eboose7

I have a late production '56 Thunderbird that was manufactured in August, 1956, and it has some early 1957 Thunderbird parts. I was at a local car show, when I met a 90 year old gentlemen who was retired from the Ford plant in Atlanta. He explained that late in the production year it was not unusual for parts designed for the next year's model to begin arriving prior to the retooling of the assembly line. If they were out of present year parts and compatible new model year parts were available, they would install whatever was at hand to keep the line moving. That explains how there is an original '57 Thunderbird currently in my restorer's shop that has documented evidence that it came from the factory with wheel covers for a 1958 Thunderbird.

This has been a great year for my 1956 Thunderbird. It started with winning a First Junior in Charlotte in April. Next was a cover photo on the July-August Classic Thunderbird Club International (CTCI) magazine, EarlyBird. And it concluded with a Best Thunderbird ribbon at the Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival and Concours D'Elegance Car Club Showcase on Saturday, October 31. I restored it with a modest goal in mind. Although it was a solid car when I purchased it, I wanted a car that looked good but was a driver. OFI Classic Cars in Woodstock, Georgia exceeded my expectations by producing what turned out to be a show winning car.

Like you, I have a Fiesta Red interior in my 1956 Thunderbird, so I had the same dilemma when it came to picking floor mats. I found that the rubber mats are the better match. The carpet mats look too modern in the vintage interior. The rubber mats maintain the original appearance of the interior. I will confess that they do have the tendency to slide about without the backing of the carpet mats.

All good wishes. Anticipate another success at Hershey.

Thunderbird Headquarters sells a retainer spring (part #1475) to secure the continental kit tread cover.

Kevin, yes, I showed the car with the air conditioning. But the rest of the car was faithfully restored according to the Thunderbird Restoration Details and Specifications Manual which is written by Gil Baumgartner, Authenticity Director for the Classic Thunderbird Club International (CTCI). I even included the factory markings on the undercarriage. Moreover, a representative from the shop which restored the car came to Charlotte with me to answer any questions the judges might have.

Phillip, I found this picture of the car on the field in Charlotte. My wife took it with her Iphone.

Sorry, Phillip. I didn't make a picture. Perhaps, someone else did.

What a wonderful time I had in Charlotte this past weekend. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to see some truly beautiful cars and talk with some great people. I even got a chance to meet the former owner of my car who lives in the Charlotte area. He and his lovely family were able to see the car, after three years. I was also honored to win a First Junior. Thank you for all your suggestions to my earlier post.

I think some people's tendency is to overlook the obvious at AACA National Meets. . .the object is to have fun, even if you don't win. It takes a person of courage, of optimism, of great spirit and attitude to bring a car to be shown. Mostly though I think it is a great opportunity to see some of the most beautiful vintage cars in the country. And who wouldn't enjoy such an event? First Junior or not, I'll return home a happy camper. Oh, yes, Dynaflash8, I don't have radial tires on my car, and your comments are much appreciated.

I believe it was the actress Sophia Loren, a very beautiful woman, who said, "Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful." Well, I believe that my car is beautiful, and it is otherwise correct, except for the air conditioning. I don't think I have anything to lose trying class judging. It'll be fun to see how I do, and I won't lose any sleep, if I don't win anything. Besides, I reflect on this truth: I know my car, I worked hard to restore it and I want to show it. I know it is a great car. That's what counts!

I appreciate all the responses and the honest assessment. You were kind enough to give me the answer I was seeking. Although I would like to receive a First Junior, I have decided to heed the informed advice and enter the DPC.

I noticed the same thing when I looked at the Judging Form. Thanks for your reply.

I would appreciate your assessment. I have a 1956 Thunderbird that has been restored per the data plate specifications. The except is I installed an under dash air conditioning unit during the restoration. I drive the car occasionally in Georgia where the air conditioning comes in handy during the humid summer months. I would like to try for an AACA First Junior. My question is: How many points will I lose for the non-authentic air conditioning? Are there two deductions (one in the engine compartment for the compression and another in the interior for the under dash unit)? Or is there one total deduction to include both the engine compartment and the interior? Thanks so much for your considered opinion.

The simulated wire wheel cover is available in reproduction without the clips. The wire wheel basket snaps directly on the rim of the wheel. Removal is easy with a wheel cover removal tool that is also available. I have them on my 1956, and they make checking air pressure a breeze. I also have an extra set of wheels with radial tires for when I am not showing the car. It is easy to switch between the radial and bias tires with the no clip wire wheel covers. Once they are in place, you can't tell the difference.