General => General Fox T-Bird/Cougar Discussion => Topic started by: Silver5oh on March 11, 2010, 09:14:14 PM
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: Silver5oh on March 11, 2010, 09:14:14 PM
Ok, I've been searching online lately looking for another (hopefully) 83-86 Bird to use as a DD (weather permitting) to replace my 99 Crown Vic Police Interceptor......my question is....WHERE ARE ALL THE FOX BIRDS?? I've searched coast to coast, and compared to say 2 or 3 years ago, they are nearly impossible to find! Theres a small handful to chose from, but it seems like they have all but disapeared!! There are quite a few 87-88's out there, alot of them being Turbo Coupes, but your basic car is, IMO, quite overpriced. Even our own classified section here usually only has parts and not complete cars.....?
Just wanted to vent a little and see what others opinions were on this. Feel free to comment!!
Thanks, RAY
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: ZondaC12 on March 11, 2010, 09:38:21 PM
You're preachin' to the choir buddy. :D Pretty much the point of this site lol. The public at large, even the car enthusiast public at large doesn't care about them, so yes they're few and far in between. Keep an eye on the "LEADS" section in the for sale area, a lot of people including myself keep an eye on their local craigslist out of habit and post up 83-88 thundercats found there.
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: CoogarXR on March 11, 2010, 09:40:16 PM
Junked. That's where I think they went. S prices were pretty high there for a while, and people crushed lots of good cars.
Time presses on. I remember when my local junk yard had 3 full rows of fox cougars/birds, probably close to 60 of them. Now they have 2. I feel like the last generation probably did when all of the 60s/70s cars dissappeared.
Now is the time to find a good fox while the prices are still semi-reasonable and HOLD ON to it!
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: 50tbrd88 on March 11, 2010, 09:59:54 PM
Quote from: ZondaC12;313773
You're preachin' to the choir buddy. :D Pretty much the point of this site lol. The public at large, even the car enthusiast public at large doesn't care about them, so yes they're few and far in between. Keep an eye on the "LEADS" section in the for sale area, a lot of people including myself keep an eye on their local craigslist out of habit and post up 83-88 thundercats found there.
Zonda, you would cry if you saw what was sped at a local yard this summer. There was a NICE anniversary Cougar just like yours that used to run around town. Something must have happened to it because I drove by one of those s yards where they crush cars, and it was in "death row". I made plans to go back the next day but I was too late...s crushed it. It had near perfect interior too. I would have liked to at least snag the turbines off it.
Most people don't seem to give a shiznit about 80's model cars period (except for maybe Fox Mustangs and Buick GN's)...but I still get the occasional thumbs up when driving mine. Its usually from someone who was in high school when the cars were new.
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: daddybair7 on March 11, 2010, 10:20:03 PM
silver5oh i know where a white 4 eye sits at a local car dealer. he wanted 1,200 for it but its sat ther for bout a year now could get it cheaper now and it a v6 model.
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: HAVI on March 11, 2010, 10:26:01 PM
+1 on the CL searches. And sadly, the local yard crushed an Anniversary Cougar, an '83 Turbo Coupe, normal sandy brown Tbird (87/88), and a Bostonian edition Cougar ('87/88) when the prices were high. Want to talk about hard to find, try looking for a '77-81 Honda Accord!
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: daddybair7 on March 11, 2010, 10:30:10 PM
Quote from: daddybair7;313781
silver5oh i know where a white 4 eye sits at a local car dealer. he wanted 1,200 for it but its sat ther for bout a year now could get it cheaper now and it a v6 model.
i just realized that u live in OK. and im not that close sorry:punchballs:
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: ZondaC12 on March 11, 2010, 10:57:26 PM
Quote from: 50tbrd88;313777
Zonda, you would cry if you saw what was sped at a local yard this summer. There was a NICE anniversary Cougar just like yours that used to run around town. Something must have happened to it because I drove by one of those s yards where they crush cars, and it was in "death row". I made plans to go back the next day but I was too late...s crushed it. It had near perfect interior too. I would have liked to at least snag the turbines off it.
Most people don't seem to give a shiznit about 80's model cars period (except for maybe Fox Mustangs and Buick GN's)...but I still get the occasional thumbs up when driving mine. Its usually from someone who was in high school when the cars were new.
