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56 restoration

This is a discussion on 56 restoration within the Early Birds [1955-1957] forums, part of the Thunderbird Model Years category; Hi there. I am beginning the restoration of my '56 bird. Although I will have many questions as I go, ...

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  #1 (permalink)   IP: 206.83.160.121
Old 07-31-2009, 11:26 AM
 
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56 restoration

Hi there. I am beginning the restoration of my '56 bird. Although I will have many questions as I go, right now I am wondering if anyone has any recommendations for getting these rusted bolts to break loose. So far I haven't had any problems getting parts off of the engine and compartment, but the parts themselves are another story. Particularly the brake booster and master cylinder. I got some PB Blaster last night, but I am wondering what you folks use.
Thanks
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Old 08-02-2009, 04:04 PM
 
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Liquid Wrench. It only failed me once or twice I can remember.
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Old 08-02-2009, 07:09 PM
 
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2birdman,
If PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench don't get the job done, you may have to resort to using a torch to heat the fitting up before putting a wrench to it. In some cases you need to be aware of internal parts that would be affected by the heat, such as rubber cups in the master cylinder, but you should be rebuilding the master cylinder with new innards at this stage anyway.

Good Luck, and keep us posted as to how you are making out with the project.
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Old 08-04-2009, 01:18 PM
 
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thx for the replies.
i thought about using a torch, but i don't want to do that unless i have to.
i got a new bench vise last night, but don't have a drill bit big enough to drill mounting holes. i will take care of that tonight and then see if i can get the booster to loosen up.
i did manage to get the power steering reservoir off of the pump last night. so that is 1 baby step taken. :-)
is the p/s pump pulley pressed in, or does that bolt unscrew?
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Old 08-04-2009, 07:48 PM
 
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The bolt unscrews from the shaft that the pulley is on. The pulley has a keyway that keeps it from spinning on the shaft. Be careful not to lose the key when you slide the pulley off. Good Luck, and keep us posted (we don't have much else to do in our spare time)
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Old 08-05-2009, 04:04 PM
 
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vise has been mounted, but still no luck getting bushing and end plug loose. starting to think i'll need a torch.

autozone has a free loan pulley puller (OEM27031). should i use that to get the pulley off?
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Old 08-05-2009, 11:37 PM
 
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Absolutely! There is less chance of something getting broken, especially if the something is part of your body.
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Old 08-10-2009, 12:02 PM
 
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still no luck even with a torch. i think i will start on the carburetor before i get too frustrated and break something.
i have plenty of work to do before i need to worry about any braking or steering. :-)
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Old 09-02-2009, 11:28 AM
 
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Hi,
I was at a cruise-in in Ohio a few weeks ago and someone suggested that I should replace my '56 intake manifold with a '57. Has anyone done or heard of this? Is the '57 carb's performance so much better than the '56?
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Old 09-02-2009, 09:16 PM
 
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First off, its your car and you can do whatever you want to it. But be aware that the car will always be worth more if it is stock, or if all of the original pieces are kept for the next owner.

Next, be aware that there are a LOT of so-called experts out there who aren't anywhere as knowledgeable as they think they are. Be certain that the advice you're getting is the gosphel, before you make any changes.

My 55 is dead stock and performs very well when one considers that its now 54 year old technology. I can't imagine why anyone would change an intake manifold, unless they were prone to failure, which they are not.

I'd really get another opinion if I were you.
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Old 09-04-2009, 04:43 PM
 
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no worries there. i tend to overthink stuff like this. :-)
but seeing the '57 that was at the show makes me want to get back to work. since this is a long weekend, i'll put in some hours in the garage.
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Old 11-18-2009, 02:57 PM
 
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finally got the bushing off the brake booster last night. now i have to get the end plug to come free and i can remove the parts from the cylinder.
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Old 11-25-2009, 06:08 PM
 
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just in time for the long weekend - i got the end plug off of the brake booster. i am set for some cleaning and getting the piston and other bits out of the cylinder.
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Old 12-09-2009, 03:25 PM
 
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got the piston out of the cylinder last night. it is in bad shape and i will need to replace it. meanwhile, i will continue cleaning and wait for my repair kit to arrive. the large diaphragm was delivered last night.
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Old 12-16-2009, 10:06 PM
 
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could someone point me to the correct tool to use to remove the pulley from the power steering pump? thanks
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