56 Bird, 312, auto.  While I didn't have a overheating problem, I have made some of the recommended things to keep it that way.  I installed a wide mouth thermostat (NAPA #6) and put the plug in the bypass hose (with an 1/8 hole in it).  The car runs at the usual mark on the temp gauge when fully warmed up, but I have noticed what I think is unusual.  When first starting and the car warms up, the temp gauge goes all the way to hot.  After 30 - 60 seconds the temperature comes down to its usual reading (thermostat opening).  After that, even if I let the car sit for a number of hours the same day it usually  works normal, regardless if the weather is warm or a little on the cool side. 

I saw that another early Tbird owner on another site mentioned he had the same thing.  The thermostat is new (I changed it when I first noticed this) and I checked the new one out with a thermometer in a pan of hot water before installing. 

Question is - any one else noticed this situation after installing the plug in the by pass hose?  Is it a TBird thing only?

This winter I planned to install the new spacer for TBirds and will probably remove the plug to test if the plug is the answer.





54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