Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: My10-80 on July 05, 2013, 12:12:42 AM
Post by: My10-80 on July 05, 2013, 12:12:42 AM
I am new to the forum and wanted to introduce myself and show everyone my car.
This is my 86 Bird and I am the second owner of it. I purchased it in 1988. It was the first car my wife and I bought as a married couple. This car was our daily driver for a few years then a baby came and it kind of got pushed aside for the mini van thing. I still drove it, but not much. I tried to trade it in once or twice, but just didn't seem to get the money that I thought it was worth at the time. You all know how that goes. Anyway, it kind of became a summer car because of cirspoogestances at the time that seemed appropriate. Then as time went on it got driven less and less. Finally in 1996 it became a garage dweller most of the time with just a few drives each year. Finally in 1999 or so it wasn't driven at all anymore. I bought a cover for it and with the exception of a few times out of the garage to keep the motor and such running it has been garage bound since 1999. Being the first car we bought as a couple it kind of became a sentimental item to us so I took great care of it while stored. I moved it a few times from one garage to another but we're talking less than 200 miles in 15 years. So here it is 2013 and I finally have some extra money, if you can call it that, and my son and I saw it setting in the shed one day and he asked when it would be time to bring it out again. I thought about it and decided it was time. Time to bring her out again and introduce her to the world once again. Being covered, it didn't take anything but a hose and some cleaner to clean her all up. The engine started once again and continued to work fine. My efforts to avoid mice paid off well. No damage that I have found yet from them. I put a fresh battery in it and now have driven it over 200 miles just this year alone. My son used it as a prop for his senior pictures and prom this year. He simply loves the car. Wants me to sell it to him. Not today my son. Maybe he'll get it someday, but not now. I've owned it 25 years and for our 25th anniversay, it seemed an appropriate time to bring the car out.
So, a few minor repairs later I am once again enjoying the car as it should be. I had forgotten what it was really like but didn't take long to get re aquainted with her. What a great riding car. Even after this long in the garage, at 80 miles an hour the other day on the interstate, not a shake or shimmy one. Cruise even still works. Overall, I must say that I am like a kid with a new toy. I can't wait to get it back from the shop so that I can drive it some more. I am getting the AC reworked. I have a dry rot issue with the tires right now but that is to be expected.
I have been cruising the forums quite heavily looking at others cars and what they have done. I don't think I'm going to go crazy, but a few touches here and there maybe, but she'll stay mostly stock for now. Some good sound from the exhaust, tinted windows maybe those new rims I've always dreamed of. Not for sure but for now i am one happy Tbird owner once again.
So anyway, thanks for reading this.
This is my 86 Bird and I am the second owner of it. I purchased it in 1988. It was the first car my wife and I bought as a married couple. This car was our daily driver for a few years then a baby came and it kind of got pushed aside for the mini van thing. I still drove it, but not much. I tried to trade it in once or twice, but just didn't seem to get the money that I thought it was worth at the time. You all know how that goes. Anyway, it kind of became a summer car because of cirspoogestances at the time that seemed appropriate. Then as time went on it got driven less and less. Finally in 1996 it became a garage dweller most of the time with just a few drives each year. Finally in 1999 or so it wasn't driven at all anymore. I bought a cover for it and with the exception of a few times out of the garage to keep the motor and such running it has been garage bound since 1999. Being the first car we bought as a couple it kind of became a sentimental item to us so I took great care of it while stored. I moved it a few times from one garage to another but we're talking less than 200 miles in 15 years. So here it is 2013 and I finally have some extra money, if you can call it that, and my son and I saw it setting in the shed one day and he asked when it would be time to bring it out again. I thought about it and decided it was time. Time to bring her out again and introduce her to the world once again. Being covered, it didn't take anything but a hose and some cleaner to clean her all up. The engine started once again and continued to work fine. My efforts to avoid mice paid off well. No damage that I have found yet from them. I put a fresh battery in it and now have driven it over 200 miles just this year alone. My son used it as a prop for his senior pictures and prom this year. He simply loves the car. Wants me to sell it to him. Not today my son. Maybe he'll get it someday, but not now. I've owned it 25 years and for our 25th anniversay, it seemed an appropriate time to bring the car out.
