Open to suggestions.  I am finally getting the Tbird back together and making some modifications to make more drivable for my daughter.  I have went with disk brakes, modern power steering set up and will relocate the battery to the trunk to put in a more modern master cylinder.  Now regarding wiring.  I want to convert to 12 v and since the car was stripped to nothing rather than put back in the 55 wiring and convert where necessary should I just go ahead and put in a 56 wiring harness.  I was going to use the Regal Roadsters new white gauge package for looks and to get away from the old 6volt gauges. 

I am using the yblock and will switch to an FMX tranny so keeping the heart (engine) original.

Thoughts

Since your goal is not a factory restoration, why not simply go with one of the universal aftermarket harnesses, where all circuits have fuses and things are placed conveniently, individual wires are labeled and colored, you get the benefit of 50-60 years of wiring improvements and knowhow, etc?  Centech, Ron Francis, Painless, American Autowire, and many others.



Lawrenceville, GA

Sounds like you're doing many of the same things to your 'Bird I did with mine.  I went with a Painless harness as they were a big name and there was a $100 rebate.  Doing it over, I might have done more research and come up with as good of harness for less by shopping around.  The aftermarket harnesses are easy, cheaper than the original style replacements, and you get a centrally located fusebox. I did end up using my original power seat wiring.

If you're using the master cylinder from Thunderbird Brake Parts, let me know if you come up with a good way to seal the hole in the firewall.

Don

I'm also re wiring my 55 and upgrading to power brakes.
Originally I was going to leave the battery in place and therefore I placed the booster and master remotely as you can see in photos.
However the battery is now in the boot with a fuse box and starter solenoid, presently wiring.

I used a Centech kit on my 55 'bird, some years ago. It was pretty complete. At that time, they were big on fusible links for the main feeds. I think there was a discussion on that a month or so ago here. Maxi fuses have come a long ways since then.

I did an OT car with an American Autowire kit, and that one really impressed me. It had more terminals, wires, etc. than I needed. Great instructions for a variety on ignition set ups (HEI, MSD, etc,).

If you go aftermarket, don't forget the jumper from the solenoid to the coil. The OEM ignition switch has no power to the run postion when in the cranking position. I also used new factory harnesses for the power seat and windows. And kept the c/b in the original postion.


miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

Thanks for the great advice using an aftermarket wiring harness makes a lot of sense.  The car is going to be a gift for my daughter and while I love the look of the car I don't want it to feel like she is driving a 60 year old car.  I am also going to go with some straight bumpers and different wheels.  I don't like the look of the bumperettes so am not going to use them.  My original bumpers are a mess so no point if trying to use them.

Wow, now that's an innovative way of relocating the power brake booster!  Thanks for the pics.

Thanks.
However it was dads idea.

Just wait until you see how we placed the battery.