New to me 1955 TBird and a Lost member of Thunderbird Forum

[demigodofa]

Was waiting on a guy to swing by this evening so as long as I needed to warm the shop up I started on the rear leaf springs. The '55 springs were shorter than '56 frame/spring pockets than I have. Moving the spring pocket/perches wasn't worth it. I'd have to move both to keep the axle centered in the wheel well. In the middle of wrestling with it and making little headway I sat down for a minute and was looking down at my hands... and felt very fortunate. Fortunate to have the beautiful family that I do. Fortunate to live where I live. Fortunate enough to have a bad day or even skin a knuckle...

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[demigodofa]

Quite a bit done on the '55 Tbird today. I'm still sick as a dog but I just went slooooow... Pulled the '56 rear leaf springs back out had to make a few modifications and Chase some threads to do it right.
Car originally came with *some* of the power steering components. Not enough to bother with going back to original. Found a guy in California who was willing to trade components so I'm now back to manual steering up to the pitman arm. Going to try to retrofit a power steering gearbox and pitman arm to what I have.
Everything is just mocked up right now, I'll be getting new U bolts, tie rod ends etc. But the car needs lots of mocking up with the custom stuff the original owner had in mind before settling on new wear parts.

 

[demigodofa]

Got the 302 bolted to the AOD from an '81 Thunderbird that Steve had with the car. I believe a 50oz. imbalance plate is what I needed for this year Windsor, just kind of learning as I go. (I know some of this isn't in the spirit of this forum and is more in hot rod land but there is plenty of '55 T-bird left to go, Lol)
The custom motor mount locations are incorrect. The passenger side will work but I'm cutting the drivers side out. This allowed me to nestle the 302 a bit lower into the car but still keep steering clearance and got it centered in the frame rails. Before I finish removing and fabricating a new drivers side motor mount I'm waiting for my power steering kit to arrive as I will need to fabricate around the power steering box room is tight and may require smaller oil filter, filter relocation etc. I don't know if anyone has tried this power steering kit yet with the below link but I am going to give it a run and see how it does.
Also scored a cheap 600 CFM manual choke carb out of the classifieds from a hot rod guy so the mechanical pieces are starting to add up.

55 56 57 Ford Thunderbird Power Steering Conversion T-Bird New | eBay

This conversion includes a new bolt-in integral power steering gear, adapter plate, pitman arm with ball, remanufactured Saginaw Type II pump, T-Bird pump bracket, pump pulley, pump cap, hose set, universal joint, heim joint, firewall bracket, horn kit, hardware and instructions.

www.ebay.com

 

[Bond007]

Just found this thread, Kevin. Enjoying the story unfold. Wish I had your talents.

 

[demigodofa]

Big puzzle piece today so I can figure out how to get this motor to live in a car it never did... With modern power steering that it never had... Nice assembly of parts that someone assembled and had made for the very rare '55-'57 Thunderbird hotrod. Most of these cars remain stock. Very glad for the helping hand rather than cobbling these parts together myself.
Next step is fabbing a motor mount to go around the steering gearbox. I also see that I'm now not going to be able to use a regular cast exhaust manifold I'll have to make custom headers to dance around the steering gearbox. Probably have to wrap or shield them to keep the heat from the PS pump... We'll see...

 

[demigodofa]

Quick cleanup, tack and weld together...motor mount hole moved over 6" from the original location hope that's the ticket.

 

[demigodofa]

That WAS NOT the ticket... Lol. Motor mount 5.0 complete finally. (4) failures on the floor but had to get it right.
Engine is level and square, mount is boxed in. Transmission mount is next. Little bit at a time...

 

[MN Tom]

Been following along Nice Job!

 

[demigodofa]

Thank you! Very daunting project but trying to keep my focus small as to not become overwhelmed.

 

[JDJ]

I’ve been following as well. Seeing the progress you have made so far I’d say your doing well!
A project like this takes a great deal of time and patience but the final outcome will be well worth it. When you get to the point that you’re getting overwhelmed you need to take a break from the dirty work part of project and maybe just work on the next reset part of it. My 55 thunderbird restoration is not nearly as large as yours but large enough that I had to do just that!
Steve would be happy to know that you are resurrecting his baby. As will all that know the story. I for one can’t wait to get a ride in it when you’re done.

 

[demigodofa]

JDJ, I was thinking along the same lines... if I get bogged down in the drive train, wiring, plumbing WHATEVER. I'll start some underside rust repair on the body or something like that.
Excellent point and a good way to keep moving forward.

 

[demigodofa]

Had some time after work today to model and cut a couple of these. They are 7'10" long and approx 20" high out of 1/8" steel. Came out good for my limited plasma cnc skills.
I was tickled pink until I found out it won't fit over my 10' garage shop doors, Lol.... So inside they will hang until I can finish putting plywood inside my shop walls.
A little bit at a time.

 

[demigodofa]

Started tackling the rear transmission mount. Problem is idk where some of these parts are from? I THINK a 1981 Thunderbird? Regardless the original stamped brace wouldn't work so made a new one. Had to drill 4 holes in the frame but... Other than this and the motor mounts the frame should stay Unmodified... Allot of work with geometry, fabbing etc. But it's sitting on its own mount now. Driveshaft is next. Again Steve had a couple donor ones. Idk what is what so figuring out the u joints etc. Will be another ball of wax. Little at a time.... Sad part is this is all "mock up" right? Idk if this motor runs, tranny is any good etc... Half the fun I suppose!