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HI: You sound like me about 30 years ago, when I bought my first 56 for $1800. Hard lessons learned; bondo, rust, prior collison damage,mine had it all. A magnet and an ice pick are two of your best friends when looking at a little Bird. The rockers, dog-legs, floors, quarters, all are prone...

Color-ite Refinishing in Conn. is the choice of the Early V-8'ers. They have faithfully matched the early Ford colors in modern materials. Unsure if they are into the 1950's yet. (203)393-0873. www.color-ite.com Most production paint suppliers just dont want to be bothered with us faithful...

Taking the engine and tranny out separately is a lot more work. I agree with Jerry on this one, and an Eastwood engine leveler makes the mob easy. I have taken engines and trans out and back in using this method, and never nicked of skinned up any of the paint.

On the heat riser: The best thing I think to do is remove the innards, and weld the holes shut from the inside. You have a piece that looks authentic, but no troublesome flapper. The biggest problem with our Birds is heat, and a sticking riser is a big cause. Your car will start, warm up and...

More thoughts: Try beadblasting the casting in the long ribs. You can use a toothbrush and polish in those areas, but leave them a little dull. Just remember, when buffing, the valve covers are pourous, and bubbles will appear. Just live with it, dont try to polish them out, more will...

I have removed the body from my 56, and recommend the following: Make a cross brace using flat metal welded to square tubing to brace the body from the front brace mounts in the center of the body below the firewall area, to the soft top mounting plates. I use a come-along with nylon straps...

The front and rear drums for 55/56 T-Bird are the same as 55/56 passenger cars. Many wrecking yards have good used available, and many advertise in various car collector publications. You might try Turner's Auto Wrecking in Fresno, CA.