Ford Thunderbird 1961 - 1963 custom & mild custom
3 participants
Traditional Kustom Hot Rod and Vintage Culture and design :: Kustom, Leadsled, traditional custom cars
Page 1 sur 4
Page 1 sur 4 • 1, 2, 3, 4
Ford Thunderbird 1961 - 1963 custom & mild custom
John D’Agostino, who is very well known customizer, used his extraordinary imagination and skills to customize this custom ’61 Thunderbird Coupe “Firestar”. The car was built in 1997 and it beautifully renders D’Agostino’s customizing style and traditions.
Even though Firestar looks very smooth and “light” it actually hides much of custom work: the roof was chopped, taillights were nicely modified, rear fender peaks were redesigned to echo high-canted fenders from 1857 Thunderbird. Headlamps got European style and were housed in mesh, the custom grille features bullet-shaped mesh. It runs on a set of chrome plated wire wheels with wide whitewall tires – one more trademark of Mr D’Agostino.
Interior was also tastefully modified: dashboard features aircraft instrument panel, “waterfall” console and nice white vinyl upholstery. Custom hood hides 390 cubic V8 [6.3 liter, 300 HP] that is mated to a single 4-barrel carb and 3-speed automatic transmission. Candy Red paint with golden scallops finishes the car perfectly.
Even though Firestar looks very smooth and “light” it actually hides much of custom work: the roof was chopped, taillights were nicely modified, rear fender peaks were redesigned to echo high-canted fenders from 1857 Thunderbird. Headlamps got European style and were housed in mesh, the custom grille features bullet-shaped mesh. It runs on a set of chrome plated wire wheels with wide whitewall tires – one more trademark of Mr D’Agostino.
Interior was also tastefully modified: dashboard features aircraft instrument panel, “waterfall” console and nice white vinyl upholstery. Custom hood hides 390 cubic V8 [6.3 liter, 300 HP] that is mated to a single 4-barrel carb and 3-speed automatic transmission. Candy Red paint with golden scallops finishes the car perfectly.
_________________
We don't care the People Says , Rock 'n' roll is here to stay - Danny & the Juniors - 1958
Firestar - 1961 ford thunderbird kustom - John d'Agostino
300 bhp, 390 cu. in V8 engine, single four-barrel carburetor, three-speed Ford-O-Matic automatic transmission, independent front suspension and live rear axle with Air Ride front and rear, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 113"
As customs go, it is hard to improve on a sleek 1961 Ford Thunderbird coupe with its build orchestrated by John D’Agostino, who has been instrumental in reviving the art of customizing since he rose to prominence in the 1970s. Over the intervening years, his very fertile imagination and true reverence for the legends of the restyling art have resulted in a multitude of beautiful customs that emphasize and retain the best original design elements of each car with tasteful accents, creating a unique statement every time.
D’Agostino was already a seasoned competitor on the West Coast ISCA show-car circuit by the early 1970s with his brand-new 1970 Pontiac Grand Prix, which took Best Custom honors at the Grand National Roadster Show, followed by a much more radical 1972 Buick Riviera. D’Agostino developed an even greater fascination for the restyling art after viewing George Lucas’s iconic American Graffiti in 1973. Shortly thereafter, D’Agostino purchased a nearly restored 1951 Mercury, but found it too nice to customize, so he simply completed the restoration and sold the car, clearing space for the purchase of another 1951 Mercury. This time, D’Agostino radically customized the Mercury, which he dubbed the Midnight Sensation. True to its name, even though the car had not yet been completed, it created an unexpected sensation in the parking lot at the 1975 Oakland Roadster Show, forging D’Agostino’s growing stature in the custom car world.
A steady succession of major award-winning customs followed over the ensuing decades, with D’Agostino enjoying national and international notoriety. This particular D’Agostino creation, the “Firestar” 1961 Ford Thunderbird Coupe, was built in 1997 and beautifully continued the distinguished tradition of its creator. Sporting a chopped top and a pair of subtly modified taillights, the Thunderbird also features restyled rear fender peaks, very successfully echoing the attractive high-canted fenders of the earlier 1957 Thunderbird.