Daaaaaamn :( and the funny thing is I'da probably paid ya top dolllar for some interior pieces. (well, so would the other 20th owners on here LOL so I guess we'd have to try 'n' divvy things up fairly!!) Definitely agree with the s price argument. Lot of good old iron in general got crushed surely...
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: Watchdevil on March 11, 2010, 11:53:59 PM
Seems we are the only people who care...
I checked the local Pull-A-Part website and just as I suspected thier local yard pulled out the two remaining 86-88 models that I pulled some parts from.
It won't be long we will all be screwed looking for important replacement parts.
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: V8Demon on March 12, 2010, 12:19:45 AM
The local yard by me doesn't get them too often, but Innes informed me they just got a white 88 Cougar 5.0 with a red interior the other day. I'm gonna raid it tomorrow.
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: Cad-T-Bird 500 on March 12, 2010, 01:16:41 AM
They are gettting harder to find.
Here's a Cougar for you. http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/1638370059.html
TED
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: Romeo2k on March 12, 2010, 02:33:20 AM
They are mostly getting junked and crushed sadly... :punchballs:
Make a trip up here to the northwest though~For some reason, They seem to have a higher population (That i noticed) than other areas.
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: Greg Price on March 12, 2010, 06:33:49 AM
In calgary at pick & pull in the early 2000's there were rows of em. Now Ive seen 3 in the last 6 month's . Tons of 89-97 tbirds , cougers however.
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: mcb82gt on March 12, 2010, 07:54:42 AM
Almost never seen on the road around here, few in pull apart lot.
I found a very nice 88 in yard last week and just scalped the thing for parts. You have to grab them while you can.
These cars are almost gone.
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: zerokool on March 12, 2010, 08:26:44 AM
I'm new here. I'll do the standard hi this is me stuff here after I take some pics. Just to chime in here, I picked up an 88 thunderbird off craigslist in NWFL two days ago to use as a DD.
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: FloridaCougar on March 12, 2010, 10:18:33 AM
Quote from: zerokool;313836
I'm new here. I'll do the standard hi this is me stuff here after I take some pics. Just to chime in here, I picked up an 88 thunderbird off craigslist in NWFL two days ago to use as a DD.
Hmm, another person in NWFL. What kind of 'bird did you pick up?
At this point fox T-birds and Cougars are just about totally absent from the streets. I've seen two Cougars and one Turbo Coupe in the past, saw them once and never saw them again. The Turbo Coupe was pretty recent though. I came really close to writing the web address for this website on a piece of paper and leaving on the windshield. I do have to say that it's nice driving something that isn't parked on every other corner though. *cough* Mustang *cough*
Most of the time when I find 'birds or Cougars on Craigslist around my area they are non-running. If I had a way to pull it I'd buy this 'bird (http://"http://pensacola.craigslist.org/cto/1625997976.html") I found a couple of days ago.
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 12, 2010, 10:41:38 AM
In the last 6 months I've seen 1 fox T-bird but no Cougars, and I'm not counting the one in my garage ;). There is an 88 TC on craigslist near me but it has a blown up turbo. He only wants $800 (I could probably get it for less) but I don't have the spare cash for it as I'm having my trans redone in less than 2 weeks. I'm thinking that if I can find a V8 base, LX, or Sport in good shape in the next year or so I might pick it up to save it.....
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: Thunder Chicken on March 12, 2010, 12:22:35 PM
I never see any for sale around here, for parts or whole. Maybe once a year I see one on the road. That being said, there's a nice '87 XR7 on Kijiji that has been tempting me lately. I have to keep reminding myself the money I'm saving up has other designated uses (new roof, septic pumping, and a new DD to replace the Saturn)...
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: jkirchman on March 12, 2010, 01:59:15 PM
Here's one that I think is a good example: 1987 Cougar (http://"http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/white-cougar-custom_W0QQitemZ120542229997QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item1c10e075ed#v4-31")
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: zerokool on March 12, 2010, 03:03:50 PM
I bought an 88 5.0. That one is pace isn't too far off. I live in Valparaiso
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: FloridaCougar on March 12, 2010, 03:12:46 PM
Quote from: zerokool;313870
I bought an 88 5.0. That one is pace isn't too far off. I live in Valparaiso
Did you buy the 88' in Niceville?
