Even though mine isn’t a convertible, I learned a little more about my 3 week old 66. You and Joernone have been a great help bringing my Bird back to life. Thanks again.
Wow, you are a treasure trove of info, I have owned 2 64 tbirds, a coupe and a convertible, (sold them both, regret selling them. LOL), I have learned a lot from you already. I'm beginning my search for another Tbird of this era, your info will be priceless for picking a new car.
That was super nice to do this detailed video and summarize a lot of the basic things of the car for this person. what a really kind thing to do. Shows you really care
Thank you Pshyco, I appreciate that. Unfortunately, the people I made the video for never even watched it. At least, not in its entirety. Some peoples kids!!!
@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426 exactly lol. I have a 66 tbird and it help me understand things I never knew about the car, especially the slide action steering wheel and parking it! Thanks again
Very well done video, gorgeous car! I own a 65 convertible that I restored 30 years ago and have done repairs/upgrades ever since. Obviously I know the car well but still learned a bit from watching. Best part was seeing all the hidden areas on this incredibly well restored, beautiful car, particularly the trunk areas.
Well done. A wonderful reference. We have a 64 hardtop. We drive it when the weather permits. It is a beautiful good running car. We hope Thelma and Louise enjoy the car you prepared for them.
Thanks Walter, they loved it but did have a few issues along the way. They made it home okay. Its impossible not to run into trouble on such a long trip as they had.
@@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426 Just curious, how long was the trip? I'm thinking about driving mine from L.A. to Las Vegas--but not until the weather cools down.
I have watched TH-cam videos for years, including instructional videos, but I have never run into anything so comprehensive about something ('64 to '66 T-birds) that so few people will directly find helpful. Though one does not have to own one of these cars to find it interesting to watch as over 11,500 views have been recorded since June 28, 2022. Good show! When you said "They made it home OK", surely you were not referring to Thelma and Louise from the 1991 movie. They (spoiler alert) went over the edge. BTW, in 1976, I briefly owned a maroon 1965 hardtop T-bird.
Thank you for this awesome video Nick. I finally found the hour and fifteen minutes I needed to watch this whole vide. I have had my 65 since 1996 and I learned so many new things about my car watching this. Super helpful!!
How cool, we all remember the cars our parents drove when we were kids. My parents had many cool cars. My favorite was my moms 1967 Camaro she bought new. Was my first car when I learned to drive. Thanks.
Hi From Auckland New Zealand.. just finished watching the video and was very helpful in a few areas! I have a 1964 Ford T-Bird and brought it from Rochester New York back in 2007 and brought it back to New Zealand!! love the car and drive it with the roof down all summer.. funny I have really never used the park brake as it wouldn't release well and after watching you video I see why.. has to go into gear...lol made me laugh that all these years I thought it was faulty.. and I'm a car guy but just never got around to looking at it.. once again very helpful even with the 66 being a little different.. have couple of little issues I need to look at and fuel gauge is one of them as is sometimes works and left rear window has just stopped working (struggles) cheers Shaun
Hey Shaun, thank you. My first Thunderbird was a 1964 hardtop, silver mink inside and out. I really loved that car. Today I have a white 1966 town hardtop. I love that car too. The ebrake is released by vacuum once you put it in gear. When in park and neutral, it should not release and hold the car. Its a pretty simple mechanism. The Cadillacs Im working on have the same ebrake system with the same vacuum motor. The power antennas are exactly the same as well. Interesting how the same parts get put on completely different makes. The rear window motor is probably stuck from not being used and probably can be fixed if you remove it and clean, lube and work it. Good luck and have fun.
My trans dipstick came with a free micro fiber towel zip tied around it.🤣 I assume because you are supposed to check it hot and with the motor running.
Hey mooosestang, yes check the trans when its hot and running. Remember to never leave your car while its running without sliding the steering column to the right and applying the emergency brake. Good luck.
I have a 1965 Thunderbird that I unfortunately need to sell. I will post a short tomorrow about it. It is a survivor with very minor paint work. I am rebuilding the carburetor and replacing the timing chain now even though it ran just fine before. It has a 390 in it and all the bells and whistles. I will consider any serious offers. I am only selling my baby because I have 15mo twins and I am recently widowed. Thanks for reading. Great and very informative video!!
