Art & Inspiration School me on 55 thunderbirds

yes, a few minor improvements and they can really be fun

 

You’re killing me Vandenplas, had me hooked on the bird. Your 40 is cool, I don’t mind blue. Oh and keep the extra 15/16 as long as you can lol. I used to be almost 5-11 now I’m 5-9
Dan

 

So, is it time for a new thread, seeking advice on straight axle/disc brake setup that is narrower than your current setup?

 

Ummmmm ….. yes ?

 

So... did you fit in it???

 

ONE WORD FROM A GUY WHO HAS " HAD TO HAVE ONE"

"RUST!!!!!"

 

Out of curiosity, what was the asking price on the Thunderbird?

I personally don't consider these cars to be true "collector" vehicles. There are too many of them to bear that distinction. So the "numbers matching" and restoration of one, I think, does not add value to the car since one crowd will enjoy the originality, but another sect of the hobby would likely enjoy the power and performance of the Windsor more. I think it's a lateral move that neither adds nor detracts from value, depending on how well it's done.

I would agree that the market for them is extremely soft and seems to be getting softer. I see very decent baby birds routinely listed on marketplace for 25K or less, with sales prices likely in the teens. I remember cars of that quality being listed for 50-60K 20 years ago. I think there are a number of factors as to why that is. The Y Block as a less common obsolete drivetrain with limited aftermarket support, the small size of the cars, the fact that they're two seaters preventing younger buys with families from purchasing them, and a sort of a feminine vibe with style which is unappealing to buyers looking for muscle.

 

The early T birds used to be a "girls car", now the girls are all old ladies who aren't quite as happy putting up with driving an old car.....so the value has gone down....

They're still fun cars, though

 

I think they're awesome, definitely a car I would love to own one day. And I'm 5'9", 190 lbs... I fit well in basically everything

 

Guess I own a GIRLS CAR. But then again, I have always thought I was a lesbian trapped in a man's body.

 

Hey @VANDENPLAS

After reading this particular post of yours, here is my 8 cents worth.



The T-Bird is cool, no doubt about that.
It has the cool factor of, how "COOL" you look, when driving it, as you drive slowly past a big plate glass window, to be amazed at how "COOL", YOU and the CAR look!
I totally get that.

I fell into that very same trap with my 47 Dodge, Model D-24, 3 window business coupe.
I loved the huge big ass trunk and the over all look of the car.



Even the cab of the Dodge wasn't that bad, as far as space, the seat was adjustable and there was plenty of space behind the seat to store stuff like a cooler with in easy reach, and other things as well.

But looking back, all of that very cool space in the huge big ass trunk, was really wasted, in as far as it relates to having a cool, easy to enter back seat, to crash out on.

The big back seat, and ease of carrying passengers as well, wasn't something that could be appreciated with the 47 Dodge Business coupe!

You kind of have to sacrifice those elements when driving the very cool T-Bird.

You have that very cool, kick ass Mercury, and its very comfortable, and to a very large extent, more practical than the T-Bird.

Sure its a 4 door, but to me at age 71, I can totally appreciate just how comfortable and practical your Mercury is, versus the lure and mystique of owning that very cool red T-Bird.

You are going to be money ahead, by perfecting the list of improvements that you want for the Mercury, even if you have it repainted black, you are still going to be money ahead.

But hey, this is all very basic logic and reason, which has no real valid place in this conversation, it's your money, and only you will know, if the purchase of the cool red T-Bird, will satisfy that craving, to own it!

Your wife has wisdom, and its evident!

I sold my 47 Dodge business coupe to @Hitchhiker, and he as since sold it to another owner.

Everyone's results may vary greatly!
Thanks from Dennis.

 

Hello,

We had some relatives come out West for a visit one year. Their dad had just given them a 55 T-Bird before/after they passed on. So, the topic was discussed. The shorter of the women would fit easily. But the taller sister was around 5’9.5’ and a volleyball player. We thought the legroom listed at 45.4 inches was enough for both of them.

The 57 T-Bird we saw had 44.9 inches of leg room. But, since the seats are bolted to the floor, any adjustments can be done.

Jnaki

As much as we like sporty cars and these T-Birds in particular, it is not the leg room that can’t be adjusted. It is the steering wheel and the overall driving position. Unless you have an adjustable steering wheel installed, once you get in, you have to like the angle. If not, then the car is not for you.
Sit in one and sit in it again after you go for a drive around the block. The lower stance is different, obviously, but it is the seating position versus the steering wheel angle. It just felt odd. Now, our daily drivers have nicer bucket seats and the steering wheels are adjustable, as are the multiple angle seat adjustments. So, for two old folks at 5’11.75” (lost an inch due to old age… ha!) and 5’ 7, there are adjustments to be made for each driver’s time behind the wheel.

We liked the 55 better than the 57, but it was not for our daily driver usage.

Note:

We see this red 57 T-Bird on the roads all over the coastal highways. After Christmas, we always see them on a sunny December day, out cruising around to shake off the holiday blahs… YRMV

 

I've heard that the very front tubular cross member often has rust issues on these as well as previously mentioned areas. There's a weep hole at the bottom that gets plugged up from road debris and then the rot happens.
Andy

 

1955,6,7 T birds are a "Girls Car" except Doane Spensers which was a real racer.

 

I have found that girls like them. So I own one and I get to talk to lots of different girls. What's the down side.

 

I recently traded for a 55. Love the car, and at 5’7”-165lbs. I fit just fine. Fun to drive, has enough power to get out of the asshole drivers way, and I don’t give a shit if some think it’s a “girl’s car”, I and my wife love it. Needs a little tinkering, a couple things don’t work, but that’s what winters are for. Parts are readily available, not necessarily cheap, but they’re out there. I’ve always liked the baby birds, and now I gots me one.

 

In the beginning, Ford mated sedans with corvettes to make T-Birds

 

anthony---between you and squirrel--well,wait --there isn't anything between ...

 

Squirrel is smarter
I’m a comic relief panel beater

 

Love them...they are gorgeous.. Im skinny 6'4' and had no problems.

 

RUST !!!!!

 

never thought of this, but it does seem like a good use of an old fiberglas car as a drip pan for a leaky yblock. Good idea! haha.

 

I think that more of them need to become customs or road racers, like Doane's car.

 

Basic info:
1. More rust problems than a Corvette.
2. Front fenders are welded on!
That’s all I got.