Ken Harkema's '58 Convertible!

[YellowRose]

I had quite a surprise last night when I received an application for membership from Ken Harkema of Ken's Klassics! He had found out about our Forum through John Rotella's Thunderbird Registry! John says Ken's '58 Squarebird is the last known '58.

http://kensklassic.com/about.htm

Over the years, Ken has restored many Tbirds, as you will see on his website. I have known of Ken ever since I became a member of Squarebirds and VTCI. Read the history about Ken... Lou Paliani, retired VTCI President, told me that he judged Ken's '60 430MEL Golde Top back in 2002 at the VTCI event in California. Ken's Tbird got 298 out of 300 points that day. He does beautiful work.

Ken sent me some before and after pix of his beautiful '58 Convertible and here they are! Enjoy!

[tbird430]

I love the colors on that FIVE-EIGHT.

They really scream 1950's.

But why did Ken not go with correct colors on the 352 engine??

-Jon in TX.

[YellowRose]

Ken Harkema's '58 Convertible!

Perhaps, like myself, and others, because this is the way he wanted it to look? Being a VTCI judge for so many years Ken certainly knows what the OFS specs for the engine bay are, but maybe he preferred it to look the way he did it....

[tbird430]

Oh, I understand it's his car to do what he chooses- just like anyone here on the site. You would just think for such a rare car & as meticulous as he is, he would have stuck with OE colors.

May it would be too much blue under the hood??

-Jon

[YellowRose]

Ken Harkema's '58 Convertible!

In the current issue of the VTCI Scoop magazine, July/August 2013, there is an article by fellow Squarebird Forum member Ken Harkema, regarding the restoration of his '58 Squarebird Convertible. Ken is famous for his many Tbird restorations. If you have the Scoop and have not read the story, you will enjoy reading about it. It is amazing that he was able to bring it back from the sad condition he found it as in 1999, to the award winning car it is today. This year his beautiful '58 Squarebird was awarded Best Of Show at the Fabulous Fords Forever show at Knott's Berry Farm. His owners manual was signed by Henry Ford III! In previous posts, I have posted the pictures of it before and after. Here is the picture of it on the back cover of the Scoop.

[tp tbird]

Love it, nicely done.

[Guest]

The 60 MEL Golde that Ken built is the one I imported in 2011
I have the build album and judging sheets

[YellowRose]

Ken Harkema's '58 Convertible!

Hi Richard! Yesss! I think I had forgotten about that! I think you told me that when you bought it. There are probably other members on this Forum who also bought a Ken Harkema restored Tbird!