Hey JMACit, I'm so sorry for your loss. I cant even imagine what you must be going through. I don't even know what to say, I'm so sorry. Send me a link to your video and if anyone asks me about a car for sale, Ill pass it on. Good luck to you my friend.
Hey Sean, hows life in S.C.? We hope you and your family are well. Nice to hear from you and thanks for the thumbs up on the video. The restoration was a lot of work. Im happy with the outcome too. Take care.
Fantastic and informative. I have a '66 T-bird Convertible w/390 engine. Supposed to be a retirement project, but may have to part with it.......health reasons. Anyway, thanks for sharing your videos and knowledge about these WONDERFUL ALL AMERICAN STEEL CARS with us. What's your contact info?
Thank you so much for posting this detailed video on how this 1966 Thunderbird convertible works! I have some questions for you. My 1966 thunderbird landau with 428 engine factory cruise control and factory A/C comes with an electric antenna. I noticed the antenna is broken off but still visible at the base. Antenna motor spins freely. Is there a way I can replace the broken antenna part only? the ORIGINAL AM/FM radio still puts out tunes! I also don't have any interior lamps nor dash lights. do both operate off of the same fuse? bc the int lamp fuse is blown. Also, the horn, power windows, and the power seat switch don't work. is it a bad circuit breaker? Also the heater and air conditioner fan doesn't work either. are they bad circuit breakers? also when cranking it clicks. still trying to get to start up for the first time in 33 years.
Hey Laszlo, thank you. First of all, you need to purchase the 1966 shop manual. Most of your questions are answered on page 15-9. If the power antenna mast is broken, you need to have it fixed by someone who does that. You cannot just go out and buy parts for it. Call the Birds Nest. Some people just buy a standard manual antenna, eliminate the power antenna, and call it a day. Interior lamps and dash lamps are controlled by the head light switch and a fuse in the fuse panel. The horn, power windows and seats are controlled by a 20 amp circuit breaker in the fuse panel. The fan motor is controlled by a 20 amp circuit breaker in the fuse panel. Why it wont start I cannot say without seeing it. Maybe the NS switch is out of adjustment? Maybe the starter is bad or the battery cables are bad?? Cant say without seeing it. Good luck.
Hey R O, those are USB ports. It was an experiment to give them a place to charge their phones but it turns out that it didn't work. They could plug their phones in there to connect to the radio to play music but it would not charge there. The directions said it would. Live and learn. I wont do that again. I wanted to give them the ports without permanently modifying the car, like cutting a hole in the dash or something that could not be reversed. Thanks.
Sehr gut erklärt. Aber, NEVER switch OFF the running motor to let him lost a high temperature ! Open the front hood !!! Never overfill the liquid reservoir from power steering . Just as shown, as long as you can see a drop at the end of the messuring stick, OK !!!
Great super informative video. Thanks so much for sharing all of your knowledge with these videos. On this 66 car the expansion tank looks like a matte black and other items look like a gloss or semi-gloss, is this underhood factory correct? Is there a definitive list you are aware of? Slowly working on my 66 Q code and want to do it as correctly as possible.
Hey RSoup1, its always been my belief that Ford powder coated everything in the engine compartment semi gloss black. I did not make this car factory correct in that respect. I like gloss black because it looks nice and will fade to semi gloss over time so, to me, that is the lesser of evils. Nothing like opening a hood and seeing all this shiny black stuff with a shiny blue engine. Powder coating lasts a long time where paint doesn't so I chose to powder coat most parts. The surge tank is done by a radiator shop so I just leave it whatever black they use. Nobody wants to pay me extra to strip and repaint the surge tank. So, I think semi gloss black is probably factory correct. However, I never did see a brand new Thunderbird on the show room floor to see what they did when they were brand new. I always got them decades later when they were worn out. Thanks.
Hey Greg, I didnt make a video about the wiring. Since I had to hand make all the wiring looms for the car, I didnt have the time to make a video. I also dont have one on the insulation. Sorry.
Hey Michael, you can purchase reproduction fan shrouds from the Thunderbird suppliers like Birds Nest or Thunderbird Headquarters. At least, they used to be available. I had a few in stock from when I had my shop from LA so I used one of them on this car. thanks.
