1959 T-Bird Build

[keith]

I didn't post these pictures earlier, because I didn't want to get flamed when I first started. But you guys have been very open to what I've been doing so I will post them.

The owner had always thought the front end loooked higher than the rear. So he asked how we could lower it. Not suspension wise body wise. As you all know it's a unibody and it isn't as simple as pulling the core support rubbers and putting thinner ones in.

To lower the front end I had to cut the inner fenders and the radiator support loose from the frame rails and cut a 1 1/4" out of the rad support and then worked my way back. You will notice a diagonal cut at the rear of the fender that had to be done to accomplish the drop. The front sheetmetal sets 1 1/4" lower in the front. Tons of work and welding to make it happen. It will be another thing no one will notice.

[keith]

Pics of the rad support. You can't believe how much different it looks with the nose dropped down. I don't have any pictures of it, don't know why... brain drain I guess.

[Tenshi95]

Can't wait to see this finished, amazing work.
-Robert

[DKheld]

Still amazed at your work Keith. I was on the fence about resto mods years ago but have since come to see that modifications can be just as difficult (if not more so) than a car restored to original condition (and just as nice). I'm not going to throw you under the bus - really enjoying the progress.

Just thinking out loud here but won't the lower front pop the rear edge of the hood up since the hood is mounted to the front of the car? Wonder if you'll need a taller buldge in the hood for the air cleaner/carb area? Awww man --- you already got me hooked on this project.

When (not if) you convert the front brakes to disc I had always read that the Granada spindles lowered the front of the car 1 1/2 inches. I did that disc conversion on my car but didn't notice but maybe 1/2 inch lower front if any. Of course the scarebird brackets are much easier these days but not available when I did my conversion.

Just FYI on the discs.......

Eric
registry 5347

http://www.tbirdregistry.com/ft.asp

[keith]

Eric,

Put the hood on and no problem with the fit. The hood latches are adjustable. Hard to see in the pictures , but the top of the fenders moved too.

I'm still undecided which way to go on the brakes.... Disc yes, conversion don't know yet.

It also is getting a air ride system.

Have you ever noticed things go good for awhile and then it seems like you are never making head way and then one day it all falls together at once and then there is never enough time in the day to keep up. I'm there right now. How long will it last, I don't know but it sure feels good to see some head way. I work on it about 3 nights a week and usually a couple of one day weekends.

I'm also building a car for myself and working on getting a '52 merc ready to paint. Only good thing about this hot weather the grass mowing has stalled.

Thanks for all of the positive feedback guys.

[DKheld]

Know exactly what you mean.....went that way on my disc conversion and now adding A/C to my Tbird - trying to duplicate a dealer installed look. Have another car - doing a body off resto (just finishing the motor on it) - a '60 waiting patiently and all the while restoring my in-laws car to give them as a Bday present - like an Overhaulin' episode - they know nothing about it.

- and - the grass is growing like crazy here. If I ever have the money I'm putting in astro-turf - one less thing......

Ooops - sorry to clog up your post .......

Eric

[keith]

wow, your brother in law is one lucky dude. Good luck with the build.

[Anders]

Tons of work and welding to make it happen. It will be another thing no one will notice.

Great comment!

I´m stunned by your skill! Wish I have 10% of it...

[keith]

Still hot here. 103 in the shop. But the fan helps. Might break down and turn the a/c on for the weekend.

Started plug welding the new rocker on. I tried out some new clamps. I saw these clamps on a website in England and thought they were pretty neat. Well they made it to Sedalia Mo at a Big Lots store. They work just like a caulking gun. They worked ok, can't really apply a lot of pressure and you can't weld real close to them because of the plastic ends. I would by more if they get some more in. They were $4.00 each. I bought the only 4 they had.

[simplyconnected]

For $4, you can't beat it, Keith. I've put different ends on Vise-Grips but that gets expensive.

...Have you ever noticed things go good for awhile and then it seems like you are never making head way and then one day it all falls together at once and then there is never enough time in the day to keep up...

Sometimes it feels that way when I'm doing brainless work like cleaning and de-rusting parts, balancing rods/caps/pistons, gapping rings and properly fitting main & rod bearings, too. But once all the parts are ready, it goes just like you said. That's the fun part.

Stay cool, Keith. This heat is brutal. - Dave

[Jimz Bird]

I'm with Anders! Amazing skilz and no doubt tons of practice to acquire them.

I enjoy all your posts!

BTW 100 degrees here on the outskirts of Baghdad at 11:40 PM (2340 for you military types )but the humidity is only 16 %. And yes, I do have the AC on in my hootch.

[Dakota Boy]

I would pay a pretty sum to have the same skills and experience as this man.

[keith]

Thanks for the kind words.

I got the rest of the rocker plug welded on tonight. Going to start on the front fender opening this weekend.

[kuusamon]

appreciate the pictures, keep them coming because I am about to start in that area also.
regards,
Ron

[Dakota Boy]

Keith,

do you have any plans for underneath the car?