Terrific cylinder heads aren't worth a flip without an adequate induction system. On top is a polished Edelbrock Performer dual-plane high-rise fitted with "old reliable"-a time-proven 650-cfm Holley four-throat atomizer. We like the stamped-steel custom air cleaner. MSD fires the mixture, and Joseph had the exhaust manifolds ceramic coated for improved heat control and good looks.
Johnny's Transmission in Fort Smith, Arkansas, built a custom C6 transmission that delivers a firm upshift without being too harsh. In back is a Ford 9-inch rearend with 3.70 Strange gears fitted to 31-spline axles. ABS disc brakes provide incredible stopping power in all four corners.
You've got to hand it to Joseph for raw, creative imagination inside, especially when the top comes down. That's custom taupe-leather upholstery over James Carter seating. Down under is Rolls Royce carpeting. A Kenwood sound system rattles the senses. We like those billet street-rod-style door handles. Past meets present with the T-bird tri-pod gauge package and factory steering wheel. Do you remember when Ford put the ignition switch to the left of the driver? Check out those late-model toggle switches for power windows and door locks.
Joseph leaves a lasting impression via the many personal nuances he has cranked into an extraordinary Thunderbird restomod-flying at low altitude yet high on the experience. And that's only part of the lowdown.
The Details
'58 Ford Thunderbird Convertible
Owner: Joseph Hooper, Bowling Green, KY
Engine
428ci Cobra Jet V-84.160-inch bore, 3.980-inch strokeNodular-iron "1U" CrankshaftForged I-beam C6AE 6.488-inch connecting rods with ARP boltsSpeed-Pro 0.030-inch forged pistonsCNC-ported Edelbrock Performer heads, 2.09/1.66-inch valvesEdelbrock Performer intake manifold650-cfm Holley four-barrel9.8:1 compression for use with 91-octane unleaded fuelRoller, hydraulic camshaft, 0.510/0.536-inch lift, 292/302-degree advertised durationTransmission
Custom-built C6 three-speed automaticRearEnd
9-inch3.70 gears31-spline axlesExhaust
D&D Specialty Cars custom stainless2 1/2-inch exhaustStainless Specialties mufflersCeramic-coated factory manifoldsSuspensionFront: Air Ride Technologies custom built by D&D Specialty Cars
Rear: Air Ride Technologies custom built by D&D Specialty Cars
Brakes
Front: ABS Power Brake 11-inch disc, single-piston caliper
Rear: ABS Power Brake 10 1/2-inch disc, single-piston caliper
Dual-reservoir power-brake master cylinder/booster arrangementWheels
Front: Boyd Coddington Shadow, 18x7-inch, 4-inch offset
Rear: Boyd Coddington Shadow, 20x8 1/2-inch, 4-inch offset
Tires
Front: Dunlop SP Sport 9000, P235/40ZR18
Rear: Dunlop SP Sport 9000, P285/30ZR20
Interior
Taupe leather throughout, upholstered by D&D Specialty Cars in Van Buren, Arkansas; Rolls Royce carpeting; James Carter bucket seats; Kenwood sound system with subwoofer and tweeters; billet door handles; custom console; door panels; and interior trim panels; Vintage Air climate control
Exterior
PPG/Ditzler basecoat/clearcoat in Arizona Beige
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Joseph Hooper has enjoyed a long-term relationship with his classic 'Bird for 23 years. In 1984, building a restomod was unheard of. Today, it adds value and pleasure to the ride. |  |