Projects '59 Thunderbird Radical Custom build.

Update: It's a good thing I didn't paint the T'bird dash body color, because I realized then I'd be forced to paint the console, door trims and so on as well, and I don't want to do that, nor lose the nice black and ivory interior that I did when I build the car. So, I can shoot it black or cover it with black vinyl pretty much anytime even in the cold. I see my thread got moved, must be the casual reference to the Riviera was a no-no with the mods on the "Traditional" custom board.

 

OK I get it now, too cold for the Bird so the Riv has to be the substitute.

 

Love this project
Forgot just how cool it is and will be


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Thanks, I appreciate that. It's a long term project to be sure, but, I gotta have something to do when I retire, right?

 

I too have a long term project that sadly may have to wait until I retire.

 

I spent some money on the T’bird, that counts as progress, right?


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FlyinBrian what happens when you have a project you been saving and your ALREADY retired? Where do you fit that it?

 

I'll find that out in 10 months, my Chris Craft is waiting it's turn...

 

Very nice Chris Craft.... I had a 1939 Chris Craft 21' Utility several years back I was restoring it and a 1956 Buick Special Wagon to tow it ...they both got passed on to make way for a different car....if you could only just keep them all....ya... I would have way to many cars amongst other things.....

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Swapped the the non-traditional ‘79 T’bird brakes for original spindles and drums so as fit the traditional squeal-y bias ply 14” Coker’s. .

It looks more appropriate with these, I have to admit.

Edit: For some reason, photos loaded with my iPhone no longer appear. So, here's the car today, and the artwork.


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Wow, that looks perfect!

 

Now that my son’s wagon is out of the shop, I’m on the T’bird. Started blocking the primer today. I decided I might as well bond the fin extensions to the quarters. What’s another day it bodywork at this point?


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Hey, glad to see you back on the T-bird!

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I spent yesterday afternoon and this morning extending the valance panels behind the hood to meet the sunken windshield. I’m pleased with how it went, aside inadvertently making two right side panels...

 

I also filled the wiper holes. As my son pointed out to someone, “there’s no top, who cares about wipers?”


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Ta-Da.


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Looking at this, I'm thinking the original planned color scheme might be too cliche'd. I still like the idea of it being light green, how about a pale metallic green, like an agave, with a little pearl, and the cove done in ivory, with a little chrome divider strip (which I have an idea as to how to make)? That'd be more true to the late 60's styling, and would go well with the flat three spoke steering wheel, which sort of looks like an early 'Vette wheel. Thoughts? (Beyond simply, "For God's sake make up your mind, Brian...)

 

I like the Plymouth cones....

 

I like Salt Flat Wheels but. on the Bird, the cones nail it
As for the the Hirohata Greens, don't not use them because of 'copy cat', use them because they worked back then and can work now,, like there is only one red 32 Ford,,,,

 

They're perfect, aren't they?

 

I been looking in on you,with this for some time. Have not added anything,so 2 cents is do! Pretty much like it all. Back when Ford pissed me off by building the 58Bird box vs cool little 55 to 57s. I had given some thought some day after they were old n cheep, to cutting the snot out of a 58 or up Bird in too a smaller 2 seater also. Never did,but life moves on. So enjoy looking. Love the cone caps,and as for color{ Seafoam Green/pearl metallic,was used on one of Den Jaffers bubble top show cars=My wife fell in love with that color at a show,an had me repaint her ride the very next month. Only green paint I ever payed way too much for. But it did look super!!
Keep up the great work !!!

 

According to recent posts, the cops in Wisconsin.
Cool to see you back at it

 

Well, I read that thread, it looked like the issue was that the car in question was titled as an assembled vehicle. Michigan requires the same equipment, although I don’t recall fenders, which is why my roadster is titled as a ‘34. One of the few ‘34 Ford parts it has...


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Yep....I have more if ya need any..always bought em at swap meets for nothing..was great when I had Kustoms with 14’s
That greens gonna look great..is there a chance you’ll ever source another set of bumpers to chop up and chrome? That bright work would really pop with that color combo

 

Who knows? I wouldn’t rule it out.


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