@@donaldcooley9293 This one had a lot of parts involved and a decent amount of time, but each Thunderbird (or any old car) is different in what they need or what the customer desires. Honestly, the best thing to do is have a quick conversation to chat about the goals and needs of the car, as well as the condition of the car to help figure out costs. We're always happy to talk about it, either through the online form www.v8speedshop.com/contact or at 314.783.8325. Thanks!
Absolutely stunning, thank you for taking us along on the journey. The new parts look like the grew there - outstanding workmanship! The talent and time put into this show.
I have a '57 Ford Fairlane with a 390 fe engine that I put air-conditioning in myself then power steering with a friendly mechanic, now it's a pleasure to drive. Putting a new Holly carb next week or so, summers coming and so is the fun!
In a practical sense, greatly improved. But it breaks my heart to see a once properly restored classic ruined like this. I have owned 6 1956 and 1957 T-Birds. I have taken them on 5000 mile round trips more than a few times. I had no complaints.
I understand these modernization attempts. I get it. But the charisma and soul of the original car is erased forever. Make mine original with a bit of patina.
Nice job, great classic looks and modern power and amenities ! If you are nostalgic about how a 50's ear car drove, well you haven't driven one lately!
My dream car which I'm LIKELY NEVER GOING TO SEE IS/WOULD BE A '70 BOSS 429 MUSTANG OR a '67 shelby gt500 (ELEANOR from the remake of gone in 60 seconds) SPECIFICALLY B/C SO FEW WERE PRODUCED ONLY LIKE 399 I THINK IT MIGHT'VE BEEN FOR NASCAR HOMOLGATION REASONS AND OR SUCH For the boss429 model🤔🤷♂️🤦♂️🤨..!!??
@@V8TV In all honesty it breaks my heart that the newer Thunderbirds did'nt reach the potential their classic counterparts have. I'd love one of those as well lol.
Well done. Great build and content. I can't imagine this old Bird with that kind of power. Seeing the T-bird without the skirts looks odd to me. Looks like a new car going down the road with the temp spare tire. LOL
Many times classics come in Tri's...the 55-57 T-Bird is a prime example, then you have others like the 55-57 Chevy BelAirs, 67-69 Camaros, 68-70 Chevelles, 68-70 Road Runners, 64-66 T-Birds, 68-70 Chargers, 68-70 SuperBees, 70-72 Monte Carlos....shall I continue???🧐....ok lets add the 64-66 Chrysler Crown Imperial............I can continue further if you like.☝🧐
It looks great with the wires as well, but they didn't clear the brakes or offer the cornering desired. But a classic wire wheel / white wall combo is sweet!
Problem with a coyote swap is the coyote lol!! Rather put 7.3 Godzilla motor in it.. Much simpler engine to maintain and fix when needed.. Basically a LS Ford engine!
That's an interesting thought, but not quite the best fit for this application. The Godzilla is just shy of 300lbs heavier than the Coyote, which would certainly affect the handling of the car, which was a primary requirement for this build. The stock 'zilla is also only 300HP or so. They can certainly be built to crank out FAR more than that, but this car needed to have OE-level drivability and reliability, easily serviced at any Ford dealer or repair shop, under warrantee. A modded Godzilla might not be waranteed the same way. The 'zilla is a bit narrower, so the fit would be a little easier. Maybe it would be a fit for the next customer - we'd love to install one... thinking a Galaxie might be a great platform! What do you think?
Very few thunderbirds appeal to me , this was one that did . Strangely Ford went another directing with the Thunderbird as compared to the Corvette . I would be curious as to what the final dollar amount will be for this project .
The Thunderbird was originally launched to beat the Corvette, and with the hugely successful sales numbers, maybe Ford thought they were better going in the direction they did. Interesting thought. We honor the privacy of our customers with regard to the costs on this project, but we're happy to chat about it should you wish. Thanks for the comment!
Each project is different and requires different levels of work, due to the customer's goals and the condition of the car. We honor the privacy of our customers with regard to the costs on this project, but we're happy to chat about it should you wish.
