Technical Resources Library

[JohnG]

New June 2008. This post will be the sum total of all technical resources posted in this Forum. Comments and information welcome!! Not intended as a discussion area but an evolving library so as to reduce search time and increase information.


Please feel encouraged to contribute valuable resources you have found and to request informtion not found here! This will take all of our collective efforts to be valuable and useful.

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THE NEW SQUAREBIRD TECHNICAL RESOURCES LIBRARY

*Resources On TBird (‘58-‘60) Chassis Information

-Thunderbird Production Numbers

http://automotivemileposts.com/prod1958tbird.html

http://automotivemileposts.com/prod1959tbird.html

http://automotivemileposts.com/prod1960tbird.html

-Thunderbird Specifications 1958-1959-1960 In Order

http://automotivemileposts.com/tbird...fications.html

http://automotivemileposts.com/tbird...fications.html

http://automotivemileposts.com/tbird...fications.html

-Thunderbird Standard Equipment 1958-1959-1960 In Order

http://automotivemileposts.com/tbird...equipment.html

http://automotivemileposts.com/tbird...equipment.html

http://automotivemileposts.com/tbird...equipment.html

-Dealer Options 1958-1959-1960 In Order

http://automotivemileposts.com/tbird...equipment.html

http://automotivemileposts.com/tbird...equipment.html

http://automotivemileposts.com/tbird...equipment.html

-Data Plate

http://www.tbird.org/DataPlate/vdata.htm

Replacement data plates: http://www.datatags.com/

-VINs

http://www.lovefords.org/tech/vina.htm

http://www.lovefords.org/tech/vinb.htm

http://www.tbirdregistry.com/see/vina.htm

http://squarebirds.org/images/VIN-number-location.gif for 58 & 59 1960

-Color Codes 1958-1959-1960 In Order

http://www.lovefords.org/tech/vin/paint/ford/58_f.htm

http://automotivemileposts.com/paint1958tbird.html

http://automotivemileposts.com/paint1959tbird.html

http://automotivemileposts.com/paint1960tbird.html

-Interior Trim

http://automotivemileposts.com/tbird...eriortrim.html

http://automotivemileposts.com/tbird...eriortrim.html

http://automotivemileposts.com/tbird...eriortrim.html

Instrument Gauge pointer color

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXHK08&P=7

-Decoding Casting Numbers

The location of all the casting numbers can be found in the current version of VTCI's concourse rules. The rules also decode the dates.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/257364/ as well as

http://www.mustangtek.com/FordDecode.html and also Steve Christ's book on FEs (see below)

Thunderbird history (on-line) http://www.artistryinmotion.org/Muse...rbird_1955.pdf

*Books, Magazines and other Publications

1960 Press Release from Ford showing hardtop, sunroof and convertible http://www.squarebirds.org/1960press_release/cover.htm (from Alexander)

A generally remarkable resource is The Old Car Manual Project http://tocmp.com/

-Books

Thunderbird 50 Years by Alan Tast and David Newhardt Motorbooks 2004http://www.amazon.com/Thunderbird-Fifty-Years-Alan-Tast/dp/0760319766/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1214132823&sr=1-1

Thunderbird, 1955-66 (American Classics) Alan Tasthttp://www.amazon.com/Thunderbird-19...4133025&sr=1-2

High Performance Ford Engine Parts Interchange 221-CID to 460-CID...by George Reid

Ford - TBird Shop Manuals

http://www.gregsonline.com/eshop/Htm...bird-books.htm

Jim Osborne "1959 Thunderbird Body, Trim & Sealant" and "1959 Thunderbird Electrical Assembly Manual"

1949-59 Ford Parts book (Look for it on a CD)

http://www.mre-books.com/interchange/interchange18.html

http://www.themotorbookstore.com/for...y-manuals.html

http://automotivemileposts.com/refer...underbird.html

Thunderbird: An Odyssey In Automotive Design William P. Boyer 1986 Taylor Publishing Co.,Dallas

Thunderbird Restoration Guide 1958-66 William Wonder. May be found at:http://www.amazon.com/Thunderbird-Re.../dp/0760303908 Also published in 1997 by Motorbooks International Highly recommended!! Much sample material may be found at http://books.google.com/books?id=bmy...esult#PPA23,M1

T-BIRD: 40 Years of Thunder John Gunnell (ed) 1995 Krause Publications

How To Rebuild Big Block Ford Engines (FE & FT) Steve Christ HP Books 1983. Must reading if you are rebuilding your 352 or 390 FE