Beautifully finished in arresting Candy Red paint with gold scallops by Marcos Garcia of the Lucky 7 Custom Shop of Antioch, California, “Firestar” is accented by a set of chrome plated wire wheels and wide whitewall tires, a D’Agostino trademark. Other touches include extensively dechromed bodywork, European-style headlamps within custom mesh-type housings and a custom grille insert with an intricate network of bullet-shaped projections, reminiscent of custom grille treatments of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Inside, the already stylish Thunderbird interior remains intact and includes the aircraft-inspired instrument panel, a “waterfall” dash and floor console enhanced by beautifully fitted white vinyl upholstery. Options include power brakes, power steering, power windows and an AM radio. The powertrain includes a powerful 390 cubic inch V8 engine, backed by an automatic transmission for smooth and effortless cruising.
Following its completion, Firestar was displayed alongside D’Agostino’s 1957 Chrysler “Imperial Royale” at the Sacramento Autorama, prior to its shipment to Sweden, where it embarked on an extensive European show tour. Upon its return stateside in 2002, Firestar joined the famous “Kustoms With a K” display at world-renowned Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles and continued to dazzle many more onlookers. As presented, Firestar is ready to continue its show career and is in outstanding condition after years of professional maintenance.
As customs go, it is hard to improve on a sleek 1961 Ford Thunderbird coupe with its build orchestrated by John D’Agostino, who has been instrumental in reviving the art of customizing since he rose to prominence in the 1970s. Over the intervening years, his very fertile imagination and true reverence for the legends of the restyling art have resulted in a multitude of beautiful customs that emphasize and retain the best original design elements of each car with tasteful accents, creating a unique statement every time.
D’Agostino was already a seasoned competitor on the West Coast ISCA show-car circuit by the early 1970s with his brand-new 1970 Pontiac Grand Prix, which took Best Custom honors at the Grand National Roadster Show, followed by a much more radical 1972 Buick Riviera. D’Agostino developed an even greater fascination for the restyling art after viewing George Lucas’s iconic American Graffiti in 1973. Shortly thereafter, D’Agostino purchased a nearly restored 1951 Mercury, but found it too nice to customize, so he simply completed the restoration and sold the car, clearing space for the purchase of another 1951 Mercury. This time, D’Agostino radically customized the Mercury, which he dubbed the Midnight Sensation. True to its name, even though the car had not yet been completed, it created an unexpected sensation in the parking lot at the 1975 Oakland Roadster Show, forging D’Agostino’s growing stature in the custom car world.
A steady succession of major award-winning customs followed over the ensuing decades, with D’Agostino enjoying national and international notoriety. This particular D’Agostino creation, the “Firestar” 1961 Ford Thunderbird Coupe, was built in 1997 and beautifully continued the distinguished tradition of its creator. Sporting a chopped top and a pair of subtly modified taillights, the Thunderbird also features restyled rear fender peaks, very successfully echoing the attractive high-canted fenders of the earlier 1957 Thunderbird.
Beautifully finished in arresting Candy Red paint with gold scallops by Marcos Garcia of the Lucky 7 Custom Shop of Antioch, California, “Firestar” is accented by a set of chrome plated wire wheels and wide whitewall tires, a D’Agostino trademark. Other touches include extensively dechromed bodywork, European-style headlamps within custom mesh-type housings and a custom grille insert with an intricate network of bullet-shaped projections, reminiscent of custom grille treatments of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Inside, the already stylish Thunderbird interior remains intact and includes the aircraft-inspired instrument panel, a “waterfall” dash and floor console enhanced by beautifully fitted white vinyl upholstery. Options include power brakes, power steering, power windows and an AM radio. The powertrain includes a powerful 390 cubic inch V8 engine, backed by an automatic transmission for smooth and effortless cruising.
Following its completion, Firestar was displayed alongside D’Agostino’s 1957 Chrysler “Imperial Royale” at the Sacramento Autorama, prior to its shipment to Sweden, where it embarked on an extensive European show tour. Upon its return stateside in 2002, Firestar joined the famous “Kustoms With a K” display at world-renowned Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles and continued to dazzle many more onlookers. As presented, Firestar is ready to continue its show career and is in outstanding condition after years of professional maintenance.