Well the number is a lot of money. This kind of Craftsmanship will not be cheap. Think about how much the labor is when you take your vehicle in for major work. The parts cost on this car is likely well north of $25,000.
@@lancenorton1117 Hmm. I would think this build would take several months and cost well over $100,000. Only because it looks like the interior looks very stock.
Keep in mind these were matched to the suspension used in this custom chassis and might not fit a standard-frame Thunderbird. We used 17x7, 5x114.3 (4.5) 4" BS wheels and 225/55ZR17 tires.
This is / was a concern for all cars of the era... non-collapsing steering columns with pointy bits are not good in crashes. We upgraded the seat belts in this one for that reason, but still a thought.
You can reach us at www.v8speedshop.com for help with your ride!
Hey How much was that build.
@@donaldcooley9293 This one had a lot of parts involved and a decent amount of time, but each Thunderbird (or any old car) is different in what they need or what the customer desires. Honestly, the best thing to do is have a quick conversation to chat about the goals and needs of the car, as well as the condition of the car to help figure out costs. We're always happy to talk about it, either through the online form www.v8speedshop.com/contact or at 314.783.8325. Thanks!
A 57 T-Bird with a modern frame, suspension, brakes and the Coyote done right is one awesome vehicle. Congrats to the lady who owns it. I'm jealous!
Thank you... and we wish this one was in our garage as well!
Absolutely stunning, thank you for taking us along on the journey. The new parts look like the grew there - outstanding workmanship! The talent and time put into this show.
Thanks for the kind words Charles! That's the goal - to make the upgrades integrate cleanly. We appreciate your positive feedback!
Drive the wheels off of it, rebuild and repeat. Wonderful combination with beautiful results
That's the plan! Thanks for the positive feedback James!
I have a '57 Ford Fairlane with a 390 fe engine that I put air-conditioning in myself then power steering with a friendly mechanic, now it's a pleasure to drive. Putting a new Holly carb next week or so, summers coming and so is the fun!
Power steering makes all the difference on big old rides, and many cars did not come with it. Great upgrade!
Absolutely amazing. My dream car on steroids! I need it!!!
Making dreams come true, and doing it right... Well Done Guys!!!
Hey thanks for the kind words!
Awesome Video! The work ethic & talent you guys have is unmatched!
Hey thanks Ken! Appreciate the kind words!
You’ve knocked it out of the park on this one!! Well done! Whatever the money
Thank you, we'll relay your kind words to the team!
Lovely 👍
Thank you! Cheers!
Well done! The car and the video!
In a practical sense, greatly improved. But it breaks my heart to see a once properly restored classic ruined like this. I have owned 6 1956 and 1957 T-Birds. I have taken them on 5000 mile round trips more than a few times. I had no complaints.
I understand these modernization attempts. I get it. But the charisma and soul of the original car is erased forever. Make mine original with a bit of patina.
Nice job, great classic looks and modern power and amenities !
If you are nostalgic about how a 50's ear car drove, well you haven't driven one lately!
What a Fantastic build. If I had the money without diving into retirement funds I would LOVE to do this with our 55 Thunderbird.
Thanks for the kind words!
You guys did an absolutely incredible job! Well...except for those cup holders 🤣
Ha, thanks!
Absolutely beautiful your team does awesome work. Maybe some day you can build my dream car.
Thank you, we'd be honored!
My dream car which I'm LIKELY NEVER GOING TO SEE IS/WOULD BE A '70 BOSS 429 MUSTANG OR a '67 shelby gt500 (ELEANOR from the remake of gone in 60 seconds) SPECIFICALLY B/C SO FEW WERE PRODUCED ONLY LIKE 399 I THINK IT MIGHT'VE BEEN FOR NASCAR HOMOLGATION REASONS AND OR SUCH For the boss429 model🤔🤷♂️🤦♂️🤨..!!??
It's absolutely perfect and I'd happily keep it for life lol that is all. Great video
It would make a great family heirloom for sure. Thanks for the positive feedback!
