Vintage Thunderbird Club International

The Thunderbird Ranch has decals to replace the paint. He claims it takes minutes instead of hours. Check the link below, then go to Services Offered and they are on the list. They say order by email - maybe email to check.

http://www.tbirdranch.com/

IMHO - If you're going for a driver and not a factory correct show car I suggest going with an electronic unit. Rebuilding a 50 year old unit gets you a rebuilt old unit that will fail again, just don't know how soon. A new electronic unit will fail eventually but probably not for a long time. Here'...

If you want less brake pedal travel you could look into an adjustable shaft to go from the brake pedal to the booster. They're available from most "Hotrod" vendors. It'll take some measuring and prob'ly a couple of phone calls to get the correct one. Maybe someone at your local auto parts ...

My opinion is based on my experiences and I don't care who does or doesn't like it.
Now - Do you have any information or help for the OP (Original Poster)? At least I tried to help.

Rislone makes an additive that has ZDDP in it. Not the flush but an additive. It says so on the label. I can find it on the shelf at a couple of auto parts stores near me for about 6 bucks. Here's a link for explanation http://www.enginebuildermag.com/Article/89129/engine_oil_supplement_with_zinc_tr...

I've read good stuff about Broader Performance and they do have a section on the Ford Cruise-O-Matic. Try calling them to see about shipping yours to them, they may have a preferred shipper with discount rates. You could also try other performance transmission shops listed in magazines. Most new mec...

Sorry I couldn't get back sooner. Here's a link to bolt info as to sizes, types and grade of material. I would guess you need a Grade 8 bolt to take the stresses. That would be listed under structural hex head cap screws. There's a lot of good info on this site. Fastenal is a national distrubutor. h...

If the lugs were like that I'd check/loosen and re-tighten and install a new cotter pin (that may be missing too)/ the castle nut on the spindles, maybe even repack the front bearings myself to make sure they are done properly. You can get new lugs nuts at just about any parts store. I'd try that be...

I'd check with a good local parts house. There's a NAPA warehouse and store near me and they usually have/or can get most of what I need. Calling a TBird vendor would get you good info too.
Your mileage may vary.

I was missing a spare and found one on EBAY for about 50 bucks. Cleaned and painted and looks good. Also some TBird vendors have aftermarket steel wheels as replacements.

Here's a link to one - http://www.classiquecars.com/thunderbirdwheelcart.htm

A bit pricey but its a wheel that fits.

I just found this

http://www.thunderbirdparts.com/new-tbirdsanctuary.html

Juliano's makes some nice belts that are retractable. Not correct for judging but great for a driver. link http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb.dll?parta~partsort Be careful about mounting 3 point belts. You don't want to mount them to the floor behind the seat. This will try to bend your back the wr...

I'm a believer in adding relays to the headlight circuits of older cars. The lights get full voltage and are therefore brighter. Your switch is now only activating a relay that draws less than 1 amp. Here's a link for info on how and why http://www.madelectrical.com/electrical-tech.shtml There's oth...

That's why God made beer and cigars! I don't know if you're going for concourse points. If not some of the vendors have an aftermarket type of mirror that at first glance looks right. The mirror is the same shape but it is made like a more modern mirror - horseshoe shaped button and integral shaft/m...

Try cleaning the area in the glass and the button with Acetone followed by cleaning again with alcohol a couple of times. Then, if the sanding marks are deep try polishing them out with some 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper laid flat on a piece of glass. Clean the button again. Park the car in the shade a...