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1956 Thunderbird
312 ci 225 HP V-8 (rebuilt at
136,518 miles) |
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Decoding the Data Plate
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October 21, 2024 - Back to Before - Some brake cleaner, chrome polish, and steel wool later, I have my original bumper back. Compared to the silver paint, the thin chrome looks pretty good! |
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| October 20, 2024 - Fail - The bottom hose started seeping again, which I cured by adding another clamp. That seems to have the cooling system tight, and the car is running below the center on the Interstate. The right rear wheel cover is 'walking' enough to pinch the valve stem and cause a slow leak. I'll have to see about getting some metal valves installed. I decided to try spray' 'Chrome' on the rear bumper of the Thunderbird and ordered Duplicolor Chrome Paint through Amazon. It arrived yesterday, and I cleaned the center piece and taped everything off. Then I gave the part several thin coats as recommended, then waited a full day and added high-gloss clearcoat. As you can see, I have shiny silver paint, not even close to looking like chrome. At least I can remove it all and still have the thin chrome on the bumper until I take the plunge to have it rechromed. | |
| October 6, 2024 - Milestone - I pulled up in front of the house today and happened to look down at the odometer. One tenth off of a perfect 144K miles! No further leakage of coolant, and the car continues to run well below the halfway mark. I drove it to Mom's today, and got a lot fo nice comments and wave. It still turns heads after 68 years! |  |
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October 5, 2024 - Pumped! - The Thunderbird's electric fuel pump is finally hooked up and working well. One concern was how well the mechanical pump would draw through the new electric unit, and there was no issue at all. Also, the new electric pump does not appear to overpower the cab floats. I took the car over to Chip's as a test drive, and it ran below halfway on the temperature gauge, and the hesitation is almost gone. I also put some black edge rubber on the driver's door. This has adhesive on both sides, so hopefully it will stay on! |
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| October 3, 2024 - Almost - I spent this afternoon getting the electric fuel pump -almost- done. It is installed in a frame brace under the driver's door that already had a hole, so nothing drilled. The two circled areas are where I will have to cut the fuel line to connect the pump, but I wanted everything else done first. Electrical connections came first to make sure the pump was good, then I had to wire it into the car's electrical system and hook up a switch. I lucked out - an 'Aogah' horn is activated by a button on the left side of the steering wheel, and was set up to only have power when the ignition was on. Better yet, the mounting holes for the horn button lined up with the lighted switch set I got from O'Reilly's. The fuel pump activated when the ignition is on and the switch (which lights up) is on. And the horn button is right behind the panel, still easy to get to. I also cleaned and painted the battery tray and hooked up the windshield washer pump. Tomorrow looks pretty busy, so I'll plan on actual hooking up of the pump for Saturday. | |
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September 30, 2024 - Running Cool - The new bottom radiator hose was a bit longer than the old one, so I cut it down and tried to fit it again. Closer, and then Chip came over and got it worked on the last bit. The top hose clamp wouldn't open up enough to fit around the water pump outlet end, so I made a trip to Ace Hardware for a slightly longer bolt. That worked, and the cooling system was done, except for coolant. I put in fresh antifreeze and water and ran her while I checked for leaks and flow. Excellent output from the heater, and no leaks. So I took her to Chip's for a quick test. On the way back I took the above photo while stopped in traffic. The car is running just below the halfway point on the gauge, noticeably cooler than before. No luck on the fuel pump placement - I will probably have to jack up the back end for that. |
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| September 28, 2024 - More Progress - Family issues and other projects have delayed work a little, but i have made some progress on the Thunderbird. The brake pedal was badly worn and missing the center strip, and I replaced it with a reproduction from Hills. The new item was not quite correct, forcing me to drop one bolt size to get it to fit, but it is secure and looks good. Next I attacked the cooling system. With the new heater core installed and leak-free, I replaced all of the cooling system and heater hoses, the thermostat, gasket, and clamps. Only the bottom radiator hose is left. I hope to get that done this week, along with installing an electric fuel pump to prime the carb before starts. | |
