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Yeah, I suspect you're right about the connections. The whole "I" and "S" thing was really just a Hail Mary. I've found that those can sometimes shed light on things, particularly if you have multiple root causes. But if I had to make a guess, I'd say there was a bad ground connection...

UPDATE: Bottom line, the problem is fixed, but I honestly don't know why. I'm just happy she starts and I hope the problem doesn't recur. And if it does, I hope it's nowhere unfortunate. So here's the story: I bought a load-tester for the battery, and everything checked out. The battery is...

Outstanding information. I'll load-test the battery in the next couple of days, and will replace a couple of cables for good measure. I'll report back. Thanks again!

Thanks, HeadacheGuy. Indeed, the whole shooting match goes dead, including headlights. I also took a multimeter to the solenoid and, without getting into detail, concluded that it gets stuck closed when I try to start the engine. When I disconnect the battery, it resets. Some other guys are...

Here's one I haven't seen in the manuals or in Google searches. I was starting up the '61 today. While cranking, everything suddenly stopped -- and I mean everything. Even the generator and other idiot lights went out. I backed off the key, turned it to every position, and nothing. No...

My Texas 1961 Bird runs hot, and on more than one occasion has overheated. The timing is never good, by the way. Among many other things, I'm looking at the insulation under the hood. I'm generally reluctant to remove things that engineers put there. But in this case, I thought it might be...

Update. I turned the front wheels hard to the left and out she came. :cheers

Guys -- Trying to remove the starter on my 1961 Bird. Got the bolts off (hard to access, but I did it) and the starter pulled straight out as expected. But I'll be darned if I can figure out how to maneuver the thing all the way out. Nothing I've tried works -- I just can't maneuver the drive...

Thanks again, Graeme! :cheers

Imaginative! I appreciate it. One more follow-up: is the flattened-out U welded to the radiator? Because I'm not sure I have that either. Actually, I take that back. The bottom of the radiator does have a couple of elongated "loops" that run parallel to the radiator. Is that what you're...

Thanks, Graeme. I'll check it out. Sadly, the shop manual doesn't have especially good drawings of this area, so it's hard to visualize. Would it be possible to post a photo? Either way, I appreciate the reply! --Rob

Thanks. Say, one more question: Does your Bird have any modifications that would affect offset (brake upgrades, etc.)? Cheers!

Nova -- What did you end up going with? Any issues so far? I also have a '61 Bird and would like to do the same kind of thing.

Hi all. Just ordered a new fan shroud for my 1961 Bird. (When I got the car, it had no shroud.) I've attached a photo of the part I received. I can see where each half of the shroud bolts to the top part above the fan. (I have the top part.) And I can see where the two halves bolt together...

It was a royal pain. I had to take all the trim off, remove the e-brake pedal, and remove the driver's side seat just so I could have room to work. Putting it all back together was just as big a pain. Finally, when I got it all buttoned up, the e-brake still didn't work the way it should...

Wow, beautiful Bird!!

Harley -- I think you're correct about the back-up lights. They don't come on, so that's probably that. By the way, you have actually worked on this very car. Black 1961 convertible, red interior, white top. My grandfather owned it and my uncle took care of it. He lives in Flower Mound. We...

PS -- My Bird is a 1961 convertible, if that matters.

Hi all. Two quick questions. 1. My brake lights have become intermittent. Before I launch a complete top-to-bottom search for the culprit, are there any likely suspects I should check first? 2. Possibly related: There are four wires -- two red and two black -- that anchor to a plate at...

I've come to the sad conclusion that my front parking brake cable can't be adjusted (thanks, corrosion) and must be replaced. I've replaced nearly every other part of my rear brake system with relative ease (including both rear cables), but this looks like a royal pain in the butt. The shop...