_________________
We don't care the People Says , Rock 'n' roll is here to stay - Danny & the Juniors - 1958
Firestar - 1961 ford thunderbird kustom - John d'Agostino
I’m not going to waste any time showcasing a couple of my favorites from the Long Beach Motorama. There were countless candidates to spotlight, but one of my choices was “Firestar”, a 1961 Ford Thunderbird originally built by well known California customizer John D’Agostino.
I’ve said before that the ’61-’63 T-Birds are one of my favorite designs of the ’60s, so I was naturally drawn to this car. This one happens to be a perfect example of a 1960s style custom.
What I like is that most of the original Thunderbird styling elements are still there.
The afterburner taillights in particular get me every time.
_________________
We don't care the People Says , Rock 'n' roll is here to stay - Danny & the Juniors - 1958
Re: Ford Thunderbird 1961 - 1963 custom & mild custom
The chop is subtle, and almost looks like something that could have come from the factory.
Mild scallops further enhance the lines. The dark red and gold paint combo is also choice.
The swiveling steering column might also look like a custom thing, but all Thunderbirds from this era included this. Gotta love the early ’60s
To be honest I’m usually not to big on wire wheels, but they just work on this car.
_________________
We don't care the People Says , Rock 'n' roll is here to stay - Danny & the Juniors - 1958
Re: Ford Thunderbird 1961 - 1963 custom & mild custom
3 year no-expense-spared customization and restoration completed in 2006. Recipient of multiple Good Guys Awards. Selected and autographed by Chip Foose as a Best of Show Custom at Atlantic City 2006.
390cid engine, 300hp, C4 automatic transmission, chassis stock with 2" drop coils in front, 3" lowering blocks in the rear, hood stretched 5", filled cowl, rear wheel wells opened, rear bumper pan rolled, frenched in rear, seat cover, converted to 2 passenger, custom dash and console, extended rocker panels 3", electric trunk lid, frenched tail lights, custom gold metallic paint and custom-made lift-off Hartz canvas green top.
This car is show stopper and one-of-a-kind.
_________________
We don't care the People Says , Rock 'n' roll is here to stay - Danny & the Juniors - 1958
Re: Ford Thunderbird 1961 - 1963 custom & mild custom
_________________
We don't care the People Says , Rock 'n' roll is here to stay - Danny & the Juniors - 1958
Thunder Struck - Dan Lawhorn's '63 T-Bird
Custom cars are all about dreams! You're longing for that "so-sweet" cruiser, a car that stands out-and especially built your way. For Daniel Lawhorn, that was certainly true when he started on this crisp, clean '63 Thunderbird custom.
According to Daniel, "I wanted a car that looked silky smooth. I'd seen plenty of customs and especially liked Rick Dore's mango-colored 'Bird that he did a couple of years ago. I could see if I sat a '63 just right, the rear wheels would hardly be visible with the stock skirts. This gives it an even neater look. I didn't have a huge budget and did most of the work myself with the help of my dad and my father-in-law, Jerry Page. These two old guys really know the hot rod tricks. We built virtually the whole car in my garage and driveway!"
Daniel picked up the Thunderbird just over a year ago for $2,200. It was straight and rust free, having been a Central Valley car all its life. With his "peach of a car" in the garage, Daniel started out by stripping it down to the bare interior, engine bay, and suspension. The suspension was reworked and converted to use Air Ride airbags with the help of Brandon at the Area 51 hot rod shop in Bakersfield.
During this stage Daniel also updated the suspension with new bushings, ball joints, and power steering hardware. He had already picked a set of 15-inch steels wheels capped with whitewall Coker tires and replica Dodge Lancer hubcaps centered with white checkers. "You only see the front wheels on this Thunderbird because of the rear skirts and the air suspension which slammed the car down so low. These hubcaps look perfect on this custom, adding just a highlight of sparkly chrome and texture."