@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426 loved your video. Ty for teaching me alot of things about my car that I didn't know. My speedometer isn't working where should I start looking for the problem?
@@thembrelectric If the speedometer is not working at all, no movement at all, then either the cable is bad or one of the two gears in the trans are bad. Usually the gear on the end of the cable breaks. You can pull the cable out of the trans and check to see if the gear is okay. Then you can look into the trans and see if the gear on the output shaft is still there. When speedos jump, then the speedo assembly is bad. Then you must pull it out and send it out to be repaired. I hope that helped.
Hey Branson, when I was in LA we used 165 degree because of the heat. Here in Colorado I use 180 because of the cold. If your in a winter climate, you want a higher temp thermostat. Good luck.
Hey Marcus, I always use R134 now because nobody has R12 and it costs an arm, leg and your first born. Its just not worth it to use R12 these days. When I have all the stuff rebuilt, I tell them Im converting so they use the correct seals and such. Thanks.
This is great information. I'm saving it to my library. I have my son 66 bird and I need front bumper and Grill that kind of thing. If somebody knows where some of the stuff is that it does NOT have to be perfect. I'D APPRECIATE FINDING OUT WHAT PARTS ARE located. I honestly haven't looked that much for parts.
Hello, I have a 1965 & a 1966 Thunderbird. The 1965 does not want to start even when I keep moving the shift handle up/down. Do you know someone in West Palm Beach or anywhere in Florida who can help me with this problem? Thanks
Hey Martin, sorry about the adverts. My grand kids made me do it upon pain of annoying me to death so I did it. I give them the money I make from it, maybe about $30 a month. Not much but its a lot to a kid. Sometimes you just gotta bite the bullet. Thanks..
Hi Nick, great video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge here. I was just missing one information: which breakfluid would you recommend? DOT 4? Best regards from Germany. Michael
I have a question... Do you have any experience installing 3 point seat belts on 61-66 hardtop models? I know that Ford didn't install 3 point seat belt brackets until 67. I am really trying to get this done on mine but it would have to be a custom job. My concern is if there's enough sheet metal on the roof of a hardtop model to install a bracket, or would doing it from the side pillar be the only option. I know it's unsightly but I prefer the safety of a 3 point belt over lap belts. I called a seatbelt company out of Texas that has a universal kit that I like.
@@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426 Hi - I did this mod about 10 years ago on my 65. I'm in UK and a company in London made up some static belts for me using the old buckles. Good place to mount is rear pillars about halfway up where there are cut-outs to take the mounting plates easily. I also had rear 3 point belts made which are easily mounted at the upper back of the seats. You'll have to remove the package tray to lift the headlining to gain access to the pillar. Another owner here mounted his on wheel arch but I reckon that could put too much pressure on your neck if you had a crash.
Just bought a 65 coupe with lots of repairs needed. Can you recommend a mechanic in the Palm Springs or San Francisco area that has your expertise? Greatly appreciated!
I know a guy in Colorado Springs that does these cheesy TH-cam videos, I hear he's pretty good. Oh wait, that's me. Okay, I'm patting myself on the back. There is nobody. I moved away from LA, and the Thunderbird club folded in LA and San Diego. Everyone I knew that worked on them (and you could count them on one hand) are dead or moved away. I don't live there anymore so I really don't know anyone. You have to be very careful who you take the car to. Sorry I could not help you. Good luck.
@@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426 Thanks Nick… I’m finding the same thing, so far haven’t found anyone that specializes in Tbirds…or a vintage car mechanic. BTW, I’m a big fan of the Beatles as well. I have all 13 of their albums released in the US. Same taste in music and cars! We’ll, if you hear of anyone out my way, please pass along my way
Hey Matt, tops are extremely complicated and I could not possible tell you without seeing it or at least knowing exactly was is wrong. But even knowing what is wrong is very limited without being able to test things hands on. Whats the problem your having right now? Note: in most cases, if the top was working and all of a sudden it stops working, this is usually a relay. Not always but usually. So checking the relays for function is a must. Use the shop manual too, there are detailed instructions and diagrams in there. Good luck.
