1961 Thunderbird.....

[DonFitzwater]

Ok old timers, what do I need to know before jumping into something this old? I can tell you it's got a 390 FE motor, auto and wonderful drum brakes all the way around. Thinking about picking it up for my mom. I'll do a disc conversion on the front and freshen up the transmission (not shifting so assuming it's a vacuum modulation problem???). The engine runs great and is surprisingly snorty for it's age. I'll post some pictures when I can.

 

[TFucili]

My uncle had a 64(?), and the only thing that I can recall was not just straightforward Ford was the sliding steering column got sloppy, and we replaced bushings/slides. Beyond that, not sure on the years, but some had wipers running off of the power steering pump, and they were experimenting with their first attempts at transistorized ignition.

 

[AH64ID]

Dad has a 66, which I had for a while, and granddad before me.

They are fun, bulky, heavy, and smooth riding.

It also has a 390, with a C6. The C6 is stock, as far as we know but the engine was rebuilt about 15 years ago.

 

[SnoKing]

There has to be something better to collect!

 

[DonFitzwater]

There has to be something better to collect!

You sound like my dad......As he drug this Thing home!

 

[TFucili]

You sound like my dad......As he drug this Thing home!

At least it's not the polka-dot paint scheme.

 

[SnoKing]

You sound like my dad......As he drug this Thing home!

Well that "Thing" might just be better looking!

 

[DonFitzwater]

This is NOT the car, just a random pic from the internet that is very close.

 

[SnoKing]

This is NOT the car, just a random pic from the internet that is very close.

1961 Thunderbird looks like this! Your picture is of a 1964-65 model

 

[SnoKing]

Want a good looking vehicle of that vintage? I bought this from my brother when I returned from SE Asia in the summer of 1967. I turned into a debadged SS/RS 350 Camero 4 speed less than a year later.

 

[DonFitzwater]

Want a good looking vehicle of that vintage? I bought this from my brother when I returned from SE Asia in the summer of 1967. I turned into the Camero a year later.

View attachment 116478

View attachment 116479

Never been a Chevy guy. Camaro, Corvette, Chevelle.......Corvair....

 

[Wayne M.]

Disc brake conversion ok, but a dual master cylinder conversion is top priority and an alternator conversion if it catches on and she likes it.
I have no idea what transmission would be in there as I think that’s too old for the C4/ C6 era 3 speed transmissions.

 

[Tractorat]

All you need to know about that 61 t bird is how cool you look driving it. And how easy it will be to pick up girls now.

 

[Wiredawg]

I like it and you should too. Go for it.

Cheers, Ron

 

[Cooper_D]

Well the theory on older vehicles is they will still run after an EMP attack.

Ok back to earth now... I almost picked up one as my first car so I vote for buying it.

 

[brucejohnson]

I had a '59 T-Bird with manual transmission. It was a fine, comfortable, solid road car. The '61 is one step up on the evolution/improvement scale. I still think the 59/60/64 T-Birds look better, but the 61-63 has very clean, flowing lines. That said, I surely wouldn't kick it out of my garage. Ahhh, the comfort, torque and sweet sound of a 390...that is until I find a 426 Max Wedge Plymouth...

 

[DonFitzwater]

The transmission is a Cruis-O-Matic. Came with a ton of new interior items....no reverse. transmission is coming out next week when I get a free evening.

 

[DonFitzwater]

Here she is

 

[Wiredawg]

Don,

That's sweet. Those old lead sleds were great highway cruisers.

Pls keep us updated on this prize.

Cheers, Ron

 

[DonFitzwater]

Don,

That's sweet. Those old lead sleds were great highway cruisers.

Pls keep us updated on this prize.

Cheers, Ron

Will do