My 56 T-Bird is coming along nicely
 

As I have said this 56 T-Bird had been sitting in a garage covered uo for 27 years. That not good as I have found out. New brakes, Wheel cylinders, Master Cylinder, U-Joints, Power Steering Control Valve, Battery, Oil and Filter, Valve cover Gaskets, Pinion Bearing, Wheeling Bearings and 5 new Tires and tubes. The T-Bird starting to shape up and drive as it should. This winter I want to put Air Condition in. I have not check the Radiator to see if it has 3 tubes or 4 tubes. It has not heated up yet when I drive it.I forget I change the heater motor and all the dash lights bulbs, fuzes also. Installed correct radio Town and Country.I love the way the T-Bird steers now. Brakes are nice also. The carb does stumble a bit when you first take of. I don't know what to do about that as yet. You fellows have been a great help and I am thankful very much. Ken Stewart

Re: My 56 T-Bird is coming along nicely
 

Did you find out why your steering was so sloppy?

Re: My 56 T-Bird is coming along nicely
 

Yes I got a another Control Valve from Hills. Works great no leaks either.I did change all the hoses also.

Re: My 56 T-Bird is coming along nicely
 

Cool beans!

Re: My 56 T-Bird is coming along nicely
 

Ken - Glad to hear the 'Bird is getting closer to your demands! You might check out Vintage Air for an AC unit. I've had great luck with their dash hugger unit in several Mustangs; buddy just finished one in his '69 Roadrunner, and they all are unobtrusive but highly functional, and certainly not those huge ugly square boxes that were factory units for the Mustangs.
Hope you and Barb are staying safe, avoiding this Covid thing!!

Re: My 56 T-Bird is coming along nicely
 

I had a Vintage Air in-dash unit in my '40. I ran it over 20 years and never even had to recharge it. R134A and put out 40 degree air at the vent. I Think the reason for the good performance is the manifold type condenser that replaced the old tube and fin variety.

Re: My 56 T-Bird is coming along nicely
 

Ah Ha! I am suspecting that the first control valve you had, the rebuilder left out the spring in the drag-link that keeps pressure on the ball stud.

Re: My 56 T-Bird is coming along nicely
 

On your carburator (if you have 4-bbl teapot), the problem may be your accelerator pump piston cup. You may be able to keep your stem and just buy the rubber cup that stretches on around the bottom. I have seen some places sell the piston cup by themselves and probably a better idea, because there were several lengths of stems back in those days.

Re: My 56 T-Bird is coming along nicely
 

Today my wife and I went out for breakfast a 15 mile drive and in the T-Bird. It was a nice drive and the steering was very nice. I believe this T Bird going to make a nice driver. Now there some things I need to do before I try to put Air Conditioning in the car. Talks to Hills what I should do to get ready so the car don't heat up or run hot. I got to repaint the deck lid and repair the edge because of rust. The gas tank needs to be replace has rust inside. Then a electric fuel pump for vapor lock when on tour. Need to change the door locks to match the ignition switch. Glove door lock and deck lid ok. Just a few little things to do. Like to have a power seat with bucket seats because my wife wants the seat up very close. That way my knees are behind my head. Not nice to ride that way. You fellows have been a great help telling me how to correct what was wrong with the car Thanks again. Ken Stewart

Re: My 56 T-Bird is coming along nicely
 

You might consider replacing Holley 4000 Teapot carburetor with a newer carburetor and swap the 1956 dual-diaphragm vacuum canister distributor for 1957-up distributor. At the very least, make sure your carburetor and distributor are compatible. The Teapot carburetor is not compatible with 57-up distributors.

I inherited my dad's 1955 Tbird and discovered, when replacing the distributor cap, I had a 57 distributor. The 57-up distributors have both vacuum and centrifugal advance. An expert recommended that I keep the 57 distributor but replace the Teapot with a modern carburetor. The small-base 55-56 intake manifolds will require a large-base carburetor adapter, or you can look for a large-base "B" manifold. I bought mine on ebay. If you want to keep the Teapot, go to Ted Eaton's website (Eaton Balancing). you'll find an article on modifying the Teapot to use with 57-up distributors.