56 TBird

U

USMC65

New member
New to the Forum but a Ford dude since 1954 when I saw my first 1955 Thunderbird.
Working on a 56 Tbird I bought on the Barn Finds board. No drive line but I happened to have 292 from a 59 Fairlane on the shelf. When torn down the engine was untouched and mic’ed out just fine! As most of you may know, the 55-57 TBirds have a rear oil sump as did the trucks of that area. I was able to source a 239 truck engine for the oil pan and dip stick tube and just now knocked out the plug in the center spot in the block for the tube. One step at a time! I hope to have the engine and a 3 speed o.d. Transmission on the frame this week. Cross your fingers for me!!

Kent
 
It’s not as simple as just a rear sump. The truck pan isn’t as shallow in front as the bird is. I used a truck pan on my F code clone, and my bird has the oem pan. Doesn’t mean you can’t modify it to fit. Here’s a link to a bird pan (may or may not be for sale still). It’s from a guy I know has a bird, so I’m sure it’s correct (it looks correct). Compare it to the truck pan you have, you’ll see. But the clearance on the front crossmember and drag link is pretty tight.

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1955-57-ford-thunderbird-oil-pan.1307635/
 
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- WELCOME TO FORD BARN -​

What Mike posted is true. While the FYB is basically the same through all applications, the BIRD has some unique requirements (i.e. FRONT TIMING COVER - MOUNTS - WP SPACER - etc).

You should be able to find answers to all questions here.
 
The timing cover on full-size cars doesn't interchange with Tbirds or pickups, but you can use a pickup timing cover. My 55 Tbird has a 56 ECZ-A block & a C2TE timing cover.

YouTube.com/watch?V=MaH3h.JVwpw
 
USMC65, it might help if you added your general location. Just might be someone close with a part or that could otherwise help. I’ve got an original 55 bird engine, been in storage close to 20 years. One day someone close enough to pick it up is going to get it really cheap or for free. But location matters. Sorry, it doesn’t have the pan.
 
55blacktie said:
The timing cover on full-size cars doesn't interchange with Tbirds or pickups, but you can use a pickup timing cover. My 55 Tbird has a 56 ECZ-A block & a C2TE timing cover.
Click to expand...

I am going to regret this ... :rolleyes:

What is the fascination with the C2TE timing cover? Help me understand please.
 
Mike

I’m in Billings MT. Washington is not that far away. I might be interested in that engine since I have time for road trips!! Thanks for the come back by the way.

Kent
 
"Fascination"? There is nothing special about the C2TE timing cover, other than it is a truck timing cover and it is the same as 55-57 Tbird timing covers. It is not the same as Y-block timing covers for full-size Ford cars. You should watch Mummert's video.
 
You will also need the water pump spacer, so you have room for the generator. Get the modified water pump from the T-Bird suppliers with the bigger impeller, and a high flow thermostat. These solve most of the overheating issues Birds have.
 
Chris Ames (Paragon Industries) sells a modified wp spacer that is supposed to help prevent overheating at idle/low rpm. I paid about $200 for mine. Chris also recommends removing any casting flash in the timing cover coolant passage.
 
- My 55 Tbird has a 56 ECZ-A block & a C2TE timing cover. -​

55blacktie said:
"Fascination"? There is nothing special about the C2TE timing cover, other than it is a truck timing cover and it is the same as 55-57 Tbird timing covers.

It is not the same as Y-block timing covers for full-size Ford cars. You should watch Mummert's video.
Click to expand...

I fully understand the differences between covers. C2TE is a 1962 SERVICE REPLACEMENT COVER for the previous applications. If desiring a NUMBERS CORRECT engine/vehicle, it is not correct.

Just wondering about your fascination over C2TE across the forums. You seem to speak of it as a BADGE of HONOR or something.

As for MUMMERTS videos and contributors like TED EATON, much has been brought out and improved in the engine series. But I knew most of that that fifty years ago. Hope you found one to answer your wanting to knows on camshaft events. You seem to have had a little trouble making a decision.
 
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It's had to see your fascination over the fact that he is using a truck (or service part) timing cover. May be he is not a fanatic over "correct" parts.



KULTULZ said:
- My 55 Tbird has a 56 ECZ-A block & a C2TE timing cover. -​

I fully understand the differences between covers. C2TE is a 1962 SERVICE REPLACEMENT COVER for the previous applications. If desiring a NUMBERS CORRECT engine/vehicle, it is not correct.

Just wondering about your fascination over C2TE across the forums. You seem to speak of it as a BADGE of HONOR or something.

As for MUMMERTS videos and contributors like TED EATON, much has been brought out and improved in the engine series. But I knew most of that that fifty years ago. Hope you found one to answer your wanting to knows on camshaft events. You seem to have had a little trouble making a decision.
Click to expand...
 
Mike

Can’t pm yet, too new I guess. I also have a 55 bird that might see the light of day this summer. I do all of my own work except machining. There are two more 55s waiting for a LOT of work. My son and I work side by side him on Triumph cars, me on the Fords. We also have a 1958 Peerless GT for this winter project. More fun!!

Kent
 
- My 55 Tbird has a 56 ECZ-A block & a C2TE timing cover. -
Click to expand...

paul2748 said:
It's had to see your fascination over the fact that he is using a truck (or service part) timing cover. May be he is not a fanatic over "correct" parts.
Click to expand...

Well, why not a ECZ-A BLOCK & GREEN SEAT-COVERS?

Why the call-out on the timing cover? Is it something special that will give an extra fifty horsepower?

If he has a secret, he should share.
 
In the better late than never category... for your viewing pleasure... oil pan photos.

Timing cover photo, showing the extended shoulders to attach the front motor mount. '55/'57 T-Birds and also trucks.
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He is not "calling out' on the timing cover. He is just stating a fact of what he is using. Why are you "calling out" about a simple statement he made.


Get real and stick to facts.


I suppose the fact that I said that have a 57 distributor and a C4 in my 56 will make you go into convulsions ???


And what is wrong with a "A": block and green seat covers. Green was a color in 56 and 57.




KULTULZ said:
Well, why not a ECZ-A BLOCK & GREEN SEAT-COVERS?

Why the call-out on the timing cover? Is it something special that will give an extra fifty horsepower?

If he has a secret, he should share.
Click to expand...
 
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