Tom's Bird update

[Tom's bird]

It's been a while but been busy. I've made quite a few changes to the 58, First I'll blame it on Eric for showing me his bird. Working with a shop here in NC. I decided to put in leaf springs. It was decided to make the springs run straight vs. at an angle like the 59 & 60. 9 in rear with 3:70 gears. Well, that moved the rear sliding shackles to the fuel tank area. Now gotta fix that with a new tank/location.

Next we found major rust in the rocker area as well as the front structure. Basically installed a frame to tie front and rear sub-frames together. Added rear disk brakes and went with new master cylinder. new 17 in wheels and tires
(Got a set of 15" wire wheels in good shape if someone needs them) Installed new Borgenson power steering box with Ididit column.

Now on to the engine I took the 390 (which the last builder put the head gaskets on backwards, which caused major damage to the rear cylinder valves with overheat) after all the work we stroked it, added Elderbrock Performer aluminum heads and intake. Running a Fi-Tech Fuel injection, Ended up with a 445 cu in stroker producing 525 HP and 595 lbs of torque. And then committed sacrilege, I installed a GM 700R w/OD.

Will be doing new speedhut gauges and all new wiring. Bottom line a lot of work to go. That's why they call it a hobby, it never ends, but we say we enjoy it.

[bygrace]

Tom, Wow, your work sounds way more extensive than any I've had to do on my wife's '60. I am interested in your comment on the power steering box you got from Borgeson. I've looked at their website and even called them, but they have never shown anything that is for square birds. Can you tell us what you found or adapted from Borgeson? Mike

[DKheld]

Yep - it was all my fault -

Hate to hear the engine needed work too and agree with Michael - that's a ton of work.

Green with envy on the 700R - that's about the only thing I would change on mine is to add OD for the interstate and bring down those engine rpm's.

Are those wire wheels 15's ???for some reason was thinking they were 14's.

Hope to see you on the road again soon.

Eric

[Yadkin]

Green with envy on the 700R - that's about the only thing I would change on mine is to add OD for the interstate and bring down those engine rpm's.

I agree, but why a GM product? I'd be interested to see what kind of adapter plate had to be made. Wouldn't an AOD be more straightforward?

[Tom's bird]

The Borgeson unit I used is model 800115 for a 1952-64 full size ford. It fit.

Eric sorry you are right the wheels are 14s. I measured the inner area where I believe the disks would ride and it measures 13 1/2 in. Keep in mind my car had front disk when I bought it.

I went with the 700R4 because I've had them in other cars in the past and have never had a problem besides I got a good deal on the trans.
I used a Bendtsen’s Transmission Adapter from a friend at a discount, it included the plate, starter and flexplate.

[bygrace]

Borgeson 800115

Tom, thanks for the reply. I have been looking at that box, but Borgeson wouldn't say it would fit a Squarebird. Or at least the guy I got. So, no adaptation? I already have the column shortened. A shaft coupling and hoses are no swreat. But was anything needed for the mounting bolts? How about the Pittman arm? I ask bcause thr 800115 looks shorter in the downward reach to clear the bottom of the 'frame'. Mike