57 color code question

[vernz]

I'm new to the world of little birds (have 59 and 60 squarebirds) and am looking to take a leap into the world of little birds. Today I looked at a gorgeous 57. I could not find a single flaw of any sort on the car. I do have a question about the colors. The data plate color code is H (gun metal gray). It has a white porthole top. Is the white top correct for a car with only H in the color code? Also, the owner had the car judged in a regional CTCI competition many years ago (took silver I'm told) and has subsequently installed disc brakes. Are disc brake conversions a no-no for CTCI competition?


Thanks, Vern

[YellowRose]

57 color code question

Vern, I am by no means an authority on Babybirds, but here is some information on someone who is. Dot Lang of Port Hole Authority fame. She covers the 1955-1957 and 2002-2005 Tbirds very well. The answers to your questions can be found at these websites below. I do know that in 1957, the solid fiber glass top could be obtained in either matching color to the body or some other color, like white. Anyway, check out these links, the first being the Automotive Mile Posts website for the 1957. Also, as you start looking at these Tbirds, get into the Technical Resource Library (TRL), go down to the bottom and find and print out the Vehicle Check List. Run that list against any Tbird you are looking at, to see if that car shows any of the problems on that list. If it has rust problems, you may want to run away from that car fast, for example...

http://automotivemileposts.com/tbird...lections.shtml

Here is the main website for the PortHoleAuthority.

http://www.portholeauthority.com

Here is the website for the 1955-1957 Babybirds.

http://www.portholeauthority.com/thu...C/indextb.html

Good hunting, and good luck. Let us know what ya find... Also, if the owner happens to be a member of the VTCI (Vintage Thunderbird Club International). If so, I might be able to get you some personal information regarding the Tbird you may be considering...

[jopizz]

Also, the owner had the car judged in a regional CTCI competition many years ago (took silver I'm told) and has subsequently installed disc brakes. Are disc brake conversions a no-no for CTCI competition?

Thanks, Vern

I can't speak for the CTCI but with other Thunderbird clubs I've belonged to any deviation from factory is subject to deduction of points. Sometimes safety items are exempt so you should contact them and ask.

John

[vernz]

Thanks Ray,


I had gone to those sites and that is what resulted in my question. The two tone codes all are two letters with the second letter being the top color. They do not even list a H color code in that section. The body color section does show the H code and pictures a car that is all gunmetal gray, including the top. The person who restored the car I'm looking at passed away recently but his car was restored to compete in judging and it was painted to match the data plate color code - H. However, the top was painted white. I'm very surprised that the top color was not painted to code and if I am going to make an offer on this car I want to know if it is the proper color.


Thanks, Vern

[jopizz]

The Automotive Mileposts Site shows H replacing N as the code for gunmetal gray late in the production year. All two toned cars should have two letters on the data plate (HE for gunmetal gray with a colonial white top).

John

[vernz]

Thanks John, you confirmed what I believe. The car owner went to the effort to have all the inspection stickers and stamps placed in the right places yet painted the top the wrong color. Odd decision especially since his wife told me that the car is not their favorite color but he wanted to follow the data plate color code.



Vern

[paul274854]

In CTCI judging, as far as the disc brakes go, you will lose points with the disc brakes if entered in the original class

However, there are non-original classes for modified cars.

Both classes are Concours classes