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Topic: 1985 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe: Project "Crazy Bird" (Read 5666 times) previous topic - next topic

1985 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe: Project "Crazy Bird"

Hi guys. I decided do split my current topic, which was primarily for my red '86 Bird TC, but later I posted there also some photos of my silver '85 Bird.

So here is the story. Half a year ago I bought this Bird.





It took me quite long time to fix the worst problems and pass the road worthiness inspection. Finally, the car is officially mine for about half a month.


The first longer test drive was done two weeks ago, it was about hundred km trip from my friend, who helped me with roadworthiness inspection. The car runs fine and doesn't have any major problems.
[video=youtube;K4e8zUGDFUQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4e8zUGDFUQ[/video]

Two days later, the snow sets. I love snow. I love going sideways :evilgrin:.



As I meantioned in the original thread, my progress is pretty slow.
Now, I'm waiting for a box from 1BadBird, he collected all my parts the whole autumn. Now it's on the way. After this, the interior will be finished.
Now I'm working on the electical stuff, because this car had been quite heavily modified by some bonehead. Hopefully, my EVTM is very handy in these situations. I've found some burnt wiring in the trunk, so I'm going to fix it next week. I've also decided to throw away those ugly amber turn signal lamps, which are now in the rear bumper. With the amber turn signal lamps gone I'm going to hook up the factory red turn signals, even it's illegal in our country. Hopefully, no cop is taking care about this :evilgrin:.


End finally, here is a "TO DO" list:
1) New camshaft. I decided to go with Bo-port stage 1.5 with some stuff arround (HLAs, springs,...)
2) New exhaust. It really needs some good exhaust. That one I have now is only temporary solution to be able to pass the inspection.
3) War against rust. It really needs to remove rust on those well known places.
4) Paint job. I want my car looking good.
5) Engine tuning. To wake up those lazy horses.
6) Suspension mods.
7) Enjoy the car :)

1985 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe: Project "Crazy Bird"

Reply #1 –
Someone's gone wood-crazy inside that car! :O
Good luck mate! Goot thing you're getting rid of those amber turn signals. Ugh I hate those so much! Dad has them on one of his Mark Viii's, yuck!

1985 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe: Project "Crazy Bird"

Reply #2 –
Very cool dude I like it

1985 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe: Project "Crazy Bird"

Reply #3 –
The interior is almost like from the factory now. Just some s need to be changed (they are in that package from 1BadBird).
Here is an interior shot from august.



I will have to think, how to fill those holes, where are the turn signal lamps now. Any idea? 85 TC has polyurethane bumper, so it's very flexible.

1985 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe: Project "Crazy Bird"

Reply #4 –
That looks soo much better! :)

Uhm, go to your local plastic guy or something. I had exactly the same as you can see here:

My father found a guy who could tell which type of plastic it is and get us the right sort of bondo for it. It's very crucial you get the right sort!
My father drilled holes around the big hole for where the bondo would settle in. And he used steel mesh for support on the backside. And then just put bondo on, let it harden while I hold it in place (tip, that shiznit gets REALLY hot when hardening).
Only been on for a year now but so far not a single problem and you cannot tell it's ever been there.

But your local plastic guy should figure out what type of plastic it is and what type of bondo to use.
If I remember correctly I think this sort of plastic was the "greasier" type if you know what I mean. Not as dry as others.

1985 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe: Project "Crazy Bird"

Reply #5 –
No more wood! New levers installed, so the interior is finally finished. Almost. Couple things need to be fixed, but now the car looks finally nice inside.



And one more picture for Tim - How to solve the problem with mandatory rear fog lamp - There is a powerfull red LED bulb in the left backup lamp :) It's bright as hell!


PS: Please don't comment the rubbish in my trunk. I've already cleaned it up.

1985 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe: Project "Crazy Bird"

Reply #6 –
Awesome! Good thing you got rid of the horrible fake wood! Uugh!
And also nice you got rid of the amber turn signals! :) Yum yum! Now get those holes filled and painted ;)

1985 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe: Project "Crazy Bird"

Reply #9 –
Whats that blue bird doing on the lawn!? Having it sitting on grass will kill it! :D Put it on the driveway! ;)

1985 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe: Project "Crazy Bird"

Reply #10 –
Blue bird is finaly driveable after almost two years (it was sitting in the garrage until now). I will take more pictures next time :).

1985 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe: Project "Crazy Bird"

Reply #11 –
I was at the trackday on sunday. Silver bird surpassed my expectations. In the middle of the day we had some rain and I drifted almost every single corner :D That was very funny. At the end we had Plechcup time attacks (buttstuffogy to lemons races) and I finished second. Here are some photos.




More photos comming soon.

1985 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe: Project "Crazy Bird"

Reply #12 –
holy body roll lol

cool pics man ..........is it stock.... any future upgrades ?

1985 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe: Project "Crazy Bird"

Reply #13 –
This is completely stock, still with that toasty camshaft. I'm starting the overhaul after the next payday, so stay tuned.
The body roll is big, but the car is still very well behaving at the limit, so I will keep it as it is and I won't lower it. At least for now.

My plans are something like this:
- engine out
- fixing all rusty spots
- paint job (incl. engine bay)
- new camshaft (Bo-Port stage 1.5)
- turbo rebuild/upgrade
- megasquirt
- suspension upgrade (87/88 front and rear)
and couple more things.

More photos from time attacks





1985 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe: Project "Crazy Bird"

Reply #14 –
Thats pretty sweet....road racing the TC

Awesome,

Travis