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September 19, 2024 - Core Done - Back to getting the heater core installed. I got all new hardware today and put the instructions decal on the freshly-painted duct. Then it was just a matter of hooking up the hoses and tightening clamps. After a careful check of all fittings, I started the car. No leaks evident, and the core and hoses heated up on cue. I have a 160 degree thermostat and correct hose clamps coming, and will put in all new hoses (heater included) when they arrive. |
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| September 17, 2024 - Heated Exchange - I noticed a small amount of coolant in the Thunderbird's passenger footwell, a sure sign that the heater core is leaking. So I disconnected the heater and started replacing it today. If you look at the original heater core (honeycomb version upper left) you can just see the start of corrosion where it had started leaking near the water inlet (upper right). The new core is a different style, but since it is hidden anyway, who cares? Only one easy-to-reach screw on the inside, and the rest of the screws came out from the firewall. I bead blasted the surrounds and gave them a good coat of paint. Since it is wet out, I will wait until tomorrow to put it all back together so the paint can dry thoroughly. Much easier job than expected! | |
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| September 16, 2024 - Charge! - Brownings called this morning to let me know the generator was ready. I hurried over and got it, then installed it for a triumphant restart - NOT. After getting nothing from the generator, I called and was told the regulator could be bad. I bought a new regulator - something I had planned to replace anyway. Still no luck. So I pulled the generator off again (You have to remove the mount as well as the generator, and the adjustor bolt can only be reached from underneath) and took it back. Something was not quite right inside - they took the back off and did something after testing it, then showed me all was good afterwards. Probably a brush hanging up. In any case, when I reinstalled it, the generator light went out and the needle indicated a charge. I added proper decals to simulate Ford origins. Whew! One of the spare parts Rad had for me was a used wheel. It is in excellent shape other than some surface rust and old paint. So I bead-blasted it tonight. At right I have a picture of the job partway done. Some new black paint and a valve stem and I will mount one of the old wide white tires as a spare. |
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| September 14, 2024 - Powerless - I drove the Thunderbird to a Model A Club meeting Thursday (Sept. 12) where I gave a presentation on the 2003 Lincoln Highway Tour. When I went out to leave, the generator light stayed on. I made it home using the battery, and pulled the generator. Brushes were not available anywhere locally, with Monday as the soonest delivery. I decided to have the generator rebuilt by a local shop rather than just replace brushes, and dropped it off Friday. In the meantime, I got in a new taillight assembly to replace the right side unit on the car. The lens and housing were showing age, and the gasket fell apart when I pulled the lens to install the backup light assembly. The new setup installed fairly easily and looks great. And it turns out my plan to take it to Kitty Hawk today for a car club tour would have been a real issue. I took the 1986 Electra and received a trunk full of spare parts that would not have fit in the T-bird. And I ended up with TWO passengers, so I needed more than one extra seat anyway. | |
| September 10, 2024 - Some Glitz - The heater core arrived today, as well as some new radiator hoses and backup-light kits. The backup lights had the chrome fender ends, lenses, gaskets, and hardware - I couldn't have one of the old surrounds plated for what I paid for both of the complete kits. You can't tell in the photo, but the surrounds were pitted and chipped. The new setups look great and add a bit of zing to the old girl. It is really nice to have something that you can get new parts for. Hills Automotive has been my main source so far, and was recommended by the previous owner. |
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September 5, 2024 - Getting Better - I still have had some stalling and stumbling any time I try to move from a full stop, and took another look today. I plugged the distributor vacuum hose and found that the engine dropped idle speed quite a bit. Then I recalled that many cars require the line to be plugged when timing. So I reset the timing with the vacuum advance disconnected and the car is doing way better. Several test runs have it pretty much accelerating properly. So I have ordered a heater core and some new backup light kits, as well as new radiator hoses. The kits are just glitz, shiny chrome and screws. The top radiator hose had a small leak that I stopped with a turn of the clamp screw, but I want new hoses. |
