1960 Thunderbird

[Sknight579]

I'm thinking of getting a 1960 T-bird from a guy in Odessa, but he said it needs Restoration, I'm wondering where to get parts and things for it, anyonw now where I can get what I need and like a free catalog? any help would be much apprexiated.

[Crazy Horse GT]

im thinking that there is a place called larry's t-bird part's in ny, just go to search engine ford t-bird, i used to have a cat , but someone borrowed it, aint seen it since.

[Sknight579]

got it, thanks Crazy horse, that place has Mustangs and t-bird parts

[Crazy Horse GT]

Originally posted by Sknight579
got it, thanks Crazy horse, that place has Mustangs and t-bird parts

glad i could help, l8ter. marty.

[mustangman65_79]

Hey, if u get it, I'd like to see pics.

[Sknight579]

I'll get you some pics, no problem

[Dark_5.0]

Hey hows it been going. Where in Odessa did you find it? I am going to be running the cobra at penwell again in a couple of weeks you should come check it out.

Later,

[Mr 5 0]

Sknight579:

Lots of places for old T-Bird parts; just do a web search.

Heres a link I found for all Ford classic parts, including Thunderbird and Mustang.

http://www.parts123.com/auto/ford/

1960 is the last year of the 'squarebirds'. They came with a 352 4 bbl & duels and I believe a 430 c.i. V-8 was also available, but rare.

Here's a link to some detail specs for the early 'Birds. Lots more is available on the internet, you just have to look for it.

http://www.tbirdranch.com/5860concours.html


One thing to remember about real old cars when restoring them is that even when perfectly restored (assuming you're going for an 'original' restoration and not updating everything) is that you're dealing with 1950's technology.

I've driven one or two old cars that were restored. Fun, yes, but it has drawbacks.

Stopping a 3500 pound car doing 60 miles per hour with nothing but drum brakes is scary, as is taking a bend that you can go around at 50 in your Mustang but the old car is leaning hard and the bias-ply tires screaming when you try doing it at 50 in an old car with antique suspension, skinny tires and no seat belts.

Old cars were much less reliable than todays cars. They start harder, run rougher and stop and handle at a level well below modern standards. The old automatics are sloppy shifters and often leak. The seats are unsupportive and most have slippery vinyl interiors. The list goes on but you get the point, I'm sure. This is why they're usually only for 'show'. Everyday use isn't too practical.

Restoring an old car is a lot of time and work (most have rust problems - sometimes hidden) not to mention money, but doing a restoration is also very rewarding. Just remember that you'll still have a 42-year-old car when you're done with 1960 'technology' consisting mostly of a transistor AM radio in the dash and maybe power windows and seats that won't work.

I'm honestly not trying to be a party-pooper, just giving some honest reminders about old cars and what you face in restoring them. If you buy the Bird, I wish you well.

[Sknight579]

Dark 5.0: It was way out in West odessa, around were that Texas burger and that polo's resturant are, but I took it for a spin, no good, wouldn't make it to Midland, probably fall apart on I20.

mabee some time I'll come see your stang, but for now, busy with work, and in a few weeks School