Test Drive for 56 T-Bird??????

Old Redneck

Old Redneck

Well-known member
WOW what a rattle trap. I have not put the new tires on yet because the inter tubes have not drive yet. Gas Gauge does work, Had the Generator rebuilt and new Votage regulator stop working while driving. Not good.This T-Bird may look good but that about it. I got my work cut out for me. I am not sure where to start. Its that bad.
 

Attachments

  • 53B19054-9DC8-40EC-91B4-B6136EC633C4.jpg
    53B19054-9DC8-40EC-91B4-B6136EC633C4.jpg
    64.2 KB · Views: 130
New voltage regulators, especially from overseas are suspect right out of the box. Old wiring tends to get brittle, not only the insulation but the connectors. If it worked, then quit, I'd be eyeballing both. My 55 bird is a Seattle car, and I rewired it about 17 years ago. Seattle's kind of tough for moisture/corrosion but not heat. It was amazing how many wires broke, or the insulation cracked as I removed them, and that's not a Ford problem, it's all the 50's cars.
 
Old Redneck said:
WOW what a rattle trap. ... I am not sure where to start. Its that bad.
Click to expand...
When I first got my '55 Bird running and somewhat driveable I took it to a front-end & suspension shop for a 'second pair of eyes' inspection & repair. I knew all the rubber control arm bushings were dry-rotted just from age and the rest of the front-end parts were questionable. With the number of miles on the car most of the moving parts in the front end were replaced.
With less miles on your '56 it may not need as much.

It's less rattle-y now and doesn't wander down the road or swerve when I use the brakes (bad idler arm). It had new shocks installed just before I bought it so those weren't a problem but I did replace the rear leaf springs and shackle bushings.
Any of the above may be where some of your 'rattle-trap' problems are.
.
 
Last edited:
429205

Your Baby Bird looks very nice. Hope that you get the rest of the problems sorted out, as these are great driving cars and worth the effort. You will win in the end.
 
Some places (fewer and fewer as time goes by) still have an automotive electrical rebuilder who specializes in Generator, starter, voltage regulator, distributor rebuilding and repair.
There's an old guy in the next town over from me who can still take an original voltage regulator apart, rebuild it and get it working like new again. He's been there for about 50 years and his days are numbered.
Not sure if they can help the Chinese made junk though. May need to get an original 12-volt reg and send it off to rebuild.
 
Old Redneck said:
WOW what a rattle trap. I have not put the new tires on yet because the inter tubes have not drive yet. Gas Gauge does work, Had the Generator rebuilt and new Votage regulator stop working while driving. Not good.This T-Bird may look good but that about it. I got my work cut out for me. I am not sure where to start. Its that bad.
Click to expand...



That is a very nice looking Bird ! Just out of curiosity - did you drive this car before purchase , or was this a sight unseen buy ? - F F
 
My Brother-i Law and my sister own the 63 Split Window Corvette and 56 T Bird. They had them for 27 years. They sat in a heated garage Covered up. No I did not drive them. I did get them both at a low price. I knew I was in for a good bit of work. I got both of them running. Some things I am surprise a bit. The both have no or little rust. The Corvette no rust and the way better car. Lot of little things on the T-Bird and Corvette.Tires, Battery's, Oil Change complete service. Lots of electric problems on the T-Bird. I have always had Flatheads Fords, Model T's, Model A's, 32,33,34,35,39,40 and 50 Ford. I have sold all the A's,34 Ford but still hav the rest of them This is something different for me but I love the work. I would do it all again. The Corvette got damage coming home being repaired no and no expensive to me by the trucker insurance.This site has help me a great deal and saved me a lot of time.I enjoy the hunt as one can say. It all works out in the end.Would I do it again SURE.
 
Old cars are a challenge. I bought my '59 Ford on eBay, had it shipped 1800 miles... sight unseen. I knew it needed everything and it was as good as I hoped it would be. No engine, no transmission... no problem. Put it on 4 jackstands, dropped the brakes and entire front suspension to the bare frame, gutted the interior and removed all the wiring. Took 2 years to get it running and I still chase parts for it.

Yours, go over the front end and brakes, get the electrics sorted out. It would be wise to replace the harness, I doubt it has a fuse panel in it.
 
As for rattle trap, I've found the continental kit a little rattly. I put adhesive backed foam in certain areas and it's helped. I also wrapped the jack/tools in terry cloth rags. Basically wherever metal to metal fits loosely ... within reason. I hate rattles!
 
Looks like a beautiful car. I however got rid of the generator and installed an alternator. Much more reliable in my opinion. Not original however that being said less worries Tom
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top