Nick, Great Vid. I have a 65 Conv with a 390 and the original Cruise-O-Matic. I'm having problems with it shifting properly when cold. When I first start it up and put it into any gear it does nothing for a few seconds - like it's low on fluid - but the fluid level is fine. Also when it's cold, it will not shift into 3rd. I have to drive it for about 5-6 minutes before it will finally start shifting into 3rd. It never slips and once it goes into 3rd it will be fine until I shut it off and it cools down. Do you think a full rebuild is in my future? I'm a little apprehensive taking it somewhere because I'm afraid there aren't many shops that have worked on them. I noticed you mentioned that one of the cars in your videos has been swapped to a C6. If I do need a rebuild, should I consider swapping to the C6? Are there many benefits to it? My car is not very original so that is really not a concern.
Hey Chuck, thanks. It is typical for the cruisomatic to lose 3rd gear and reverse when cold. This means that the trans has hardened seals. Once they warm up and soften up, they start to seal and the gears come back. There are two ways to cure this, use an additive or have it rebuilt. An additive is temporary only. It may or may not help. Ultimately it needs a rebuild to replace all seals. No, do not convert to a C6, the cruiso is everything a C6 is and not much of an improvement. Waste of money especially if you do not drive the car much or on long trips. Good luck.
Hee Nick...i'm from the Netherlands and i bought a tbird from 59 last week with a 430 engine. Do i have to use the same fluids as you discribed in this video? Its a lot of fun to look at your work.👌👌 Gr.Pieter
Hey Peter, yes, use the same Lucas Hot Rod oil 20-50. Same type F transmission fluid and you can use that too in the power steering. Use a 50/50 water coolant mix in he radiator. Sounds like a very nice car. Good luck.
Heee Nick....i'm pickung up my t bird from 59 tommorow....i would like to send you a picture of it.....is that possible or do i need yiur email adress for it? Gr.Pieter
I thought the small white dot on the 63's was 1,2,3 and the big green dot was 2,3? I guess i should try both and i should be able to tell a difference.
Hello, I truly love all of your videos, I just recently bought a 64 thunderbird. I need to ask you questions about the bird. How could I get in touch with you. I understand that you know reside in Colorado. I lived in Wheatridge Colorado my name is Darrell
Hey Swirltvlive, thank you. I live in Colorado Springs in Colorado. I'm a Raider fan but they suck this year. Have you been to the stadium yet? I bet its really cool. Thanks.
Hey Frank, thats because the teeth (looks like a gear) that the ball bearing (there is a spring loaded ball bearing iinside the lever) rides in is worn out. You can take the lever assembly apart and clean the teeth and maybe that will work. If not, you can get a good used one. I have many. Good luck.
I have to respectfully disagree with your statement about REC and FRESH AC controls. When the AC is on either REC or FRESH there is no vacuum to the heater control valve and therefore the heater core is NOT hot. Obviously the AC is more efficient in REC position because it recirculates the air. However, it should function well in Fresh position also unless outside air is excessively hot. Even the owners manual says to use the REC position if the outside air is above 85 degrees. You have done an outstanding job on this renovation. In some ways it is too bad that these cars are so complex. If it were a Mustang or Camaro you wouldn't need to explain everything.
Hey Jeff, your right, the heater valve does not get any vacuum when the air conditioning is selected. I chose to use REC because it doesnt draw the air from outside or though the heater core and I have seen many many times that the heater core gets hot anyway. Everyone complains that the floor and under dash is way too hot while driving. In LA anyway where it is always hot. Thanks for the correction.
Me gusta el carro un Ford Thunderbird 1966 Convertible; sale en la Película Thelma And Louise; filmada por Metro Goldwyn Meyer (M.G.M) año 1991; protagonizada por Susan Sarandon y Geena Davies; se trata de dos prófugas de la justicia; huyen hacia México sin documentos; a bordo de un Ford Thunderbird 1966 convertible; cuándo Thelma Dickinson (Geena Davies) se separa de su esposo machista y Louise Sawyer (Susan Sarandon) abandona su trabajo de mesera; las dos son prófugas de la justicia y asaltantes de banco; llegan hacia México sin ser vistas por los agentes aduanales; para no incautarles el carro; huyen hacia México para escapar de la policía; las dos andan armadas hasta los dientes; qué los/as viajeros/as qué viajan para la frontera con México; tengan mucho cuidado; porqué las dos son mujeres muy peligrosas; qué huyen de las autoridades policiales; ése carro está muy bonito; mi tío tuvo uno así; pero techo duro; además es la réplica del carro de la película Thelma And Louise filmada por Metro Goldwyn Meyer año 1991; saludos y buenas tardes.