The body was in fine condition but needed a little detailing after nearly 40 years on the road. Daniel shaved off what little stock trim there was and sent the bumpers and remaining chrome trim off to Bill "The Bumper Man" in Los Angles for repair and replating. He prepared his garage as a spray booth and shot the doorjambs, engine bay, and trunk. He then shot the body with his custom mix of two-stage Candy Green. The paint was color-sanded and made right before the multi-layers of clear were applied.
His special Candy Green was mixed by Jeff at D'Angelos Paint and Body Supply in Bakersfield, California, but getting the paint color right took some time and testing. "Working with a paint shop that will custom-mix colors until you get it right is a real bonus for any custom car builder," he admitted.
With the body rubbed out, he reinstalled the engine. The refreshed stock 300hp 390 V-8 engine went back in, as did the stock three-speed automatic transmission. The engine was painted and detailed with aluminum and chrome accessories including a Billet Specialties air cleaner. The exhaust was updated for performance and sound with a pair of throaty Flowmaster Delta Flow mufflers fitted to a 2 1/2-inch exhaust system, giving the 'Bird's exhaust the sound of pure American muscle. As you can imagine, with 300 hp this car moves along very briskly even though it weighs a tad over 4,100 pounds.
With the body and running gear back together, the 'Bird headed into the garage once again. Daniel created a custom fiberglass dash panel using stock instrumentation and restored the stock steering wheel. However, he handed the interior "software" over to R&A Upholstery in Bakersfield to re-trim the stock seats in white marine-grade vinyl. This re-trimming included a new headliner, dash cover, door panels, quarter-panels, console, and seats. It is all done in a very simple custom style with a minimum of seams. R&A also trimmed up a set of black carpets for the floors to contrast the bright-white seat covering. The overall effect is a classic-looking custom interior.
According to Daniel, "The 'Bird is really the creation of my dream car. I wanted a cruiser to drive, not some trailer queen I had to tow to show off. With a limited budget, I figured I could compete as long as I did the work myself. I drove it to Paso Robles for the West Coast Kustoms Show and to a whole bunch of other Southern California shows this summer, but mostly I get to drive it around Bakersfield, which is what I really love."
From every angle, Daniel Lawhorn's '63 Thunderbird looks just great. With its simply shaved bodywork, stunning paint color, sparkly white interior, and ant-high ride height, only one word covers it all-Cool.
Article original: http://www.rodandcustommagazine.com/featuredvehicles/0404rc_1963_ford_thunderbird_custom/viewall.html
According to Daniel, "I wanted a car that looked silky smooth. I'd seen plenty of customs and especially liked Rick Dore's mango-colored 'Bird that he did a couple of years ago. I could see if I sat a '63 just right, the rear wheels would hardly be visible with the stock skirts. This gives it an even neater look. I didn't have a huge budget and did most of the work myself with the help of my dad and my father-in-law, Jerry Page. These two old guys really know the hot rod tricks. We built virtually the whole car in my garage and driveway!"
Daniel picked up the Thunderbird just over a year ago for $2,200. It was straight and rust free, having been a Central Valley car all its life. With his "peach of a car" in the garage, Daniel started out by stripping it down to the bare interior, engine bay, and suspension. The suspension was reworked and converted to use Air Ride airbags with the help of Brandon at the Area 51 hot rod shop in Bakersfield.
During this stage Daniel also updated the suspension with new bushings, ball joints, and power steering hardware. He had already picked a set of 15-inch steels wheels capped with whitewall Coker tires and replica Dodge Lancer hubcaps centered with white checkers. "You only see the front wheels on this Thunderbird because of the rear skirts and the air suspension which slammed the car down so low. These hubcaps look perfect on this custom, adding just a highlight of sparkly chrome and texture."
The body was in fine condition but needed a little detailing after nearly 40 years on the road. Daniel shaved off what little stock trim there was and sent the bumpers and remaining chrome trim off to Bill "The Bumper Man" in Los Angles for repair and replating. He prepared his garage as a spray booth and shot the doorjambs, engine bay, and trunk. He then shot the body with his custom mix of two-stage Candy Green. The paint was color-sanded and made right before the multi-layers of clear were applied.
