Removing the Power Steering Pump
A few simple steps will allow the power steering pump to be removed fairly easily. The first step is to remove the fluid without major spillage. Pictures shown in this article are of a 1957 model. The 1955/56 models are slightly different, but the removal procedures...
Ornaments- Front Fender
The reason this article is being written is because of the ease of installing these ornaments upside down as observed in various pictures that appear in the Early bird as well as other places.FoMoCo referred to these parts as ornaments part number 16228-A right side...
1955 Thunderbird Continental Kit
Most American cars built in the nineteen-thirties had an external spare tire which was usually mounted on the rear between the body and the bumper. In the nineteen-forties, the spare tire was moved and secured inside the trunk of most American cars. One exception in...
CTCI Election Results
First off we would like to thank all of the members for voting in the election. We would also like to thank the individual candidates for willingness to serve CTCI. The CTCI election has concluded, ballots counted, and the results have been tabulated. The motion to...
CTCI International Convention Canceled
CTCI International Convention - Canceled The following message is from the Trail Birds of Southwest Florida: “It is with sincere regret that the Trail Birds of Southwest Florida, LLC (Trail Birds) must give notice to you and the CTCI Board of Directors that...
Election Update
Notice to all members: On 9/22/20, Fred Artus officially sent in notice to withdraw his candidacy for the Board Position, Director At Large. We recognize that this notice has occurred during the election period, and a significant amount of members have already...
Candidates for CTCI Board of Directors
Region 2 Director: Kerry M. Kravik Unopposed-Elected by Acclamation I would like to announce my candidacy as Director for Region 2 of the Classic Thunderbird Club International. Taking after my Dad, I developed a love affair with Fords and two-seat Thunderbirds at an...
Member Survey Completed
Great news, we have completed the first ever online member survey. We were lucky to have over 44% of all members with email addresses responding, and we have received a lot of good information. It is clear from the survey that our members really like our club and...
Announcement of New Directors
We want all of the members to know that we have filled all of the vacancies on the CTCI Board. We now have two new Directors serving. Darcy Knapp is representing Region 1, and Ed Benson is our new Director at Large. I join all of our members and welcome Darcy and...
Replacing The Ignition Switch Key Cylinder
In order to replace the ignition key cylinder you must remove the housing assembly from the dash by using a dash bezel tool available from Thunderbird parts dealers. Disconnect the battery before removing the cylinder housing. Once the housing is released it can be...
Birds on the Bay – 2021 International Convention
We are delighted to announce the 2020 CTCI International Convention 'Birds on the Bay' has been rescheduled and will be held April 20-24, 2021. Headquarters Hotel: Hyatt Regency Sarasota The new registration form is expected to be available by early November. Watch...
Important Announcement: 2020 International Convention
Dear CTCI Members, During this time of nationwide concern and uncertainty over the coronavirus known as COVID-19, we want to assure you that the health, safety, and wellness of the Thunderbird community is of the utmost priority of the CTCI Board of Directors and the...
1955/56/57 Thunderbird Overheating
When it comes to the 1955/56/57 Thunderbirds more than likely this subject has been discussed and written about more than any other. Even when new, during certain driving conditions (parades & city driving) coupled with excessive ambient temperature the...
Cruise Control and Brake Lamp Switch
Many Thunderbird owners that are driving and enjoying their 1955/56/57 models on cross country trips are installing one of the modern electronic cruise control units now available for classic cars. These units work very well when properly installed. One unit made by...
Installing the carpet in 1955/56/57 Thunderbirds
The carpet was not installed in the 1955/56/57 Thunderbirds at the factory. They were rolled up and placed in the luggage compartment and installed at the dealerships where the car was sold new. I have attached service produce information letter number 1115 that was...
Drive Assembly Power Windows
The 1955/56/57 gear mechanisms of the power window drive assemblies basic part numbers 23394 left side and 23395 right side are more than likely the most neglected mechanical gear driven parts when it comes to lubrication. There is a very good reason they are...
CTCI Election Results
Congratulations to the newly elected CTCI Directors and thanks to all the candidates for volunteering to serve the CTCI membership! Complete Election Results: Region 1 Patrick LeStrange 165 Al Robinson 132 Region 3 Cathy Stubbs 191 Mike McLucas 147...
Welcome to our new site
Welcome to CTCI's new web site! Please browse around and explore. If you don't find what you are looking for, contact our staff at ctcioffice@ctci.org. Thanks for visiting!
CTCI International Convention “Birds on the Bay”, Sarasota, Florida
May 4-9, 2020 : CTCI International Convention "Birds on the Bay", Sarasota, Florida Due to restrictions put in place to control the spread of COVID-19, the May 4-9 dates have been cancelled. The host club is exploring options to hold the event at a later date. An...
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Harmonic Balancer Rebuilding
Harmonic balancer rebuilding, silicone rubber injection. New pulley straightening, 3 year warranty. Toll free (888) 834-2137, Mon-Fri. 8:30-3:30 WCT. Damper Doctor, 1055 Parkview Ave., Redding, CA 96001. Email sales@damperdoctor.com
Removing the windshield Wiper Motor
The windshield vacuum wiper motor is mounted to a bracket P/N 17496, near the center of the upper portion of the firewall under the dash. The wiper motor can be removed and replaced from under the dash.If the car is equipped with an under-dash air conditioner the...
Bench Checking an Overdrive Solenoid
Gil's Garage Gil BaumgartnerCTCI Authenticity Chairman The overdrive solenoid can be bench checked before installing it in the transmission overdrive assembly. If it must be removed from the transmission, first remove the two mount flange bolts, turn it 90 degrees...
Distributor Installation
Gil's Garage Gil BaumgartnerCTCI Authenticity Chairman Over the last few months I observed several Thunderbird distributors installed with a gasket or "O" ring between the base and the engine block. All "Y" block distributors are designed to be installed without a...