Possibly buying a 63 TBird this week....

[jonecin]

Hi!

I just signed up on this forum last night. So hello all!

I've always loved the 61-63 TBirds and I think I found one locally. Just a few questions to make sure I'm getting a decent deal.
The Good:
The 63 TBird has a rebuilt engine with about 500 miles on it, runs excellent when I test drove it. Idles great. Interior in great shape. Body is straight, no rust that I could see.
The not so good:
The paint is black but seems to have a lot of cracking underneath the clear coat. Suspension squeaks when front end is pushed down. Small leak from transmission. A little smoke coming from the engine when we started it but it went away after the drive. Tires are old, little dry rot. Car has been sitting for 6 months in this guys garage.

He wants 7k for it, should I go for it? It would be my daily driver. I have only owned old muscle cars in the past 67 stang, 73 gto but I think I want a cruiser. How are these as daily commuters? I heard the transmissions are problematic, is this true? Any other things I should look into like common rust areas etc?

Thanks in advance!
John

 

[nagel]

I have 63 and love it.
Look for rust in the trunk.
Also look for bondo patches, where someone has filled in the rusted spots.
HAVE A MECHANIC CHECK IT OUT, then you will relay know what your up agenst. A second set of eyes can save you a chunk of change.
If you need parts Thunderbird HQ is pretty good.
Break a leg.
Nagel