1960 Convertible Restoration

[simplyconnected]

That driveshaft looks better than original. Is it balanced?

[jhenry]

Yes it is. It still has the original weights. It has been cleaned, polished and the original markings, which were still visible, have been restored.

[jhenry]

Found out today that the original block is cracked! I'll be looking for a replacement.

[60 T-Bird]

Mine had the original 430 MEL which was seized. I was quoted $5700 to rebuild it with proper OEM type pistons. I learned here that the FE motor mounts are under the 430 mounts. I bought a low mileage 390 with a medium rise sidewinder intake and an Edlebrock carb for a grand and never looked back.

[jhenry]

I managed to locate a replacement 352 built on the exact same date as the original! Just got it back from the rebuilder and am in the process of reassembly. Check out the rare NOS generator-mounted washer pump!

[Tbird1044]

That w/s washer pump is real attention to detail. They are hard to come by and unusual to find one to restore.
BTW, I used to go fishing in Eagle River when I was a kid.
Nyles

[jhenry]

That w/s washer pump is real attention to detail. They are hard to come by and unusual to find one to restore.
BTW, I used to go fishing in Eagle River when I was a kid.
Nyles

The washer pump was one of many NOS parts that came with the car. The previous owner had been collecting parts since the 70's when you could still get some things over the Ford counter.

The fish are still here if you ever get back to the Northwoods!

[jhenry]

Paint is going on this week. It'll be a big departure from the red that this car wore for the past 40+ years!

[tbird430]

I think I like that color...

-Jon in TX.

[jhenry]

It's the original Z code Platinum Metallic. The only other Platinum convertible with the black leather interior in the registry fell off a transporter! So this is a rare combination.

[bird 60]

It's funny Jerry, your T. Bird was Red & changing to Platinum Metallic. When my T. Bird arrived in Australia in '94 it was all Platinum Metallic & was changed to Red with a white top. My Lexus 2002 SC 430 & my '79 Cadillac Eldorado are both Silver.

Chris.....From OZ.

[jhenry]

It's funny Jerry, your T. Bird was Red & changing to Platinum Metallic. When my T. Bird arrived in Australia in '94 it was all Platinum Metallic & was changed to Red with a white top. My Lexus 2002 SC 430 & my '79 Cadillac Eldorado are both Silver.

Chris.....From OZ.

My car was also originally Platinum and was changed to red in the early 70's. I am restoring it to its original color.

[jhenry]

Fresh out of paint! Quite a departure from the red she's worn for over 40 years, but this is the way she was originally. Next is all new front end components and top restoration. Then she'll be going back together over the winter.

[jhenry]

Front end is rebuilt. Top goes on this week...

[Joe Johnston]

Nothing like fresh paint to make it all worthwhile!
Awesome color!