Frank Tate

Hi John, Would you have any Holley teapot carb parts? Thanks Frank

Sounds like you need to start tracing wires. Is the battery putting out sufficient voltage? Good voltage to the window switch and is the switch working correctly? Good voltage to the window motor? Test the motor to make sure it is working. Are all the window channels clear and will the window move up and down smoothly (ie. check the mechanism for make sure it is not binding)?

So, I managed to obtain a proper pump and mounting bracket and all the hoses. The old hoses that came with the car were totally rotted out and the insulator and bracket were rusty. Since this is/was a basket case, I did not take it apart so, I am having issues with putting it back together properly. I've looked through all the manuals and catalogs I have, including the CTCI Restoration Manual and I cannot figure out how to route the hoses and where the insulator bracket mounts. Does anyone have a picture or diagram they can share? Many Thanks! Frank

Dang it Bernie! Glad you got your price ( I assume otherwise you would not have sold it!), but I will miss seeing how you would have finished it. Keep us posted on your next adventure. Frank

You're gaining on it Bernie!!

Yeah Bernie, but you are the youngest old guy I know!! ?

Hey Bernie. How often do you anticipate having to utilize the floor panel removal feature? Will you cover it or plug it once all the panels are fitted and fastened in place? Frank

You can try these to get at those tacks... https://www.highlandwoodworking.com/set3hollowscrewextractors.aspx I am not sure where you can find them over there. Then just fill the holes with a wood epoxy. If you do try them, go slowly and don't put too much pressure on the tube or it will snap off. Also, I know it would be a pain, but why not un-lace the wheels to do the filling and sanding?

That is a tough call Bernie! I think I would consider whether the expected cost would be returned down the road. If I remember correctly, you have always intended to sell it. So, if it will potentially pay for itself, I would go for it. ?

Can anyone tell me if the eaton power steering pump from a mid fifties Packard will interchange with the mid fifties Ford V8 pump? They look the same, but I don't want to drop a bunch of money and it ends up it won't fit.

Thanks Lew. Not what I wanted to hear, obviously...but I do have a nice PS pump for sale!

I am re-posting this in this forum. Things have been going slow on the Tbird. Mostly identifying missing parts and sourcing missing parts. I thought I had it pretty well in hand and then, while waiting for a replacement sector shaft and worm gear for the steering box rebuild, I tried to install the PS pump. I have a late 50's Ford PS pump that I picked up and rebuilt in anticipation of installing it on my 55. According to everything I have read, the only issue would be the mounting brackets as all the Eaton pumps were generally the same. I got a rebuild kit and have rebuilt it. Bought the necessary Tbird brackets and went to install it. It seems that my pumps' casting interferes with the cast mounting bracket on the engine. When I looked up a replacement pump on ebay, I see one that looks like mine with all the mounting brackets and not clearance problem. Are there different Tbird Yblock brackets??? This is the ebay pic Here is my pump Here is the interference issue As I hope you can see, the casting ear (for lack of a better term) to the left of the top bolt is hitting the bracket mounted to the engine block. The black front mounting plate bracket is a brand new part and I hope it is made to the correct dimensions, but looking at the ebay pic, that pump has an ear also, but all the brackets fit!!! And when I mount just my bracket to the engine mount, everything lines up, but I can't mount the pump. I don't want to grind the ear off, but I am running out of ideas here. Can anyone provide a suggestion??? Many thanks! Frank

So, I have a late 50's Ford PS pump that I picked up and rebuilt in anticipation of installing it on my 55. According to everything I have read, the only issue would be the mounting brackets as all the Eaton pumps were generally the same. I got a rebuild kit and have rebuilt it. Bought the necessary Tbird brackets and went to install it. It seems that my pumps' casting interferes with the cast mounting bracket on the engine. When I looked up a replacement pump on ebay, I see one that looks like mine with all the mounting brackets and not clearance problem. Are there different Tbird Yblock brackets??? This is the ebay pic Here is my pump Here is the interference issue As I hope you can see, the casting ear (for lack of a better term) to the left of the top bolt is hitting the bracket mounted to the engine block. The black front mounting plate bracket is a brand new part and I hope it is made to the correct dimensions, but looking at the ebay pic, that pump has an ear also, but all the brackets fit!!! And when I mount just my bracket to the engine mount, everything lines up, but I can't mount the pump. I don't want to grind the ear off, but I am running out of ideas here. Can anyone provide a suggestion??? Many thanks! Frank

Looks really good Bernie. Is that one of those custom cast iron "iron" dollies you have sitting on the engine???? That is so cool.

Well, I am going to keep hanging around, as long as you keep hanging around Bernie. ? You provide me inspiration to keep chugging along with my projects. I may not have the fancy tools or big lift in the garage, but I bumble along. Best, Frank

I think you are on the right track with a diagonal brace. If wood interferes, try a flat metal plate or maybe a turnbuckle and wire arrangement like on a garden fence.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^ What he said.

Looking forward to seeing the fruits of your labor Bernie!

Outstanding Roger!

Some slight progress. Front suspension on with springs, shocks and brakes. I need to take the front drums to a shop to be turned, then I will re-pack the bearings, put new seals on, clean and paint then install. I cleaned up the front sway bar and brackets, identified the proper fasteners and painted the bar and brackets. So while they are drying, I thought I would make a quick entry here!

Looking good Bernie, as always. I can't remember, so I have to ask, I know you build the seat frame, but do you also do the upholstery? Actual sewing? Or do you farm that out and do the install? My TBird will be much easier on the front end, in that I have a seat that just needs new covers and they are available aftermarket. The problem comes in when I have to do the install as it is a power seat and they are supposed to be a bear to get put in and adjusted to all the buttons work properly. Keep up the good work! Frank

Well, finally able to make some progress. Differential painted and installed and now on 2 wheels. Front suspension is next.

I always forget to take the before pics! But here is where I stand with the engine in and the transmission rebuilt and waiting for one lousy bolt to attach to the flywheel. Now on to the rear end....after a little wire brushing.... Then, some rust converter.... Now, off to buy another can of Rust Converter and I can paint it tomorrow.

Way to go Bernie! You are an inspiration!

Good morning Bernie, The only thing I would remotely be fluent in with respect to French or Italian would be food and/or alcohol related. But with the help of google ;-), I would say those are marked for right and left. Frank