1958 Ford Thunderbird Custom Project

Looking for a fun and interesting car project?

Check out this 1958 Ford Thunderbird 2-door Coupe.

I drove this car home to Los Angeles from Costa Mesa about 3 years ago. The car was ultra low (2” ground clearance) but traveled down the road like a champ. It sounded strong and drove nice and straight down the highway.

I had planned on making a mild Larry Watson style custom out of it. But… as time went on my plans started to get a little more crazy.

I started shaving the handles, shaved the deck lid, and started a front fender repair. I also mocked up a rolled edge to the hood scoop.

I got busy with my business and my plans went on hold so the car sat and sat.

I worked on drawing up plans for an even wilder custom - like the show cars of the late-’50s/early ‘60s. I picked up some early Studebaker fins and Studebaker coupe pans and mocked up the parts. I was getting excited to work on the car again...

So in the summer of 2015, with the help of a friend, we took 2” out of the roof. We tacked the front pillars and wow did it look tough. But … Then I started getting busy again with my business … and the car sat and sat.

I’ve realized it’s not in the cards for me to finish this car … so now it’s time for you to take the reins and make it into whatever cool vision you have for it.

As far as I can tell, the car has always been in California. I have some of the original paperwork from the first owner in 1958 as well as a pile of receipts from some of the previous owners for work they did and had done.

Body-wise the car is pretty honest. There are a few spots of filler here and there but no major surprises await. There is some surface rust from the car sitting.

The engine is a 352 with 3-speed automatic. I have a receipt showing the motor was a rebuilt swap. It ran strong before it was parked.

The car is basically complete - but as I’m sure you can tell from the pics, it’s a total project. Do not expect to jump in and go… she needs some attention first.

• Pair of late-’50s Stude fins

• (3) Stude coupe front splash pans (air deflectors)

• Electric door kit

• Shop Manual

• Car cover

It’s not running. After first parking the car, I drained the oil from the motor and trans with the thinking that I’d pull it, paint the front frame & motor, then reinstall. I also dropped the exhaust because it wasn’t looking that great. As I mentioned above, the last I drove it it ran strong. That’s all I know about it.

The rear frame needs some attention to correct the notching above the axle. The car spent some time in East LA and had been dropped down super low. I put spring lifters in the back so it will load on and off a trailer easily.

All sales are final. This car is being sold “as is” with no warranties implied. Sale includes bill of sale and I will sign over the title to you.

$500 non-refundable deposit due within 24 hours of end of auction.

Serious Buyers Only. Ask any and all questions before the close of the auction.

DO NOT BID IF YOU ARE NOT INTENDING TO PURCHASE THE CAR.

Transportation arrangement is up to you but I will make myself available to assist with loading onto a trailer.

Good luck and happy bidding!