56 Hard Top

[ward 57]

Good advice. have heard of this before.

[Rusty57]

As noted, it is a real trial and error process to properly position a right side mirror on many classic cars. Forget trying to make things symmetrical with the left side.

If possible, use a mirror with a convex lens. It will give a larger field of view.

Just remember “Objects in the Rear View Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are”. Oops! Just channeling Meatloaf.

[55blacktie]

The right (passenger side) mirror has to be mounted farther back than the left mirror for that reason. Unless the left mirror is also moved back, they will not be even.Tape the base of the mirror to prevent scratching the paint. While you're sitting in the driver's seat, get a helper to move the right mirror until locating the sweet spot. Mark the location before drilling holes. It sounds like a lot of trouble, but I think it's a small sacrifice to make to avoid a collision. I'm not inclined to drive with the top off/down as often as some of you might do.

[Joe Johnston]

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.

That car originally had PS, PB, PW, P Seat, Automatic Trans, full wheel covers, fender skirts, both tops and seat belts. I had it for decades with KH wire wheels too and was tired of cleaning them, so went for a different look with the wide whites, hub caps instead of wheel covers. The car had several other modifications too.

[ward 57]

You definitely succeeded in the simple elegance category.

[MarkR]

Here’s a photo I took on a visit to Gil’s house some years back. His 57 had the hub caps as well. I always liked the look. You don’t see it very often.

[ICON 1956]

That is a cool combination, Thanks for posting.....God Bless you Gil .

[chuck4436@gmail.com]

WTB hardtop for my 1956 Thunderbird - prefer portholes

[Jimntempe]

Not mine.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/it ... attachment

[ward 57]

WTB hardtop for my 1956 Thunderbird - prefer portholes

Amos Minter has plenty.

[RegM 56 T-Bird]

It may not be an issue with whichever top you wind up with (55 or 56) but the weather seals on the 55's and early 56's are different than the late 56's.

[ICON 1956]

All tops from 55-57 leak like a seve. Been there have experience it !

[ward 57]

What convertible hard top or not will leak. Nature of the beast.