The Chevrolet Racing Engine Bill (Grumpy) Jenkins 1976 S-A Design Co. Publishing, Santa Fe Springs, CA. (fascinating book on the high performance 4 stroke motor) Performance Guide http://books.google.com/books?id=MaT...sult#PPA104,M1

1958 Ford Shop Manual http://www.oldcarmanualproject.com/m...ice/index.html

Bill Van Ess's book on Hardtop-Convertible Differences, also the 58 Convertible Registry: http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/...le/contact.htm

-Magazines & Periodicals

The Ford Mechanic January 1958 Service Forum No. 4 Thunderbird Service : http://squarebirds.fortunecity.com/T...958service.htm

Skinned Knuckles - the monthly magazine for the old car repairer and restorer, in its 32nd year. http://skinnedknuckles.net/pages/about%20us.htm

AutoRestorer Magazine. Monthly wealth of information! http://www.autorestorermagazine.com/ar/

June 1958 Hot Rod Magazine - TBird test ride. New! The actual article is avabilable (in 2 pdf files,scanned in):

http://users.wpi.edu/~goulet/TBird/RoadTest_1.pdf

http://users.wpi.edu/~goulet/TBird/RoadTest_2.pdf

June 1993 Collectible Automobile pp. 24-27 1958 Convertible

Oct 2006 Hemming's Classic Car pp.66-72 Restoration of a 1960 Sunroof "One of 377"

June 1995 Auto Restorer pp. 28-35 on a 1958 convertible

http://www.rodandcustommagazine.com/...ird/index.html

January 1984 SuperFord Magazine. Special Thunderbird issue including an article on William P. Boyer

-Your Tbird Value Calculator

http://www.manheimgold.com/car_lo.html

*Technical Information

-Chassis article on the differernces between a hardtop and convertible in terms of reinforcement of the chassis (or... why a convertible is not just a hardtop

http://users.wpi.edu/~goulet/TBird/S...ameDifferences

The factory based droop in the trunk lid at the corners is discussed at length at http://www.squarebirds.org/vbulletin...ead.php?t=8885

-Cowl Drains - inside of the splash pans behind each of the front wheels. http://www.squarebirds.org/cowl_drain.htm

-Basics

How the ignition system works on a V8 enginehttp://auto.howstuffworks.com/ignition-system.htm

Using an oscilloscope to analyze your ignition: http://www.picotech.com/auto/primary.htm

-Engines

http://www.feguys.com/Headers

high quality exhaust manifold gaskets: http://catalog.remflex.com/product_p/rf3009.htm (Bart)

http://www.fordpowertrain.com/FPAindex/headers1.htm

-Oil Filters

Oil filter study of 20 different filters

1. Engine Oil Filters Overview http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilters.html

2. Engine Oil Filter Study http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oil...y.html#mc-fl1a

3. final opinions on oil filters: http://www.knizefamily.net/minimopar.../opinions.html

Oil Filter list for TBirds: (coming soon)

-Liquids

Zinc additive (ZDDP-Plus) for modern oils lacking it

http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?i...emType=PRODUCT (Eastwood) See various threads about premature cam/lifter wear on Squarebirds and other forums.

-Tires

Tire Calculator http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Determining the age of a tire: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=11

BF Goodrich on how long to use tires: http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/bfgap...2232006all.jsp

Coker Tires: http://www.cokertire.com/

Diamondback Classic Tires: http://www.dbtires.com/

-Torque

-Tune-up

58 TBird Tuneup Chart (59 and 60 needed!!) http://users.wpi.edu/~goulet/TBird/TBird_58_TuneUp_Chart.pdf

-Lubrication 58-60 lube chart

http://users.wpi.edu/~goulet/TBird/1958-196020Lube20Chart.jpg

-Wiring

*new!* all TBird wiring diagrams in one location!

http://squarebirds.org/Diagrams-Sche...rams/index.htm

multicolor wiring diagrams may be purchased from

http://www.classiccarwiring.com/ford.php

1958 Wiring diagram:

http://users.wpi.edu/~goulet/TBird/58wiring_diagram.jpg

1959 Wiring diagram http://users.wpi.edu/~goulet/TBird/59wiring_diagram.jpg

1960 Wiring http://users.wpi.edu/~goulet/TBird/60wiring_diagram.jpg

(Thanks, Frank!! )

Accessory Wiring (Seats, Windows...)

http://www.oldcarmanualproject.com/m...ccsy/index.htm

Manual for factory radio (includes parts and wiring diagram) (model 84MS): http://users.wpi.edu/~goulet/TBird/radio_manual.pdf

How to install a glove box light : http://www.squarebirds.org/vbulletin...love+box+light

1965 wiring diagrams: http://users.wpi.edu/~goulet/TBird/&...iagramLeft.jpg

http://users.wpi.edu/~goulet/TBird/&...agramRight.jpg

*Common Repairs

Alexander has a collection of detailed help with 10 common TBird repairs on this site at: http://www.squarebirds.org/technical.htm.

