New owner

[geraldshaw]

Ever since I took a ride in my uncle's 66' Tbird convertible when I was 14 (almost 40 years ago), I have wanted one. Now I have one. 65,000 original miles. Engine is a 428 "Q" in the VIN and was overhauled about 10 years ago. Engine does not have many miles on it. Under 10k. The car is beautiful, with a Saphire Blue paint that shines great, no rust, dark blue leather interior with no cuts or tears or bad wear, blue carpet in good shape, and a white top that looks new. Most everything works on it, except the power attenna and the windshield washer. The top works as it should and the trunk is clean. The engine compartment is very clean. It had a new radiator put on a year ago. I bought it from an elderly gentleman in Schenetady, NY for $15,000.00, on ebay. I had trouble for almost two months trying to get a transport company to bring it to Dallas, gave up on that idea, and flew up to NY this past weekend to pick up the car. I was going to rent a trunk and trailer and haul it down, but it drove so well I just kept driving for a day and a half to Dallas. Probably not the smart thing to do, but it was fun. Its in my garage now.

Observations and many questions.

First, do you think it was a good deal for this car? Other cars I was bidding on went for much higher. Some in the 20's.

The car had a vibration at about 50 to 60. I stopped and had the wheels balanced. The shop told me two of the rims were bent and I probably should replace them. That will be easy enough.

The steering pulls slightly to the right. I will try an alignment. The suspension is very tight, but the front end seems to be loose to me. You can feel every bump in the road in the steering wheel. A shop in Dallas where I had the oil changed after the trip didn't see anything glaring wrong with the underside. Do these cars generally ride smooth, or do they feel like a sports car?

The engine needed oil at almost every fuel stop. Eight fuel stops from NY. About a quart and a half every 200 miles. It does not smoke and I couldn't see any leaks while I was on the road. Now while in my garage I can see oil on the floor. Not much, but noticeable. Perhaps the pan or rear seal as far as I can tell. What should the oil consumption normally be for this size engine? Also while driving the oil pressure was indicating in the low end of the normal range. On the gauge it was at the O of oil.

The car got a consistent 12 MPG. I assume this was normal.

There is a slight exhaust leak that I can hear from the engine. Don't know exactly where.

I was expecting more power and get up and go from this size engine. when doing about 40 or 50, if I floored it, it would not shift down. It would just accelerate in drive. What should it feel like? It also takes a while for the engine to warm up and feel idle smoothly. I suppose the choke is not working properly.

Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions would be very welcome.

Gerald

[boaterbob]

Congratulations on the new Bird, I've had one for about 25 years and really enjoy it. Here's my two cents. The price sounds fair but it don't matter since you bought it for your own enjoyment. Theres always someone out there who could get you a better deal after the fact. The ride on mine is soft and smooth nothing like a sports car. Maybe someone has extra heavy duty shocks on yours. The vibration sounds like a loose or tight u joint, best to pull the drive shaft off to check it properly. Bumps in the steering could be loose tie rod ends, worn idler arm bushing Etc. Oil leak may be loose or bad valve cover gaskets with the oil running down the side of the engine. Oil pressure could be okay, But if really concerned should connect a a guage with number readings on it. Your engine temp has an effect on oil pressure so you should look at that, and use 10w 30 oil. I think 12 miles to the gal. sounds pretty good to me. The rims have to be off a 65 or 66 with disc brake or they will scrape on the calipers. I may have two rims if you can't find them locally. [email protected] Good Luck

[geraldshaw]

Thanks for the response. Its good to know there are other enthusiast out there to help.

[Harley Eaton]

Ill add my welcome. I am located close to you, in Keller. Steering pulling one way or the other could be the gearbox. The check for this is: jack it up with the front wheels just off the floor. Start the engine. If it turns by itself, the problem is in the steering gearbox. Exhaust leak is, more than likely, the exhaust manifold gaskets. Won't downshift? Look at the downshift linkage. Sounds like it needs a fix. If interested in the North Texas Vintage Thunderbird Club, give me a ring. 817-337-0666. Call even if you aren't intersted in the club. Harley

[Captain Mike]

Let me also welcome you and your Tbird to Dallas. Although I'm not in the local club, you can check out their website at www.ntvtbird.org. Check this site on a regular basis..there's a lot of good information here.