55 Horn Ring

[jwoodsmall]

It seems that the horn ring for the 55's are non existant but hoping that somebody out there can lead me to one. All the after market suppliers for the baby birds tell me that they will have some in in a couple months, but they have said that now for going on 3 years.

[nomadbird]

Is it the chrome casting (13A805) that is so hard to find? It's strange that all five vendors catalogs I have show them in their current catalogs. One would think the suppliers would sell every one they could to amortize the astronomical tooling costs some one invested for manufacturing those pieces.

Perhaps it's time to start looking at some of the lesser known parts sources. If you identify who you have tried within the last month or so, I'll bet other members of this Forum could come up with names, web sites, or telephone numbers of other possible sources of supply.

Let's give it a shot. Tom D.

[jwoodsmall]

Tom:
I have tried The Thunderbird Center,Larry's Mustang & Thunderbird, and Casco. They all have told me that their supplier (I expect the same one) has not been able to produce the ring to the standards they expect but that they should have some in about 2 months, but as I mentioned in the earlier message they have said the same thing for about 2-3 years. Larry's did find one NOS but wanted $600.00 for it!!!
Thanks for your reply.
Jim

[Ts & As]

Checked with two of my suppliers (Tee-Bird Products in PA and Thunderbirds USA in AL). Both advised the same thing - repos not available.

Is your's rechromable or just plain missing? How about checking around for a used one if your's is missing - and get it rechromed. There is a fellow in NY state Bill Schermerhorn that does rechroming of small T-bird parts. he has done a dozen small parts for me - all first class. He also has a fair supply of good used cores. I'll see if I can find his number when I get home tonight.

Tom R.
57 Dusk Rose

[jwoodsmall]

I do have the horizontal part but the ring below is broken off (as most are). If you can find the fellows number I will call and see if he has any ideas!
Thanks again
Jim

[sc1956]

I was on a business trip to Dallas a few weeks ago, and went by Don Hyde's shop in Murphy. Fordcraft I believe is the name. Happened to notice he had several hanging on pegs in his garage.

[jwoodsmall]

Stephen
Thanks for the reply. If you have any more info. on the "Fordcraft" shop in Dallas I would like to contact them and get one of those OFF the wall and in my '55.
Thanks again
Jim

[jwoodsmall]

I found a '55 horn ring!!!! Fordcraft (Don Hyde) in Plano, Tx. did have a few 56-57 rings on his wall. Had to dig a little for the 55, but he found one for $300. Thanks for all your help.
Jim

[sc1956]

Glad it worked out. Don's a "one man shop" who fabs several parts for the supply houses. Probably the most known are the smaller dia water pump pulleys and alternator kits. Works out of his garage. Has ALL KINDS of crap in his garage, such that I'm not sure how he works! Had what looked like a bare '55 frame sitting there on wheels, tons of stuff. I'd recommend him for those "hard to finds", not to mention he could help find what you need since he's definitely "dialed in".

Glad he could help, and it didn't cost so much.

[moe7597]

Hi Jim , Glad to hear you found a 55 Horn Ring, I was wondering if the Horn Ring for $300.00 is it complete with plastic center piece cover and madallion, is it NOS or used?
Trying to get an idea of cost for myself.

Thanks Moe

[jwoodsmall]

Moe:
The '55 horn ring was a repo. but a very nice one. The clear plastic, medalion, and all the attaching hardware was NOT included but I was very happy to find a nice ring in one piece as all the suppliers couldnt help me and Don Hyde did.
Hope you can find one as well!
Jim

[moe7597]

Jim:
Thanks, I had no idea what the Horn Ring was selling for.

Moe