Vintage Thunderbird Club International

Anyone know of upgraded suspension components that might be available?

Most interested in tubular control arms

Never heard of any being offered - just not enough interest in them compared to Mustangs which have heaps of after market support.

Check the Galaxie that Jay Leno has - special control arms built for it but they were a once off.

Graeme

I don't know if these would work on Tbirds because of the amount of weight over the front wheels but they seem to be made for every other make of Ford.
http://www.rrs-online.com.au/au/ho2-coi ... strut.html

Good find Stubbie, that might be a good starting point too at least ask questions.

Graeme

Cool product but I don't think our strut towers were designed to take that strain.
I've heard people comment about them moving if you remove the brace so I imagine this would be an issue long term with out some serious restructuring.

My issues is I bought some rims used that are spot of for the car in terms of look and with a spacer they fit however at full lock there are only about 1/8 inch from the edge of the rim to the side of the upper control arm. I'm worried this is not enough clearence.
Trying to decide if I modify the upper control arm.

1/4" sounds ok.

And did some research on those parts - not 'over engineered' enough for my liking.

Graee

Yeah good idea but I'd prefer something designed as a kit specific to the car in question.

When fitting the rims I removed the spring so I could test the full tuck and was surprised how much tension just the control arms will hold. Granted I have the motor out but the front would come off the jack stands just on the bushing flex.

Defiantly would concern me going from 5 load points down to three

I think if you just focussed on the comfort level for straight roads and install disc brakes and a heavy duty sway bar on the front that should keep you happy. Save the fancy stuff for cars that are designed to go around corners.

Graeme

I see they sell a strut brace kit as well for body flex.

I'm working on the rear leaf springs and upgrading the bushings. But I can't find a universal kit for the car anywhere. I'm looking for poly bushings. Does anyone know which car the Thunderbird shared/borrowed/whatever it's rear leafs from? F-100? Galaxie? It would really help my build. Thanks

Polybushings.com has bushings by size if you first know the dimensions of the bushings you need. Good luck.

Bill

Did Ford change anything to the rear leafs from the 3rd generation to the fourth? I don't see why?

I went to PolyBushings.com and only found bushings for 1960-64. So I'm wondering If I could use those for my car/