Brakes are 1950s original style and they are good, but not as responsive as modern brakes.
Use caution until you become familiar with their stopping power.
Radial tire pressure must be maintained at 35 PSI.
Starting the engine cold requires the accelerator pedal to be pumped while the engine starter
is engaged.
After the engine is started cold it will have a fast idle until it warms up.
If equipped with an automatic transmission, the engine starts in neutral only.
When the engine is started and before a gear is selected, you should always place your foot
on the brake.
If you must drive in the rain, you should know that one of the characteristics of the early
Thunderbirds, in spite of all new seals, is; they will leak.
In 1956 models, try not to use the spare tire in the continental kit, it is difficult to
remove and the paint will more than likely be damaged. Carry a spare wheel/tire (Mini) and
jack in the trunk. Carry a mini-spare in a 1955 also, as it requires much less trunk space.
It is recommended that the battery have a quick disconnect. It should be used when the
vehicle is not in use or for emergency disconnect.
Engines run ok on regular gasoline, but run better on higher octane.
It is recommended that a fire extinguisher be carried in all older vehicles.
Tops, both hard and convertible are not user friendly. They are difficult to remove and more
difficult to properly latch when reinstalling. If the hard top is removed for extended
periods, it has a tendency to widen between the rear side latches making it very difficult to
engage the side alignment pins in the receptacles at the end of the rear garnish. When
folding the convertible top especially the first time get help from someone familiar with the
procedure. It is easy to damage the convertible top especially if the
material is not pushed away from the side scissors and latch arms. Always use two people when
folding the convertible top.
Expect some small oil leaks, it is next to impossible to prevent some seepage from the
engine, transmission and power steering components. Rear main seal leaks can be expected
especially on the 312 engine. Automatic transmission leaks can be expected if the vehicle is
not frequently used.
It is recommended that a drip pan be placed under the engine and transmission when the T’Bird
is parked in the garage.
The more the vehicle is used the better it performs.
The automatic transmission normally shifts one time, under normal driving conditions the
transmission starts off in second and shifts into third gear. It can be manually down shifted
into first when necessary to accelerate from a low speed. It can automatically be shifted
into first at low speeds by flooring the accelerator pedal. This procedure is
not recommended because it places undue stress on the drive train.
After a rebuild, check the level of the brake fluid weekly at least for the first month of
use and monthly thereafter.
These cars were not originally equipped with air conditioning if the air-conditioning is used
in slow traffic install an electric fan to augment the mechanical fan.
The original temperature and Fuel gauges are not always accurate. Installation of aftermarket
gauges is recommended if you desire more accurate readings.
Review www.ctci.org and click on Gil’s
Garage for more current information.