@@V8TV In all honesty it breaks my heart that the newer Thunderbirds did'nt reach the potential their classic counterparts have. I'd love one of those as well lol.
Great job, as usual.
Thank you! Cheers!
Well done. Great build and content. I can't imagine this old Bird with that kind of power. Seeing the T-bird without the skirts looks odd to me. Looks like a new car going down the road with the temp spare tire. LOL
Amazing
Thank you! Cheers!
Many times classics come in Tri's...the 55-57 T-Bird is a prime example, then you have others like the 55-57 Chevy BelAirs, 67-69 Camaros, 68-70 Chevelles, 68-70 Road Runners, 64-66 T-Birds, 68-70 Chargers, 68-70 SuperBees, 70-72 Monte Carlos....shall I continue???🧐....ok lets add the 64-66 Chrysler Crown Imperial............I can continue further if you like.☝🧐
Work of art.
However I personaly would prefer it with them wires and whitewalls. -> 0:27
It looks great with the wires as well, but they didn't clear the brakes or offer the cornering desired. But a classic wire wheel / white wall combo is sweet!
@@V8TV Ahh, that didn't come to my mind, fair enough. Thank you for the input. Best wishes.
Problem with a coyote swap is the coyote lol!! Rather put 7.3 Godzilla motor in it.. Much simpler engine to maintain and fix when needed.. Basically a LS Ford engine!
That's an interesting thought, but not quite the best fit for this application. The Godzilla is just shy of 300lbs heavier than the Coyote, which would certainly affect the handling of the car, which was a primary requirement for this build. The stock 'zilla is also only 300HP or so. They can certainly be built to crank out FAR more than that, but this car needed to have OE-level drivability and reliability, easily serviced at any Ford dealer or repair shop, under warrantee. A modded Godzilla might not be waranteed the same way. The 'zilla is a bit narrower, so the fit would be a little easier. Maybe it would be a fit for the next customer - we'd love to install one... thinking a Galaxie might be a great platform! What do you think?
10:31
Very few thunderbirds appeal to me , this was one that did . Strangely Ford went another directing with the Thunderbird as compared to the Corvette .
I would be curious as to what the final dollar amount will be for this project .
The Thunderbird was originally launched to beat the Corvette, and with the hugely successful sales numbers, maybe Ford thought they were better going in the direction they did. Interesting thought. We honor the privacy of our customers with regard to the costs on this project, but we're happy to chat about it should you wish. Thanks for the comment!
What would be a ballpark estimate of the cost of a project like this?
What's the cumulative cost?
Each project is different and requires different levels of work, due to the customer's goals and the condition of the car. We honor the privacy of our customers with regard to the costs on this project, but we're happy to chat about it should you wish.
Well the number is a lot of money. This kind of Craftsmanship will not be cheap. Think about how much the labor is when you take your vehicle in for major work. The parts cost on this car is likely well north of $25,000.
@@lancenorton1117 Hmm. I would think this build would take several months and cost well over $100,000. Only because it looks like the interior looks very stock.
What tire size and back spacing of front and rear wheels
Keep in mind these were matched to the suspension used in this custom chassis and might not fit a standard-frame Thunderbird. We used 17x7, 5x114.3 (4.5) 4" BS wheels and 225/55ZR17 tires.
What did you do for gauges?
Those are covered in part 2 - czcams.com/video/yUs8w_hl4Pg/video.html
I don't mean to seem critical here, but I sure hope nobody's chest hits that steering wheel good and hard.
This is / was a concern for all cars of the era... non-collapsing steering columns with pointy bits are not good in crashes. We upgraded the seat belts in this one for that reason, but still a thought.
Everything looks great but the tires the tires look as though they could’ve been put on a Mack truck
czcams.com/video/udE01fKbWCk/video.html
wheres the original motor ? would like to have it
The original engine and chassis went to a restorer, but thanks for asking!
@@V8TV right on
I honestly think that thing would rip your skin off with the coyote if you stuffed a blower a.k.a huffer (supercharger) on to it 🙂😂🤣👍👍..!!
It would be a monster!