(New!) The rebuilt article by Alexander on dashpad replacement (thanks to Ray) http://squarebirds.fortunecity.com/T...shpad58-59.htm

-Shift Lever Detent Replacement (Alexander)http://squarebirds.org/detent_installation.htm

see also Post #22 in the thread at: http://www.squarebirds.org/vbulletin...=detent&page=4

additional information on adjustment of the neutral safety switch when installing a detent plate (or any other time!): http://www.squarebirds.org/vbulletin...ead.php?t=7079

-Removing and Repairing Your Headlight Switch (58-60 TBirds): http://users.wpi.edu/~goulet/TBird/H...%20Repairs.htm

Solid state replacement for the "voltage regulator" that supplies 6 V DC to your Temp and Fuel gauge: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ford-...item3efdc4b74b as well as photos and instructions for installing it.

How to troubleshoot your generator based charging system: http://www.squarebirds.org/vbulletin...ead.php?t=9073

Testing your Voltage Regulator, installing a new one and polarizing it:
http://www.vintagejeepparts.com/PDFs...REGULATORS.pdf

-Suspension rebuild library:

http://www.salguod.net/gallery/squar...nsion-rebuild/

-Carburetors

Pony Carburetors - specializing in restoration and repair of carbs for Fords and Mustangs. http://www.ponycarburetors.com/default.asp

Ford Forum, especially carburetors http://www.fordforum.com/

Another Ford Carb Forum:http://www.network54.com/Forum/88781/

-Fuel Pumps

-Exhaust components

Flowmaster mufflers. You can listen to the various mufflers over the web! (see sound clip next to muffler photos) http://www.flowmastermufflers.com/mufflers.html

How to understand and troubleshoot your charging system (generator type) with great photos and discussion!! http://www.squarebirds.org/vbulletin...ead.php?t=7397

-Sources For Parts

-Convertible Parts

http://store.convertibleparts.com/li...ird-parts.html

Thunderbird Ranch www.tbirdranch.com -used and new parts, decals, restoration services, technical assistance. John Draxler is an outstanding person and resource! Pittsville, WI.

http://www.partsamerica.com/Default.aspx

http://www.convertibleparts.com/ (New March '09 )

-Golde Top Parts

http://www.vwheritage.com/bbt/Stock-...-305%2FA%20%2F

photos of 1960 Golde Top components (excellent source!):http://www.squarebirds.org/sunroof_technical.htm

-Replacement Hoses

http://www.magillsquality.com/brakehose.htm

http://www.wilsontbird.com/ Pat Wilson Thunderbird parts (NJ). Good source of used parts and good help. 20 years of parts and restoration.

-Ignition Components

MSD (coils, billet distributors, hi tech ignition systems) http://www.msdignition.com/

Pertronix (Flamethrower, Ignitor I & II) http://www.pertronix.com/

Lots of information about Pertronix systems: http://www.vintageperformance.com/re...nformation.htm including what coil parameters to check.

Accel metal core plug wires (Summit Racing) - #3008

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ACCEL...spagenameZWD1V

-Special Tools

Steering Wheel Puller- photo and details http://www.squarebirds.org/vbulletin...ead.php?t=4522

*Services Available

-Power Booster Rebuilds

http://boosterdeweyexchange.com/

-Wiper Motor Rebuilds

Ficken wiper motor rebuild and wiper parts: http://www.wiperman.com/

-Chrome

Paul's Chrome http://www.paulschrome.com/ (PA)

NuChrome http://nu-chrome.com/ (Fall River MA)

http://www.squarebirds.org/my59tbirdengine.jpg

http://www.hotrodders.com/gallery/da...rmancekits.jpg

-Sunroofs

http://www.ascautomotivestyling.com/sunroofs.html

*Parts Specific To TBirds

-Used

See Thunderbird Ranch above

-New

Dashpad - Dashes Direct http://www.dashesdirect.com/products.php?BrandID=1&ModelID=27

Repro & NOS

-Overflow Tanks

*Conversions

Adding a tachometer (Mel Waldorf) http://www.squarebirds.org/users/blackbird58/tach.html

Converting from Vaccum to Electric Wiper Motorhttp://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....Z5Z5Z50000051h (thanx Mike!)

