COLORS AVAILABLE FOR 1963 THUNDERBIRD
Moderator: ABQTBird
- KYBRIGGS82
- Posts: 213
- Joined: Fri Mar 24, 2006 12:48 pm
- Location: CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
COLORS AVAILABLE FOR 1963 THUNDERBIRD
When Silver Mink was ordered as a exterior color what color options/combinations were available for the interior? Is there a site to verify these color combinations? Does Ford have an archives system like Chevorlet to research these old Thunderbirds?
1963 FORD THUNDERBIRD SPORTS ROADSTER
- Alan H. Tast
- Posts: 4226
- Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2003 10:52 pm
- Location: Omaha, NE
63 Roadster Colors
Ford doesn't have an archive system like GM or Daimler-Chrylser, especially since they're cutting out everything they can due to all their red ink. That's why we're here - we care enough to help. It's also the reason why VTCI has published the 1961-1963 Original Factory Specifications Manual, which contains information on interior/exterior colors, finishes, engine detailing, chassis components and MUCH more! You need to get a copy of this if you are restoring, detailing and preserving one. It is available through VTCI's Country Store to VTCI members.
As for colors, Roadsters were available in Silver Mink with Silver Mink vinyl (50), black cloth/vinyl (76), black vinyl (56), black leather (86), red vinyl (55) and red leather (85) interiors, according to a revised Dealer Facts Book dated 11/15/62 and revised listings in the Color/Trim showroom album dated 4/1/63, with a choice of white or black convertible top. This information is listed in chart form, along with other interior/exterior combinations, in VTCI's 1961-1963 Original Factory Specifications book. What's needed to complete the documentation chain are copies of the original color/upholstery listings that would have been issued in late summer 1962 to confirm that there were not additional interior choices.
There has been a question recently regarding availability of Blue trims and a blue top on the Roadster when painted Silver Mink. As noted above, color/upholstery listings in dealer sales literature does not indicate that it was. However, at least one instance has been reported of a Silver Mink Roadster sold with a blue leather interior (82) and documented by its Gate Release (I do not have a copy of this for verification). This most likely was a special order, which could be done by a buyer, but usually would be noted as such with a DSO number more than two digits long and also noted on the ROT/build sheet and invoice. Silver Mink vinyl (50) looks very close to blue (52-vinyl, 82-leather) until you put the two side-by-side. And, you could only get blue convertible tops with blue interiors.
As for colors, Roadsters were available in Silver Mink with Silver Mink vinyl (50), black cloth/vinyl (76), black vinyl (56), black leather (86), red vinyl (55) and red leather (85) interiors, according to a revised Dealer Facts Book dated 11/15/62 and revised listings in the Color/Trim showroom album dated 4/1/63, with a choice of white or black convertible top. This information is listed in chart form, along with other interior/exterior combinations, in VTCI's 1961-1963 Original Factory Specifications book. What's needed to complete the documentation chain are copies of the original color/upholstery listings that would have been issued in late summer 1962 to confirm that there were not additional interior choices.
There has been a question recently regarding availability of Blue trims and a blue top on the Roadster when painted Silver Mink. As noted above, color/upholstery listings in dealer sales literature does not indicate that it was. However, at least one instance has been reported of a Silver Mink Roadster sold with a blue leather interior (82) and documented by its Gate Release (I do not have a copy of this for verification). This most likely was a special order, which could be done by a buyer, but usually would be noted as such with a DSO number more than two digits long and also noted on the ROT/build sheet and invoice. Silver Mink vinyl (50) looks very close to blue (52-vinyl, 82-leather) until you put the two side-by-side. And, you could only get blue convertible tops with blue interiors.
Alan H. Tast, AIA
Technical Director/Past President,
Vintage Thunderbird Club Int'l.
Author, "Thunderbird 1955-1966" & "Thunderbird 50 Years"
1963 Hardtop & 1963 Sports Roadster
Technical Director/Past President,
Vintage Thunderbird Club Int'l.
