1957 Ford Thunderbird
Owner: Bill Kendall, Buford Georgia
312 v-8
Auto Trans
Electric seats and windows factory
Power steering and brakes factory
Car was purchased at Moultrie Georgia in November 2004
Car restoration was completed in July 2010
(Not a body off, car has original factory undercoating)
Original Georgia Car
Paint and Body: Southeastern Auto Works, Inc.
Interior: Tom Beede
Engine: Bill Kendall &Tom Beede
Powder Coating for Engine: Miller Custom Powder Coating
Chrome Work: Pro Plating & Polishing
Owner is an Active Member of: Thunderbird Club of America & Georgia Street Rod Association
This vehicle has won the following awards since July 2010:
Dacula High School 8/28/2010 - Top 100 Rain out all got awards
Twisted Tavern 11/13/2010 - Toys for Tots Top 15
GTA Show 9/4/2010 - Best Ford
Lanier Church of God 10/10/2010 - Top 10
In 2004 my wife and I decided we wanted a 1957 Thunderbird. I looked at the Charlotte show as I have spaces there and have gone for the past 20 years. After looking there we decided we really could not afford to buy one that had been completed. Finding one in good shape that needed restored was still high priced and we knew this would be a search.
I have always found cars at Moultrie to be priced to sell. So, in 2004 we went to the Moultrie show prepared to find and buy a 1957 Thunderbird. We got there early as usual and looked the cars over in the for sale area. After looking through many cars I, still thought we were not ready because of price. The next day, while still at Moultrie, my best friend Tom and I were walking around and as the rain started to fall I got a phone call. It was my wife and she said, "Well, did you find a 57 Bird yet?" I said, "no, the prices are high and I am really nervous about handing over $35.000-$40.000." About that time while talking as the rain got heavier I noticed a bronzed T-Bird up the hill. I said, "Let me go check this out before dark and will call you back."
Tom and I went over to this bronze T-Bird and there was no price or number on it, the paint was faded on one side the glass was cracked, etc. As most of you know the feeling, I was excited! I asked the guy in the spot next door if he knew who owned it. He had no idea. As we were talking, the guy in the other spot next door came out. I knew him from past car shows. He said, "Bill they brought that car in late last night. It was smoking and knocking. They could not keep it running to get it off the trailer." He then said, "Man there has been a hundred people stop and look and ask about it today. I could have sold it already." I said, "Man this is the one. I can probably afford this!" We crawled around in the mud and checked it out. But still had no contact. Well there was a truck in the spot as well for sale. Been doing this a long time, so I called about the truck for sale with the phone number on it and asked about the Thunderbird. I was told it was his buddy’s car and he was working and would be there after lunch Saturday. I asked him to call me. He did and I asked his price after he told me about the car. He told me his Grandfather had willed him the car. He wanted to build an extreme motorcycle and that is why he was selling. It had been restored ground up and used in parades and then put in the barn for the last 15 years. I asked him the firm price and then asked him to allow me to view the car first as I had contacted him. The next day after lunch I was there waiting for him. As he came up others started to gather and ask questions. I walked up and introduced myself. He was a gentleman about it and we went into my friends enclosed trailer next at the next lot over and closed the deal.
After that Tom and I drove back to Atlanta in the rain and got the car trailer as the car had to be out before 9:00 am the next morning. We got her home after a flat on the car trailer. The next weekend we tried to start her. We found a bad battery and replaced that. Then the wires were crossed and we fixed that as well. We found two bent push rods probably from the cross wires and old gas. We put them in a vise and drained the gas and we were driving.
I drove the car while saving money for the restoration until 2010 and decided it was time to restore her. Tom, my best friend, is retired and one of the best car guys I know. He has restored many cars. So, he and I methodically laid out a plan. I am not sure of the hours Tom put in my car as he would work on it from sun up to sun down. I would run over late nights when I was in town to do whatever I was asked. While the car was at Southeastern Auto Works we were busy with the engine and chasing other parts.
As for painting the car, I chose Southeastern Auto Works as they had painted my 1970 Mach1 as well as Tom’s 46 Ford. We knew exactly who we were working with and knew what to expect for quality, service and honesty. Over the past few years, Tom and I had become friends with the whole team. Brandon and Amanda came to my house in Buford to look the car over. Brandon knew my expectations both as a friend and customer. We arrived at our agreement and it was more than met. So, at that point Brandon and Amanda got with their team had a plan laid out for the exterior restoration while Tom and I finished up our end with additional parts and completing the interior.
The whole team at Southeastern Auto Works put a lot of hours into my car as well. I would stop over when passing through to go to Knoxville. Amanda and Brandon kept me posted all the time by phone, email and pictures. If you have a chance to see the car you can see all the work everyone has put into it.
I am pretty thankful to have the opportunity to not only own a piece of history like this 1957 Thunderbird, but to also acquire friendships with people that have helped me build this car.
Bill Kendall
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