I will get to this project this winter.

Having successfully done a '56 'Bird previously, you know better what's ahead than most likely do.

My understanding is that while '55 and '56 'Birds appear very similar, there are many differences in the 'bones' of the two.  The change in the thickness of the steel used in the frame sections from the first year to the second would be an example.

Several acquaintances here in the Northeast have emphasized the wisdom in obtaining as complete, correct, and 'solid' a car as possible.  Their point has been that while more expensive to obtain, you'll expend far less time, money, and effort in accomplishing the restoration.

There are a number of 'Bird owners who are Forum members.  Perhaps they'll be able to be of particular help as you work through your undertaking.  Actually, anything that's y-block or y-block vehicle related, there are an amazing number of knowledgeable and helpful owners that are quick to share their hands-on experiences.

Best Wishes with your project, Coyote.    


NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

I'm close to getting my '57 Bird running again after starting a nice driver restoration several years go. One piece of advice I have is to restore your old parts rather than replace with reproduction parts wherever possible. Repo stuff is just not usually near the quality of the original parts.

Thank you guys for all the info. After restoring the 56 Bird.  I'm going in another direction on this car.This car is going to be a complete driver. Not that 56 isn't. This car is our of Southern California.No rust, no bondo, 100% stock. I have collected NOS parts for over fifteen years. This will not be a body off restoration. But ever part on the car will be done as desired. This will not be a race. but something that will be a little different. I have all the parts to put a McCollough Supercharger on the cacr. car..

Hi, wrong air cleaner, if you need the lower pulley I make them. (285.00, you will have to fab the cross bar), air cleaner for that car is a straight tube that bolts to the back of the engine (cross ways) the filter is inside (easy part to make)   

Hi Cliff. Yes I know the air cleaner is not for this car. I was looking to use it. But is too big. I have the cross tube air cleaner. I have a the pulley set on the engine. But one pulley is for a 3/4 belt. Not sure this will work. I'm going to lock the variable speed pulley on the Supercharger. I don't need the boost. I need to get a carb bonnet and I will have all the parts. I do have two real nice McCollough Superchargers to work with. Some parts that won't fit my Bird. Send me pic's of your pulleys
Loren

If using the Teapot 4V carburetor you have pictured, it will need somemodifications in order to boost reference the secondary diaprhram so it will open when subjected to ‘boost’ from the supercharger.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Thank you Ted. I will need some help in getting things to run right. I'm not going into boost. I will lock out the variable speed pulley..This is for more show than go. This car is not a hotrod. I just want something a little different. I would love to have you as a source of information if you are willing. I have other cars that are hot rods.

Sorry Ted if I lost you. I was just trying to show you that I can walk and chew gum at the same time. I just love cars. BUT. I would appreciate your input!!