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Matt,
Welcome to the Thunderbird community! I too have a 64, purchased as a project car, and unfortunately has become the victim of bad service so it has its share of problems. However when it runs, it's fantastic.
I'm curious as to where you are in Maryland. I grew up in Camp Springs, right outside Andrews AFB. I've lived in Sarasota for over 25 years however and never looked back. BTW, my car was an abandoned piece sitting in Front Royal, Virginia -- not extremely far from you.
Originally I did nearly all the work myself, and made plenty of progress on the car. Then I bought a new motor for it, and the problems began. When a resto shop removed the motor for warranty (which didn't get fixed), THEY did some work and screwed up much of the rest of the car -- and soaked me for the privilege. As I get money and time I'm repairing the mess, but it's taking a long time. Moral of the story -- go to a lot of local car cruises, make lots of friends, and find out which shops have good reputations and CARE about the cruising community. Then, any work you don't do on your own, go to them.
Two things I recommend doing before you go very far: first and foremost, check out the brakes, end to end. Much of the hardware is 46 years old; rubber hoses should be replaced, cylinders rebuilt or replaced, springs, etc., and last but definitely not least, the steel lines. Underneath the back corner of the driver's door, there is a small cover plate (supposedly for protection) where the brake and fuel lines turn to go toward the center of the car. Over time mud and crud get inside that plate, or some idiot uses the plate to lift the car. Brake lines have been known to burst inside that plate. Replace all the lines with stainless steel, and you're good for a long, long time.
The other thing is pull up the carpeting and look at the floor. You may not like what you see, but you'll be glad you checked. On a rainy day in 1967, someone accidentally left the door open and a lot of water got in the car -- it's still there. Clean up the floor pan, or replace it if needed, and let the carpeting dry out -- or replace the jute backing.
Enjoy it!
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