|
|
 |
|
| With the Thunderbird's transmission and drive shaft in place the floor mounted Hurst shifter is reinstalled and checked for full engagement and smooth operation. | |
| The new brake lines were shaped to allow the battery to be installed along with a heat shield fabricated out of flat stock. | |
| Installing the new waterpump included proper sealing. This component provides the starting point for all the pulleys. | |
| The previous misalignment of the belts and pulleys was corrected by fabricating new brackets and replacing broken bolts during the reassembly of the generator and A/C unit. | |
| The original fiberglass fan blade gets a coat of black paint to match the rest of the project for a more finished look. | |
| The new fuel pump gets a new filter, hoses and custom fit lines. | |
| Careful attention is paid to bending lines and the necessary clearances. | |
| The new vacuum lines not only required the proper clearance but additional support provided by fabricating a pair of small brackets. | |
| A new brass fitting is used at the back of the intake manifold for the vacuum line. | |
| With the front of the motor completed, the new radiator is mounted and the new upper hose is clamped in place. | |
| The new lower radiator hose is installed into a space that has little clearance. | |
| The upper fan shroud is bolted to the new radiator and the bottom half is attached to the upper. | |
| A new distributor cap, rotor and points are installed along with new plug wires cut to the proper length. | |
| Reinstalling the starter motor was left until after the new plug wires were in place for better access from below. | |
| After firing up the engine it was determined that the old carburetor was bad and needed replaced. | |
| The Thunderbird gets a new Edelbrock 600cfm carburetor installed and adjusted to make the engine purr. | |
| One of the final replacement parts is a new brake light switch installed next to the master cylinder. |
 |
| The finished engine compartment on the old T-Bird looks pretty good with all the wires wrapped and the chrome air cleaner cover installed. | |
| A small detail requested by the owner was a pair of new original replacement horns installed by removing the grill. | |
| After a final check the T-Bird backs out of the shop on it's own power for the first time since it was trailered in. | |
| The 1955 Thunderbird returns from it's first test ride. It still needs a front end alignment but it runs great. | |
| The finished project will deliver a safer, more comfortable ride for years to come. | |
| Our master mechanics, "Resto & Repop", otherwise known as Jim Greene and Malcolm Mills. | |
| The finished product is something Jim and Malcolm can take great pride in. | |
| The owners of the Thunderbird are really pleased with the work and excited about having some fun with the classic Ford. | |
|
More
projects are in the works, so check back often.
|
|
Street Rods Forever 512-462-9855
Click here for a map and directions
|
Copyright 2004 - 2008 Street Rods Forever,
Austin, Texas. All Rights Reserved. All brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. site maintained by Dave McConnell d.b.a. CableSmart! |
