Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1954 Carburetor, ford carburetor, automatic transmission cars

Question
Sir I have come across what is claimed to be a 1954 Carburetor for a 1954 Tbird.  It was still in the box.  Its dusty and that's about it.  Could you tell me what it may be worth or where to look for a part number on it?  My father used to have a 54 Tbird and ordered the part way back in the late 60's.  Anything you can tell me or at least send me in the right direction would be helpful

Answer
The first model year for the Thunderbird was 1955; however,  they probably began making parts for them earlier than that, which might explain the 1954 label you apparently see on it.

Anyway, the carburetor for a 1955 Thunderbird  depends on a number of other factors (number of barrels, transmission choice), but it would be either a B5A 9510P (2bbl), a B5A 9510Q (Standard transmission cars, 4 bbl) or B5A 9510R (Automatic transmission cars, 4 bbl).

That number should be on the box, if it is the original parts box, and also on the body of the carburetor somewhere, either on a brass tag or stamped into the metal body somewhere on it.

As for value, 50 year old carburetors  will require a rebuilding with new parts before they can be used, but they do have some value because the metal parts are not worn out - but to put a dollar figure on it would be beyond me.  The best way to learn that is to watch eBay,  search for NOS Ford Carburetor sales, checking on "completed items".  Those same carburetors  were used on all 1955 Fords and Mercurys with V8 engines (which was most of them), so they were made in the millions - they are not particularly rare, but any new original part has value in the market place.  eBay is the best indicator of what they bring, and also the best place to sell it, in my  opinion.  Now, if you still had that car, you'd have something worth some real money!

Dick