Prospective 66 t bird owner

[Sozzy1269]

I hope some knowledgeable members can guide me here... I'm potentially getting a 66 bird, 428 landau. I've got multiple pictures and the data plate seems to check out, but haven't seen it in person. Should be meeting the guy ( out of state) next weekend. Really need to know what to check on this car. Rust prone areas, known electric issues, leaky quirks, etc. Not my first old car by a long shot but my first t bird. Any advice is appreciated.

[jtschug]

Rust prone areas:

* Lower rear quarter just behind the door opening
* Inner and outer front fender above the tire
* Driver & Passenger side floor
* Lower rear quarter behind the tire
* "torque box" in front of rear tire

Common issues:

* Interior door panel pulls away from the lower channel
* Sloppy shifter mechanism
* Rear axle leaks into brake drum
* Various power window issues typical of cars of this vintage

Cars with A/C and power locks have a ton of vacuum lines

[Rusty57]

This generation TBird had some pretty advance features for that time. As noted, there is a large number of functions controlled by vacuum.

Spend a lot of time checking every function. All the heating/cooling controls are driven by vacuum. There is a rear "exhaust" vent that is vacuum actuated. Even the door locks are vacuum actuated.

These cars also had hydraulic driven wipers. They were powered by a separate section of the power steering pump.

Of course there are all the normal body, suspension, and mechanical checks.

And make sure the sequential turn signals work!

I do not know your technical capabilities and resources. Please do not be offended by this statement. If this is your first classic car and you are not an experienced mechanic or have access to trusted services capable of working on it, this might not be the best choice.

[Sozzy1269]

This generation TBird had some pretty advance features for that time. As noted, there is a large number of functions controlled by vacuum.

Spend a lot of time checking every function. All the heating/cooling controls are driven by vacuum. There is a rear "exhaust" vent that is vacuum actuated. Even the door locks are vacuum actuated.

These cars also had hydraulic driven wipers. They were powered by a separate section of the power steering pump.

Of course there are all the normal body, suspension, and mechanical checks.

And make sure the sequential turn signals work!

I do not know your technical capabilities and resources. Please do not be offended by this statement. If this is your first classic car and you are not an experienced mechanic or have access to trusted services capable of working on it, this might not be the best choice.

Thanks for the notes... I'm meeting the guy on Friday. I'm no novice when it comes to working on cars. Just not familiar with Thunderbird specific issues. I have a 66 Mustang GT, 67 Fairlane 500 XL, 64 f100 flare side 4x4, a 26 t roadster, and a 77 scout. This isn't even mentioning my newer vehicles....
I'm mostly interested in making sure there isn't any (or too much...) hidden rust or shoddy body work. Doesn't look like there is any on this car but pictures can be deceiving. Also wanted to see if there are any Achilles heels or parts that are prone to failure but not easily sourced ( or expensive). I'd rather deal with mechanical issues than body work...

[64ZCODE]

Looks pretty sharp and might be in "good" condition. If so, the Hagerty valuation tool puts the value around $16K and indicates it has declined over 10% in the past year and will likely decline further in the future. So, you could negotiate a lower price to give you some room for the inevitable funds you're going to need to spend.

The "sloppy shifter" issue that jtschug mentioned is a serious safety issue where the car may pop out of Park into Reverse, or the gears will be hard to find when shifting.

Seems like there are parts available for most anything on these cars, and a ton of free technical help on this forum and others.

Good luck! I think we'd all be interested to hear how this plays out.

[Rusty57]

Thanks for adding the great news that you are no novice to classic cars. I agree that based in the pictures it does look pretty decent.

Please keep us updated!

[Sozzy1269]

Looks pretty sharp and might be in "good" condition. If so, the Hagerty valuation tool puts the value around $16K and indicates it has declined over 10% in the past year and will likely decline further in the future. So, you could negotiate a lower price to give you some room for the inevitable funds you're going to need to spend.

The "sloppy shifter" issue that jtschug mentioned is a serious safety issue where the car may pop out of Park into Reverse, or the gears will be hard to find when shifting.

Seems like there are parts available for most anything on these cars, and a ton of free technical help on this forum and others.

Good luck! I think we'd all be interested to hear how this plays out.

Is there a link to the sloppy shifter I should review? Is just worn bushings or something?
I'm actually trading my "old" side by side for the car. 17 Can-Am Maverick X3. I've been trying to sell it and the guy reached out offering the t-bird in trade. The 428 piqued my interest...
From what he's told me, it's a survivor. Paint was touched up at some point, but original. Interior looks good, engine bay unmolested. I may change that a bit. I am a bit of a hot rodder, and while this isn't a muscle car, I do want some headers, lighten the motor a bit with an intake manifold swap, and maybe EFI. Might swap gears from 3.00 to about 3.25 or 3.55. kind of leaning toward black torque thrust wheels with red line tires. I'd keep all the stock stuff in case I ever want to go back to original. Just in case...