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: zerokool on March 12, 2010, 03:34:02 PM
yup that was me
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: FloridaCougar on March 12, 2010, 03:40:37 PM
Quote from: zerokool;313875
yup that was me
That's a good indication of how uncommon these cars are. There are actually quite a few members building up in NWFL, eventually we'll all have to meet up.
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: zerokool on March 12, 2010, 03:50:05 PM
sounds awesome. I've seen a couple more on craigslist in the surrounding area
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: Whiteboy on March 12, 2010, 04:09:12 PM
Well guys the cougars i didnt go hardcore into looking for but there werent very many i saw at all in the state of Missouri.... but this is all of the craigslist missouri Tbirds I found.... that guy wants 6500 for the one thats not slick... can u believe that???
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: Silver5oh on March 12, 2010, 05:19:47 PM
Well, thats a decent list, and no offense to anyone, but I prefer the 4-eyed cars over the aero-noses so that kind of proves my point when searching for one!! LOL I did however, contact the guy with the silver 84 Turbo Coupe, I'll let ya know if he still has it or bothers to respond!!
Just seems like they have all but really disapeared...when I first moved to OK in 2005, there were still quite a few running around down here (not like back in Ohio) but now even those are gone!! I like the comment made in another post, now I know what the older generations fealt like when all their cars were crushed and disapeared!! Sad.
Later, RAY
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: Silver5oh on March 12, 2010, 05:21:01 PM
Oh, and BTW.....the guy wanting $6500 for that black one.....
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!.....ok wait, I need air.....HA HA HA HA HA HA HAA!!
RAY
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: Whiteboy on March 12, 2010, 05:35:40 PM
yeah i know but ya gotta admit...although it is overpriced...it looks good.
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: 1986Élan on March 12, 2010, 08:50:58 PM
here in quebec they are super rare even fox mustangs are rare but still its funny cuz i see a t bird once in a blue moon but today while driving i saw one at the light and i was like omg a t bird even if it was in rough shape it was exciting to see one it was a sport t bird two tone its the 3rd one i see this year
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: mcb82gt on March 12, 2010, 09:33:35 PM
Quote from: jkirchman;313863
Here's one that I think is a good example: 1987 Cougar (http://"http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/white-cougar-custom_W0QQitemZ120542229997QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item1c10e075ed#v4-31")
Good example of what??
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: jkirchman on March 12, 2010, 10:50:54 PM
Quote from: mcb82gt;313929
Good example of what??
Well I don't much care for the wheels or the sound system taking up the entire trunk. For the money he spent on the stereo he could have put a nice engine in it. But I do like the body work and how he was able to french the bumper covers seamlessly into the rest of the car. At least you can tell that he cares for the car, which is what these poor old Cougars and T-Birds need. ;)
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: t3skidoo on March 12, 2010, 11:41:26 PM
I guess all this maybe means the parabola is finally turning upward.
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: Whiteboy on March 13, 2010, 01:12:45 AM
Idk guys. This sux losing alot. But will this gain value?
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: FloridaCougar on March 13, 2010, 02:34:08 AM
Quote from: mcb82gt;313929
Good example of what??
What not to do to your 'Bird or Cougar. Poor car.
I wish Turbo Coupes were more plentiful around my area. I may break down and buy the one I've been eyeing with 250k miles. I just don't know if I can trust a car with that kind of mileage though. I don't want to buy it just to rip the motor apart either.
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: Silver5oh on March 13, 2010, 12:48:17 PM
No, I meant this one for $6500 was a joke: http://springfield.craigslist.org/cto/1617028620.html
The other Bird is very nice even tho it may be overpriced, it was nice to see it!!
Later, RAY
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: FLSTCI71 on March 13, 2010, 09:09:22 PM
Quote from: Silver5oh;313768
WHERE ARE ALL THE FOX BIRDS??
Well, the last Fox bird was produced in 1988 and around here, they rusted out in about 1990....
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: rodsterh on March 13, 2010, 10:44:12 PM
Quote from: mcb82gt;313830
Almost never seen on the road around here, few in pull apart lot.
