New here.

[Steel Bird]

Hey everyone.
I have always appreciated the looks of the older Thunderbirds, but have been a GM / Buick guy for the most part.
Rivieras specifically.

After giving much thought as to what car I would like next after I finish and hopefully sell the '70 Riviera I have been working on.
(Just painted myself in my garage a few weeks ago)
I was bitten by the Thunderbird bug and now have the fever.
I like the '61-'63 best, but a '64-'66 model wouldn't be a bad choice either.

So, hope you don't mind my hanging out to learn more about these cars. I already see there is a lot more available as far as parts compared to Rivieras!

Dale

[Firstperson]

Dale,

We are going backwards, you are leaving Rivi's and I am going to get one in the next 3 years for the boy. He wants my bird but...not happening. We are going to have to exchange stories and tips as we go because I want to get him a 65 Riviera Gran Sport to head off to college in.

I have a 67 so I'm not exactly what you like but we are in the same ballpark.

Welcome to the forum!!

Lad

[Gary Tayman]

Welcome to the forum!

These old Thunderbirds are head-turners ON the show field, and much more so Off the field and on the road. I can't take my car anywhere without someone tapping on their horn to give me a thumbs-up.

Not that the Riviera isn't, but the T-Bird seems to be much more so. It's more recognizable.

These cars are not exactly the easiest to restore. They are not simple cars by any stretch -- in fact physically they are not realy Fords, but Lincolns, made in the Wixom Lincoln factory.

However there's good news. There are enough of these cars in collectors' hands that repro parts and literature is readily available. Everything that ever breaks on these cars is well documented, and any question you have can be answered, most likely right here. The car is plentiful enough that you won't have much trouble getting what you need, but not so common that you'll find ten of them on the same show field -- unless it's a Thunderbird show.

[Steel Bird]

Originally Posted by Gary Tayman

Welcome to the forum!

These old Thunderbirds are head-turners ON the show field, and much more so Off the field and on the road. I can't take my car anywhere without someone tapping on their horn to give me a thumbs-up.

Not that the Riviera isn't, but the T-Bird seems to be much more so. It's more recognizable.

These cars are not exactly the easiest to restore. They are not simple cars by any stretch -- in fact physically they are not realy Fords, but Lincolns, made in the Wixom Lincoln factory.

However there's good news. There are enough of these cars in collectors' hands that repro parts and literature is readily available. Everything that ever breaks on these cars is well documented, and any question you have can be answered, most likely right here. The car is plentiful enough that you won't have much trouble getting what you need, but not so common that you'll find ten of them on the same show field -- unless it's a Thunderbird show.

Still dreaming of getting a Thunderbird. The obsession is sticking.
One advantage to the Thunderbird over the Riviera is that there are more reproduction parts out there. I have over the months ordered catalogs from suppliers.

Thanks!