56 Hard Top

[Alan H. Tast]

Don't you hate it when someone jumps into a discussion with data!

Thank you Alan!

I was going to post a suggestion that the real answer would be in the pricing and ordering literature sent to the dealers.

Thanks, Rusty, I appreciate the compliment.

[1957Birdman]

The data plate does give pertinent information regarding to top. On my 1957 the data plate shows EE meaning it is Colonial White with a Colonial White hardtop. On my first 1957 it showed a single E, meaning it was a soft top only car. It the car had both a hard and soft top the only way to tell would be to examine the factory invoice.
Lew Bachman
1957 Thunderbird

[ward 57]

That's interesting. The combinations recorded on the data plate and the thinking at the time is a study of what they were thinking. When in the build sequence when was it built? Why was the designation of the same color top as the body noted?
Questions that may have no answers.

[1957Birdman]

My car was built on June 26, 1957. I have a friend who sold his Azure Blue 1957. The data plate showed LL6XL. That breaks down as follows:
LL - Azure Blue Color, both body and top
6 - Late production designation as a porthole top car(7 for a non-porthole top)
XL - Two tone blue interior
His car was built on October 24, 1957
If you look at bring-a-trailer, most of the auctions show pictures of the data plates of the cars being offered for sale and will give you an idea of what the 1957 data plates showed.
Lew Bachman
1957 Thunderbird

[ICON 1956]

Thank You Alan and Lew. This information is very helpful reading the data plate also understanding the dealers literature when ordering your car with the options available at that time.

[ward 57]

To continue this discussion, It appears that the top color code was added after the new data plate was introduced prior to that a second color code was added only if the top was ordered in a different color than the body.
In Birdmans example I believe The '6' in the trim code was not related to the porthole as they were pretty much universal at that time but a deviation in the trim and interior items as at towards the end of production they started to use '58 trim pieces such as knobs and such as the '57s sold better than expected and ran out of parts so used '58 stuff.
It is mentioned in the restoration manual but what code meant what was substituted is lost to history if my memory is not failing me.
In production, deviations were not unusual as my very early '57 has a '56 power steering set up and P/B booster vacuum plumbing to use leftover inventory as they did not sell as well as expected.

[Rusty57]

It is important to remember that during this era the ordering for purchase and setting up the order for build were very heavily manual processes. Even though there was published sales and pricing information there were no system based controls like what is in place today.

Larger dealers, high-profile customers, and executives could pretty much get whatever they wanted.

It would not surprise me if there was a single porthole hardtop out there somewhere! Think of it this way. Only the right porthole improves side and rearward visibility.

[1957Birdman]

I am posting the following article I wrote for our local club newsletter:
It is common knowledge that there were some trim deviations on T-Birds built after October 1, 1957 through the end of production on December 13, 1957. For reference see pages 230-231 of the Thunderbird Restorations Details and Specifications Manual. In some cases these cars have a data plate that shows a number (6 or 7) between the color and trim codes. These codes are only recorded on cars that have a hardtop. Further examination by Dave Tulowitzky of his T-Bird registry indicates the following:
A code of 6 was related to a car delivered with a porthole hardtop
A code of 7 was related to a car delivered with a non-porthole hardtop
A blank code was related to soft top only cars
It will probably never be know why these code were added to the late cars. I have two examples of build sheets that show code 7 for a late 1957 car delivered with a non-porthole hardtop. (I was asked not to share these build sheets, so you will have to take my word that they are as I say they are.
Lew Bachman
1957 Colonial White

[ward 57]

A non porthole top from the factory for a '57 must be a rare bird indeed. The portholes were very popular and I don't see why someone would order one without them.

[55blacktie]

It comes down to a matter of taste. I had considered adding portholes to my 55 top. However, I decided that I did not want to cut holes in the top and that I actually prefer the look without the portholes. I don't like the blind spots, so I intend to add a passenger-side mirror.

[MarkR]

It comes down to a matter of taste. I had considered adding portholes to my 55 top. However, I decided that I did not want to cut holes in the top and that I actually prefer the look without the portholes. I don't like the blind spots, so I intend to add a passenger-side mirror.

Exactly. We had this 57 4 years along with the 55. The porthole is a “cool factor” but in reality are just somewhat of a help on the blind spot. A little too small for the intended purpose and cranking your head around that far to change lanes is a little dangerous if the car ahead of you brakes. The passenger side rear view mirror would be the most beneficial.
I had intended to add the portholes to the 55 during the resto but long time restorer Dennis Vierra at Vierra Motors in New England talked me out of it. Said it’s a huge sin to port a non-port top, especially a 55. After 20 years Im glad he did.

[Joe Johnston]

An example of my correct 57 non-porthole hardtop.

[ward 57]

Interesting. I notice you also don't have the full wheel covers or fender skirts. Was this an attempt to lower the initial price of the car? Are there any other accessories not installed such as P/S, P/B power windows or seat & auto transmission? Looks great though. Mine has almost every option other than power seats but I don't miss that option at all.

[55blacktie]

I prefer 3-window 32-34 Fords vs 5-window as well.

[ICON 1956]

May I add this suggestion, When mounting a right side mirror. Make sure the A pillar does not obstruct the mirror viewing . Measure before you drill holes to mount. been there done that.