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| August 26, 2024 - Small Jobs, Big Headaches - The Thunderbird didn't make it to the AACA National Meet on Saturday. It ran OK on Thursday when I drove the car over, and even survived heavy traffic on the way home. Since the gas gauge was down to the required quarter-tank, I left it home Friday and planned to leave early Saturday to put the car in its space. It wouldn't start. I changed timing, and kept cranking, but no luck. Turns out the automatic choke was stuck closed, and I was able to start the car and drive it Saturday afternoon! I think the car knew it would be next to a fully restored 1956 Thunderbird that was not only a unique original color, but far nicer than it ever came from the factory. In any case, I figured I would change the plugs and wires for new ones, and get some other jobs done. The easy-sounding jobs turned into messy and time-consuming chores. I started off putting the automatic choke linkage back on the carb, which didn't make a big difference but should prevent future starting issues. Then I attacked the plugs and plug wires. The plugs were easy - the plug wires were a mess! The Thunderbird had five rubber plug wire organizers - two had become so hard and brittle that they had to be broken apart, and two had turned into a sticky black goo like soft tar. After that was done, I painted the timing marks and re-timed the car. Dribbles of coolant inside the car indicates a bad heater core, so I finished up by bypassing the core with a hose. | |
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| August 19, 2024 - Some Glitz - I got an order in today from Larry's Thunderbird Parts - the chrome hood grille, a decal package, and parts for the windshield washer. Besides being pitted, especially on the louvers, the original grille only had two nuts holding it on. The new one has all four, and looks nice. The data plate was pretty worn, so I cleaned it up with polish, steel wool, and brake cleaner, then applied a new decal. Chip is going to help me put the hardtop back on, and I will get the car cleaned up for the weekend show. | |
| August 18, 2024 - And Off Again - The stumbling issue began after I hooked up a part of the automatic choke that I reinstalled after I found it lying on the intake manifold (July 28th). So today I decided to remove the piece - it could be installed incorrectly, or some other issue is making the automatic choke not work properly. After I removed the piece, I drove it around the block and the hesitation is almost gone. I will leave the piece off for the time being and focus on getting the car cleaned up for the show next weekend. |
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August 17, 2024 - Pedal Pain - I had planned to join my antique car club for a drive to the Khedive auto show this morning. The car stumbled and died as I tried to pull out at the first light, and then the very jury-rigged gas pedal (gate hinge and screws) pulled free of the linkage again and I figured I would have to set it in place. This time the the spring clip that held it in place had popped off and the linkage was no longer connected. I was able to idle back to the house, and even get a replacement clip at Advance. But the linkage was between the firewall and the blistering hot exhaust manifold, so I took Mina (1948 MG TC) to the Khedive show for a while. And forgot my phone/camera. After borrowing a friend's phone and sending the photos home, I came back and attacked the pedal again. I ended up having to drill out the old screws, but I had gotten new mounting hardware when I bought the pedal. The linkage is all fixed (new parts) and the new pedal is working fine. A MUCH bigger job than expected, but the simple stuff always does seem to take longer. |
| August 16, 2024 - Choked Up - Lots going on with the Thunderbird today. It still had the bad flat spot in acceleration, to the point that every time I tried to move forward the engine died. Best Bud Chip helped me sort out timing and then identified the choke as the main issue - we set the automatic choke up to maximum and that has the car pretty good - still some hesitation when you first start out, but not dieing! I got in the power steering filter today - who knew there was such a thing? The one in the pump looked pretty old, and I sucked out all the old fluid with a big hypodermic. All up to level with new fluid and filter. I also got the ignition keys made up, so I have alternate keys, finally. Looks like good weather tomorrow, so I will plan on taking the Thunderbird to the Khedive show. I need to use up 3/4 tank of gas before next Saturday's indoor show! |