His special Candy Green was mixed by Jeff at D'Angelos Paint and Body Supply in Bakersfield, California, but getting the paint color right took some time and testing. "Working with a paint shop that will custom-mix colors until you get it right is a real bonus for any custom car builder," he admitted.
With the body rubbed out, he reinstalled the engine. The refreshed stock 300hp 390 V-8 engine went back in, as did the stock three-speed automatic transmission. The engine was painted and detailed with aluminum and chrome accessories including a Billet Specialties air cleaner. The exhaust was updated for performance and sound with a pair of throaty Flowmaster Delta Flow mufflers fitted to a 2 1/2-inch exhaust system, giving the 'Bird's exhaust the sound of pure American muscle. As you can imagine, with 300 hp this car moves along very briskly even though it weighs a tad over 4,100 pounds.
With the body and running gear back together, the 'Bird headed into the garage once again. Daniel created a custom fiberglass dash panel using stock instrumentation and restored the stock steering wheel. However, he handed the interior "software" over to R&A Upholstery in Bakersfield to re-trim the stock seats in white marine-grade vinyl. This re-trimming included a new headliner, dash cover, door panels, quarter-panels, console, and seats. It is all done in a very simple custom style with a minimum of seams. R&A also trimmed up a set of black carpets for the floors to contrast the bright-white seat covering. The overall effect is a classic-looking custom interior.
According to Daniel, "The 'Bird is really the creation of my dream car. I wanted a cruiser to drive, not some trailer queen I had to tow to show off. With a limited budget, I figured I could compete as long as I did the work myself. I drove it to Paso Robles for the West Coast Kustoms Show and to a whole bunch of other Southern California shows this summer, but mostly I get to drive it around Bakersfield, which is what I really love."
From every angle, Daniel Lawhorn's '63 Thunderbird looks just great. With its simply shaved bodywork, stunning paint color, sparkly white interior, and ant-high ride height, only one word covers it all-Cool.
Article original: http://www.rodandcustommagazine.com/featuredvehicles/0404rc_1963_ford_thunderbird_custom/viewall.html
Dernière édition par Predicta le Lun 23 Juin - 15:41, édité 1 fois
_________________
We don't care the People Says , Rock 'n' roll is here to stay - Danny & the Juniors - 1958
Re: Ford Thunderbird 1961 - 1963 custom & mild custom
<
Description : 3 year no-expense-spared customization and restoration completed in 2006. Recipient of multiple Good Guys Awards. Selected and autographed by Chip Foose as a Best of Show Custom at Atlantic City 2006. 390cid engine, 300hp, C4 automatic transmission, chassis stock with 2" drop coils in front, 3" lowering blocks in the rear, hood stretched 5", filled cowl, rear wheel wells opened, rear bumper pan rolled, frenched in rear, seat cover, converted to 2 passenger, custom dash and console, extended rocker panels 3", electric trunk lid, frenched tail lights, custom gold metallic paint and custom-made lift-off Hartz canvas green top. This car is show stopper and one-of-a-kind.