[jtschug]

One thing about gears, if it is a "Q" code VIN, it will have a 9 3/8" center with 31 spline axles. To get different gears, or limited slip, you will need to find ancient Ford parts because there is no aftermarket for that stuff. The good news is a 9" center will bolt in, and you can get a variety of limited slip differentials and gear sets, but it makes the swap a little more expensive since you have to replace the whole third member. If it is a "Z" code VIN, it will have a normal 9" in it with 28 spline axles.

[Sozzy1269]

One thing about gears, if it is a "Q" code VIN, it will have a 9 3/8" center with 31 spline axles. To get different gears, or limited slip, you will need to find ancient Ford parts because there is no aftermarket for that stuff. The good news is a 9" center will bolt in, and you can get a variety of limited slip differentials and gear sets, but it makes the swap a little more expensive since you have to replace the whole third member. If it is a "Z" code VIN, it will have a normal 9" in it with 28 spline axles.

Very good to know. It is a Q code... I've found 9" center sections online before for a few hundred bucks... Usually open but that's easy enough to fix.... Are the 31 spline axles the same as the trucks used? Thinking that's where I should look for a pumpkin. Honestly, gears are lower on the list, and 3.00s will at least offer some modicum of mileage...

[jtschug]

I don't think there is a hard and fast rule about where Ford used 31 spline axles. If you are going to install an aftermarket limited slip, just make sure to order one which mates with 31 spline axles.

[Sozzy1269]

Well, I got it! Very solid car. No rust that I can find. Some paint repair,but mostly a survivor. Not getting fuel from the tank, even with a new pump, so I'll need to diagnose that after I get home tomorrow. Did fire with starting fluid. Had an Edelbrock carb on it, but came with the original autolite ( needs a rebuild). Anyone have a link to the right 428 carb rebuild kit?
Car has AC but needs a charge. Original radio still works! Driver window not working. Must be a vacuum leak.

[Rusty57]

Congratulations! That sounds like a great car that only needs a little TLC to be a fun driver.

Spend the little bit of money on the shop manual, parts manual, and the VTCI technical information. It will save you a lot of money and frustration.

Has the AC been converted to R134? You can still buy R12 so it might be simpler to stick with the original. The real concern with the AC system is if it was open to atmosphere for an extended period of time.

Mike’s Carburetors is a great source for kits and a tremendous amount of technical information plus direct support.

[Sozzy1269]

Congratulations! That sounds like a great car that only needs a little TLC to be a fun driver.

Spend the little bit of money on the shop manual, parts manual, and the VTCI technical information. It will save you a lot of money and frustration.

Has the AC been converted to R134? You can still buy R12 so it might be simpler to stick with the original. The real concern with the AC system is if it was open to atmosphere for an extended period of time.

Mike’s Carburetors is a great source for kits and a tremendous amount of technical information plus direct support.

Thanks! It's really garnering a lot of attention as I drive home with it on the flatbed. Got links to the VTCI info? Mike's carburetors? I was told the AC was converted to r134. I'll try charging it and see how it works. Those old York compressors are huge!
My first order of business after I get home and fit it in the garage, is to get fuel to the carb...

[Alan H. Tast]

Got links to the VTCI info?

Click on the logo at the upper left corner of the screen for VTCI's home page
https://www.vintagethunderbirdclub.net/

[64ZCODE]

Congratulations! That sounds like a great car that only needs a little TLC to be a fun driver.

Spend the little bit of money on the shop manual, parts manual, and the VTCI technical information. It will save you a lot of money and frustration.

Has the AC been converted to R134? You can still buy R12 so it might be simpler to stick with the original. The real concern with the AC system is if it was open to atmosphere for an extended period of time.

Mike’s Carburetors is a great source for kits and a tremendous amount of technical information plus direct support.

Thanks! It's really garnering a lot of attention as I drive home with it on the flatbed. Got links to the VTCI info? Mike's carburetors? I was told the AC was converted to r134. I'll try charging it and see how it works. Those old York compressors are huge!
My first order of business after I get home and fit it in the garage, is to get fuel to the carb...

Did it ever pump fuel to the carb after the new fuel pump was installed? If not, perhaps whoever installed the pump got the fuel line connections reversed. I managed to do that on my '64.