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Its been about a year ago since I bought a 1959 T Bird Convertible on Ebay for the fantastic price of $7500.00. A good price for a Squarebird Convertible but there is always a reason for a bargain, you usually get what you pay for. So here is what I have done to the car up to today, I will not give all the prices because it would scare me if I ever figured it out. Suffice it to say my $7500.00 car is now about a $20,000.00 plus car.
1. Shipping from Michigan to California $1500.00
2. Brakes were locked so I rebuilt entire original brake system (Now I am taking most of it out and putting in Power Disc Brakes).
3. Car would stall out for no particular reason, put in new Gas Tank (that was the problem), after rebuilding carburetor and installing Petronix Ignition.
4. Discovered that the floors and sub rockers were rusted out. The quarter panels had been replaced previously and were pop riveted in place, rivets showing through the bondo. Had body shop do complete rebuild of floors, subframe, wheelhouses, quarter panels, etc.
5. New Paint
6. New Interior, including side glass, fix power windows.
7. New Top
8. New Dash and Classic Instruments (got rid of need for CVR)
9. New sound system
10. Then I noticed a knock in the engine. So replaced with a modified 390, Edelbrock Performer Intake, MSD Ignition, Holley Carb, Hightorque Starter, etc.
11. Rebuilt C6 Transmission
12. New Rear Springs, New control arm bushings, rebuilt power steering pump.
13. New Radiator
14. To switch to disc brakes, I bought 15" Crown Victoria Wheels which I am having chrome plated.
15. Next month I plan to buy Coker Wide White Walls.
16. Install the Power Disc Brakes, I have already purchased all parts, and have mocked it up on my parts car.
So there you have it. I am told I will be getting my car back tomorrow. Once I have the new wheels and whitewalls I will take more pictures. This has been a long expensive journey, but it has been worth it. She looks great and will run as good as she looks. She is now worthy of being called "Betty Mae" after my dearly departed wife.
1. Shipping from Michigan to California $1500.00
2. Brakes were locked so I rebuilt entire original brake system (Now I am taking most of it out and putting in Power Disc Brakes).
3. Car would stall out for no particular reason, put in new Gas Tank (that was the problem), after rebuilding carburetor and installing Petronix Ignition.
4. Discovered that the floors and sub rockers were rusted out. The quarter panels had been replaced previously and were pop riveted in place, rivets showing through the bondo. Had body shop do complete rebuild of floors, subframe, wheelhouses, quarter panels, etc.
5. New Paint
6. New Interior, including side glass, fix power windows.
7. New Top
8. New Dash and Classic Instruments (got rid of need for CVR)
9. New sound system
10. Then I noticed a knock in the engine. So replaced with a modified 390, Edelbrock Performer Intake, MSD Ignition, Holley Carb, Hightorque Starter, etc.
11. Rebuilt C6 Transmission
12. New Rear Springs, New control arm bushings, rebuilt power steering pump.
13. New Radiator
14. To switch to disc brakes, I bought 15" Crown Victoria Wheels which I am having chrome plated.
15. Next month I plan to buy Coker Wide White Walls.
16. Install the Power Disc Brakes, I have already purchased all parts, and have mocked it up on my parts car.
So there you have it. I am told I will be getting my car back tomorrow. Once I have the new wheels and whitewalls I will take more pictures. This has been a long expensive journey, but it has been worth it. She looks great and will run as good as she looks. She is now worthy of being called "Betty Mae" after my dearly departed wife.
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