Vintage Thunderbird Club International

I had some work done to fix a leak in the power steering. Mechanic said he replaced fluid with STP Type A. I've still got the leak. I've always used Amalie Type F. Should I flush the system and use the type F? Maybe it's thicker???

You bet, Bill. I treated my wife to a full '61 experience about a week or so ago when the temps went from the zeros to the 70s. Nothing like a big block.

I went ahead and installed the tach (to replace the clock) and the quad gauge (to replace the idiot lights) but kept the speedo. I wasn't sure just what type of speedo I wanted. And yeah, I know the fonts don't match, but once I get a little more time, I may redo that also. I'm running 17" whee...

Rusty: I agree I didn't need the alternator conversion but a) my generator was iffy and b) just thinking ahead in case I decide to do future upgrades.

I wasn't sure about load, so I replaced the generator with a Powergen Powermaster altenator. I wanted to keep the look of the stock generator.

Personally, since 1983. BUT, my father bought it new in April 1961.

Didn't work, Jim. I think the spring is weak. Now to find a replacement somewhere in the interweb universe.

Thanks Jim. I'll give it a try.

Anyone use Speedhut gauges? Thinking of replacing clock with tach and quad gauge. Keeping speedo stock. Opinions??

I just put the hood back on my '61. Hood is aligned just fine, but the passenger side latch doesn't want to release. Driver's side is fine. If I juggle the front of the hood and have a friend yank on the hood release again, the hood finally opens. Is this just a matter of shifting the latch assembly...

All of the lights - interior, exterior, gauges - on my '61 are LEDs. They're part of an exclusive package available at KTL Restorations in Danville, VA who are doing some upgrades on my 'Bird. You could contact them: 434-685-7353. Photo of taillights below.

I just had Octane Lighting headlights, taillights, etc. installed. Very few issues. Photos below.

Ed. I've had a BendPak 6,000 lb 4-post lift for years in my garage. It's not the least expensive lift you can buy, but it's always come through for me. Very high quality. Love it. The lift comes standard with a 240v motor, but I got mine converted to 120v to conserve the 240v outlets I have in my ga...

My early '61 without AC had it mounted under the expansion tank from the factory. I moved it over to the driver's side to make it easier to work on. Not sure if this would get in the way of the AC unit though.

The kit you referenced is for full sized Fords and Mercurys. Wilwood doesn't make a front kit for '61 - '63 TBirds. The spindles are probably different, but I'll let the brake experts chime in to confirm.