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.
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/
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. lip as shown. Any one that can help me with this would be appreciated.
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.
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.
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
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?
I The car came out of California. It is after market air conditioning. Called FrigiKing Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
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.