Which points do I need for my '55?

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Pete986
Posts: 19
Joined: Mon Sep 16, 2019 4:43 pm

Which points do I need for my '55?

Post by Pete986 »

I went to Pep Boys; they gave me points with no anchor hole at the bottom, just the slide-adjustment hole on the top.

Then I went to Advance Auto, they gave me points that are a mirror-image of what's in the car.

Obviously, something was changed somewhere and I'm asking for the "wrong" points.

I'm hoping that this image shows and that someone can tell me what I have. Thanks

https://i.postimg.cc/sDCYHtdJ/points.jpg
1955 Thunderbird
1956 Corvette
1966 Mustang
1968 Torino GT
2011 Sonata
1957Birdman
Posts: 397
Joined: Thu Nov 20, 2014 8:58 am

Re: Which points do I need for my '55?

Post by 1957Birdman »

Check out page 32 of the 1955 Ford Thunderbird Handbook. It has a picture of the points with the 2 attaching screws. The T-Bird parts suppliers such as Prestige Thunderbird, CASCO, NPD, Hills, etc., will have the correct points for your car.
Regards,
Lew Bachman
1957 Colonial White
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paul2748
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Joined: Sun Mar 15, 2009 12:23 am
Location: Northeastern New Jersey

Re: Which points do I need for my '55?

Post by paul2748 »

The points in the image you posted look to be the correct ones. 55 and 56 used a pints set that is straight where the 57 and later points were curved. Not really sure what you mean by "anchor hole" but I'm presuming you mean the hole for the screw at the other end.
1956 Fiesta Red 312
1954 Ford Victoria 312
1948 Ford Convertible Street Rod 302
Pete986
Posts: 19
Joined: Mon Sep 16, 2019 4:43 pm

Re: Which points do I need for my '55?

Post by Pete986 »

That's exactly what I mean by that.

The last set of points I bought, are just like the picture, but reversed. I'm returning them tomorrow.
1955 Thunderbird
1956 Corvette
1966 Mustang
1968 Torino GT
2011 Sonata
Pete986
Posts: 19
Joined: Mon Sep 16, 2019 4:43 pm

Re: Which points do I need for my '55?

Post by Pete986 »

I just did an online search, for 1955 Thunderbird points.
Here is what I get.

https://postimg.cc/Z9fcS8M2

It looks exactly like what I have, but the orientation seems to be completely opposite.
1955 Thunderbird
1956 Corvette
1966 Mustang
1968 Torino GT
2011 Sonata
1957Birdman
Posts: 397
Joined: Thu Nov 20, 2014 8:58 am

Re: Which points do I need for my '55?

Post by 1957Birdman »

Pete,
Do you have an owner's manual? As I pointed out in a previous posting, a picture of the points is on page 32. If you don't have one you should order it because there is a lot of good information in it about your car. By the way, Rockauto seems to have points that are configured the correct way based on the picture on line.
Lew Bachman
1957 Colonial White
User avatar
paul2748
Posts: 2147
Joined: Sun Mar 15, 2009 12:23 am
Location: Northeastern New Jersey

Re: Which points do I need for my '55?

Post by paul2748 »

Yes - orientation wrong. Where did you get the picture? Sometimes the picture may only be a representation, not the actual piece. I just looked on ebay, and they show both orientations for a 55 Bird.
Pete986 wrote: Sun Oct 06, 2019 11:45 pm I just did an online search, for 1955 Thunderbird points.
Here is what I get.

https://postimg.cc/Z9fcS8M2

It looks exactly like what I have, but the orientation seems to be completely opposite.
1956 Fiesta Red 312
1954 Ford Victoria 312
1948 Ford Convertible Street Rod 302
Pete986
Posts: 19
Joined: Mon Sep 16, 2019 4:43 pm

Re: Which points do I need for my '55?

Post by Pete986 »

Thanks for your input, guys.

I went back and showed the guy.
I had to pick up the replacement down the road.

I can't explain why I received the wrong part twice.
But now I know what to look for next time I need to buy points.
I take this experience as an opportunity to learn something.
1955 Thunderbird
1956 Corvette
1966 Mustang
1968 Torino GT
2011 Sonata
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