going from a 1961 to a 1956
Moderator: Joe Johnston
going from a 1961 to a 1956
Hello baby bird folks, I'am from the 1961 Bullet Bird group and I'am shrinking down to a baby Bird. I know the 1956 is the first year of 12 volt, I'am getting a 1956 Sage one of 251 in that color. She is so gorgeous put back together. I want to order the correct battery for her when she comes home this week. I'am looking at a Ford Power Punch maintenance free battery . I've been on this forum for a few years..... Thanks
1956 Thunderbird Sage Green
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
- 55Greg&Amy
- Posts: 1196
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 8:43 am
Re: going from a 1961 to a 1956
This is the only place I know of that has the original style available. They are an AGM gel style battery inside of an original Power Punch case. Very pricey but looks nice. I’ve had the 6Volt one in my 55 for almost 3 years now with no problems. http://www.antiqueautobattery.com/
Greg Minnich
Kendallville, IN
Kendallville, IN
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- Posts: 2638
- Joined: Tue Aug 19, 2008 3:34 pm
- Location: Sunny FLORIDA
Re: going from a 1961 to a 1956
Have one in my 57. Looks and works great.
PLEASE invest a few bucks and buy all the shop manuals for your car. Definitely will save you much time and be an education.
55-57 VTCI Forum Moderator
57 Inca Gold-Colonial White
63SR Silver Mink
55-57 VTCI Forum Moderator
57 Inca Gold-Colonial White
63SR Silver Mink
Re: going from a 1961 to a 1956
I know of antique auto battery I have on in my 1961 thunderbird, I have read that they have a terrible customer service, I bought from them 4 years ago I never had a problem...So I was wondering if anyone had any issues recently.
1956 Thunderbird Sage Green
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
-
- Posts: 137
- Joined: Mon Oct 19, 2009 7:09 pm
Re: going from a 1961 to a 1956
Approximately 9.5 % of the 1956 Thunderbirds were Thunderbird Green (Z code). This equal to approximately 1,485 units of this color that were built. In my registry for 1955-1957 Thunderbirds, I personally have documented 324 (survivors) with a Z code.
Dave Tulowitzky
Keeper of 55-57 Thunderbird Registry
Dave Tulowitzky
Keeper of 55-57 Thunderbird Registry
Re: going from a 1961 to a 1956
Thank You for the info on the 56 , I fell in love with this particular color Sage Green, I went to inspect her just the other day, Here are some pictures.
1956 Thunderbird Sage Green
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
Re: going from a 1961 to a 1956
When I seal the deal on this bird I will send to the serial number and have it registered with you, are there any other things I need to do? Thanks for clearing this up.David Tulowitzky wrote: ↑Tue May 08, 2018 8:39 pm Approximately 9.5 % of the 1956 Thunderbirds were Thunderbird Green (Z code). This equal to approximately 1,485 units of this color that were built. In my registry for 1955-1957 Thunderbirds, I personally have documented 324 (survivors) with a Z code.
Dave Tulowitzky
Keeper of 55-57 Thunderbird Registry
1956 Thunderbird Sage Green
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
-
- Posts: 137
- Joined: Mon Oct 19, 2009 7:09 pm
Re: going from a 1961 to a 1956
Thanks, Email the VIN and other codes from the data plate to: tulobird@aol.com
Re: going from a 1961 to a 1956
I ordered at battery from battery central mall back in Feb. The company making them shut down for a month or so. I am supposed to have it in the next couple of weeks. Had to call a few times to get an update but finally got through.
David, I'll send you our info, we have a Z code sage green 56 also.
David, I'll send you our info, we have a Z code sage green 56 also.
1956 T-Bird Sage Green
1970 Mustang Mach 1
2004 T-Bird Platinum Silver
1928 Model A Tudor
2018 Mustang GT Orange Furry
1970 Mustang Mach 1
2004 T-Bird Platinum Silver
1928 Model A Tudor
2018 Mustang GT Orange Furry
Re: going from a 1961 to a 1956
I drove the 56 Green sage bird today and had a under carriage inspection, The frame was black powder coated, and I noticed the front wheels are disc brakes the rears are drum, is that how the car came or is it a conversion. I will be picking up tomorrow....I did notice that the GEN light was going on/off battery is a interstate looks kinda old it has acid plugs, I 'm going to change as soon as get her home....when the car is turned off the gen light stays on for a few min...any comments would be appreciated Oh the brake lights don't show I feel it's the pressure brake sensor which is on the left under the manifold I'm going to change that out too, That's all whats wrong bottom is spotless motor spotless I could eat off of....I just can't wait.