Es la réplica del carro de la película Thelma And Louise; pero la dueña del carro es Louise Sawyer (Susan Sarandon); maneja el carro; hacia la casa de Thelma Dickinson (Geena Davies); supuestamente por unos días de vacaciones; Thelma Dickinson (Geena Davies) se separa de su esposo machista; mientras Louise Sawyer (Susan Sarandon); abandona su puesto de mesera; las dos andan armadas hasta los dientes; son dos ladronas de banco; huyen hacia México sin documentos; a bordo de un Ford Thunderbird 1966 Convertible; solamente dinero robado; huyen hacia México; para hacer vida normal; huyen por trochas hasta llegar a la frontera con México; sin ser vistas por los agentes aduanales; para no confiscarles el carro; cuándo llegan a México por Ciudad Juárez; llegan a una casa de cambios; para cambiar los dólares por pesos; para comida, gasolina etc; para seguir el viaje hacia México DF; para escapar de la policía; dónde Thelma Dickinson (Geena Davies) y Louise Sawyer (Susan Sarandon) dónde se vuelven honradas; y más nunca vuelven a robar, ni matar gente; saludos.
Good guess because thats exactly what I was doing. The owner (a woman) knows nothing about cars or anything mechanical. In the end, she did pretty good though.
Even though mine isn’t a convertible, I learned a little more about my 3 week old 66. You and Joernone have been a great help bringing my Bird back to life. Thanks again.
Thanks Mike.
Wow, you are a treasure trove of info, I have owned 2 64 tbirds, a coupe and a convertible, (sold them both, regret selling them. LOL), I have learned a lot from you already. I'm beginning my search for another Tbird of this era, your info will be priceless for picking a new car.
Thank you very much. Im glad that these videos will help you. Good luck in your search.
That was super nice to do this detailed video and summarize a lot of the basic things of the car for this person. what a really kind thing to do. Shows you really care
Thank you Pshyco, I appreciate that. Unfortunately, the people I made the video for never even watched it. At least, not in its entirety. Some peoples kids!!!
@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426 exactly lol. I have a 66 tbird and it help me understand things I never knew about the car, especially the slide action steering wheel and parking it! Thanks again
Very well done video, gorgeous car! I own a 65 convertible that I restored 30 years ago and have done repairs/upgrades ever since. Obviously I know the car well but still learned a bit from watching. Best part was seeing all the hidden areas on this incredibly well restored, beautiful car, particularly the trunk areas.
Thank you very much Wayne, I appreciate that. It was a lot of work but the car did turn out well.
Well done. A wonderful reference. We have a 64 hardtop. We drive it when the weather permits. It is a beautiful good running car. We hope Thelma and Louise enjoy the car you prepared for them.
Thanks Walter, they loved it but did have a few issues along the way. They made it home okay. Its impossible not to run into trouble on such a long trip as they had.
@@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426 Just curious, how long was the trip? I'm thinking about driving mine from L.A. to Las Vegas--but not until the weather cools down.
@@SierraJohn Hey John, I did not go on the trip but I think they were gone about a week. Ill pin a post about it in the comments. Thanks.
Best video and explanations I have ever seen ! Wow, Thanks for those great informations.
Hey, your welcome Sylvaingt40.
I have watched TH-cam videos for years, including instructional videos, but I have never run into anything so comprehensive about something ('64 to '66 T-birds) that so few people will directly find helpful. Though one does not have to own one of these cars to find it interesting to watch as over 11,500 views have been recorded since June 28, 2022. Good show! When you said "They made it home OK", surely you were not referring to Thelma and Louise from the 1991 movie. They (spoiler alert) went over the edge. BTW, in 1976, I briefly owned a maroon 1965 hardtop T-bird.
Yes, my customers definitely had a much happier ending then Thelma and Louise. I'm glad for that. Thanks.
Thank you for this awesome video Nick. I finally found the hour and fifteen minutes I needed to watch this whole vide. I have had my 65 since 1996 and I learned so many new things about my car watching this. Super helpful!!
