Vintage Thunderbird Club International

The difference in engine mounts should only be in the parts which bolt to the block, not the pads which are welded to the crossmember. There is a difference in mounts, but without a parts book in front of me I don't recall what the differenes are. Those more familiar with 390-428 differences, please...

Check the number again: I'd wager it probably was a "D2TE" and not "B2T" which would mean that the head is off a '72-later truck engine (360s and 390s were used in trucks through '76, at least for the 390). Also check the casting date for the block and, if you can get the valve c...

Original neutral safety switches would only allow the starter to engage when in Neutral, if I'm reading the Owner's Manual correctly. I seem to recall there was a bypass modification to the wiring that was recommended which would allow the switch to work in Park as well, but I would need to spend a ...

This has been a problem since the late '80s when the rubbers were first released. The initial runs that were made did not use a UV-stable composition, and there were numerous complaints of poor fit and short life, especially once they were on the car and exposed to the sun. The manufacturer supposed...

Oh my Gawd, that thing is UUUUUgly! Only redeeming quality is the futuristic dash. But, then again, we're talking about people who think bringing marionettes to life would make good entertainment. Reminds me of the car used in "The Leauge of Extraordinary Gentlemen" (which the credits say ...

A very complete listing of colors and other detailing info is available to VTCI members in the form of the 1961-1963 Original Factory Specifications book. Go to the Country Store section of the VTCI website to order a copy.

Jeff: Thanks! I'll compare this against the listings I've been able to find. There are colors that are unique to Super Coupe that I've been able to sort out, and molding info has been hard to track down. As for interior codes, I think I may have these sorted out, but probably will need to confirm/ve...

Mike: They claim to know some things about your 4300 Autolite that they can correct. Having only had one 4300 in my time versus the trusty 4100 on my '63, and knowing others who have been satisfied with their work, I'd say do it! After all, people who work on these day in and day out probably know m...

I haven't been able to find documentation as to the optional availability for duals for a '63-4v application, other than mention of optional duals in the '63 Shop Manual Supplement (page 6). VTCI's Concours Rules will allow use of duals on a '63 that originally was a single-exhaust car (such as mine...

One big tip is to use the '64-style arm, bushings and mounting bracket/spindle. It's heavier-duty than the original '63 design. The '61-'63 idler arm went through a series of several changes to the idler arm bushings, which I won't go into here, but it suffices to say the '64 arm/bushings are probab...

I'm presently working on a list of interior and exterior color/trim codes for use in the Scoop and for a new history book I'm writing on '55-'05 T-birds. There are some colors, interiors and codes I need to have confirmed. I am trying to locate copies of color/upholstery album charts and source book...

I'm presently working on a list of interior and exterior color/trim codes for use in the Scoop and for a new history book I'm writing on '55-'05 T-birds. There are some colors, interiors and codes I need to have confirmed. I am trying to locate copies of color/upholstery album charts and source book...

I'm presently working on a list of interior and exterior color/trim codes for use in the Scoop and for a new history book I'm writing on '55-'05 T-birds. There are some colors, interiors and codes I need to have confirmed. Mike Patterson has already corresponded with me on this, but I am trying to l...

Greg: Both William Wonder, VTCI's '61-'63 Tech Editor, and myself maintain a listing of Monaco Landaus, living and dead, as Ford didn't keep any records. Feel free to forward VIN/Serial Number, data plate info, options on the car and any known history to tast@earthlink.net . We're also listed in the...

Q: Are they repairable by the home hobbyist ? A: A certain amount of manual dexterity, electro-mechanical experience/skill, and tremendous patience are needed. If you can contain and replace the small springs which will fly out when you disassemble it, clean up and/or replace the contact points, you...