1960 T-Bird Project

[Wudro]

I'll be there again this year. Hope to see you and, no disrespect, your car as well! I'm hitting up the "Midnight at the Oasis" show in Yuma, AZ this Saturday. Supposed to be 1,000+ cars. Searching for any Squarebirds I can get a close up look at. I think it'll really get me motivated and give me a better understanding of what I need to do.

[Wudro]

Oh, and you definitely won't be the only "Snowbird" down here! They're everywhere... Driving REALLY slow

[Wudro]

Thought I'd post something positive we can all relate to. Nothing better than getting good news on a restoration project, or any project for that matter.
I swapped out my "shot" COM for another, and after dropping the pan the Tranny Shop said it looked clean. For a measly $70 labor & a $35 kit they put new gaskets and O-Rings on this Cruiseomatic to reseal her and it should be good to go. It's a relief knowing the Trans is done. I'm cleaning it up, going to spray it (I guess just clear), then wrap her up on a pallet in the corner of the shop and set it aside in my mind to concentrate on the 390. One less thing to worry about, step by step.
I assume it's a '65, & my Motor is a '64. Going to search the forum for any potential issues.

[YellowRose]

1960 T-Bird Project

Ryan, according to this website, it is a 1965 Thunderbird tranny, COM, cast iron case, 3 speed automatic for a 390 engine, 4bbl, dual range, medium case! Here is the link and look 6 pages down under the Thunderbird listing and the last item you will see is the PCE-BJ tranny!

http://joeandhenrytransmissions.com/...ast%20iron.pdf

[jopizz]

The PCE-BJ was also carried over into early 1966. That was the last year for the COM in Thunderbirds. Congrats on finally getting a good one.

John

[Wudro]

I feel like a Parrot but Thanks again guys!

[YellowRose]

1960 T-Bird Project

Ryan tried to post other tranny pix but is having a problem with his pc. Here is what he sent me and I gave him the breakdown on what the numbers mean.

[Wudro]

I got a 390 Cocoon, plus some work done too. Had the valve covers & oil pan dropped in a vat, then cleaned up the rest myself. They were all gunked up & with all the crevices wasn't worth the time with a wire brush. Plus, I was concerned about harsh chemicals remaining on the underside & possibly causing internal damage.
Cruiseomatic is nearly ready for clearcoat...
Closing up the shop for the night & some strange, clear liquid started dropping right out of the sky... Now I'm back out for some primer & paint to finish the job right before the elements send me 2 steps back. Got the Castilian Gold code from this Forum, squarebirds.org (namedrop) and it looks a little silvery but I'll know for sure when the Sun most definitely shines tomorrow.
And don't let the Dewalt drill with a wire brush get loose on ya...

[YellowRose]

1960 T-Bird Project

Ouch! I bet that stung a bit! I see you are making good progress, Ryan. Way to go, and things are looking good!

[simplyconnected]

Ryan, you asked about that dent in a PM. Does it leak? Do you care if it looks dented?

Oil pans are made of very heavy sheet metal. Since yours is already out, you can make the dent a lot shallower by using a long 1/2" socket extension and a hammer. Put the pan on dirt or grass when you hit the inside.

The end result will not be perfect unless you use a file or disk sander for metal finishing. But hey, it's under your car where nobody looks so what difference does it make?

Pound it out until the dent looks decent, then paint the pan and forget it. Inexperienced metal finishers usually take too much metal off making the area thin and weak or leaky. Then, it's time to find a welder or brazer. Better yet, leave it alone if it doesn't leak. - Dave

[Dan Leavens]

Ryan it is always nice to see progress. Dave makes a good point on your pan, as it is underneath your classic

[Wudro]

No leak guys, so it stays as is.

[Daleo56]

Not broke, no make fixie.

[Wudro]

All dressed up with nowhere to go...

[YellowRose]

1960 T-Bird Project

Yes, but they look great and when you are ready to go... they will be also, ready and waiting... They look great!