65 lifetime lubrication

[Montana Tbird]

We have just bought a 65 bird, and it will be delivered early next week. On reading the Owners Manual, it talks about the "lifetime lubricants" used on the front end. It warns you not to put zerks in and use different lubricants. The car has just over 83,000 miles assuming that this is the first time around. The car is very clean and appears to be in good overall condition.

Any suggestions on how to relube the joints, and is there a special lubricant to use? The first thing I plan on doing is changing all of the fluids, greasing all joints, repacking the wheel bearings and changing out hoses and belts. Any other problem areas I should be looking for?

thanks for any advice.

[Cdhowell]

Flush the fuel system and change filters

[Montana Tbird]

The oil, power steering, brakes etc are no problem and I'll flush the gas tank and change the filters. My concern is the grease points on the chassis and suspension system. Ford stated in the 65 Owners Manual that "the extended chassis lubricant contains molybendeum disulphide" and that should last for 100,000 miles. It also discussed the fact that there are special plugs rather than the normal zerks. My question was what lubricant should be used for the chassis lube? thanks

[Montana Tbird]

I found the answer by talking to an old Ford mechanic. In the early 60's, the moly grease was a hot new item. Basically by adding the moly to the grease, it sticks to the metal. Now it is almost impossible to buy grease that doesn't have the moly in it. His comment was to install zerks and lube the joints with a good grade of grease. What was magic in 1965 is common today.....

[profechano]

I spoke with a local Ford Thunderbird Mechanic Specialist (everyone here in San Diego goes to him) "Hilltop Fords" (Escondido,CA) . He also mentioned the lifetime lube used in the front suspension, stating that the "lifetime" back then didn't expect to mean 40+ years...

I showed him the zerks on the front upper suspension arm of my bird and he said that was both great and desirable. It meant they had already been replaced and upgraded to the long-term best solution for lubricating the suspension arm. (The old lifetime grease will not last and should be replaced if it hasn't.)

Based on his advice, and that my bird still rolls with 350k+ miles on her, I would recommend if you have the option to go for the zerks, do it.

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[Montana Tbird]

Thanks - is there any trick to installing the zerks? My guess is that you drill a hole and tap it, then install a zerk. If anyone knows, please let me know. The car has a bad squeak when you push down on the left fender, and when you drive it, it constantly squeaks. I'm hoping it's a dry bushing and nothing more serious.