Rescued 66 From Galliano Island Forest

[wolfclan]

I just picked up a 66 T-Bird from the woods on the Gulf Islands in BC.

It looks to be in great shape body wise.

The 390 motor sounds good appart from rusted tailpipes. Smooth running, no ticking.

The steering has a problem. It doesn't. The previous owner claims nothing was wrong when it was parked. When the car is running or not running I am unable to turn the wheels. It makes a chattering noise like a ratchet as though a gear was stripped.

How do you normally disengage the parking brake?

Someone in the past cut and drilled holes in the dash above the stock radio for a tape deck. I would like to find a replacement for this to make it all original for special collector plates/insurance.

[Harley Eaton]

I would first check to see if the flex coupling between the steering shaft and the gearbox is broken.. Watch at the flex coupling while someone turns the steering wheel.. You should see the problem.. If it turns out that you need a gearbox, I can supply you with a rebuilt gearbox.. The parking brake has an automatic release.. Vacuum should release it when you put the car in gear.. If the automatic feature does not work, there is a manual release located above the park brake pedal.. Look for it.. Fordman