Since I discovered that my bird was originally Sage, has been in the family since '58 and has relatively low miles, I have been fanatical about not cutting, drilling or harming the car in any permanent way. I have made tons of mods to the car but always using the existing holes. One that Tom mentioned was the radio, I mounted mine to the stock town & country with an aftermarket bracket that uses all original holes. I like having the glove box so this method worked out better for me and it's a great theft deterrent if nobody knows there is a stereo in the car (important because I rarely have the top up). The pics show that the radio is barely visible when peeking under the dash and cannot be seen when sitting in the car or standing next to it. The only drawback is that the face is not visible (unless the ashtray is removed). This is not a problem because I usually only listen to an ipod connected to it and all of my radio presets are easily accessed through the remote that came with the unit. Bose 151 outdoor speakers reside in the tray between the top and the trunk and 2 5" speakers are mounted under the original in-dash grill. Even the gauges you see are mounted in original holes. I can provide part #'s and more pics and details if you or anyone else is interested.



Link to pics...

Found ECI web, rear discs 525.00 complete. Guess I got to have a yard sale. 55birdman

55Birdman  Hickory NC

Earl, Master Power has a rear disc conversion for t-birds. It's a little pricey, but I think they also have a drum upgrade setup. Here's their site: www.mpbrakes.com

The Fordomatic is a 3 speed.  It just takes off in 2nd gear under normal driving conditions.  You can manually select 1st by putting the shifter in LO.

John

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

I would look for a Carter WCFB for a Ford/Lincoln/Merc and keep the original intake manifold. I have such a setup with the choke mechanism attached to the manifold. Yours should look similar.



You can buy a fresh 63 distributor from Autozone, but save the old Load-o-matic dual diaphragm or sell it on eBay.



I've heard that you can make the old Ford-o-matic transmission into a 3 speed auto, but I'd recommend conversion to a FMX. The conversion uses the stock bellhousing. Another option is buying the bellhousing to convert it to an AOD or similar modern 4 speed automatic. Worth considering, but get the brakes upgraded when you do .



The 6 volt system will work fine if you maintain it. They converted to 12 volt for a good reason, but the 6 volt worked for years and it can work for you. Use 0 gauge battery cables, not wimpy 4 gauge cables as found on 12 volt cars. Make good grounds all around. Remember that the coil will have the + terminal going to the distributor, not to the ignition switch. I've seen 8 volt (four cell) batteries used in 6 volt systems.



Nice car.








Best regards,



Paul Menten

Meridian, Idaho

MS I have  215 70 15in tires. dont remember the offset. sorry. I had 235s on it but they rubbed the rear so i had to switch. I am going to put a c4 trans in it. I checked around and this one doesnt require me to tear the floor up putting in the shifter. Headers and the tranny go on this summer. I am a teacher and i need to work this summer so this will be my job. I am lookingfor discs for the rear if you know of a place to get them.  I was tryingto decide which color and I was stuck between red and black. I went to the paint store and they were out of the black so i got red. would like to put a new front end on it but that is still in thought for now. time will tell. Birds are the best 55bird man Earl Dagenhart  

55Birdman  Hickory NC

55birdman,



Yours looks just the opposite of mine (red/black).



What size tire/wheel/offset are you running and do you have a rubbing problem.



what have you decided to do about your trans (you mentioned an upgrade)



Thanks

Imagine what a dull place the automotive world would be if all they ever did with '32 Fords was restore them..................................

 
 Steve Metzger       Tucson, Arizona

I have a 55 birdfor about 10 years now. rebuilt everything. that way I knoiw it is new . I put electronic ignition on it switched to 12v, 390cfm carb,(now I am into making it a nostalgia rod.) I am in process of newer trans,headers,mag wheels,disc brakes. I would suggest you do to it what you want. There are tons of things to do to it but do what makes you feel good

55Birdman  Hickory NC

Hello and welcome to the world of Y Block. I have had a 55 Tbird for a very long time so some of the issues you will have in no particular order might be. If the car is for your wife and it dosen`t have power steering, GAME OVER. These things are heavy on steering, that is why the 18inch steering wheel. As to the Tpot carb I drove mine for years with NO problem and so did thousands of other people. This carb is nowhere near as bad as an Autolite 4300. 12 Volt is GOOD and easy I still use the 6Volt starter( also a must with a descent radio, CD. ) Disk brakes with a dual master cylinder A MUST HAVE. Get some 3point seatbelts. Look into A/C these cars are hot inside and with the non-port hole top visibility is POOR. These cars are not really daily drivers anymore and as much as I love mine I think you should buy her a Honda. Just an opinion. Pete