need a new carb.

[derek]

yes i'm back, but this time the car is running tip top minus the carb. all i have tried so far was napa and they cannot find a thing. it really doesn't have to be oem/original but i need something and something fast. i don't want to really rebuild but would like to just buy a new carb.

can someone please point me in the right direction as to where i can get my hands on one?

thank you in advance.

 

[gbhrps]

Derek,

There are vendors who will do a swap of your old Holley 4000 for a rebuilt original. Try Hill's Thunderbird Center. Call 866 949 1956. Parts website is Hill's Classic Cars - Hill's Automotive (they list a rebuilt for a 55 for $339 plus a $250 core charge). You send them your old one and get $250 back after you purchase the rebuilt.

Rebuild kits are available from many sources, but you'll really need someone to do the rebuild that is familiar with these old gals, or you'll be wasting your money if you use some guy who says he "should be able to rebuild it". These carbs have some quirks, one of which is that one certain gasket can be installed in 8 different ways, only one of which is correct, and a lot of rebuilders get it wrong.

At least keep the old Holley 4000 teapot to present to the next owner of the car, if you decide to do a switch to a different manufacturer. Originality counts for everything at resale. Good Luck!

 

[GBird]

If you're running a Holley (T-pot) 4000 you've got the earlier intake manifold so your choices are somewhat limited and you've got to take into account your distributor which I'm guessing is the old Loadomatic type which is not compatible with any carb post '57 (which is where nearly all carb choices are gonna be). There are adapter plates available to allow the fitment of later carbs but I'd give serious thought to fitting a later '57+ manifold.

Rick

 

[derek]

gbhrps,
the carb is on it's way to concord, california and will be replaced with a remanufactured carb via your recommendations in my other thread. trust me, i did not want to go aftermarket by any means. so after the quick thought, i went original.

it will be about a 14 day turn around so keep a watch on this and hopefully she is alive and at a reliable rate. so close as of now.

and it definetly has been fun too!:cheers

 

[derek]

after talking with the rep where the carb is, he said the rebuilt carb will still be jetted at sea level. i am in colorado so.....?

he told me that the jets are fine it's just fine tuning the carb. i can tell youi anything and everything about fuel injected systems but the carb is a bit foreign to me.

any help would be greatly appreciated on tuning the carb. that is if i even have to.

thank you.

 

[derek]

Update.

Car is purring like a kitten:driving

I have pictures on my iphone but can't figure out how to upload to the computer.:mad

 

[gbhrps]

derek,

I'm very pleased to see that it worked out for you! Stay safe!

 

[Jimz Bird]

GOOD Job Derek!

Glad you are having fun and things are working out for you.:coolg

 

[bromhead]

carb

i did a new holly upgraded 57 type w manifold,,reworked the distributer,,one of the best moves I made ,,,55 12 volt

 

[OlePhart]

Edelbrock 500

The guy I bought my '55 Bird from said he's pretty sure an Edelbrock 500 will fit, but doesn't know this for sure.
Can anyone tell me whether it will fit, or not?
Thanks,
OlePhart

 

[duffer]

Derek,

There are vendors who will do a swap of your old Holley 4000 for a rebuilt original. Try Hill's Thunderbird Center. Call 866 949 1956. Parts website is Hill's Classic Cars - Hill's Automotive (they list a rebuilt for a 55 for $339 plus a $250 core charge). You send them your old one and get $250 back after you purchase the rebuilt.

Rebuild kits are available from many sources, but you'll really need someone to do the rebuild that is familiar with these old gals, or you'll be wasting your money if you use some guy who says he "should be able to rebuild it". These carbs have some quirks, one of which is that one certain gasket can be installed in 8 different ways, only one of which is correct, and a lot of rebuilders get it wrong.

At least keep the old Holley 4000 teapot to present to the next owner of the car, if you decide to do a switch to a different manufacturer. Originality counts for everything at resale. Good Luck!

I'm getting ready to rebuild my 312 carb in my 56 thunderbird....What gasket is it that can be put 8 different ways ? (so i know what to look out for) thanks

 

[paul2748]

I'm getting ready to rebuild my 312 carb in my 56 thunderbird....What gasket is it that can be put 8 different ways ? (so i know what to look out for) thanks

If you don't know these carbs, send it out to an expert. Mike Suter, 215-757-3678