1966 Convertible

[rtfink]

I am new to this forum and new to Thunderbirds. I just bought a '66 Convertible that I am pretty proud of. I have had several old customs through my life, and have restored them. This is one of the first factory cars I have set out to do. This car is fairly mechanically sound, top works and looks great. The problem comes in with the interior. It is white and not in the best of shape. I am torn between trying to restore it myself or sending it off. Can anyone help me out with what it might cost for someone to do it, if I send it out? Also, can someone help me out as to whether the parts are available if i decide to do it myself? I have been able to locate seat covers, door panels (for the front) and kick panels. I can not find anything for the rear panels. The chrome trim is all fine, console is nice, dash is great. Help, please and thanks.

[3speeds3]

You and I are in the same boat, I just bought a 66 convertible too, same issues. Mine is all original, 61,000 miles. I just brought it home a couple weeks ago, I'm going through all the mechanicals first. My interior is all complete, but well worn. No tears, but the carpet is worn through in a couple of places. Friend of mine, (old car expert, has over 20) suggested I leave it original, but replace the carpet. He said once you start you have to do the whole thing. As mine is only dirty, he says scrub it down and enjoy it. "It's only original once"
Let me know how it goes.

[sseebart]

Sounds like the interior is not in too bad a shape, especially if the chrome is good and the dash mechanicals all work. There are lots of options for parts, I've used thunderbird headquaters and bird nest. Heard good things about thunderbird ranch, too, especially for harder to find parts. Reproduction parts often don't come up to the quality of the originals, so take care with what you replace.

~Steve

[3speeds3]

Originally Posted by sseebart

Sounds like the interior is not in too bad a shape, especially if the chrome is good and the dash mechanicals all work. There are lots of options for parts, I've used thunderbird headquaters and bird nest. Heard good things about thunderbird ranch, too, especially for harder to find parts. Reproduction parts often don't come up to the quality of the originals, so take care with what you replace.

~Steve

Thanks Steve, I appreciage it. Btw where are hou located, area wise ?

[sseebart]

I'm in the San Francisco Bay Area, California.

Keep us posted on your progress

~Steve

[3speeds3]

Aah, as am I. Im in Orinda, just east of Berkeley. Do you know of any Tbird groups/clubs that allow our models? I see lots that focus on the early Birds but cant find any that focus on ours. Id like to find some locals that I can ask questions, share, etc
Thanks!

[sseebart]

Well, that's cool. There is a club in our area, The Northern California Vintage Thunderbird Club. They are not affiliated with VTCI, but do have local experts and some events every year. I joined last year, but haven't don't much with the club yet.

They don't have much of a presence on the internet, but if you send me a private message with your mailing address, I can mail you a membership form.

~Steve