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Topic: New guy: 1987 Thunderbird, Good Deal? (Read 1345 times) previous topic - next topic

New guy: 1987 Thunderbird, Good Deal?

Hey guys, I just joined today and I already have a question. I am looking at a 1987 Thunderbird 3.8 to use as my daily driver. I have seen the car and it runs perfect, the guy who is selling it to me is very buttstuff about the car so its near perfect. The car has about 140k on it and he wants $500.

I'm in college so I've been delivering pizza to help make ends meet and my current car is taking a beating, plus I want to get it off the road so i can start working on my engine swap. Will this Thunderbird be capable of handling the abuse of my job? Other then headgaskets (which i am prepared for), is there anything else i should be concerned about?

Btw, heres my other car...

New guy: 1987 Thunderbird, Good Deal?

Reply #1 –
welcome
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New guy: 1987 Thunderbird, Good Deal?

Reply #2 –
Well, in my opinion a t-bird has to have every part replaced before it is considered reliable.  I've owned three birds, an 86 and two 84's.  Everyone of them were s at first.  But that's my just my two cents.

Very nice bird you have.  What motor swap are you planning?
84 TC 302 -5.0L/t5/7.5 locking rear and a 3.45 gear, Edelbrock Intake, Aluminum Heads, Edlebrock 65mm Throttlebody, Edlebrock Cam, 24lb injectors & MAS Air Sensor calibrated via chip,  BBK headers, Catback H pipe, Magnaflow lers :evilgrin:
:pics-stfu:

 Project Thread with pics

New guy: 1987 Thunderbird, Good Deal?

Reply #3 –
Im hoping for a 32v, but if not a PI will do. My current 4.6 is on it's deathbed at 89k...

I just need a car that will run, and for $500 bucks I'll be happy if she gets me through the summer. When it comes to the engine (my main concern), what else should i worry about besides HGs??

New guy: 1987 Thunderbird, Good Deal?

Reply #4 –
I'm all for getting it.  Other than motor, tranny, and rearend.  Everything is isn't a big concern. 

If it needs a starter, fuel pump, brakes, or something like that, it's not going to  put it down for more than a day.
84 TC 302 -5.0L/t5/7.5 locking rear and a 3.45 gear, Edelbrock Intake, Aluminum Heads, Edlebrock 65mm Throttlebody, Edlebrock Cam, 24lb injectors & MAS Air Sensor calibrated via chip,  BBK headers, Catback H pipe, Magnaflow lers :evilgrin:
:pics-stfu:

 Project Thread with pics

New guy: 1987 Thunderbird, Good Deal?

Reply #5 –
would ask some people on TSTACC.com or TCCOA.com they are all newer t-birds

New guy: 1987 Thunderbird, Good Deal?

Reply #6 –
I would find out what has been replaced recently.
These cars are getting to that age for a lot of replacement parts, depending on how it was maintained.
If someone took good care of it, you shouldn't have a problem with it.
But like any 21 year old car, there will be the occasional repair with something.

Welcome,
If you do get it, you'll fit right in with us
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***** Project "EVOLUTION" 1987 Cougar LS  & 1985 Cougar Convertible *****
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5.0 HO 306 roller block, machined GT-40P heads, Wiseco dished forged pistons, Eagle forged floating I-beam connecting rods, Lunati pushrods, ARP bolts, Scorpion aluminum 1.6 rockers, Comp Cams Magnum 266HR, Explorer intake, 65mm TB, MAF Conversion, 19# injectors, Ford Racing stainless P-headers, 2-1/2" cat-less exhaust w/ Flowtech Afterburner lers , SC AOD with 2800 BDR torque converter, 3.73 T-Lok rear, CHE rear control arms, full 2-1/2" frame w/1" jacking rails & seat supports, Rear disk brakes, Turbine wheels, All original interior w/ floor shift upgrade .......
Pretty much every panel on my 87 is new, rebuilt, or re constructed. :D
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New guy: 1987 Thunderbird, Good Deal?

Reply #7 –
I'd buy that for $500. Looks like a good buy, hows the interior?
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New guy: 1987 Thunderbird, Good Deal?

Reply #8 –
Thats his other car, not the one he is buying....

Yes from the sounds of it the bird you are considering will be just fine.  If he took that good of care of it then there shouldn't be any issues, unless you pound it.  I bought an '88 XR-7 from the original owner last summer, with 235kms on it, it is now at 267kms with out any issues and I have taken it to the track and made 20 passes so far this year with it.  (mind you the valve guides are starting to go, which is why my plugs are fouling up quickly...)

Check for rust in the typical areas...  rad support, frame rails, under the doors etc.

New guy: 1987 Thunderbird, Good Deal?

Reply #9 –
Oh my bad. I got distracted from that nice pic you posted. You could need a head or something more than just a gasket on the 87 imo...

I think I would pass.
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New guy: 1987 Thunderbird, Good Deal?

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Bob;216309
Oh my bad. I got distracted from that nice pic you posted. You could need a head or something more than just a gasket on the 87 imo...
 
I think I would pass.

The gaskets haven't gone yet, so I think it's fine for $500.
2000 Jaguar XK8 Convertible - 4.0L DOHC V8 (AJ27)
2018 Ford Explorer - 3.5L DOHC V6 (Duratec 35)
1999 Mercury Grand Marquis - 4.6L SOHC V8 (Modular)
1987 Mercury Cougar LS - 5.0L V8 (Windsor) [SOLD in 2009]
 

New guy: 1987 Thunderbird, Good Deal?

Reply #11 –
If you buy it change the headgaskets asap.
1987 Tbird 5.0 swap, go fast mods coming soon....