1967 Thunderbird Project

[Strange_Bird]

Hi All,
I just wanted to introduce myself and my new project. It's the 'Love it or Hate it' 1967 T-bird 2 Dr HT with a 390 ci engine and automatic transmission. It's a bit of a different choice, but I think it lends itself well to a pro-touring/restro mod project. It'll never burn up a track, but it should be a good road cruiser which is what I'm looking for.

Overall the car's in really good shape and should be a great starting place. The interior and paint are in really good shape, and the motor and trans seem strong, so I'm going to start rebuilding the steering, suspension, and brakes next week. Then the wheels and tires once that's sorted out.

I'm not having a lot of luck sourcing performance parts for this model (no big surprise , so any input and/or suggestions are appreciated. Also, if anyone else is working on a similar project, I'd love to hear about it and exchange ideas and vendor lists:).

Here's some pictures of my starting place.

[SRD art]

Love the odd cars! With the right stance and wheels and tires it'll look fantastic. I'm not a Ford guy, so I'm wondering what shares this car's chassis? Is it on a Galaxie or Fairlane platform?

[aidanfancystang]

cool another Bird! I am working on a 61' so far all I have done is my airride and half my new motor built.

[drflex]

i'd drive it...air ride and some wheels and it'll be perfect

[Strange_Bird]

Thanks guys. I've been busy working on the car and haven't kept up with the forum. I'm starting with a pretty good car, but realizing how hard (and expensive) it is to get a car to the level I want it. I'm trying to be patient, but I'm not very good at that.

Thanks for the encouragement.
-cd

[jonk67]

Sweet, what a nice 'sleeper' that can be. The huge grille opening with hidden lights screams '60's jet aircraft to me, like an F-86 Sabre or MIG. A lot of the Mustang parts are transferrable except body parts but performance parts for the 390, transmission options, rear end, suspension have quite a few very similar or identical parts. A big supplier for my '67 Coupe is NPD, they have an online catalog and the free print one is great for reading in the throne room. Check with John at ORP, he'll be able to tell you what performance suspension parts will work on your Tbird and he has quality parts, won't sell you something you don't need. http://www.opentrackerracingproducts.com/products/
There are other suppliers, what's your location?
What are your plans for the restomod? Perf. engine/trans wishes, suspension plans (improved stock, R&P, etc.)? What is your HP or TQ goal? this will equate to possible needed improvements in drivetrain (trans, rear end 8" or 9",etc.)?

Here's a good suspension starter article to understand the original equipment and improvements:
http://home.bresnan.net/~dazed/suspension101
http://dazed.home.bresnan.net/dazecars.html
Jon

[Strange_Bird]

Thanks for the encouragement and links! I agree, I think the styling is cool (I'd still rather have your car though). Plus the car and I are the same age, so that made it kinda fun. At least I know just how tired and painful it is to be this age:).

[Wevi1]

Nice ride!!! Does the Bird share the same platform as the Galaxies? I'm betting more parts are available for that than you think. The Kool factor on that thing is way high IMO! Good Luck and more pics please.