![]() ![]() I replaced the whole distributor with a new one from the parts store, set the timing, and enjoyed a smooth running 390. The advance mechanism was sticky, the points cam had a mile of axial play, and the points were filthy. The other problem was the distributor: it was simply worn out. Finally, I replaced a leaky secondary diaphragm. I also changed the carburetor lid and choke mechanism for an improved system from a ’66 model Autolite 4100. The carburetor wasn’t much of a problem the power valve was loose, which caused fuel to leak from the float bowl into the intake manifold. My first job upon getting the car situated was to get it running well. Knowing my car count and storage situation, I offered a dollar amount I wasn’t sure the owner would take, mentally prepared for either eventuality, and ended up driving the car two hours home with my wife following in her car. It had old tires, it wouldn’t idle without surging, the idle mixture screws were unresponsive, none of the power windows worked correctly, the shifter and swing-away steering wheel were in desperate need of help, and the power seat didn’t work. It had a completely rebuilt engine and transmission (as settled by my borescope’s images of freshly finished cylinder bores), a nice interior, older paint, a rust-free undercarriage, and an entirely new brake system.Ī few problems, of course, were immediately obvious as well. Therefore, when I spotted this ’63 in Hemmings, and it was a mere two hours away, and it was painted in a nice ’62 color (Acapulco Blue), and it seemed so ready made for a guy like me, how could I NOT call about it? A nice ex-schoolteacher lady was selling it to settle her late uncle’s estate, and this was the last car to go. I didn’t buy that one, but I didn’t forget it either. As a 19-year-old college student, I daydreamed of a silver 1961 Hardtop, but over the years that aspiration grew a few hashmarks on the doors and changed into a 1963 model, and a 1963 model it has remained for about six years, ever since my wife caught me looking over a ’63 for sale in Escanaba, Michigan. In this case, I’ve actually wanted a Bullet Bird for 23 years. Of course, that manifestation was almost always the direct result of my actively looking for them, but why split hairs when there is a Thunderbird to introduce? In truth, most of the cars I have bought had been part of the plan months or years in advance, manifesting themselves at the exact moment when I was least inclined to resist them. Ford created the T-Bird as a response to the Chevrolet Corvette, although the two cars went in different directions.Owning seven old cars has painted me as a man with no impulse control, but that’s a little unfair. Produced from 1955 to 2005 with only a production break between the 19 model years, the Ford Thunderbird has impacted American automotive history greatly. Also included are the car’s manuals, plus Thunderbird catalogs and memorabilia. That’s great reassurance you’re getting something which has been cared for properly. It can be a gamble to buy a classic car, but this one comes with a three-ring binder full of vehicle history and maintenance records. While it has factory air, the seller says the system needs to be recharged. The original AM radio will play tunes while you cruise. An FE 390ci V8 with 300-horsepower on tap runs strong, while the Cruise-O-Matic transmission performs gear changes smoothly. You get all kinds of functional goodies with this car. While you see wire hubcaps in the pictures, the original hubcaps are included in the sale, if you want to preserve the factory appearance of this car, which is a nice option to have. Short tailfins with more subtle rocket taillights show a design evolution connected to the late 1950s. Just as important, the undercarriage doesn’t show signs of rust. Of course, the various chrome pieces like the bumpers, window surrounds, door vents, etc. It also pairs quite nicely with the two-tone Burgundy and White interior, which also presents most excellently from top to bottom. The Burgundy paint on this Thunderbird shines up nicely and looks just amazing. is providing you with the opportunity to own this collectible car. It introduced a smoother design aesthetic plus numerous engineering improvements. This is a fine specimen of the “Roundbird” hardtop coupe is form the generation spanning 1961 to 1963. This T-Bird has an absolutely immaculate exterior and smart two-tone interior.įor your consideration is a beautiful 1963 Ford Thunderbird. ![]()
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