Vintage Thunderbird Club International

Yes George. One of the more difficult things I did on my car. I hope your headers don’t complicate it too much. Safety first. It’s heavy.

Bill

George, I searched for an upgraded steering system for my 61 but was able to find only a rack and pinion system for baby birds. I decided to go with a rebuilt steering box from Redhead. You’ve probably heard of them. They upgrade their rebuilds, installing seals where there never were any and taking...

As I recall from overhauling the rear suspension on my 61 years ago, the pads and retainers for 61 were a 1 year design, much smaller than 62-63. I converted to the beefier 62-63 design, obtaining the required salvaged hard parts from a northwest US TBird supplier.
Best of luck.

Bill

Hi Bill, thanks for your reply. I'll check however, the engine was removed completely by the previous owner to eliminate oil leaks on his drive. The top end was dismantled & the heads removed, hence I'm thinking its steering or gearbox oil. Any other thoughts would be appreciated. Peter Peter, ...

When I replaced the CVR on my 61 I was told by the builder of the new digital CVR that I would not need the noise suppressor. Good thing, because it fell to pieces during removal.

Bill

The first place I would check is the rear of the intake manifold. Oil leaking there can make its way down to where you noticed it. The RTV-filled joint is difficult to see completely but feeling with fingers mind find the leak.

Bill

I second the suggestion of Powergen by Powermaster. There’s one that looks like the original generator and can be ordered with a post to power the instrument panel generator light. The one on my 61 worked flawlessly. Good luck.

Bill

Nice job, George. Good for you!

Are you burning up those mountain roads now with your hopped-up 61?

Bill

Try https://www.abspowerbrake.com/index.html. They advertise working on 14” wheels. I used these, but on 15” wheels. There may be something special about the original 14” wheels that makes them incompatible. Maybe someone else will comment on this who used 14” wheels. Good luck.

Bill

Maybe the modulator. Maybe loss of vacuum to the modulator. Perhaps the trans mechanic left off the short rubber hose at the modulator? Good luck.

Bill

I first installed Bilstein shocks from a TBird supplier on my 61 when I installed new springs. The front shocks had insufficient travel and wore out the end rubber bushings repeatedly. I replaced the front shocks with KYB KG4503 shocks (from Amazon) which had more travel. The travel specs were simil...

Besides the camshaft, another good way to increase power in the 390 engine is to replace the log exhaust manifolds with headers. My engine rebuilder estimated at least 20hp increase. The details of the cam I used indicated that they “liked” headers. I think FPA makes them for your car. They may be a...

When I had the engine rebuilt in my 61, I found that toying with the options available at the Comp Cams website was helpful in making a selection, which I then confirmed with my engine rebuilder. I tried to select something with good torque at low rpm’s, similar to what’s been called an RV grind. It...

As I recall from my 61, there’s a ground wire under the dash that connects to the steering column. Maybe that’s at least part of your issue? If I’m wrong, someone please correct me. Good luck.

Bill

Bird Nest lists one for the ‘64. Good luck.

Bill