Just got my 65

[420xrated]

Just got
My 65 and was wondering if someone could give
Me a good starting point on a full restoration?

[simplyconnected]

Congratulations. Let's see some pictures!

[redstangbob]

I'd suggest you contact and join your local Tbird club http://clubs.hemmings.com/frameset.cfm?club=azvtc Then get an original factory spec manual from the VTCI http://www.vintagethunderbirdclub.ne...tore_books.htm Have fun with friends you just haven't met yet, and check out their cars. Good luck, Bob C

[420xrated]

Question about the VIN

What does the Consecutive unit number actually mean? Will this tell me what number vehicle made my tbird is?

[redstangbob]

In short yes. The first consecutive number for a model year is 100001, that doesn't work for all Fords, or the 2 seat Tbirds. The number and build date are 'scheduled' and not exact dates necessarily, but give you a good idea of when the car was produced. Lots of us have been lucky to find our 'ROT' or build sheet under the back seat or carpet. The original gate sheet is available from Marti http://www.martiauto.com/eminger2.cfm They are cool to have. There are registries that keep track of Tbirds, like John Rotella's http://www.tbirdregistry.com/ Hope that helps, Bob C

[Joe Johnston]

a good starting point on a full restoration?

#1 - Join the national and local Thunderbird clubs. Best advice from the people who know these cars.

After that:

Buy and READ all the manuals!!!

Drive your car (if presently driveable) to get to know it and what the mechanical problems may be. Every car has at least one surprise that shows up sooner or later.

Decide what you want the car to become. Pure stock, concourse restoration, nice driver, highly modified or a mix of everything. Its your car, but you need a plan or goal to get the work done in an efficient cost effective order.

Unless you have the room, money, skills, and endurance, do not just take everything apart. Many new owners have big plans, become overwhelmed, and the project dies for years. Break the work into projects and then list them in a methodical order. No need to pull an engine several times (unless you really like doing that!) while doing the restoration.

Ask questions - there is a lot of knowledge here and a willingness to help. Also use the search functions and read previous posts as well.

Relax, enjoy, and welcome to the sickness!!!!

[420xrated]

Awsome

You guys rock. I think with the help of everyone here and with the right direction i wont turn a 2 year project into a 10 year project.

[420xrated]

Pics

Can someone put in Barney Terms how to post pictures?

[YellowRose]

Just got my 65

Hi Noah, when I welcome a new user to the Forum, I put a Welcome post to them in the New Members Welcoming Forum. If you will go down to that, you will see the explanations on how to post pix on this Forum, rather than me go into it here.