Author, "Thunderbird 1955-1966" & "Thunderbird 50 Years"
1963 Hardtop & 1963 Sports Roadster
Alan this is the one Blue Leather interior, Silver Mink 63 Roadster that I had previously brought to your attention. Kim is the new owner. Kim has the build sheet and I also have a copy. If you want a copy we can get one to you. The dark blue top also has the blue front rubber that contacts the windshield chrome.
63 Thunderbird Roadster
64 Thunderbird (Tonnau Cover)
64 Thunderbird (Tonnau Cover)
- KYBRIGGS82
- Posts: 213
- Joined: Fri Mar 24, 2006 12:48 pm
- Location: CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
- KYBRIGGS82
- Posts: 213
- Joined: Fri Mar 24, 2006 12:48 pm
- Location: CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
So here's the rest of the story..On 04/27/2006 I spoke to the original owners son of my 63' Thunderbird ordered 12-12-1962. I was advised his father had ordered this 1963 Thunderbird with the options as listed:
SPORTS ROADSTER
SILVER MINK LEATHER BOLSTER&INSERTS (TRIM 82)
800X14 WSW TIRES
POWER LIFT WINDOWS
POWER SEAT DRIVER
SELECTAIRE CONDITIONER
TINTED GLASS
SEAT BELTS
HEAVY DUTY BATTERCOLLANT ANTIFREEZE
I was told his father contacted the dealer,LEE MOTOR COMPANY,ELM CITY, NORTH CAROLINA after a month of delays and was told he would have to pick a different interior color since Ford was not able to produce the Thunderbird Roadster as ordered with the interior colors requested. I was told he became angry with Ford and being a very firm businessman advise Ford if he didn't get the Thunderbird in the colors he requested he would cancel his order. Needless to say, his father got Ford to build his Thunderbird and now my Thunderbird with a unique interior color like no other 1963 Ford Thunderbird Roadster ever built..And that's all she wrote folks....
SPORTS ROADSTER
SILVER MINK LEATHER BOLSTER&INSERTS (TRIM 82)
800X14 WSW TIRES
POWER LIFT WINDOWS
POWER SEAT DRIVER
SELECTAIRE CONDITIONER
TINTED GLASS
SEAT BELTS
HEAVY DUTY BATTERCOLLANT ANTIFREEZE
I was told his father contacted the dealer,LEE MOTOR COMPANY,ELM CITY, NORTH CAROLINA after a month of delays and was told he would have to pick a different interior color since Ford was not able to produce the Thunderbird Roadster as ordered with the interior colors requested. I was told he became angry with Ford and being a very firm businessman advise Ford if he didn't get the Thunderbird in the colors he requested he would cancel his order. Needless to say, his father got Ford to build his Thunderbird and now my Thunderbird with a unique interior color like no other 1963 Ford Thunderbird Roadster ever built..And that's all she wrote folks....
1963 FORD THUNDERBIRD SPORTS ROADSTER
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- KYBRIGGS82
- Posts: 213
- Joined: Fri Mar 24, 2006 12:48 pm
- Location: CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
Cool read.
I bet the leather really looks good in that car as well. Mine is the Silver Mink with the two tone blue combo which looks really good. Leather would have looked awsome. I wonder why they didn't go that route. I have seen red leather silver mink birds and I just don't car for them. To each their own I suppose.
I bet the leather really looks good in that car as well. Mine is the Silver Mink with the two tone blue combo which looks really good. Leather would have looked awsome. I wonder why they didn't go that route. I have seen red leather silver mink birds and I just don't car for them. To each their own I suppose.
Thomas Cofield
1962 Hardtop, 'Thumper' Red/Black
1962 Hardtop, 'The Survivor' White/Red
VTCI-PNW
RSSVTCI
1962 Hardtop, 'Thumper' Red/Black
1962 Hardtop, 'The Survivor' White/Red
VTCI-PNW
RSSVTCI
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- Posts: 51
- Joined: Thu Apr 14, 2005 1:43 am
- Location: newark, ca