costs- see photos

[knuckle47]

Of course there’s always air shocks 🙂

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[CuriousCarl]

Hi everyone,

Thank you SO much for all of your awesome replies and advice. I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of your responses. I definitely want to keep it as original but I'd also really like it to shine like it used to. Again, I'm not great at this and I know almost nothing about car restoration. From the photos, do you think that the the chrome, interior, and paint can be cleaned up enough to look like it used to without replacing anything? I know the rips in the floor and seats aren't able to be mended but can the rest be polished/cleaned/rejuvenated enough to make it look like it did?

I guess the first thing I need to do is figure out what needs to be done to the engine to make it run and the foundation to make it safe. I'm really hoping that there isn't any huge glaring issues that will require a lot of money to fix but I know that's fool's thinking.

Also, I'll try and get more pictures this weekend and the information of what people are requesting and update this thread.

Thank you again!

 

[55blacktie]

In the third black-and-white newspaper article photo, the shackles are inverted. However, the close-up color photo of your car clearly shows that they are not inverted. However, inverting the shackles will raise the rear, not lower it.

 

[Ward 57]

If it has been sitting for 25 years I would not even consider trying to start it. Old gummy fuel will do nothing but damage not just the carb but anything else it touches. If you can get the tires pumped up enough to roll I'd have it towed to a shop that specializes in older cars. Change ALL the fluids and they may recommend dropping the gas tank for cleaning.

 

[Docj]

I would suggest you contact whoever is running the Antique Auto Restoration program at McPherson College in McPherson, KS. I went there in the early 80s when the program was in it's infancy. At that time, they would do a complete frame off, nut and bolt restoration for the cost of materials/parts used. If you were to follow that path, you would not only get a top-notch restoration on the cheap, that beautiful historic bird will help train tomorrow's antique automotive restoration specialists! All of the work is done with close supervision by experts in that field, by people who truly love old cars. Every person there had a passion for old cars, and everything was done with a bit of love. We did 'pick & file' metal finishing, fabrication, and anything that required filler was done 'old school', with lead. Graduates of that program are heavily sought out by top collectors and restoration facilities.

 

[Docj]

The illustration of the car in the ad material show a chrome like strip along the rear quarter, across the door and up towards the hood. I am new but I have not seen that on any t-bird I have looked at since I have been hunting last summer. Is that for illustration or is it an optional trim?

I recall this being from the Fairlane. The early 'Birds were built, in large part, from the parts bins available from other models. If you look at contemporary Fairlane, the chrome is quite similar. I have considered adding this to my 'Bird.

 

[knuckle47]

Frankly, I like it too… it sets off the side lines nicely.

 

[Docj]

Hi everyone,

Thank you SO much for all of your awesome replies and advice. I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of your responses. I definitely want to keep it as original but I'd also really like it to shine like it used to. Again, I'm not great at this and I know almost nothing about car restoration. From the photos, do you think that the the chrome, interior, and paint can be cleaned up enough to look like it used to without replacing anything? I know the rips in the floor and seats aren't able to be mended but can the rest be polished/cleaned/rejuvenated enough to make it look like it did?

I guess the first thing I need to do is figure out what needs to be done to the engine to make it run and the foundation to make it safe. I'm really hoping that there isn't any huge glaring issues that will require a lot of money to fix but I know that's fool's thinking.

Also, I'll try and get more pictures this weekend and the information of what people are requesting and update this thread.

Thank you again!

I decided to toss my 2 cents in on the paint, as well. For original paint in that condition, I'd suggest you get some Dupont #2 rubbing compound and go to work! Less than 5 bucks and a ton of elbow grease can make a HUGE change in oxidized paint, if it's otherwise in good condition. In my opinion, the paint on your car would respond favorably. Even though it's a respray, it appears to have been high quality. I didn't notice any bubbles or pits.

 

[doug7740]

I recall this being from the Fairlane. The early 'Birds were built, in large part, from the parts bins available from other models. If you look at contemporary Fairlane, the chrome is quite similar. I have considered adding this to my 'Bird.

According to the book, "Thunderbird! an illustrated history of the Ford T-Bird"; while the production lines were preparing to produce the very first production line built Thunderbird in early September 1954, catalogs issued in August incorrectly defined the car by using inaccurate illustrations. Which is why the publicity photos taken in August had the Fairlane Stripe on the prototype model.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue

 

[zeroroadkill]

Of course there’s always air shocks 🙂

I tried to install air shocks but the top portion was too big in diameter and they hit the exhaust. I thought of mounting them upside down but gave up on that!