Vintage Thunderbird Club International

Gentlemen, Thank you for all the info. I sent my booster out a couple of years ago for a rebuild to Mac's (Ecklers). I got back a different booster than I had sent off and now only about 500 miles later the booster is leaking. I'm thinking about converting to manual brakes and doing away with the bo...

Can anyone recommend a good source to rebuild my brake booster at a reasonable price? I've heard about Arthur Gould but have been unable to contact them. Thanks in advance for any info.
Royce

Thanks for the info gentlemen. Hopefully its just a bad vacuum line, but I suspect the booster also.
Royce

I took my 55 for a spin this morning and noticed that while stopped with the brakes applied my idle speed would increase about 200 rpms. As soon as I released pressure on the brake pedal idle speed would return to normal. I'm wondering if this is possibly a vacuum leak from the power booster? Any id...

Greg,
Thanks so MUCH!
Royce

Can anyone tell me how to replace the coil springs on the rear latches of my 55 hardtop? Thanks
Royce

Greg,
Thanks for the response. I will give it a try in the morning and post the results. Thanks again,
Royce

I removed my hardtop and when I reinstalled it the right side rear pin locks down on the plate just fine, but the left side pin will not turn in and lock. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks for the info gentlemen. Everything is factory stock on this car except for the wheels and tires, 12 volt conversion, and change to alternator from stock generator. I think I will probably shorten the springs I have on it now. I just spent a ton of money rebuilding the engine and the stock mar...

Does anyone have a source for drop spindles that fit a 55 Bird? I haven't been able to locate anything. The previous owner of my car replaced the front springs and it sits too high. I don't care for the "gasser" look. Thanks, Royce

I just had my engine in the 1955 bird rebuilt and discovered I needed a new starter ring gear. I ordered a new one from CASCO but it appears the the old gear was tack welded on the torque converter plate. I can't seem to find info anywhere on how to replace the ring gear for the cars equipped with t...

If you want to keep the original tach, there is a company called D&M Restorations that can modify your original tachometer to electronic drive. Kind of pricey but super cool. They quoted me $350 for the job. This way you can change to a more modern distributor but keep everything elese original....

Gentlemen,
Thanks so much for all the good info.
Royce

I'm trying to locate longer wheel studs for my 55 bird. I'm running a 1/2 inch spacer behind aftermarket wheels and need longer studs than stock. Any info would be appreciated. I've tried all the local parts stores and even contacted CASCO with no success.
Thanks,
Royce

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice and offers. After speaking with Ted Eaton I have decided to stick with my stock heads. He advised me to not go too radical with heads or cam due to the fact I am running the stock Fordomatic transmission. He said if I was running a stick shift tranny there woul...