1955 restore to original or restomod

[wildturkey]

I own #92 according to the registry there are only 55 or so older than mine. I have stripped it down to bare metal and it is currently sitting in epoxy primer. It has the original 292 and automatic transmission in it. My original plan was was to restore to original condition. However the value of these cars has fallen so much I'm considering do a restomod with a coyote a 6 speed and going independent front and rear. I just don't like the idea of cutting up such an original bird. Picture attached of partial serial as proof.

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[doug7740]

According to the registry, your car was produced on September 24, 1954. Since the first Thunderbird began rolling off the assembly line on September 9, 1954, if it was my car I would restore it to its original condition.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue

 

[biddle]

My original plan was was to restore to original condition. However the value of these cars has fallen so muchView attachment 32517

Either way, you will likely never get back the money necessary to restore the car, so you better do whichever one you personally want. If you are looking for an investment, there are much better places to make money.

With that said, to everyone reading and OP, please title your posts as prompted that summarize what your post is about. "1955 what should I do" is vauge tells nobody what your post is about. Good titles receive more responses.

Subject has been revised to reflect what the post is about.

 

[Birdman of coatesvile]

I have 1955 its original. At the car shows I usually get recognized. The retro mods don’t. I would go original as possible.

 

[74 Harley]

It's not just a car, it's your car. Do what makes you happy.

 

[wildturkey]

The low serial number and the originality of it is what has me stuck. It has power everything it even has the original AM radio.

 

[cokefirst]

You need to do what makes you happy. If it were mine, I would keep it original. However, only you can answer that question. It is the rare individual who gets their investment back no matter which way you go.

 

[Frankie the Fink]

I have been an original guy ALL of my life and restored Mustangs, MGs, Camaros, Chevelles and Corvettes. My last restoration, a 1963 split window Corvette was a frustrating journey but a labor of love. To wit, the hobby is changing, original parts in good nick are becoming scarce, a lot of the repro stuff is junk and the people that work on the original things that YOU cannot are retiring or expiring or have a 9 month waiting list of work.

I wound up keeping 'hot spares' of failure items like alternators, carburetors, fuel pumps, water pumps, etc. because of the scarcity of parts. If I had it to do over again I might well consider a restomod and I have a good friend that would have done it for me. A common LS-3 engine and a C-4 Corvette chassis with the classic body - easy to maintain and keep running.

If you are going to drive the car more than just weekly shows, be prepared to deal with all the things I've mentioned above if you keep it original.

 

[RichardF]

Considering the very depressed value of these little Birds and the poor driveability, I would stronly consider going the restomod route - chassis and all. Even using an LS or 5.0. I'd not attempt using the huge Ford coyote. Especially if you can do your own work. If you have someone else do it, either way is a bottomless pit. I went the restomod route on my 62 Vette and I'm sooo glad I did. You'll end up with a car that handles great, has modern technology, easily keeps up with hiway traffic, and will attract more attention than a perfectly restored car. I'm currently doing a 'patina 55' Bird. Just getting it road worthy mechanically, 12V conversion, and fresh interior - its not worth restoring. Paint and rust will be by Mother Nature.

 

[Frankie the Fink]

A good pal sold his restomod '62 Corvette for $140K at Mecum and he had owned the car for about 20 years keeping the drivetrain and interior updated regularly. He drove it everywhere, all the time, and vert fast,

I also would not put a Coyote mill in the car; it'll cost a bunch more and not make it more appealing IMO.

 

[RichardF]

A good pal sold his restomod '62 Corvette for $140K at Mecum and he had owned the car for about 20 years keeping the drivetrain and interior updated regularly. He drove it everywhere, all the time, and vert fast,

I also would not put a Coyote mill in the car; it'll cost a bunch more and not make it more appealing IMO.

A really nice 62 resto with an LS and new chassis usually goes for more than that. Somebody got a bargain. Try to get anywhere close to that for a Tbird. No chance. I have a nice 56 and this 'patina 55" and the pair together would not bring 20K. I don't understand it.

 

[1957Birdman]

T-Bird values are strictly based on supply and demand. I believe at least a half of the original run of early T-Birds (a little over 53,000) still exist and many are in driving condition. With the early T-Bird I always recommend buying the best car that you can afford. A lot of the cheaper cars have been kept on the road but are not really in good condition. If you have a good car it will sell for a reasonable amount.
I am not a big fan of "restomod" cars because a lot of them don't come together well and there is need for a lot of adjustments and sorting out before they drive satisfactorily.
I suggest keeping this car stock and restoring it. Torch red with the red and white interior is my favorite 1955 color.

 

[Thunder rd]

I own #92 according to the registry there are only 55 or so older than mine. I have stripped it down to bare metal and it is currently sitting in epoxy primer. It has the original 292 and automatic transmission in it. My original plan was was to restore to original condition. However the value of these cars has fallen so much I'm considering do a restomod with a coyote a 6 speed and going independent front and rear. I just don't like the idea of cutting up such an original bird. Picture attached of partial serial as proof.View attachment 32517

Profenial body shops don't use epoxy it can cause problems in youre clear only on u tube novices use it. its made to sell a product you don't need. We use dtm urethane . Put plenty of clear on so you can buff the tiny scratches that epoxy creates as it dries which takes a long time. I cringe every time some body says the put epoxy on. Its the first step in paint falture. Thunder road auto body.

 

[Frankie the Fink]

A really nice 62 resto with an LS and new chassis usually goes for more than that. Somebody got a bargain. Try to get anywhere close to that for a Tbird. No chance. I have a nice 56 and this 'patina 55" and the pair together would not bring 20K. I don't understand it.

I dunno the early Corvettes just command a premium over nearly every other model even the early birds, which I personally always loved. Here is my friend's '62 I mentioned (now sold); next to the black car and it ALWAYS got the most attention as the photo shows.