1956 thunderbird front end rebuild

[joeylicatasr]

I recently purchased a 1956 thunderbird for my wife. The front end has quite a bit of play and it looks like all of the bushings are shot. I’m looking to replace all of the bad parts and I’m looking for some advice as to what parts to use. I see complete kits ranging from $200 to $1000. I DEFINITELY don’t want to use cheap parts that are low quality or that will devalue the car.

the car is a driver and I want her to be able to safely enjoy driving it. I’m hoping to get some advice on what parts to use.

I will also have the same question on disk brake conversions. I have used Willwoods on race cars in the past and I know the quality is good but this is far from a race car. Should I go with an oem style/quality conversion kit? How does this affect the value?

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[JDJ]

Call. CASCO classic auto parts. They are in Coshocton, Ohio and deal only with 1955,6,7 Thunderbird parts. As does Hills Thunderbird also in Ohio. They are both great to deal with and know these cars inside and out. Good luck

 

[ron56]

Here's what I used and have driven 75 on the freeway. Everything was in the kit as shown. The picture showing the items looked the same as other websites so I don't know if they all buy from the same place or not but as you said the prices are all over the map. I don't know how to tell good ball joints from cheap ball joints but I was happy with this company.
http://stores.a-resto-parts.com/pro...spension-rebuild-kit-with-inner-tie-rods.html

 

[Docj]

I recently finished a front-end rebuild on my '56. It was a drag, but it was worth it. I think it was a Casco kit I bought. Replacing the bushings are about 1/3 of the total job. I had to get pretty creative in order to get them off and on. If you have a local machine shop that will do that part of the rebuild it will save you a ton of grief. She's doing great now, though. Even though it took quite a while to complete, it was absolutely worth it!

Best to you,

Jeff