Vintage Thunderbird Club International

Please keep us updated on your findings. In my new-to-me ‘57 (with Kelsey Hayes wire wheels and no power brake option), I am also contemplating some sort of brake upgrade. I’m kinda ok with the stopping power, but nervous about the single point of failure inherent to the stock brakes.

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...

Great idea on using a temp gun to check the temp. I’ll play around with that at the weekend.

Paul

Thanks for the thoughts. Subsequent to my post, I did notice after driving around for an hour or so and then idling in traffic that the temp gauge climbed to middle of the normal range. That is the first time I have seen the gauge at the expected position. I may go with the “if it ain’t broke, don’t...

Hi, In my new-to-me ‘57 Thunderbird (D-Code), I notice that it takes quite a bit of time for the temp gauge to climb off Cold. At least 30 minutes of running. And even then it sits in the lowest part of the “normal” range. It never gets to the middle of normal. This is after driving for an hour or s...

I actually do prefer to have the keys matched. I’ve already ordered a new set of matched cylinders for ignition and doors. I did not realize it was possible to rekey the new ignition cylinder to match the doors. Oh well, part ordered and too late now. Thanks everyone for the info though. I might sti...

Yes, the switch otherwise works fine. I'll just go with a new lock cylinder and key for now then.

Thanks!

Hi, In my new-to-me '57 Thunderbird, the ignition lock / key is a bit finicky. I have to wiggle the key in the lock before I can find the right position to be able to turn it to start the car. So something is worn out. It seems I have a couple of options - I can either replace the whole ignition swi...

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.

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. 57 Thunderbird Rear Bumper Side.jpeg 57 Th...

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"...

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 contin...