Vintage Thunderbird Club International

Hi,

The continental kit on the '57 Thunderbird keeps coming unlatched. I've not been able to find a schematic online and I am trying to figure out if the catch is worn or maybe missing a part? Can anyone provide a picture of what the catch should look like?

In addition, looking at the way the continental kit rests on the body at the bottom, it does not look right that it rests metal-to-metal on the body. Is this missing some rubber parts or something? Again, picture or schematic would be appreciated on how it should look.

First picture shows the top catch, second picture shows the lower rests.

Thanks in advance for any help!

I'am sorry to burst your bubble. Ford NEVER made a continental kit for the 57 Thunderbird. BUT there were aftermarket ones who made them and How many I don't know. I'm sure someone will chime in.

Ah, interesting. That would be why I could not find any schematics / anything in the parts catalogs.

The kit is very well styled into the rear-bumper. Having now looked at photos of other kits, this one is very tight into the back of the car/bumper and does not look like a weird "extension" to the car (see pic).

I'm interested if anyone has any more information, as well any insights on my original questions.

Thanks!

That picture is the best continental package on a 57 I have seen that looks original. Most have the rear end over extended that looks fony.

definitely the best 57 kit I've seen. Some are horrendous.

Hi rovingscot,

Thanks for your post about this aftermarket kit. I agree that if fits and looks much better than the few others I have seen.

I have a special request. Could you show a picture of one side or other of the end of the bumper that extends toward the front of the car? I am interested if there is an extra bolt there related to the continental kit apron.

Thank you!

Hi Rusty,

Here are a couple more pictures. Interestingly with this kit there is no "skirt" (if I understand what you are referring to). It is just the chrome bumper fitted up to the main bodywork. No body paint color "extension".

Cheers.

Looking at the detail of the add on continental kit there's plenty of thought behind it. IS the exhaust ponting coming down instead through the rear bumper. I still like the clean look from the back of the car.

Correct, the exhaust pipes are not routed through the bumper. The bumper is setup with exhaust holes but for whatever reason they are not used.

Subsequent to my original post, I’ve come across some additional detail on the history of this continental kit from a previous owner. Sharing here for everyone’s interest. This was part of the documentation that came with the car from it’s restoration back around 1998:

CONTINENTAL KIT - much admired and photographed at the car shows where I have taken the car It is custom made, one-of-a kind modified version of a 1957 TBird original factory bumper. The designer simply widened the upper part of the two-piece bumper at the center in order to accommodate the spare tire. It is an original design for a '57 Bird (instead of being simply an "add-on" that would fit on any car).

I currently have the kit off the car and am refabricating / repairing the worn parts and giving it an overall refresh.

- Paul