Newby with lots of questions

[dt1ted]

Hi all,
I never thought I'd ever own a classic T Bird but I just stumbled on one yesterday and bought it immediatley. It's a 56 hard top convertible with a manual trans and V-8 engine. I don't know much about these cars but I'm not a stranger to the automotive experience. I've restored classic Mustangs in the past. Anyway, about the T Bird. I would rate it a good 7 of 10 and I purchased it for $6,000. Everything is on it but there is some rust. I'm sure the floor pan will have to be replaced and there are some small areas on the bottom of the doors. I plan to do a complete off frame restoration. Some questions: How much of the body, if any, is fiberglass? How do I tell what size V-8 it is. What about part sources? There are dozens of part sources for Mustangs but I can't find many for T-Birds. Last question: Do I need to know about any fixtures I will need to buy or fabricate to pull the body off? I'm sure I'll have many more questions soon but for now any answers to these would be greatly appreciated.

[phjohnso]

Welcome. I don't know much about the baby birds but rather know a lot about everything else on up to 1966. I'm sure someone has the answers for you out here, just be a little patient.

[Harley Eaton]

I remember this much: When you remove the body from the frame, you need to provide a brace between the front door post and the rear door post or you will bend the body.....

[niki57]

There is no fiberglass in the body except for the removable hart top which is fiberglass. Almost every part on the little birds are available as reproductions. Order catalogs from Hill's Thunderbird Center, Casco, Larry's Thunderbird, NPD and others. The engine size is on the data plate located on the firewall. Suggest you get the book: "Thunderbird An Illustrated History" by Ray Miller. You should also join The Classic Thunderbird International Club. Tons of information available through the club.

[Harley Eaton]

You can also (or instead) join CTCI which is for Early Birds only.. That's Classic Thunderbird Club International.

[niki57]

We are both talking about the same club.

[dt1ted]

I noticed that the fender skirts are fiberglass. Are these original or repro?

[Harley Eaton]

Original Ford fender skirts were metal !!

[gbhrps]

dt1ted,
Congratulations and welcome to the club! Your car, if entirely original, came with either a 292 or a 312 cu. in. Y block V8. As well, climb underneath the car and you'll see half inch steel plating that was welded to the bottom of the X shaped crossmembers of the frame, that was unique to the 56, so as to limit frame flex due to the spare tire continental kit being hung so far out on the rear of the car. You are about to discover a whole bunch of new things about your baby bird!

[1212jamit]

Consider yourself lucky if it starts and you can drive it. It's worth twice what you paid. There are several clubs you can join. Hills is a good catalog to get. I use concors parts they also have answered alot of questions. they are on line at concoursparts.com. Their phone number is 800-722-0009

I gecommend you get Gill's big red book. No one and I mean no one in the world knows more then Gill about the little birds. His book is larger then a phone book and must have 800 color pictures with descriptions.

Also you have to go to a regional event. Go to www.ctci.org for the national club. They list the schedules and you can find contact points for al the clubs.

I belong to the Dever Colorado club and we are hosting a regional in September 07. Hope to see you.

[HaydenAudrey]

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[wobill]

I'm also new, just purchased a 56 at an auction, paid 4 times as much as you did!! I've been buying parts at tee-bird.com out of Pennsylvania, that have a great catalog with exploded views. Good luck!

[bromhead]

Try CASCO also for parts and tech help,,good service.

[danielbi]

I think the best place for parts and advise is Concours Parts and Accessoires in Carson City NV 800-722-0009
Classic Ford & Thunderbird Parts Supplier - Concours Parts

Larry and his Son Brian have been selling tbird parts sine the 70's
I think the best club to join is VTCI Vintage Thunderbird Club International

www.vintagethunderbirdclubinternational.org

It is a club for all years and a really good one
ck it out

[danielbi]

The VTCI club website is
vintagethunderbirdclub.org
sorry for the error