eboose7

QT sells ethanol free gasoline in my area, but it is only 87 octane. I use their 93 octane premium and add to it "Carb Defender" by Driven Racing Oil to protect against the corrosive properties of ethanol. In addition, I use "NO-Rosion Fuel System Octane Booster" to increase the octane and protect the non-hardened valve seats in my '56 Thunderbird. It is a great substitute for the lead that was once in gas. I have been using both products for several years with no problems.

Do as Paul suggests---just remember you are driving 50's technology. My '56 Thunderbird does not handle anything like a modern car. Driving a vintage car makes you realize how far automotive technology has advanced in 63 years. Enjoy your '57 Thunderbird!

To answer your original question--I used CALYX Manifold Dressing on the manifolds of my 1956 Thunderbird. I purchased a container from NPD, in preparation for an AACA Meet. It works as advertised, if the application instructions are followed. I have had it on my manifolds since 2015, and they still look great.

Try Thunderbird Fifty Years by Alan H. Tast and David Newhardt. 2004.

Eight Shell-shaped gas stations were originally built in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in the late 1930's by Shell distributor Quality Oil Company. The one remaining station survived through the 1980's before it fell into disrepair. It was restored in the late 1990's by a state historic society, Preservation North Carolina.

For comparison, a 1930 Shell gas station in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

While the 1956 Thunderbird resembles the '55, the practical and styling changes made to the 1956 model make it one of the most sophisticated mid-century designs. The '56 Thunderbird received an optional 312 cu. in Y-block V-8 engine, porthole hardtop, opening vent doors in the front fenders and the externally mounted Continental--style spare tire. These changes together with the upgraded 12 volt electrical system refined the overall design of the '55 model.

Looks like a 1957 Ford fourteen inch wheel. The Ranchero, station wagons and later Thunderbirds had a similar wheel.

Additional pictures from CTCI Knoxville.

The Classic Thunderbird Club International held its 2018 International Convention, "Thunder'n Lightnin' in the Smokies" in Knoxville, Tennessee, August 15-19.