So, a few minor repairs later I am once again enjoying the car as it should be. I had forgotten what it was really like but didn't take long to get re aquainted with her. What a great riding car. Even after this long in the garage, at 80 miles an hour the other day on the interstate, not a shake or shimmy one. Cruise even still works. Overall, I must say that I am like a kid with a new toy. I can't wait to get it back from the shop so that I can drive it some more. I am getting the AC reworked. I have a dry rot issue with the tires right now but that is to be expected.
I have been cruising the forums quite heavily looking at others cars and what they have done. I don't think I'm going to go crazy, but a few touches here and there maybe, but she'll stay mostly stock for now. Some good sound from the exhaust, tinted windows maybe those new rims I've always dreamed of. Not for sure but for now i am one happy Tbird owner once again.
So anyway, thanks for reading this.
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: Masejoer on July 05, 2013, 12:30:05 AM
Post by: Masejoer on July 05, 2013, 12:30:05 AM
Nice car and great story - welcome to the forum! These really are terrific cars, both stock and modified.
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: 88turbo on July 05, 2013, 12:42:57 AM
Post by: 88turbo on July 05, 2013, 12:42:57 AM
Nice bird! welcome to the forum, does it have a 3.8 or 5.0?
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: flipnbird on July 05, 2013, 05:38:17 AM
Post by: flipnbird on July 05, 2013, 05:38:17 AM
welcome to the family.......great story!!
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: bryan163 on July 05, 2013, 08:20:20 AM
Post by: bryan163 on July 05, 2013, 08:20:20 AM
Wow, nice. That thing is a time capsule.
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: supercharged88 on July 05, 2013, 08:49:05 AM
Post by: supercharged88 on July 05, 2013, 08:49:05 AM
welcome, come stay a while
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: BLKBRD88 on July 05, 2013, 08:59:45 AM
Post by: BLKBRD88 on July 05, 2013, 08:59:45 AM
Welcome to the forum and thanks for the story about you and your Tbird.
Ron
Ron
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: Chooglin on July 05, 2013, 10:59:58 AM
Post by: Chooglin on July 05, 2013, 10:59:58 AM
Great story and a real nice looking Bird !!!.......keep us updated on any changes to the car.
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: 1BadBird on July 05, 2013, 09:06:01 PM
Post by: 1BadBird on July 05, 2013, 09:06:01 PM
What a Beautiful time capsule. Welcome to the forum :D
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: My10-80 on July 05, 2013, 10:43:50 PM
Post by: My10-80 on July 05, 2013, 10:43:50 PM
[ATTACH=CONFIG]32472[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]32473[/ATTACH]
It is the 5.0. Nice engine. Thought I had a pretty tough car for the day, but honestly now after driving my mustang these past few years it doesn't have what I thought I remembered it had in it. That's ok though. for as old as it is that will be just fine. With only 90k on the clock I am hoping its good for many more.
Quote from: 88turbo;418000
Nice bird! welcome to the forum, does it have a 3.8 or 5.0?
It is the 5.0. Nice engine. Thought I had a pretty tough car for the day, but honestly now after driving my mustang these past few years it doesn't have what I thought I remembered it had in it. That's ok though. for as old as it is that will be just fine. With only 90k on the clock I am hoping its good for many more.
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: My10-80 on July 05, 2013, 10:54:02 PM
Post by: My10-80 on July 05, 2013, 10:54:02 PM
Thank you all for the great comments. I truly believe it to be a great car and wouldn't sell it right now for anything. I do have some ideas for some very modest yet reversable changes. I will surely post pics as I go.
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: 88turbo on July 06, 2013, 12:27:01 AM
Post by: 88turbo on July 06, 2013, 12:27:01 AM
Here's what I've done with my 5.0, there are some easy ways to make more power.
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: turbotrav on July 06, 2013, 02:27:14 AM
Post by: turbotrav on July 06, 2013, 02:27:14 AM
Sweet you have the 86 SO setup...you can do lots....only money and time will delay you...
Personally.... Different tires and wheels...the 14" are to small.
Travis
Personally.... Different tires and wheels...the 14" are to small.
Travis
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: bryan163 on July 06, 2013, 10:54:53 AM
Post by: bryan163 on July 06, 2013, 10:54:53 AM
Engine bay looks mint. I believe from the factory these cars ran 17s in the 1/4 mile. So yeah, not a rocket ship by today's standards. Luckily we share a chassis with the fox mustang, so the sky is the limit.
