Patent data plates are located on the firewall of the engine compartment near the heater duct. There were two basic styles used between 1955 and 1957 models. The large data plates were used on all 1955-56 Thunderbirds and 1957 models until mid-April. The small data plate was phased in during the week of April 15 to April 19, 1957. The smaller data plates were then used on 1957 models until the end of production of the 1957 Thunderbirds Dec. 13, 1957. The small data plates starting in April 1957 did not show the destination code or scheduled Item number. On the smaller data plates the transmission type and rear axle ratio were shown following the date code.

Taking Your Car Out of Winter Storage: A Checklist

by Eric Best

Check the battery charge. Make sure terminal connections are snug and corrosion-free.

Inspect wiring and hoses. Check for rodent damage, cracks or loose connections.

Check the battery charge. Make sure terminal connections are snug and corrosion-free.

Inspect wiring and hoses. Check for loose connections.

Make sure oil/fluid levels are normal. Consider an oil change as soon as possible

Check Engine Oil, Transmission Fluid, Brake Fluid, Coolant/Anti-freeze

Check fan belt for cracks and adjustment

Top off air in the tires and make sure tread is intact (no bulges, cracks or bald spots)

Look under the vehicle for signs of fluid leaks. (excessive or abnormal)

Examine and test brakes.

Examine shocks.

Verify headlights, tail lights, turn signals and horn work.

Check for obstructions in the tail pipe.

Air out the interior.

Confirm fire extinguisher status and location.

Verify gas condition and level. (If stored without fuel stabilizer consider draining the old fuel or using a fuel system additive or high-octane gas on fill-up)

When ready to start the engine for the first time after extended storage, it may be advisable to remove spark plugs and spray a small amount of oil into the cylinders. Allow time (a day or more) for it to lubricate cylinder walls before turning the motor.

Removing the air cleaner and spraying a small amount of starting fluid into the carburetor can help avoid excessive cranking.

Once started, allow the car to warm up. Take the time to replace the air cleaner, check transmission fluid and inspect the engine compartment for leaks and unusual noises. Test windshield wiper operation.

Before leaving the driveway, ensure you have your cell phone and a basic tool kit. (If you don’t already have tools in the trunk, you can purchase an inexpensive multi-purpose kit for under $50 at most auto or hardware stores.)

After a 30-minute drive around the neighborhood, recheck fluid levels and investigate any unusual noises.   

Happy Motoring!

 Data Plate information & tables courtesy of C.T.C.I.

Fire extinguishers by Bill Brown

     The February Tech Tip addressed Thunderbird car fires and how to prevent one of the most common sources for the conflagrations, improper tire maintenance. Part II of this article is what type of fire extinguisher should I carry, in case the unthinkable occurs.

     I want to focus on the extinguishers most suitable for car fires, but first let’s make sure we understand the types of fires you could experience out there on the road. Fire types are usually based on the type of fuel that is feeding the fire. The Type A fire is combustible material such as paper, fabric, wood, carpeting, and rubber.  A Type B fire is fueled by flammable liquids such as gasoline and oil in the case of a Thunderbird. The Type C fire pertains to an electrical fire.

     There are several standards for automobile fire extinguishers from the Department of Transportation DOT, Bureau of Motor Carriers, and USCG. They all recommend as a minimum, a 2.5 lbs. dry chemical type. The dry chemical type will be effective on all Type A, B, & C fires. Make sure when purchasing an extinguisher, it is labeled with the ABC logo. Check your extinguisher frequently to make sure the needle is in the green. I check mine every time I drive the bird.

     As far as where to stow the extinguisher in the bird is a matter choice. I have observed extinguishers on the floorboard, in the seat between the driver and passenger, to locked up in the trunk. I have seen three different pictures of flaming birds and the trunk does not look like a good option, IMHO.*  I put mine behind the driver’s seat because, as with any fire, I’ll be getting out of the car quickly and this seems to be the best spot for rapid access.  The author of the Early Bird article about his misfortune with his 57-bird stated, “My one extinguisher could not put out the fire, so I recommend two extinguishers”.  This is something to think about. I will, from now on, be carrying two extinguishers, one behind each seat.

    In summary: know your fire ABC’s, check the gage frequently, and stow where you know it will be when needed, which I hope is never.

                                                                                                                                                                               *(in my humble opinion)

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Tbird Tire Safety by Bill Brown

 

     There has been a lot of tire safety Tech-Tips in the “The Early Bird” over the years; but I continue to read articles and see images of Classic Tbirds sitting along a highway engulfed in flames due to tire related issues. I thought I might do a little research on the topic for the benefit of our club members who do not receive the CTCI publication and share it with you. What follows is information that I have gleaned from a multitude of sources, too many to list here.

     I would like to start with tire maintenance. This topic is pretty straight forward and includes tire inspections, rotations, pressure, and age of the tires. Tire Inspection includes visual checks of the side walls, valve stems and tread condition. With the advent of new tire dressings, the inspection of sidewalls now days may not tell the true story of your tire condition and safety. Considering tire Rotation, tire manufacturers tell us that tires need to be rotated between 5000 and 7000 miles. Let’s face it for most of us classic bird owners this would be on average about once every 3-4 years.

     The remaining two topics require a little more attention. Tire Pressure varies based on the tire type and load ratings. I have narrowed this information down to the two most popular tire types found on most classic birds, the bias ply and the radial with the 2 3/8-inch-wide white walls with a 1400 lbs. rating. The two top manufacturers of these tires are Coker and Diamondback and they both recommend 32 psi for the bias tires and a minimum of 35 psi for the radials. If these pressures are not maintained, sidewall separation or tire failure could occur.

     Tire manufactures claim that tires, like most anything else made of rubber, starts to slowly deteriorate shortly after manufacturing. They all recommend that you replace your tires after 7 years regardless of miles driven or tire condition. This is why the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that all tires manufactured and sold in the USA must have a serial number and Date Code. The date codes format has changed over the years; however, they are basically the same. The date codes are the last 3 or 4 digits of the serial number that is stamped into the sidewall of the tire that faces the underside of the bird. Of course, nothing is ever easy. Up to 1999 this was a three-digit code and since 2000 is a four-digit code. In this format, the first two numbers are the week a tire was manufactured, and the last digit(s) are the last number(s) of the year manufactured. For an example a pre-2000 tire could have XXXXXX 205 which would mean the 20th week of 1995 (this tire should not be on your car). A tire newer than 1999 might, for example, have a XXXXXX4505 date which tells us this tire was manufacture the 45th week of 2005.

     I believe that most of this is just good practice for maintaining any vehicle tires. The date code and tire pressure are the two most important items that must not be overlooked. So, as we make preparations for driving this summer let’s take a little extra time, validate your date codes, and pump up the tire to a safe pressure. A double check of your fire extinguisher is also in order here. More on fire extinguishers (one might not be enough) next month. Remember it is all about Fun, Fun, Fun.