The Ford Barn

richard crow · 01-31-2017, 11:41 AM

i am working on a 56 tbird in our shop.on the lift i noticed these plates running the lenth of the chassis. the reason it caught my eye they were of such a poor fit & welding. something the factory would not do. i have spoke to some one & was told it was done at the factory because of the rear tire mount to reduce flexing i have a 56 tbird & it does not have these plates . was this done mid year or was my car missed.

scicala · 01-31-2017, 11:45 AM

If you post this in the "Late V8" section (1954 and later) you will probably get some good responses to help you out.

Sal

19Fordy · 01-31-2017, 01:16 PM

Richard, If your car is a convertible, the plates were probably welded on at the factory to add weight (since there was no metal top) and strengthen and stiffen the frame. It probably also lowered the center of gravity to prevent roll over. This 51 Merc convertible has OEM plates welded to the top and bottom of the"X" member. Made the frame weigh in at 332 pounds - almost 100 pounds heavier.
Hope your Lincoln brake/drum/backing plate install is working fine.

okiedokie · 01-31-2017, 01:25 PM

My 55 Sunliner is the same.

Barry-ct · 01-31-2017, 01:27 PM

They were all considered convertibles, as the top was removable by hand from 55-57. I can't shed any light as to why the plates are there.

Mart · 01-31-2017, 02:04 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Quote:

Originally Posted by richard crow

i am working on a 56 tbird in our shop.on the lift i noticed these plates running the lenth of the chassis. the reason it caught my eye they were of such a poor fit & welding. something the factory would not do. i have spoke to some one & was told it was done at the factory because of the rear tire mount to reduce flexing i have a 56 tbird & it does not have these plates . was this done mid year or was my car missed.

Without showing what you are referring to, it is hard to say whether they are factory or not. I have a 57 and the x-member is quite crudely welded. There are no "plates" as such on the chassis, though.

Mart.

scicala · 01-31-2017, 05:57 PM

The question has been answered in the "Late V8" section.

Sal

paul2748 · 01-31-2017, 08:02 PM

56 TBirds did have the plates as "factory". I have them on mine.

01-31-2017, 11:41 AM	#1
richard crow Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,770	56 tbird i am working on a 56 tbird in our shop.on the lift i noticed these plates running the lenth of the chassis. the reason it caught my eye they were of such a poor fit & welding. something the factory would not do. i have spoke to some one & was told it was done at the factory because of the rear tire mount to reduce flexing i have a 56 tbird & it does not have these plates . was this done mid year or was my car missed.

01-31-2017, 11:45 AM	#2
scicala Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Detroit suburb, MI Posts: 3,706	Re: 56 tbird If you post this in the "Late V8" section (1954 and later) you will probably get some good responses to help you out. Sal

01-31-2017, 01:25 PM	#4
okiedokie Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Tulsa Ok Posts: 519	Re: 56 tbird My 55 Sunliner is the same.

01-31-2017, 01:27 PM	#5
Barry-ct Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Newington, Connecticut Posts: 1,374	Re: 56 tbird They were all considered convertibles, as the top was removable by hand from 55-57. I can't shed any light as to why the plates are there. __________________ Barry 50 F-1

01-31-2017, 05:57 PM	#7
scicala Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Detroit suburb, MI Posts: 3,706	Re: 56 tbird The question has been answered in the "Late V8" section. Sal

01-31-2017, 08:02 PM	#8
paul2748 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Midland Park, NJ Posts: 3,982	Re: 56 tbird 56 TBirds did have the plates as "factory". I have them on mine. __________________ 48 Ford Conv 56 Tbird 54 Ford Victoria