56 Tbird Chassis

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rich morrill

Active member
Joined
Mar 10, 2003
Messages
36
Location
Middletown New Jersey
I have a 56 Bird the chassis has 1/4 steel plating welded to the entire chassis it doesn't look like an amatuer did it. I also saw two other 56 birds with the additional steel. It is an East Coast Bird. The chassis seems to be sound. I contacted Amos Minter and was told that Late Model 56 Birds did have this extra steel. A Thunderbird judge here on the East Coast says no. Can anyone help me find out who is right
 
If you belong to Classic Thunderbird Club International, contact Gil Baumgartner for an authentcity ruling. Gil's word should be the final binding ruling on the issue.

Tom
 
The restoration shop I work in has been specializing in small birds for over 25 years, and presently has a 56. According to the shop owner, extra steel plate was factory welded to the bottom of the center section of the frame rails, as well as to the bottoms of each of the X cross rails. This was to keep the extra weight of the continental kit, hanging out over the rear end of the car, from bending the frame in the middle. It is common to all 56 birds.
 
Just received the May-June issue of the Early Bird from CTCI. On page 42, Rich got the authoritative answer and a reference to where photos may be found.

There is much mis-information floating around the Bird community. The answer to the question along with the photo reference should be enough to satisfy any skeptic.

CTCI members may check their EARLY BIRD when it arrives.

Tom D.
 
Rich

Communicated with Tom D (Nomadbird) today. He apologizes for not answering your question because he has been pre-occupied with some personal distractions. He asked me to forward the article in the May/June Early Bird mag that adresses your question. Unfortunately I have not yet received my copy yet (new CTCI member last month) and it must take some time to get on the list.

Does anyone out there in CTCI land have a way of posting the article that Tom D refers to on Page 42 0f the May/June issue for Rich?

Thanx
Tom R.
57 Dusk Rose
CTCI # 33126

[ 05-12-2003: Message edited by: Ts & As ]
 
Rich

Finally got my copy of May-June 03 Early Bird - here is the response to Rich Morrill's question from Gil Baumgarten, CTCI Authenticity Chairman on Page 42 ...

"All 1956 Thunderbirds until mid-February 1956 had a metal strap approx. 1/2 inch thick welded to the bottom of the frame for additional strength. The last known 1956 model with this reinforcement was built the 19th of Feb. 1956; after that all 1956 models had a beefed-up X- member. This information is covered in the Restoration Manual on pages 210 and 211, I encourage all CTCI members to obtain the Restoration Manual for general information even though they may not be fully restoring their Thunderbird"

There you have it ... wish I had that manual through all of my rough times.

Tom D. - Hope all is well with your 36 Model!

Tom R.
Dusk Rose
CTCI # 33126

[ 05-14-2003: Message edited by: Ts & As ]

[ 05-14-2003: Message edited by: Ts & As ]
 

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