I can also relate to the Concurs judging issues. When practical I usually try to make my cars as close to factory appearance as possible. My exception is period performance parts and occasionally modern performance parts. I have been running '50's Headman headers since 1967 and just restored them again this go around. will probably go with a new set of modern set of headers for better performance. Had a set of home made Traction Masters back in the late '60s. Will be installing a set of factory Traction Masters that I found at a swap meet last year this time. Sun tach and Stewart Warner gauges under the dash are a couple of other concessions. Radial wide white's will be another one. I understand the guys who want 100% originality but not my thing. Another problem with that is that cars were built by people and God only knows what "incorrect" things came off the assembly lines back in the day. I know for a fact that Ford built one Galaxie Station wagon with a 427, 4 speed that was not an available option. Friend of mine worked on the Ford line and saw it come through. Build it the way you want it and drive it like you stole it.

I went ahead and checked the paint, it did not say if the Ford Red was gloss or not, but the black I used which was the same brand as the red it did say gloss black.  I could have sworn it was a semi gloss due to how the black came out even with using a primer sealer.  I don't have the whole engine painted, I have only painted what I replaced or removed.  I planned on degreasing the engine once the body is removed and stripping any old paint off the engine and repainting.  I how ever do not plan on disassembling the engine as it runs just fine even though its pushing 60 years old.

1956 Ford Fairlane Town Sedan - 292 Y8 - Ford-O-Matic - 155,000 mi

Oh I understand that fully.  I honestly don't believe a restored car has a chance at taking a trophy home at a regular carshow.  Especially if it is a fordor Fairlane.  That's why I was thinking concourse would be my best bet.  Bet even then I am putting things back as they were.  The car is a one owner car and has never been painted nor taken apart so what ever I find paint wise is how it left the factory.  That's why I am leaning towards painting the frame body color cause there are numerous nooks in the frame that has thick blue paint which tells me the Dallas plant must have been painting frames body color vs black like everyone else says they were.


1956 Ford Fairlane Town Sedan - 292 Y8 - Ford-O-Matic - 155,000 mi

I hope you find what is correct but just reading this makes remember why I don't concours show any more. I was judged a 98.75 for my restored 1939 Indian Sport Scout at a large western AMCA show. I took the M/C to Iowa to the largest AMCA show and didn't even make 80 points and I took the bike apart from original since my dad had bought it in 1943. That was it for me. I never showed it again a have enjoyed riding it for 14 years.
Some who "think" they know don't know jack....gook luck

Some who " think" they

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

The CTCI Thunderbird Restoration Manual suggests Seymour EN44 as the closest match to original engine color.

Jim
Norfolk, VA

"MABLE"
1956 Thunderbird Green / Brown Interior (ZE-XG)

"MEAN GREEN"
1956 Mainline (FG-BE)

I am going by the T-Bird Club's judging rules and my past experience. They call for gloss black on the valve covers and the '58 Ford 292 I had back in '63 had gloss black valve covers with the Thunderbird decals. The engine paint is also gloss red. Don't feel bad. Been messing with my T-Bird since 1965 and still have to do a lot of research to get the nut and bolt details right. Many of the details on the T-Birds are the same as the passenger cars but not necessarily all.

So the valve covers are supposed to be gloss back and not semi gloss black?

If so then I just made a major mistake on my end as I used semi gloss on the engine red and semi gloss on the black for the valve covers.  I just felt gloss black wouldn't have been historically correct from the factory.

1956 Ford Fairlane Town Sedan - 292 Y8 - Ford-O-Matic - 155,000 mi

The engine paint I use from Hirsch is gloss. The black is also gloss per the T-Bird Club authenticity  rules. I use the Argent from Larry's.

Larry's Tbirds?  I been meaning to buy some stuff from them that no one else had I never thought to check with him on the Argent paint.

1956 Ford Fairlane Town Sedan - 292 Y8 - Ford-O-Matic - 155,000 mi

The TBird suppliers have the correct argent paint.  Try CASCO, Larry's or Hill's.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