1959 T-Bird Build

[keith]

I have been pretty busy at work and home so I haven't made time to post.

Here is a quick picture to show the redsigned nose. I thinkit gives the car a 50's concept look, with aircraft design. I'll try to make time to post some construction pictures.

[simplyconnected]

Hey, it does! The 'mouth' looks like an intake port for a jet.

That front end will look dynamite in paint. - Dave

[mt59bird]

^^ Or more like a bird. It's the beak and the headlight brows are the eyes.

I like the peak on the front. It's going to be one of those cars that people will look at and think that there is something different, but can't quite put their finger on it. Nice work, again.

I'm thinking of painting the front bumper on mine just because of the price to re-chrome. It was in really bad shape - peeling and pitted.

Are you going to do anything with the rear bumper? Do you have an artist pic of what it will look like?

Thanks,

Mike

[Jimz Bird]

I like it!!

It really does look like a "Thunder Bird"

I can just see lightening bolts spewing out of it's beak. Hmmm maybe some graphics of lightening coming out of the grill. Probably NOT.

[keith]

Thanks Guys,

Mike, just be patient the rear view is spectacular also.

[keith]

Here's what I found when I cut the left rocker off. Cut out the rust and welded in some new metal. Getting ready to fit the new rocker on first of the week.

[simplyconnected]

Nice discovery, Keith. You always do good work.

I can't stress the structural importance of that long rocker assembly. This IS the frame (on a car that doesn't have one). Convertibles got extra heavy gauge metal rockers.

So, don't be afraid to use 12-ga. inside there for body strength. The outside 'skin' doesn't need to be heavy because it's there for looks. - Dave

[mt59bird]

Two thumbs up! Better to find it now, huh? Keep us posted. Looks like your working your way to the back...

[Guest]

Hey Keith,
Once again very nice work! I'm waiting for you call when you can get to "Christine"
Richard D. Hord

[DKheld]

Thanks for all the picture updates Keith. You may just think it only keeps us up to date on your progress however it's also really helpful.

Now I know what's behind the rocker and how it's built, where to cut if I ever need to do a rocker replacement etc.

I definitely agree with the rest of the folks - super work - that's going to be one unique Thunderbird.

Eric
registry 5347

[keith]

I have the left inner finished. Have the new rocker fab'ed and drilled for spot welds. The new rocker rolls under the car vs the old rocker that had a flare coming out of the bottom.

Once it is welded into place I will start on the left front fender opening.

[Guest]

Nice work ...

It will be interesting to see how that changes the look when it's done. thanks for posting. Mike

[simplyconnected]

Keith, just after the Body Bucks, the Underbody Respot Welders did those rocker flanges on the bottom. A dozen pinch guns (on each side) came in, welded, then the car moved forward about four inches and the same pinch guns welded again. We've done that on all Ford cars forever.

Your roll looks neater, but the purpose of the flange was to catch a few 'stacks' of metal, and spot weld them all at once.

[kevin_tbird]

One of the members early commented on the structural integrity of the long inner rocker. When restoring my bird I had one side that had been dmaged and rusted badly.

Inside that long square member are sheet metal structural supports. I cut out part of the rocker and inserted square tubing (I think it was 4" x 4" - it has been a long time) and then welded it in place and closed up the opening with sheet metal for appearances. Unfortunaely all my pictures of this part of the restoration are pre-digital camera.

If you don't provide the support here the car will sag - especially a convertible.

Your body work looks great.

Kevin

[keith]

One of the members early commented on the structural integrity of the long inner rocker. When restoring my bird I had one side that had been dmaged and rusted badly.

Inside that long square member are sheet metal structural supports. I cut out part of the rocker and inserted square tubing (I think it was 4" x 4" - it has been a long time) and then welded it in place and closed up the opening with sheet metal for appearances. Unfortunaely all my pictures of this part of the restoration are pre-digital camera.

If you don't provide the support here the car will sag - especially a convertible.

Your body work looks great.

Kevin

Hello Kevin,

I used 12 ga to replace the rusted areas. I like your idea about the square tubing, however the new rocker curves under and there would not have been enough room for the new design.

These digital cameras of today are a very good tool, everyone one should have one in their tool box. As I get older and the projects seem to take longer to complete a couple of pictures of the dis-assembly sure help when it comes time to put it back together.