I found a very nice 88 in yard last week and just scalped the thing for parts. You have to grab them while you can.
These cars are almost gone.
I've been saying this for the last couple of years.
Probably a combination of reasons for not seeing many around.
>The 83's-86's are 25+ yrs old! :rolleyes:
>They were quality cars and got driven into the ground.
>Even if the average owner has one and it needed a major repair, do you think they will want to spend the money considering how much it's worth? I saw a perfect example of this 2 yrs ago. The work order was in the car, the car was in the junkyard. (See attached picture)
>S metal prices of the past.
The cars seem to be stuck in between the classic/muscle cars of the 60's and all the neat new stuff available.
Call it that forgotten era. Funny, the 83 styling was revolutionary and set the direction for Ford aerodynamics, the 87 TC was Motor Trend Car of the Year, etc yet no one seems to remember or care. This somewhat seems to hold true for Mustangs too. Remember the 85/86 GT's? They seem to get lost between 65-67 Fastbacks and 2005-2010 GT's, Shelbys, etc
The good news is when folks see our cars, it jogs their memory and they get a smile on their face and want to talk about their memories.
Get what you can while you can and enjoy them! :D
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: Romeo2k on March 14, 2010, 06:25:47 AM
!!!
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 14, 2010, 11:57:55 AM
Quote from: rodsterh;314079
>Even if the average owner has one and it needed a major repair, do you think they will want to spend the money considering how much it's worth? I saw a perfect example of this 2 yrs ago. The work order was in the car, the car was in the junkyard. (See attached picture)
Then you have crazies like me who spend $2300 on a race prepped AOD for an 88 T-bird :wtf:
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: ZondaC12 on March 14, 2010, 12:20:34 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;314149
Then you have crazies like me who spend $2300 on a race prepped AOD for an 88 T-bird :wtf:
LOL I know right? I'd have just told the guy to find a crisp one and throw a shift kit and converter in it and call it good. ;) But hey at least we know that three things will be around when the universe ends: pen 15roaches, 300ci straight 6's....and that tranny. :laughing:
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: ProTouring442 on March 14, 2010, 02:16:20 PM
Quote from: rodsterh;314079
>Even if the average owner has one and it needed a major repair, do you think they will want to spend the money considering how much it's worth?
I've always wondered about this...
If you buy a new car for $35,000, and it lasts 5 years before you sell it, it will be worth roughly $20,000. Your total loss: $15,000
If you buy a used car for $5,000, and spend a total of $5,000 in repairs to keep it running for 5 years, and you sell it for $2,000, your total loss is $8,000.
Even if it explodes in your front yard leaving nothing to sell, your total loss is only $10,000
Worse, you borrowed money for the new car (and maybe even traded in a car on which you owed money) and so you payed interest, something you likely didn't need to do on the inexpensive vehicle.
Maybe I just don't get it...
Shiny Side Up! Bill
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 14, 2010, 04:51:29 PM
Quote from: ZondaC12;314152
LOL I know right? I'd have just told the guy to find a crisp one and throw a shift kit and converter in it and call it good. ;) But hey at least we know that three things will be around when the universe ends: pen 15roaches, 300ci straight 6's....and that tranny. :laughing:
Don't forget my boss at work. She's 91 years old, really 91 years old. I'm not kidding:hick:
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 14, 2010, 04:52:54 PM
Quote from: ProTouring442;314157
I've always wondered about this...
If you buy a new car for $35,000, and it lasts 5 years before you sell it, it will be worth roughly $20,000. Your total loss: $15,000
If you buy a used car for $5,000, and spend a total of $5,000 in repairs to keep it running for 5 years, and you sell it for $2,000, your total loss is $8,000.
Even if it explodes in your front yard leaving nothing to sell, your total loss is only $10,000
Worse, you borrowed money for the new car (and maybe even traded in a car on which you owed money) and so you payed interest, something you likely didn't need to do on the inexpensive vehicle.
Maybe I just don't get it...
Shiny Side Up! Bill
This is why I keep buying low mileage used cars for daily drivers. It costs me less in the long run and I'm not giving the bank $1,000s in interest ;)
Title: Where are our cars?
Post by: t3skidoo on March 14, 2010, 09:26:03 PM