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August 15, 2024 - Running! - I was very nervous about replacing the distributor, but my extra care seems to have paid off. The engine fired up and runs smoothly with no adjustments to timing. You can watch a video of the engine idling here. Now to see about getting the gas pedal swapped out. Then it will be a question of if the weather holds out - if it is raining I will take another car Saturday. |
| August 14, 2024 - It Shrunk! - I got a 1/18 scale metal model of the Thunderbird today - the main difference was the chrome ring on the spare, which was not really offered. I was able to remove the continental kit and paint the ring black like the one on the car. There are some other minor differences - the model has power windows and one mirror, while the real car has hand-crank windows and mirrors on both sides, plus the antenna. The model also has the deluxe wire wheel covers, which I may get once everything else is done. |
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August 13, 2024 - In Place - The distributor kit had the wrong drive gear included. They are sending me the correct one. And after some playing around, I got the new distributor in place. It was hanging up about 1/4" from the bottom no matter how I tried it, but at the tech's suggestion I tried the old one and had the same issue. Something must have been out of kilter, but after some more playing around, I was able to get the new distributor in place. The secondary vacuum diaphragm on the original distributor is obviously ruptured, as I was able to suck and blow through the line. I have plugged the secondary feed from the carburetor and added a hose outlet where the main vacuum port connected to the distributor with a hard line. I will connect it to the new distributor with some vacuum hose. And I plan to eventually get the original diaphragm replaced, though I may never reinstall the old distributor. No progress on the gas pedal, but the new one will be installed hopefully later this week. And I rewired the ignition, replacing the burned wire and rewrapping with matching tape. |
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| August 12, 2024 - Oversized Drive - As I get ready to swap distributors on the T-bird, I have been fitting different external elements. The supplied 'new' tach drive doesn't fit in the T-bird cable. As you can see by the picture, the shaft is wider. If they cannot provide a narrower drive gear shaft, I will have to look at either returning the electronic distributor or drilling out the cable housing to accept the wider shaft. The drive is very different, so I can't use the old gear. Then I found out that the gas pedal was jury-rigged sometime in the past. The original pedal is a single piece that mounts behind the screws - the current arrangement is a cobbled-together hinge/old pedal that mounts ahead of the screws and required bending the linkage due to the new angle. I have new linkage and a new correct pedal, but have to get the old hardware loose first. More fun dealing with 68-year-old cars! | |
| August 10, 2024 - Smoke and Locks - I did the mirrors a few days ago. Unfortunately, I had the bright idea of double-checking the timing AFTER I had disconnected and removed the coil No big deal, right? I just put it all back - except I connected a positive lead to the ground and as soon as I hit the ignition switch I got smoke from the engine bay. No serious damage except to my pride, but I plan to replace the two ignition leads just to be safe. On the plus side, the trunk lock housing came in today, and I was able to get the new lock cylinder. keys, housing and gasket installed tonight. The old housing was rusty and I only had an aftermarket key. Since correct key blanks would cost almost as much as the cylinder and keys, I got the set. |
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| August 8, 2024 - More Goodies - Another order came in from Hill's Thunderbird, this one with the new visors (top left), driver's mirror (top right), ball tips for the vent handles (bottom left) and a fuel filter and gasket for the engine (bottom right). The visors on the car were homemade black items that were actually pretty decent, but wrong. I was able to install the new white visors with some Windex to help ease the friction. The mirror uses a larger fastener for the front, and I had to drill out the hole slightly and cut down a screw to fit. I also added a black plastic base gasket to both mirrors, something that Ford didn't do. The vent handle knobs were missing on both sides, and the new ones screwed into place. The fuel filter was missing the element and had a makeshift gasket - it now has the correct filter and a made gasket - I checked to make sure it was a tight seal afterwards. The new distributor is supposed to arrive today - hopefully that will cure the T-bird's stumble/stall on acceleration. I also got in a new accelerator pedal and linkage - though I need to wait until I can get the T-bird outside so I can swing the door fully open to get at the base screws, It's been pouring rain here off and on. | |
