Should I get it? 64 T-Bird???

[pnedac]

Hello all,

I have the chance to get a 64 T-Bird in the next week or so and I am a little nervous. I understand that it has a newer motor and tranny but has not been driven in at least two years. I am pretty sure it has been stored indoors and I have seen pictures. It is all original and could be a very sweet ride at some point, but I am looking for some answers about how easy it is to work on and how much risk I might be taking in getting into something like this.

In your experience, is it pretty simple to work on these things and get them goign or should I pass on the deal? I am getting it from an older woman for $1000. Her husband passed away a couple years ago and she just wants it gone. A close friend of mine sold it to the woman's husband and says the car is awesome. Just looking for some input on your thoughts about restoring these things.

I restore old motorcycles a lot and am really good with those, but this is a different animal. Any input is appreciated.

Pnedac

 

[Ford blue blood]

Where is the car located? For that money you can part it out and make money. I would jump all over it for $1K!

 

[phjohnso]

you can't go wrong on that deal no matter what. DO IT!

 

[pnedac]

Thanks for all of the input. I think I should get it as it should be easy enough to get going again. Pretty simple machine overall I would think so game on! I am pretty excited.

Thanks,

Pat

 

[aint_no_chicken]

Do It!

AGREED! I picked my 66 up for 500 to part it out, but then drove it.... its not parts anymore lol. Awesome cars, I'm sure if you have mechnical knowage and like vintage tin, you wont have any problem falling in love with it. Worst comes to worse, you buy it dont like it, and resell it with a chance to make a profit, and have it go to a good home. Good luck

 

[Gary Tayman]

You can't beat the price, and if you decide you hate it you can easily get your money back and then some.

As for the car itself, no it is not the easiest car to work on. If you're looking for easy, get a Mustang or even a Volkswagen. But go to the show fields and see how many Mustangs and VW's there are, compared to Thunderbirds. Chances are you'll have the only 64 bird in town!

When you first pick up the car, there are three things I suggest you do immediately (besides changing the oil, etc.): Check/replace the brake lines. Those rubber hoses are 47 years old, and if one of them lets go you have a two-ton missile ready to smash whatever's in front of it. Also the steel lines; particularly under the driver's door there is a plate that's supposed to protect, but instead accumulates mud and dirt, and the brake (& fuel) line will rust at the point -- and also let go with no warning. Replace it all and you're good for a long, long time.

Next, pull up the carpeting and check the floorboards. The jute backing on these cars is known for holding moisture, causing the floor to rust out. Either fix them if needed, or at least clean it up and it can't hurt to paint the floor before reinstalling the carpet.

Third, that Ford 9" rear axle is indestructible -- almost. After two years of sitting, don't be surprised if, after a little time goes by, that rear axle starts to growl. When sitting, the oil no longer coats the "top" of the inner wheel bearings and the differential bearings, and they sit and rust. After driving the car for awhile, that rust will wear into the bearings/races and you will start to get axle noise. When that happens, get it all rebuilt and you should be good for life -- that is, unless you let it sit for two more years . . .

My own 64 is a project, and I've also become the victim of some really bad service, but through it all I've still got the car and still enjoy it. Turns heads everywhere it goes.

 

[tbird5866]

Let's see: It has a newer motor and transmission- it's all original?If you buy it, get a shop manual !!!

 

[my66cruiser]

Buy it

Hi there,

If you have not bought the car yet, it sounds like a good deal, like many others here have stated. Since you are no stranger to fixing things, you can always learn new things - just be patient. As long as the car is not a basket case that's full of rust, it might be a good deal. I bought my '66 bird last summer at an auction for much less than it was worth. The seller indicated that the C6 tranny had been rebuilt and the engine is not original and I was fine with that. I own a 1969 Mustang Mach 1 but I ALSO wanted something more luxurious and there is nothing like these old birds - they will never make cars with this kind of styling ever - look at that dashboard baby! They ooze style. Yes, I took a chance but it worked out and this purchase was from a complete stranger (but a reputable seller). It needed some minor things fixed, but that is all part of the fun of it. I have been offered more than double what I paid for the car more than once, and this was before I started to fix the little things that needed attention. (It's) not for sale of course. Worst case, if you need to get rid of it, put it up for sale on this forum. Someone here will take it. Good luck! :driving