article original:
http://www.trombinoscar.com/thunderbird/tb6304.html
_________________
We don't care the People Says , Rock 'n' roll is here to stay - Danny & the Juniors - 1958
Re: Ford Thunderbird 1961 - 1963 custom & mild custom
_________________
We don't care the People Says , Rock 'n' roll is here to stay - Danny & the Juniors - 1958
Re: Ford Thunderbird 1961 - 1963 custom & mild custom
_________________
We don't care the People Says , Rock 'n' roll is here to stay - Danny & the Juniors - 1958
Re: Ford Thunderbird 1961 - 1963 custom & mild custom
_________________
We don't care the People Says , Rock 'n' roll is here to stay - Danny & the Juniors - 1958
Re: Ford Thunderbird 1961 - 1963 custom & mild custom
_________________
We don't care the People Says , Rock 'n' roll is here to stay - Danny & the Juniors - 1958
Re: Ford Thunderbird 1961 - 1963 custom & mild custom
_________________
We don't care the People Says , Rock 'n' roll is here to stay - Danny & the Juniors - 1958
Custom 1963 T-Bird
Custom PPG paint job
Engine Rebuilt
Pistons, carb, headers, alternator,AC, etc…
Air ride air bags
Custom tires and rims
Wheel Vintiques Smoothies
Completely reupholstered
Custom Exhaust
New Carpets
Keyless entry with remote
Premier Tyvek Car Cover
Custom sound system
MB Quart and Blaupunkt Speakers
Clarion Amps
Custom Autosound USA-6 system with 10 disc CD changer
New AC
Compressor
Condenser
_________________
We don't care the People Says , Rock 'n' roll is here to stay - Danny & the Juniors - 1958
Re: Ford Thunderbird 1961 - 1963 custom & mild custom
_________________
We don't care the People Says , Rock 'n' roll is here to stay - Danny & the Juniors - 1958
Re: Ford Thunderbird 1961 - 1963 custom & mild custom
_________________
We don't care the People Says , Rock 'n' roll is here to stay - Danny & the Juniors - 1958
1961 Ford ThunderBird Custom
1961 Ford Thunder Bird. This is a custom car from the 60's. In great shape for the year. Body is beautiful, with a custom paint job. This car has new tires, brakes, idler arm bushing, upper ball joints. I just had a full tune up done on it, new cap, wires, plugs, dist cap, new point. Fresh oil change. New fuel Filter. New power booster check valve. New Spider caps, seat have been recovered and look great. Floors are solid. This car also has a custom trunk. This car runs great! Power seat, power steering, power windows, power brakes. Interior lights work, windshield wipers work, heat works too. Radio turns on but does not play, I'm not sure why. Tilt away steering wheel. This is a 390 V-8 car with a 4brl carb! |
_________________
We don't care the People Says , Rock 'n' roll is here to stay - Danny & the Juniors - 1958
Re: Ford Thunderbird 1961 - 1963 custom & mild custom
_________________
We don't care the People Says , Rock 'n' roll is here to stay - Danny & the Juniors - 1958
Re: Ford Thunderbird 1961 - 1963 custom & mild custom
_________________
We don't care the People Says , Rock 'n' roll is here to stay - Danny & the Juniors - 1958
1962 Kustom Bullit T-Bird
Dernière édition par Predicta le Jeu 13 Fév - 19:01, édité 2 fois
_________________
We don't care the People Says , Rock 'n' roll is here to stay - Danny & the Juniors - 1958
Re: Ford Thunderbird 1961 - 1963 custom & mild custom
_________________
We don't care the People Says , Rock 'n' roll is here to stay - Danny & the Juniors - 1958
Re: Ford Thunderbird 1961 - 1963 custom & mild custom
_________________
We don't care the People Says , Rock 'n' roll is here to stay - Danny & the Juniors - 1958
Thunderbird 1961 mild custom
_________________
We don't care the People Says , Rock 'n' roll is here to stay - Danny & the Juniors - 1958
Rick Dore - '63 Thunderbird - Tango
_________________
We don't care the People Says , Rock 'n' roll is here to stay - Danny & the Juniors - 1958
Re: Ford Thunderbird 1961 - 1963 custom & mild custom
_________________
We don't care the People Says , Rock 'n' roll is here to stay - Danny & the Juniors - 1958
Page 1 sur 4 • 1, 2, 3, 4
Sujets similaires
» Buick 1961 - 1963 custom and mild custom
» Ford Thunderbird 1964- 1966 custom & mild custom
» Ford Thunderbird 1958 - 1960 custom & mild custom
» Ford 1961 - 1964 custom and mild custom
» Dodge & Plymouth 1960 - 1961 custom & mild custom
» Ford Thunderbird 1964- 1966 custom & mild custom
» Ford Thunderbird 1958 - 1960 custom & mild custom
» Ford 1961 - 1964 custom and mild custom
» Dodge & Plymouth 1960 - 1961 custom & mild custom
Traditional Kustom Hot Rod and Vintage Culture and design :: Kustom, Leadsled, traditional custom cars
Page 1 sur 4
Permission de ce forum:
Vous ne pouvez pas répondre aux sujets dans ce forum