1957 Ford Thunderbird

This 1957 Ford Thunderbird shows approximately 28k miles and was the recipient of a complete body-off restoration beginning in late 2003 and culminating in a blend of an original look with modern underpinnings. The seller purchased the car from noted Thunderbird restorer, Amos Minter, in 1997 and used it primarily for special occasions until 2003, when the mechanical and cosmetic work was initiated. Upgrades and new parts to the rebuilt and resealed 312ci V8 include a generator, starter, distributor, Petronix ignition, water pump, and more, and it is mated to a refreshed 2-speed Fordomatic automatic transmission with overdrive. Other work consisted of a rebuild of the front and rear end, driveshaft, and radiator, a suspension refreshment, and a brake overhaul with front disc brake conversion. This Thunderbird is finished in white over white vinyl and is now offered with two restored tops and a clear Texas title in the seller's name.

Bodywork done prior to the white repaint was performed with minimal filler, and existing dents were "metal-worked." Both the matching white hardtop and black soft top were restored, and the chrome trim was resurfaced and polished.

The original wheels were replaced with 15" wire wheels and whitewall tires to accommodate the newly installed front disc brakes. The rear brakes were refreshed with new drums, springs, shoes, and cylinders. A new steering box, power steering pump, steering valve, and cylinder were added during the restoration.

The interior is trimmed in white pleated vinyl with a color-matching dash pad and contrasting black carpet. The original radio and climate control knobs remain, while the original R12 air conditioning refrigerant was upgraded to the current R134a Freon system using all new components. The seller adds that the wiper motor, wiring harness, and other miscellaneous parts were replaced.

The 3-spoke steering wheel fronts the stock gauge cluster, framed with a turned-metal surround, and the analog clock was rebuilt.

The 312ci V8 is mated to a rebuilt 2-speed Fordomatic transmission with overdrive. During the restoration process, the engine was fully disassembled, with all wearable parts replaced and then resealed. Upgrades consisted of a new generator, starter, distributor, Petronix electronic ignition, and a stainless baffle on the new water pump. The seller reports that the driveshaft and radiator were also rebuilt.

The frame was checked for straightness, cracks, and damage before being refinished. Any holes were welded and re-drilled if necessary, and it was sprayed in semi-flat black powder coating. Both the front and rear end were disassembled and rebuilt with new parts, including all four control arms and front coils, and rear leaf springs. All parts were powder coated to match the frame, aside from the center section of the rear differential, which was painted Ruby Red.