Greetings all,
I'm a long-time lurker and just posted my first question in the Drivetrain Forum, so I thought I might introduce myself.
The car in question is a 1985 Thunderbird 5.0 which my wife purchased new in November '84, about a month before we met. Ironically, I bought my 1984 Honda Sabre (motorcycle) the same week and we still have it, also.
Despite looking like a derelict, the car is a beloved member of the family. It's hauled both kids home from the hospital when they were born, has transported us on many a family vacation and has been to more school sporting events than I care to think about.
Now, with the eldest a freshman in college, a little free time and the need for another project, the old girl is getting a facelift.
Thus far: The engine was freshened up with an '86 roller lifter shortblock, new bearings/rings/etc last winter. I'm retaining the CFI due to emissions regulations here.
The exhaust is factory single with a straight pipe replacing the ler. I had done that simply to hold the exhaust together 'til I got all the pieces for duals, however I love the sound and the bottom end torque is fantastic. It might just stay that way.
In the works: It needs tires. Since I have a set of Crown Vic wheels with almost new tires, I decided to do a 5-lug swap. How's that for backwards justification?
Minor bodywork and paint prep are scheduled for this winter. I'm keeping the paint scheme a secret for now. If I actually do it, I think it will be a knockout. If I chicken out, I'll explain it for one of you guys to try.
I gave up on my quest to find a 'Bird/Cougar/VII interior in good shape to replace my worn out example, so we opted to convert to SC seats and recover the back seat with the SC material. (That one's being handled by the Mrs.) FYI: SC seats are NOT a bolt-in swap.
Future: Dual CFIs. Yeah, I know this has been tried and it failed. ...but those guys didn't have MegaSquirt available. Would SEFI be easier? Yup, but what looks better? ...an SEFI plenum or a big oval breather seemingly covering two 4s?
I have a set of headers that were to be part of the dual exhaust changeover. They'll go in eventually, also.
I've rambled on enough. ..am looking forward to "meeting" you all.
Keith W.
Original Owner, awesome. Welcome. Please post pics. :)
I love how it seems that youve done quite a bit of homework on the things that you want to do, i have a lot of respect for that, and would definatly be glad to welcome you to the boards
Welcome!
"Original Owner, awesome. Welcome. Please post pics."
Pictures of the current configuration are NOT appealing. If you saw me driving down the road, you'd be thinking, "That poor car..." I will, however, try to remember to take some pictures DURING different phases.
"I love how it seems that youve done quite a bit of homework on the things that you want to do..."
I tend to get a bit buttstuff about that. I research stuff to DEATH. ...sometimes to the point I don't get to the actual project. My Lotus 7 pseudo-replica is one of those.
You don't have to worry about that. We've seen just about everything. Welcome aboard!
welcome aboard, nice to see an original ower, pretty cool.
don't worry about what she looks like now, we will still love her with you, and if you hadn't noticed, we are like picture addicts, if you don't come with 'em quick, we may mug you in the alley for some! hehehe :P
Yeah you should see someof the pics I posted. Also, low levellighting makes almost any car look good.
or if it is still wet from a fresh wash
Welcome to the forum! :headbang: :drink:
Yes Welcome Aboard
Welcome aboard !!!!! You'll love it.Tons of knowledge here,and an overall good time for everyone.I've found that Thunderbird/Cougar owners can be a very dedicated bunch,like the Mustang guys,and those fools over in the Chevy camp.......rookies.Anyway.If you have questions,ask.If you have a new idea or a new way of doing something,share it.Look forward to talking to you.Good luck with your 'Bird.
Welcome aboard. Not an original owner here, but I'm the third generation owner in my family (my grandfather, and dad owning it before me), so I know how you feel about it. But anyhow, hope you actually go through with your paint job, you've got me curious.
Paul