New to Forum, Recently Purchased a 66 T-Bird

[Ko2mo]

Hello Everyone,
I recently purchased a 1966 Thunderbird, Town Landeau, 390 with AC, without smog control for $1,500. The interior is is great shape and a very solid body. My problem is that whoever had it before me stripped the engine of all components, hoses and mounting brackets. I'm not very familiar with these cars so I'm hoping you guys can help me with the belt and hose routing, fuel line routing, vacuum routing, etc. Up close pictures of engine compartment from different angles would be greatly appreciated as I'm starting with nothing but the block. Maybe even be able to point me in the direction of good parts cars or dealers. I did buy the shop manual for this car but I'm finding that it is a little lacking in some areas. I'll be looking forward to chatting with you guys as I work on this car. (This is also my first project car so I'm hoping I chose well).
Thanks!

[60fore]

For starters, there are some great pics of Jim Wulf's concours-quality '66 here:

http://www.tbirdgarage.com/Site_2/66_Al ... lbums.html


You will want to purchase the Jim Osborn electrical assembly and body and trim manuals for you car as well; they are required reading for any Thunderbird restorer. Available from the T-Bird parts suppliers and eBay as well.

You've chosen a fairly ambitious project for your first one but with the manuals and the help of the many knowledgeable folks on this forum it's certainly doable.

[Ko2mo]

Wow very helpful! Thank You! I will definitely get those manuals!

[BrianC]

(This is also my first project car so I'm hoping I chose well).

Oh Yea, you chose well....

[tbird]

Welcome to the forum as the other posters stated it will be a big help in getting your engine back together and in any futter work that you plan on undertaking on the car.
Here is the list of my favourite books for reference, one that I might add is the Big Bird parts book also available from the Thunderbird Suppliers which will show you a parts break down with base part numbers.

Owners Manual (used or Jim Osborne Reproductions)
Thunderbird Shop Manual (used or Jim Osborn Reproductions)
Body Trim and Sealant Assembly Manual (Jim Osborn Reproductions)
Electrical Assembly Manual (Jim Osborn Reproductions)
Wiring Diagram Manual (Jim Osborn Reproductions)
VTCI Original Factory Specifications (VTCI Country Store, available to members only)
These must be for your year of vehicle as there were many changes made from one
model year to the other.
Most of these items should be available from your favorite Thunderbird supply house or
directly from Jim Osborn Reproduction, cost will be about 125.00 plus shipping cost

[Ko2mo]

Also, as the carb is missing what do you guys suggest I get for it? Go original or holley/eddlebrock? Electric, manual or hot air choke?

[snowcone]

If you're not a purist, then mine works great with a Holley and electric choke.

[franklin]

Welcome!! let me know what you may need for pics. I can try to take some and will email them to you, but dont need to duplicate photos. Frank flilawsa@msn.com

[mnpetri]

Welcome aboard. Lots of good help on here!
You have picked a great car