1956 Thunderbird Sage Green
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
Re: going from a 1961 to a 1956
The Bird originally cam with four wheel drum brakes. Disc brake is an aftermarket addition.
Regarding the brake light switch, I would recommend you install a mechanical switch. CASCO has a conversion kit that is fairly easy to install. You get instant brake lights as soon as you touch the brake pedal. I real good safety item.
Good luck with your 56.
Regarding the brake light switch, I would recommend you install a mechanical switch. CASCO has a conversion kit that is fairly easy to install. You get instant brake lights as soon as you touch the brake pedal. I real good safety item.
Good luck with your 56.
1956 Fiesta Red 312
1954 Ford Victoria 312
1948 Ford Convertible Street Rod 302
1954 Ford Victoria 312
1948 Ford Convertible Street Rod 302
Re: going from a 1961 to a 1956
Congratulations on what sounds like a really nice car. The brake pressure senders don't like the later DOT fluids, so it's not uncommon for them to go bad. I had to do mine right off when I got it and it's still good 4 or 5 years later.
The disc brakes are a conversion. It had drums all the way around originally.
I would check the voltage with a multimeter to see what the generator is putting out. It may need rebuilding, a new voltage regulator or the regulator needs adjusting. I don't think the battery will cause it. The system could be wired incorrectly, so it wouldn't hurt to get the electrical book and shop manual for it.... pretty cheap...and make sure it's wired right. Its easy to put the wrong wire to the wrong spot on the regulator. The gen may need to be polarized as well.
It's never a bad idea to put a new battery in, but I doubt that'd cause the genny light. I could be wrong, tho.
You'll run across lots of bugs if the car hasn't been driven a lot and, from as clean as you describe, it probably hasn't been
The disc brakes are a conversion. It had drums all the way around originally.
I would check the voltage with a multimeter to see what the generator is putting out. It may need rebuilding, a new voltage regulator or the regulator needs adjusting. I don't think the battery will cause it. The system could be wired incorrectly, so it wouldn't hurt to get the electrical book and shop manual for it.... pretty cheap...and make sure it's wired right. Its easy to put the wrong wire to the wrong spot on the regulator. The gen may need to be polarized as well.
It's never a bad idea to put a new battery in, but I doubt that'd cause the genny light. I could be wrong, tho.
You'll run across lots of bugs if the car hasn't been driven a lot and, from as clean as you describe, it probably hasn't been
Re: going from a 1961 to a 1956
Definitely a conversion, car came with drum brakes all around. the Gen light tells you the voltage is low. Could be a regulator adjustment. Unless the battery is bad. If the car starts the battery is probably ok. Regulator adjustments can very tricky to do. You have to bend the contact arms to adjust. I went with single wire alternator, end of problems.
57 D code Colonial White
Wise man once told me, "you don't know what you don't know"
West Newton, PA
Wise man once told me, "you don't know what you don't know"
West Newton, PA
Re: going from a 1961 to a 1956
Thank You all for chiming in, I'am getting a little gitty about tomorrow to pick her up and drive, I thought that when I saw the front disks, The PO was so annal about his car, This car is a eye catcher she runs smooth as silk all new stainess steel exhaust pipes and mufflers. every attention to detail was taken . no rust I found and less than 20 miles from my house. I ordered from O'Rileys a brake switch which I will pick up before I pick up the car and have the mechanic replace before I drive her home, I just don't want to get rear ended while taking her to her new home. I have one last question this may sound stupid put has anyone mounted a right side mirror on their car, I guess I like balance should I look for another mirror or just leave things alone.....
1956 Thunderbird Sage Green
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
1953 Ford Custom Liner Hot Rod With Flat 8 Motor with Henderson three 2 barrel Carbs
VTCI Member # 12309
Re: going from a 1961 to a 1956
Beautiful automobile. I understand the butterflies in your stomach as I just recently took possession of my car too. As said, there will be bugs to work through though.