1960 Thunderbird

[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.