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: My10-80 on July 06, 2013, 02:10:24 PM
Post by: My10-80 on July 06, 2013, 02:10:24 PM
Quote from: turbotrav;418096
Sweet you have the 86 SO setup...you can do lots....only money and time will delay you...
Personally.... Different tires and wheels...the 14" are to small.
Travis
Not sure I'm familiar with the "86 SO" setup. What does that mean? Pardon the newbie question. And yes, different tires. Already have a set of Cobra R's picked out. thought I'd go with the 16's.
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: ZondaC12 on July 06, 2013, 11:24:08 PM
Post by: ZondaC12 on July 06, 2013, 11:24:08 PM
Awesome story!
My car's engine bay looks just like yours! Would you guess that it has almost 300 horsepower? Thanks to TMoss porting and early 90's Mustang Cobras/Explorers, it's easy as 1-2-3 to hide those ponies!! And cheap too ;)
My car's engine bay looks just like yours! Would you guess that it has almost 300 horsepower? Thanks to TMoss porting and early 90's Mustang Cobras/Explorers, it's easy as 1-2-3 to hide those ponies!! And cheap too ;)
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: My10-80 on July 07, 2013, 11:57:39 PM
Post by: My10-80 on July 07, 2013, 11:57:39 PM
Sounds impressive. No, by looking at it I wouldn't guess it to have 300HP. Might have to look into at some point. I'm sure there is infor somewhere around the forum that states what to do. I guessing you mean the explorer heads that I see everyone talking about. But what is tmoss porting if you don't mind my asking?
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: Haystack on July 08, 2013, 12:15:04 AM
Post by: Haystack on July 08, 2013, 12:15:04 AM
t moss is a professional porter. he ports intake and heads to make them outflow factory peices.
basically, he has gt-40c heads and a better cam with a stock looking h.o. intake that has been hogged out.
read up on coolcats.net for engine upgrades and performance modifications. but basically, anything you can do to a stang, should bolt right in.
basically, he has gt-40c heads and a better cam with a stock looking h.o. intake that has been hogged out.
read up on coolcats.net for engine upgrades and performance modifications. but basically, anything you can do to a stang, should bolt right in.
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: 83TB on July 08, 2013, 12:55:25 AM
Post by: 83TB on July 08, 2013, 12:55:25 AM
very nice!!
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: ZondaC12 on July 08, 2013, 05:32:16 PM
Post by: ZondaC12 on July 08, 2013, 05:32:16 PM
Fox thundercats. 'Cause everyone else drives a hopped-up Mustang. Be the only, or one of the only guys in town to drive a hopped-up mustang......ish car with more class, more style, and the ability to better smooth out the bumps in the road. Literally and figuratively!!! :)
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: My10-80 on July 10, 2013, 12:06:56 AM
Post by: My10-80 on July 10, 2013, 12:06:56 AM
Quote from: ZondaC12;418261
Fox thundercats. 'Cause everyone else drives a hopped-up Mustang. Be the only, or one of the only guys in town to drive a hopped-up mustang......ish car with more class, more style, and the ability to better smooth out the bumps in the road. Literally and figuratively!!! :)
I agree with that. I am really enjoying the car more each day. Especially today. Just got it back from the garage. A/C all fresh and new. How nice it is to ride in a refrigerator once again. It was in the 90's here today and my wife and I took a drive tonight for about 60 miles.
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: turbotrav on July 10, 2013, 01:59:17 PM
Post by: turbotrav on July 10, 2013, 01:59:17 PM
SO....standard output vs HO.... high output...
Your 86 has most of the correct wiring for all the cool mustang upgrades...
But get the new wheels on your bird and enjoy it...
Thanks
Travis
Your 86 has most of the correct wiring for all the cool mustang upgrades...
But get the new wheels on your bird and enjoy it...
Thanks
Travis
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 10, 2013, 03:39:11 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 10, 2013, 03:39:11 PM
Nice Thunderbird. It's a good thing you stored it for so long as it kept the salt monster at bay.
You're only about 2.5 hours west of me, but that's almost Iowa ;).
You're only about 2.5 hours west of me, but that's almost Iowa ;).