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| August 5, 2024 - One Step Forward - Two steps back. I got in the new accelerator pump and replaced it - no change, and the old accelerator pump looked perfect anyway. Which pretty much leaves the original 68-year-old distributor. It has a special dual vacuum diaphragm and I found one rebuilt for $250 - while a new complete HEI electronic distributor and coil with plug wires was $318. It had good reviews from other T-bird owners, and would solve many issues, including the points. So I have it on order. I also got in a new gas cap and grommet which I installed. |
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| August 4, 2024 - Piddly Progress - But progress all the same. I got the passenger door handle installed, and also got the passenger seat belt off. It loops around a bracket instead of the fixed belt configuration of modern cars. Seat belts were a new idea in 1956 - in fact, it was the first year Ford offered them. The Thunderbird has the Lifeguard' packaged which includes a padded dash, dished steering wheel, double-latching doors, and aircraft-style seatbelts. I am going to bead blast the buckles and repaint them, then reinstall the belts. They are just as effective as new ones, just a bit more cumbersome to use. Oh, and I fixed the courtesy light by replacing a fuse I blew when I was replacing the tach cable. I still have the burns to illustrate just how good a conductor the cable is! | |
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August 3, 2024 - Brake Stuff - I ordered all of the rest of the brake system from Rock Auto and it came in today - wheel cylinders, master cylinder, hardware, shoes, and hoses. The prior owner only replaced the right front brake hose in the 12 years he owned the car, so I expect the system can use a good overhaul. It stops fine, but occasionally has a loud noise from the left front. I will eventually redo the whole brake system, though the car stops smooth and straight. |
| August 2, 2024 - More Shiny! I tried replacing the corroded door latch and window crank handles today. The tool you are supposed to use doesn;t even catch in the lock clip groove, and I have only been able to get the new driver's door handle installed. It does look nice! |
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August 1, 2024 - Shiny! The replacement base plate for the rear view mirror came in today, and I was able to get it and the new mirror installed today. Besides looking much better, the old rear view mirror had lost most of its silvering and offered only a cloudy view of what was behind. The new set is sharp and clean, and shiny! I did transfer the fuzzy dice, of course. |
| July 31, 2024 - Driving - I drove the Thunderbird to Mom's in Chesapeake, then rode out to Richard's, where he and Chip are getting his 1935 Packard ready for the National show in a few weeks. Richard pulled his and Sandy's 2003 Thunderbird out for a comparison shot - even after almost 50 years, you can still see the family resemblance. |
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July 30, 2024 - Accomplishments! - It has been a long day, starting with taking the loose wheels and tires to Chesapeake to get swapped out. The steering wheel turned out to be a lot harder to install than I thought. The puller tool from Advance was too wide, so I had to use one from O'Reilly's to remove the original wheel. Then the new wheel did not want to go on. I was able to finally pound it into place with a big hammer (after reading that solution in the Thunderbird AACA forum). It looks great and makes getting in and out a lot easier. The new tach cable came in, and though it took some maneuvering to thread the cable, the tachometer is working! I took the car for a drive on the Interstate, and it rolled smooth and silent. And I used the best of the old tires as the spare, so it is at least the correct size, The seller even has an extra wheel for me that will eventually get mounted with another of the original tires. If I can get the acceleration issue solved, I'll be able to drive it anywhere. |
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| July 29, 2024 - Old Old Tires - The Thunderbird has beautiful-looking wide whitewalls that still have the mold tits on the outside. Unfortunately, they turned out to have cracks on the inside and tread. I did some digging, and it appears the tires are more than 40 years old! Happily, I ordered a set of new Coker American Classic bias-ply look-alike 670R15 wide-whitewall radials for the car, which arrived Saturday. They will be swapped out tomorrow, which should take care of vibration and rough handling issues. The best of the four shows no cracking and is now the spare, while what was the spare is going to be replaced. Besides being a size too small, that one doesn't even have a DOT code, which places it about 1970. I put the Thunderbird on jack stands so I can get the tires done off the car - I am sure Discount Tire will be happy not to deal with fender skirts and pristine hubcaps for a 68-year-old car! I also got an new owner's manual and 15" steering wheel in today. Pleasant surprise - the new steering wheel included the 1956 Thunderbird horn emblem which can be swapped out for the generic item! | |
