I am looking at a project 1960 Thunderbird and was woundering if the members here could kind of advise me what to look for and what to stay away from. I plan on doing the work myself. Have been told by seller that the car ran when they parked it but has been sitting for about 2 years( I know it's hard to believe but sellers have been known to stretch the truth) . I don't plan on trying to start it until I get it home. It is a life long AZ car so rust is not a problem. Thank you in advance. Hopfully this will be easier to work on than the 560SL I have been working on for the past two years.
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Usually rust is the main problem with Squarebirds. If you don't have to do anything like that you are way ahead of the game. The main problem with SW cars is the interior so unless it's been replaced recently that will cost you a big chunk of your budget. Doing a complete interior restoration is expensive mainly because of the padded dash which runs $400. Seat cover sets and door panels are also expensive. Figure $2000-2500 if you do all the work yourself. If it's been sitting two years or more then plan on replacing all the brake components as well as the gas tank, lines and fuel pump. I wouldn't be as concerned about the motor. I've had ones that sat for 20 years and still started right up and ran fine. They usually leak oil like a sieve from the intake and valve covers though. As long as the price for the car is fairly low you should be ok.
JohnJohn Pizzi - Squarebirds Administrator
Thunderbird Registry #36223
jopizz@squarebirds.org 856-779-9695
https://www.squarebirds.org/picture_gallery/TechnicalResourceLibrary/trl.htm -
Rust seems to be the real deal-breaker with these cars.
If there is alot of rot, it gets to be pretty expensive to save one of these cars.
If you have already dodged that bullet, then you are in good shape.
I will say that most people are not familiar with the Squarebirds, so you will have a one-of-a-kind car wherever you take it.
(Those dang Mustangs and Camaros are everywhere.)Comment
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Looking at 1960 Thunderbird
Look down in the New Members Welcoming and you will see the welcome that I posted to you, along with some information on buying a Tbird. Look at what it says about printing out that Vehicle Check List I told you about and use it to check out any Tbird before buying it. If there is no rust, then you are way ahead of the game. Having family that can do your interior will save you a lot of money also.
Ray Clark - Squarebirds Administrator
The Terminator..... VTCI #11178 ITC #6000 Yellow Mustang Registry (YMR) #12188
Contact me via Private Message for my email address, or Call (Cell) 210-875-1411
https://www.squarebirds.org/picture_gallery/TechnicalResourceLibrary/trl.htm
Faye's Ovarian Cancer Memorial Website.
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