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: xjeffs on July 22, 2013, 10:56:14 PM
Post by: xjeffs on July 22, 2013, 10:56:14 PM
Welcome! Great story and great car. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with it.
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: My10-80 on August 23, 2013, 11:30:25 PM
Post by: My10-80 on August 23, 2013, 11:30:25 PM
Think I found a Good TC Hood for it. Will let you know after tomorrow when I see it.
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: erik draven on August 24, 2013, 09:44:12 PM
Post by: erik draven on August 24, 2013, 09:44:12 PM
I luv the white on red man sweet
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: 1Bad88tbird on August 25, 2013, 01:33:57 AM
Post by: 1Bad88tbird on August 25, 2013, 01:33:57 AM
Very nice Bird! Welcome to the site.
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: My10-80 on August 25, 2013, 10:58:48 PM
Post by: My10-80 on August 25, 2013, 10:58:48 PM
Got me a good TC hood now. Hood is in very good shape for 30 years old. Louvers are in place and all. After my body man is done with it, I'm sure it will be a great addition. For now anyway, I almost hated to just place it in the shed. Thank you Tbird Fanatic. I love it.
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: Chooglin on September 16, 2013, 06:04:53 PM
Post by: Chooglin on September 16, 2013, 06:04:53 PM
10-80 ,sent you a PM
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: My10-80 on September 24, 2013, 03:25:17 AM
Post by: My10-80 on September 24, 2013, 03:25:17 AM
Quote from: 1Bad88tbird;420571
Very nice Bird! Welcome to the site.
I like the looks of your bird as well Jay. Looks mean, like killer mean!!!!
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: My10-80 on September 24, 2013, 03:54:52 AM
Post by: My10-80 on September 24, 2013, 03:54:52 AM
Just got a hold of an original 86 TC front bumper cover with the fog lights still in great condition with no cracks in them and all the mounting hardware and the accompanying switch and housing for inside the car. Bumper cover is in really good condition for its age. Of course it needs some work but my body man has already assured me that he can work his magic on that as well as the TC hood I picked up last month. Really can't wait till spring to get the painting done. Won't be a true TC but it should sure look good when done and will be the correct year parts. Thanks to John (hcor) he was really good about the shipping and everything.
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: 1BadBird on September 24, 2013, 08:20:21 AM
Post by: 1BadBird on September 24, 2013, 08:20:21 AM
My10-80, We're going to have to meet up. :D I want to check out your ride.
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: 1Bad88tbird on September 24, 2013, 09:49:40 AM
Post by: 1Bad88tbird on September 24, 2013, 09:49:40 AM
Thanks for the compliment! It definitely has the look I wanted, the only thing left to do as far as looks is get the ground fx put on when I get it painted again. And of course it needs more power! lol
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: My10-80 on September 25, 2013, 01:48:11 AM
Post by: My10-80 on September 25, 2013, 01:48:11 AM
Arrgh Arrgh! More Power good. Maybe at a show or something next year. My kids are all officially out of school now so I plan to attempt anyway to get to some of the shows that I see around the Midwest. Time will tell, and money.
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: Tbird-fanatic on September 25, 2013, 08:22:01 AM
Post by: Tbird-fanatic on September 25, 2013, 08:22:01 AM
Quote from: 1BadBird;422288
My10-80, We're going to have to meet up. :D I want to check out your ride.
I've seen it in person and it is clean!!! I still can't get over how clean it is with no work done to it.
I know I told you already John but I love your car!!! Its rare to find one approaching 100000 and it be as clean as yours is. Especially a Midwest car. If your not doing anything Oct. 12 my buddy is hosting a mustang-all fords welcome cruise/show.
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: My10-80 on September 26, 2013, 03:22:10 AM
Post by: My10-80 on September 26, 2013, 03:22:10 AM
Unfortunately, I am working that weekend, but I'm certainly looking forward to next season.
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: My10-80 on April 25, 2014, 11:28:18 PM
Post by: My10-80 on April 25, 2014, 11:28:18 PM
Well my baby now has new rubber on all four corners as well as newly finished Snowflakes. I've been in love with these wheels for ever and couldn't wait when I got a set to get them put on the car. I know, they're not Cobra R's or other type rims, but they are original Ford Rims and I'm loving the new look. She has a new stance as well. Kind of diggin the whole new look. I think I might miss the RWL tires that were on it, after all, I've had RWL's on it since the late 80's when I replaced the white walls that were original to it. My wife actually likes the look as well. She thought it made the car look better. She's been taking care of both of us all these years so I wisely value her opinion. After all, this is the only Tbird she'll drive. She doesn't like the TC. Not sure why but now when we go weekend cruising, we'll be cruising with a whole new attitude.
