Register now to get rid of these ads!

Projects Supercharged 55 Thunderbird project

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by hotrod--willys, Sep 21, 2018.

  1. hotrod--willys
    Joined: Dec 15, 2009
    Posts: 531

    hotrod--willys
    Member

    This is my new project. An all original 1955 T bird. Original 292 Y block. My goal is to restore the exterior total stock. The same for the interior. 292 bored to 305". Original Jahns Pistons. Mild Isky cam. I'm going with a VS57A Supercharger. This will be a fun project.
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Sep 23, 2018
  2. dana barlow
    Joined: May 30, 2006
    Posts: 5,115

    dana barlow
    Member
    from Miami Fla.
    1. Y-blocks

    Love Bird's 55,56,57,wish I'd had one. But my hotrod 28 "A" bobtail roadster has been powered by a Y-block Ford Thunder bird from the time I built it for high school in 1959 an still is !.
    Y-292 can not be bored out to 312 per say.
    Ford got up too 312 by putting in a bigger crankshift with more stroke/an some bore ,but also made bigger main bearings =can't just add 312 crank to 292 block. You can how ever under cut 312 crank mains to fit 292 or just get a Ford 312 motor to start with. Adding a supercharger can only be done if cly psi stays low,around 8 to 1 or less/do some reading about supercharging. Handy site ; http://www.ford-y-block.com/
     
    Last edited: Sep 22, 2018
  3. hotrod--willys
    Joined: Dec 15, 2009
    Posts: 531

    hotrod--willys
    Member

    I Just discovered that I have two different lower A arms. I'm not sure which one is the original. The looks show that the drivers side is the original. I need a lower passenger A arm for a 1955 Ford passenger car or Thunderbird. The drawing shows the distance from the frame mounting ends. It needs to be 18&5/8 from lip to lip. IMG_1332.JPG lip as shown. Any one that can help me with this would be appreciated.
     
    loudbang likes this.
  4. hotrod--willys
    Joined: Dec 15, 2009
    Posts: 531

    hotrod--willys
    Member

    I'm on my way taking the Bird apart. Nice original California car. No rust at all. I'm not doing a frame off. I will steam clean the under carriage and engine compartment. Sand blast the front suspension. Disc brakes up front. [​IMG]
     

    Attached Files:


  5. hotrod--willys
    Joined: Dec 15, 2009
    Posts: 531

    hotrod--willys
    Member

    Thank to the guys in the Pacific NW for the help with my A arm problem. Have my NOS lower A arm


    Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
     
    loudbang likes this.
  6. 6sally6
    Joined: Feb 16, 2014
    Posts: 2,459

    6sally6
    Member

    Love the "early birds"!
    Friend of mine had a 55 her Dad totally restored. (A N.M. car) Sweeet ride. One thing....unless you are a skinny/puny guy...you gonna hafta do something about that 55 steering wheel. It is HUGE! PS and a smaller wheel if you're gonna leave the interior original. A great look'in little car.
    My first car was a 54 Ford Crestline with a 312 swapped in it. 3-on-the-tree! It would bark'em in 2nd gear...no problem!
    Have fun
    6sally6
     
    loudbang likes this.
  7. miker98038
    Joined: Jan 24, 2011
    Posts: 1,143

    miker98038
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Don’t want to hijack your thread, but if I can be of any help pm me. I’m in Kent,WA.
     

    Attached Files:

    kidcampbell71, mgtstumpy and loudbang like this.
  8. Malcolm
    Joined: Feb 9, 2006
    Posts: 8,032

    Malcolm
    Member
    from Nebraska

    Very cool project! What transmission are you going to run? A 5-speed sure would be fun..
     
    loudbang likes this.
  9. jimmy six
    Joined: Mar 21, 2006
    Posts: 14,795

    jimmy six
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Good luck. Going to be a fun project to watch. There are a lot of parts for the early birds.... Is that a swamp cooler under the dash?
     
    loudbang likes this.
  10. hotrod--willys
    Joined: Dec 15, 2009
    Posts: 531

    hotrod--willys
    Member

    I
    The car came out of California. It is after market air conditioning. Called FrigiKing


    Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
     
    loudbang likes this.
  11. hotrod--willys
    Joined: Dec 15, 2009
    Posts: 531

    hotrod--willys
    Member

    IMG_1379.JPG IMG_1350 (1).JPG
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Nov 6, 2018
    kidcampbell71 and loudbang like this.
  12. hotrod--willys
    Joined: Dec 15, 2009
    Posts: 531

    hotrod--willys
    Member

    IMG_1344.JPG IMG_1350 (1).JPG
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Nov 6, 2018
  13. hotrod--willys
    Joined: Dec 15, 2009
    Posts: 531

    hotrod--willys
    Member

    Here are some pic's of the engine done. I'm looking for a 1957 T Bird distributer. Also I need a divers side front half air duct. Something bad happened to mine as you can see.
     
    loudbang likes this.
  14. loudbang
    Joined: Jul 23, 2013
    Posts: 40,276

    loudbang
    Member

    Looks GREAT!!!
     
    kidcampbell71 likes this.

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.