my 66 hardtop

[jasonrpeck 66]

i just found this site awsome. i am new to fords but love my t-birb.
last year i traded my 56 olds rocket 88 that i had restored straight across for this stock black bird i noticed that most models are the Landau coupe. mine is not it has the rear windows , so my questions are' stupid as they may be
is thsi car more rare
how can i tell the diference from the 390 and 428

[pontman]

get the numbers off your vin tage and go to Thunderbird Cybernest click on data plate decoder and it should tell you what you want to know.

[pontman]

get your vin code and go to Thunderbird Cybernest go to data plate decoder.it should tell you what you want to know.

[Harley Eaton]

Let me set you both straight regarding the 1966 Thunderbird. Ford produced four models on the 1966 Thunderbird. Hardtop ( with quarter windows like the 1964 and 1965), Town Hardtop (Blind quarters with no windows back there), Landau (blind quarter and vinyl top),Convertible. As far as the engine size - the VIN can be helpful IF you are certain that the engine has not been changed. Engine codes (in the VIN) are "Z" for the 390 and "Q" for the 428.

[jasonrpeck 66]

thanks for the advice its the 390 like i thought
i have been working on the motor, new plugs, wires, points, rebuilt carb, trans,raidiator.
i am having trouble timming it the marks are wrong eather the distributer was pulled out and moved or the crank shaft i am getting my marks about 90 degr. of the indicator. i can time it by ear and it runs good but i just dont have the power i should and my mpg are awfull like 7.
any advise

[redbird1]

You might want to try this to time the engine.
You can do this without a timing light.
First, remove the number one spark plug from the engine.
Put the cable back on it once removed.
Next, disconnect the coill cable at the distributor.
Hook up a remote starter switch per the mfg instructions.(usually one clip on the starter, and the other to ground.
If you don't have one, pick one up at any parts store.
ther are not expensive.
While cranking the engine, put your thumb over the hole where you took the spark plug out.
When the number #1 piston is at the top of it's stroke, you will feel the air pressure on your thumb.
At this point, stop cranking.
If by chance you cranked beyond the compression stroke, repeat with just clicking the remote starter switch one at a time until you feel the piston is at the top of it's stroke.
Once you have determined that the piston is at the top of it's compression stroke, go turn on the key.
Don't crank with the key, just turn it on.
Now, with the key in the ignition, and turned on, loosen the distributor a little, so that it can be turned.
Now, take that removed spark plug ,cable attached, and ground the tip of it on something metal on the engine.
While holding it against it's grounding point, slowly advance the distributor by turning it clockwise.
As soon as you see a spark, or hear a click at the point where the spark plug is grounded, the engine will be perfectly timed.
Tighten the distributor.
Turn off the ignition key and install the spark plug, annd the coil wire you removed
Remove the remote starter switch and you will be good to go.
Bob.

[jasonrpeck 66]

thank you i will try that this weekend

[Harley Eaton]

Instructions are pretty good, BUT I think you should reattach the coil wire before you try to see spark at the spark plg..

[jasonrpeck 66]

havent got to the timming yet. my wife drove the car to work and avoiding an accedent she had to go off the road and in a ditch, no real problems exept the tie rod is bent so bad i cant drive it. i was wondering if anyone knew a good place to get one i have found them online for as cheap as 60$ but i think that is a little steap cause i am replacing bolth inner rods does any one know a good vender?

[Harley Eaton]

I believe I have new tie rod ends for 1966. If so, $ 30.00 for outer and $ 32.00 for inner.
Let me know !!!!! Harley

[Harley Eaton]

SORRY... I don't have the inners........ Harley

[jasonrpeck 66]

thanks but i really need the inner