Tips on installing electric wipers, including the switch: http://www.squarebirds.org/vbulletin...ead.php?t=9066

Converting from electro-mechanical clock to quartz: www.autoinstruments.com

Fix Your Own Clock M.H. Fox http://users.wpi.edu/~goulet/TBird/clock_repair.pdf in the May 1992 Skinned Knuckles, pp.12-17

Hardtop vs Convertible Structural Differences for anyone considering a conversion (Bill Van Ess): http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/...le/contact.htm

-Ignition

-Disk Brakes

http://www.dropnstop.com/default.htm

Combination valves usable on TBirds: http://www.squarebirds.org/vbulletin...ead.php?t=7762

Disk brake conversion discussions: http://www.squarebirds.org/vbulletin...ead.php?t=5023

(very lengthy...tons of information)

Disk ready 14" rims (incl part #s):

http://www.squarebirds.org/vbulletin...ead.php?t=8789

-Fan Shroud

http://www.dearbornclassics.com/new_galaxie.html

(see Squarebird's Forums for discussion of installation -they were intended for early 60s Galaxies, which also had FE motors, so some modification is in order for mounting onto the TBird engine compartment, but not alot) Legend has it that Ford used a shroud on the 1960 convertibles for better cooling but no actual examples have been found)

-Alternator

An alternator that looks like a generator is sold at the following site: http://www.powermastermotorsports.com/powergen.html

and discussed in the Squarebirds thread on 11-06-2006 by Alexander and others: http://www.squarebirds.org/vbulletin...tor+conversion

The pros and cons of 3 wire vs 1 wire generators is discussed at length at: http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...hreewire.shtml

also see:

http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2005/08/Alternator/

(membership required )

-Radio

Restoration as well as conversion to modern AM/FM stereo.http://www.bobsradio.com/

Repairs - Barry Dalton radiodoc@rvi.net (JohnG got excellent results from him) No website

American Classic Restorations (Uxbridge,MA) http://www.american-classic.com/begin.html

-Starter

http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2005/08/Alternator/

-Sway Bars

Custom build sway bars to your specs:http://www.addco.net/aftermarket.htm

-Control Arm Bushings (esp rear of '58 problem ) http://www.squarebirds.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=8754

-Tail Light Flashers

http://www.squarebirds.org/sequential.htm

http://www.webelectricproducts.com/products.htm (If you scroll far enough in Customer's Cars, you will find John Mooney's 59 TBird and Alexander's 1960. John's is provocatively decorated...)

-Rims/Wheels

How to measure and determine bolt hole patterns on rims: http://importnut.net/wheelinfo.htm and also

http://www.wheelvintiques.com/ and finally:

http://www.mrt-wheels.com/boltpattern.html

How to measure for wheels: http://www.bigblockdart.com/techpage...lspacing.shtml

*Restorations

Alexander's 1960 Golde Top project. Includes a brief movie of him getting the motor running for the first time! http://www.squarebirds.org/my_golde_top.htm

Tom Young's concours project: http://squarebirds.fortunecity.com/T...l/TomYoung.htm (special thanks to Ray!)

Engine rebuild: http://users.wpi.edu/~goulet/TBird/OCC.htm

The unforseen body and chassis challenges of Travlin's restoration: http://www.freewebs.com/squarebird/index.htm

Kevin Hanson's turquoise 59 convertible project (and great house in VT!) http://www.squarebirds.org/users/49e...hoto_album.htm

Pa-Bob's great website on the story of his 59 Convertible. Lots of great information! http://www.angelfire.com/pa/59TBirdConv/(Bob has great TBird hats for sale, too!)

[Peavey_T40]

Greetings,

I have two 1959 sequential build sheets that I would like to contribute to http://www.squarebirds.org/technical.htm under authenticity, or any other place, if it can help in any way. The first one, 072, is for "Dreamboat Annie." The second, 073, is for her very slightly younger brother, a Lincoln. Both, of course, from the Wixom Assembly Plant.

I just haven't found where I can upload and/or where I can send the images.

Thank you and enjoy the day,

[YellowRose]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the nice contribution! You put those two items in the right place for the time being. All JohnG has to do is to right click on the two images, save them to his Desktop, and then put them in the Technical Resource Libary for posterity. When he accomplishes that, then we can delete these posts. They will make a nice addition for members to look at and study.

[Peavey_T40]

Thanks,

Since we'll be cleaning up these posts, here's a few pics of the manual od tranny if they're useful. I'll be posting some similar ones on my webpage (after a vacuum) once I finish the coding and testing. Note the lack of "Power Steering" on the horn emblem casing.

Thank again,

[JohnG]

hi mike

thanks for the great photos! I hope to get them inserted in the Library in the next day or so (my computer is down with a virus at the moment )

best
John