Re: Early Vettes and T-Birds
I just noticed this tread, but I am also a member of NCRS and CTCI, I have a '56 Peacock Blue Baby-Bird. I don't know much about what the respective corporate entities were thinking or planning around the T-Bird and 55-57 'Vettes, but I will make a few observations that others have mentioned.
My '56 is loaded to the gills with equipment. The switch to 12 volts in '56 allowed Ford to have power steering, power brakes, power windows, and power seats. It seems comical to me about the power seats, the car is so tiny and tight inside, they are useless unless you are under 5', and maybe more people were in those days
. The engine (312 in mine) is a really smooth, quiet, and dependable one. The Holley 4-barrel (teapot) carb is as odd as they come, but works like a charm on mine. It is not powerful by a long shot, but it moves OK. It doesn't heat, and all the power equipment works as intended.
I just love the look and style, IMO much classier and more beautiful than the '56 'Vette, and the Continental kit with the exhausts through the bumper is just a great touch. The soft top is a pain, usually takes two people with that swing-bar, and getting in and out is a problem for me at my size, but I'm only 5'10". The frame on the car is like a 3/4 ton truck, I have never seen so much steel under there, especially the round bar frame up front. But alas, after many years, I am selling mine, it is just getting too uncomfortable to drive for someone who gets stiffer and less flexible with age. I am wondering if the '55-'57 'Vettes are as hard to get in and out of and uncomfortable to drive too?
I just noticed this tread, but I am also a member of NCRS and CTCI, I have a '56 Peacock Blue Baby-Bird. I don't know much about what the respective corporate entities were thinking or planning around the T-Bird and 55-57 'Vettes, but I will make a few observations that others have mentioned.
My '56 is loaded to the gills with equipment. The switch to 12 volts in '56 allowed Ford to have power steering, power brakes, power windows, and power seats. It seems comical to me about the power seats, the car is so tiny and tight inside, they are useless unless you are under 5', and maybe more people were in those days
. The engine (312 in mine) is a really smooth, quiet, and dependable one. The Holley 4-barrel (teapot) carb is as odd as they come, but works like a charm on mine. It is not powerful by a long shot, but it moves OK. It doesn't heat, and all the power equipment works as intended. I just love the look and style, IMO much classier and more beautiful than the '56 'Vette, and the Continental kit with the exhausts through the bumper is just a great touch. The soft top is a pain, usually takes two people with that swing-bar, and getting in and out is a problem for me at my size, but I'm only 5'10". The frame on the car is like a 3/4 ton truck, I have never seen so much steel under there, especially the round bar frame up front. But alas, after many years, I am selling mine, it is just getting too uncomfortable to drive for someone who gets stiffer and less flexible with age. I am wondering if the '55-'57 'Vettes are as hard to get in and out of and uncomfortable to drive too?
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