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| July 28, 2024 - Putting Things On - I found part of the carburetor's automatic choke linkage dangling and the nut and washer on the manifold. As search of the internet turned up T-birds with the automatic choke on the manifold, but mine is on the carburetor. Some closer examination with a trouble light and reading glasses turned up the location (right green circle) and the linkage only seems to fit one way (Left and center green circles). I tightened it up, and though nothing seems to move differently, the idle is down where it should be for the first time since I got the car! |
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| July 27, 2024 - Progress! - O'Reilly's had everything waiting for me this morning, and I replaced the points, condenser, cap, and rotor. As hoped, this cured the issue with running, and I took the car (with best bud Chip) for a good ride. The Standard cap had copper contacts, and the points had a copper base. Then I cleaned out the trunk and vacuumed out sand, and was pleased to see perfect sheet metal and paint. I installed the new trunk mat and front curtain. The Thunderbirds use a hanging curtain instead of a bulkhead, I suppose to make it easier to get to the convertible top. Which also got examined today. I was able to latch it in place, and though the rear window is shot (badly yellowed, shrunk, and a crumbling zipper), the overall top assembly looks OK. I need to replace the driver side side tack strip retainer which has rotted away, but both it and a new rear window section are available. So far I haven't figured out how to remove the inside door handles and window cranks (I have new ones to install) and Hills only sent part of the rear view mirror base. The new tires arrived today, and I am planning on ordering more items from Hills. And a new Thunderbird logo for the front arrived as well. | |
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| July 25, 2024 - Bad Booster - The Thunderbird has stumbled and dropped idle every time I pressed the brake pedal. Blocking off the Booster vacuum line from the carb solved the issue, which means the booster has a leak. I have ordered the rebuild kit, and will check out the statement that the brakes are supposed to work like normal non-power brakes with this external booster disconnected. Many parts on the way! Also, checked the tachometer - it is cable driven, and the cable is broken. Hopefully a new cable will get the tach working again. |
| July 24, 2024 - Topless! - Lots going on today - I got the hardtop off with help from neighbor John. That made a big difference in the car, especially getting in and out. I also checked the convertible top, which is more than 40 years old and hadn't been raised since it was installed. The top fabric was black and has deteriorated pretty badly. Besides a brown rear window, the stiffeners for the base were rotted. One of the many items to be repaired/replaced. The big ticket item is a set of new tires as the ones on the car are decades old. Then lots of shiny bits, plus a new 15" steering wheel. I think the brake booster has a vacuum leak, something to check. The temp tags are on it, and I got some driving in today! |
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| July 23, 2024 - Giving Myself the Bird! Usually not within reach, but always desired, the 1956 Thunderbird has an iconic look with the continental kit and fender skirts. A friend in the old car club bought this in 2012 from someone who purchased the car in 1961. Black, with black hardtop and black/white interior, the car is visually very striking. It has a long list of options, including the highest-output (225 HP) engine, automatic, and power steering and brakes. When he said he wanted to sell the car, I had to scramble first to see if I could come up with garage space, and then to see if I could come up with the purchase price. With both initial conditions met, friend Dan went with me to look at and test drive the car. While it has a few cosmetic flaws, the car is rust-free and both looks and drives really nicely. My only question was if I could fit (OK to drive, but getting in and out is a challenge) and how the car drove. As it turned out, getting in and out is currently a bit difficult, but that can be helped by a smaller steering wheel, which is available. However, driving is not a problem, and the Thunderbird did great on the long drive back from Kitty Hawk. Good temp, oil pressure, no sway or wandering, no odd vibrations. Better yet, I was able to get to DMV and have the car titled, tagged, and insured! | |
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