1958 Convertable Resto

[1958Bird]

Well it has started. Last weekend the interior was removed and the chrome removed. Motor and Trans came out on Monday and off to paint on Wednesday. Work on the paint and motor will not start for another two weeks.

Body is good, it has a little bit of damage in the passenger side and NO rust.
Engine is the 352 interceptor.

Trans, looks good as well.

So Body is 76A, Color is M, Trim is XM, Date is 09F Trans 4, axle 1 is alive and soon will be back on the road.

[Tbird1044]

Looks all so familiar, except for the convertible part. At least you got a Calif. car, so the rust issues shouldn't be to bad. I've got mine stripped down like yours, getting it ready for paint and body. Found some damage on mine on the passenger side also. ;-(
Good luck with the project and keep us posted on progress.
Nyles

[1958Bird]

1958 Resot Update

Well Hello all, long time no see.
It’s been almost 2 years since I’ve have my 1958 Convertible and I thought I would give you all an update.

INTERIOR
We have finally saved up enough to get a whole new interior; however, it’s not installed as yet.

MOTOR
The Original 352 motor fully rebuilt and painted. Motor is still the original bore and has new standard size pistons and rings. Lucky enough the bores only required cleaning up. New water pump. Has all new engine bearings. And just about new everything else.

TRANS
The auto transmission is rebuilt.

FRONT SUSPENSION
Complete new Front Suspension rebuild kit is being installed over the next week or two.

PAINT and BODY
The best thing is as of this week she’s finally painted in her original colour Gulf Stream Blue.
I absolutely love the colour and this car will be a stand out car in Australia.

I will post up some pictures soon.

Cheers
Darren

[Dan Leavens]

Darren yes it has been awhile and welcome back. Look forward to seeing some pictures of your classic

[1958Bird]

1958 Convertable Resto

Hi All

I'm back, well the car is finally painted and it has made it's way to have the running gear fitted.

[bird 60]

Good to hear Darren. Where about in Adelaide are you?, I'm in Allenby Gardens.

Chris......From OZ.

[1958Bird]

Hi all, I know it's been a while but, here is an update on my 58. It's painted, engine is running and the trans is rebuilt. New Fuel tank and brake system.
Just starting on the wiring system and getting everything working again.

I can't upload photos at the moment, may be my account settings.

Cheers
DP

[YellowRose]

Hi Darren, It is good to see you posting again and thanks for the update on your '58 Squarebird. Your Paid Membership ended in November 6th, 2014, and that is why you cannot upload photos directly on our server anymore. If you would like to Renew your Paid Membership, go to the DONATE TO SITE link right below the Tbird logo, and you can do so through PayPal.

[1958Bird]

Some updated progress pictures.

[sidewalkman]

Looks really good so far

[Dan Leavens]

I agree it is coming along very nicely Darren. What colour are you going to do the interior not knowing the original code?

[OUR5T8BIRD]

I agree it is coming along very nicely Darren. What colour are you going to do the interior not knowing the original code?

Believe the original interior code is XM which is blue and white . More interesting is the built date . He lists it as 09F . The earliest I have listed is 10F and then more on 15F . This possibly could be the earliest '58 convertible built . Would like to know the VIN on this '58 .

[YellowRose]

According to Automotive Mile Posts, the 1958 Convertible was not introduced until June, 1958 because they were behind in production from the switch over from Babybirds to Squarebirds. A Date of 09F would be 9 June, 1958, with 1958 Squarebird production not starting until Dec. 20, 1957, several months later than normal. http://automotivemileposts.com/prod1958tbird.html. According to Automotive Mile Posts and other information, Trim Code XM was Turquoise & White... As for VIN # locations on the 1958, here is where they were stamped. While you had the body stripped of paint, that would have been a good time to look for the stampings in the body. Now you probably cannot see them. According to this picture, in 1958 there was only ONE location of the VIN # stamping on the frame...

[1958Bird]

I will have a look for the number on the frame this week.

[1958Bird]

Just wondering if anyone had a picture of the Tbird coil wiring including where it connects to the ignition ?
I have a diagram but there is no wiring colour or comments.

These are the 3 wires I have. One white, red and black. I think the white may go to the oil sender but the other two I’m not sure of.

It’s for a 58 convertible

Cheers