Thanks for listening.
John
[ATTACH=CONFIG]34228[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]34229[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]34230[/ATTACH]
Thanks for listening.
John
[ATTACH=CONFIG]34228[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]34229[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]34230[/ATTACH]
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: Gary3072 on April 27, 2014, 01:07:42 AM
Post by: Gary3072 on April 27, 2014, 01:07:42 AM
Looks a lot like my 88 tbird sport coupe...white with red intereior..nice choice! Pics of mine can be seen here:
http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/album.php?albumid=161
http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/album.php?albumid=161
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: My10-80 on June 29, 2014, 10:28:58 PM
Post by: My10-80 on June 29, 2014, 10:28:58 PM
My temp gauge has quit working on the car. It just sort of quit. It was working, but not correctly. Some times it would raise a little as I drove but eventually it just quit. I have read the whole posting that's fresh regarding the temp gauge and I just don't think that posting helps me. I bought the sending unit first as the cheapest and easiest attempt to correct my problem. But, well, I have to ask. I've looked all over for it and I can't seem to find it or if I am looking at it I don't recognize it. Can someone help me with its location. I'm really hoping I don't have to pull the plenum off to get at it.
Thanks for any help
Thanks for any help
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: rodsterh on July 02, 2014, 08:44:30 PM
Post by: rodsterh on July 02, 2014, 08:44:30 PM
Quote from: My10-80;432944
Well my baby now has new rubber on all four corners as well as newly finished Snowflakes. I've been in love with these wheels for ever and couldn't wait when I got a set to get them put on the car. I know, they're not Cobra R's or other type rims, but they are original Ford Rims and I'm loving the new look. She has a new stance as well. Kind of diggin the whole new look. I think I might miss the RWL tires that were on it, after all, I've had RWL's on it since the late 80's when I replaced the white walls that were original to it. My wife actually likes the look as well. She thought it made the car look better. She's been taking care of both of us all these years so I wisely value her opinion. After all, this is the only Tbird she'll drive. She doesn't like the TC. Not sure why but now when we go weekend cruising, we'll be cruising with a whole new attitude.
Thanks for listening.
John
Looking good! I like the snowflakes on the white car. The wheel finish looks satin?
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: rodsterh on July 02, 2014, 08:55:31 PM
Post by: rodsterh on July 02, 2014, 08:55:31 PM
Quote from: My10-80;417996
I am new to the forum and wanted to introduce myself and show everyone my car.
Welcome!
Quote from: My10-80;417996
I've owned it 25 years and for our 25th anniversay, it seemed an appropriate time to bring the car out.
Good for you!
Quote from: My10-80;417996
What a great riding car.
Yea, they really got the cars right. I logged 130,000 miles on mine and it still drives great and is a comfortable ride. And keep in mind your car is 28 years old!
Thanks for the story and great to hear you are back on the road.
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: My10-80 on July 03, 2014, 12:59:10 AM
Post by: My10-80 on July 03, 2014, 12:59:10 AM
Quote from: rodsterh;435390
Looking good! I like the snowflakes on the white car. The wheel finish looks satin?
Thank you. I have always liked those wheels and am not sorry now that I went this direction. Yes it is a satin finish. I used Plasti dip to refinish the rims. I think it turned out pretty good for the relative cheap price that it was.
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: rodsterh on July 03, 2014, 08:58:13 AM
Post by: rodsterh on July 03, 2014, 08:58:13 AM
Quote from: My10-80;435400
Thank you. I have always liked those wheels and am not sorry now that I went this direction. Yes it is a satin finish. I used Plasti dip to refinish the rims. I think it turned out pretty good for the relative cheap price that it was.
Great idea!
Title: My Bird, out of the nest finally after 15 years.
Post by: GigShooTer69 on July 03, 2014, 01:33:03 PM
Post by: GigShooTer69 on July 03, 2014, 01:33:03 PM
Cool Looking Bird