Hey Johnny, thank you very much. See, you learn new things every day.
Thank for all your knowledge on the T.Bird .you are helping me out a lot on my car.
Hey Dale, your welcome.
That was a very good and informative video, and I had no idea that this T-Birds was so complicated to own and run. This 64-66 is my favourite US car.👍
Thank you, Nick. I bought a 1966 Town Landau. Your video has priceless information.
Hey Derick, glad to help. Have fun with your new car. I have one of those too.
My father had one of these, I still recognize that interior. I sat in there during some long drives.
How cool, we all remember the cars our parents drove when we were kids. My parents had many cool cars. My favorite was my moms 1967 Camaro she bought new. Was my first car when I learned to drive. Thanks.
I have a 66 and your videos have been a god send. Informative and funny as hell at times.
Thanks Michael.
Thanks Nick. I can't wait to go through this all again when mine is back together. :)
Your welcome Lance. Good luck with your project.
Hi From Auckland New Zealand.. just finished watching the video and was very helpful in a few areas! I have a 1964 Ford T-Bird and brought it from Rochester New York back in 2007 and brought it back to New Zealand!! love the car and drive it with the roof down all summer.. funny I have really never used the park brake as it wouldn't release well and after watching you video I see why.. has to go into gear...lol made me laugh that all these years I thought it was faulty.. and I'm a car guy but just never got around to looking at it.. once again very helpful even with the 66 being a little different.. have couple of little issues I need to look at and fuel gauge is one of them as is sometimes works and left rear window has just stopped working (struggles) cheers Shaun
Hey Shaun, thank you. My first Thunderbird was a 1964 hardtop, silver mink inside and out. I really loved that car. Today I have a white 1966 town hardtop. I love that car too. The ebrake is released by vacuum once you put it in gear. When in park and neutral, it should not release and hold the car. Its a pretty simple mechanism. The Cadillacs Im working on have the same ebrake system with the same vacuum motor. The power antennas are exactly the same as well. Interesting how the same parts get put on completely different makes. The rear window motor is probably stuck from not being used and probably can be fixed if you remove it and clean, lube and work it. Good luck and have fun.
Great sales pitch for a hardtop lol. Great job!
Thanks
My trans dipstick came with a free micro fiber towel zip tied around it.🤣 I assume because you are supposed to check it hot and with the motor running.
Hey mooosestang, yes check the trans when its hot and running. Remember to never leave your car while its running without sliding the steering column to the right and applying the emergency brake. Good luck.
Great video, a video owners manual! Very helpful
Thank you.
good explanation.
Thank you.
Fantastic, I did not know of this video, very informative, I have a newly aquirred 64 T bird.
Thank Joe
I have a 1965 Thunderbird that I unfortunately need to sell. I will post a short tomorrow about it. It is a survivor with very minor paint work. I am rebuilding the carburetor and replacing the timing chain now even though it ran just fine before. It has a 390 in it and all the bells and whistles. I will consider any serious offers. I am only selling my baby because I have 15mo twins and I am recently widowed. Thanks for reading. Great and very informative video!!
Hey JMACit, I'm so sorry for your loss. I cant even imagine what you must be going through. I don't even know what to say, I'm so sorry. Send me a link to your video and if anyone asks me about a car for sale, Ill pass it on. Good luck to you my friend.
@@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426 Thank you so much. I appreciate you so very much
I made a short of my thunderbird
@@jmacit were can I see it?
@@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426 I made a short on my channel
Great job Nick! The T & L car looks amazing on video, and even better in person. Miss you brother, hope you're doing well!
Hey Sean, hows life in S.C.? We hope you and your family are well. Nice to hear from you and thanks for the thumbs up on the video. The restoration was a lot of work. Im happy with the outcome too. Take care.
Beautiful Cars😍
Fantastic and informative.
I have a '66 T-bird Convertible w/390 engine.
Supposed to be a retirement project, but may have to part with it.......health reasons.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your videos and knowledge about these WONDERFUL ALL AMERICAN STEEL CARS with us.
What's your contact info?
Thank you Charles. My contact info is: tamie.nick@sbcglobal.net
Were these cars built with a dual master cylinder? How about some pictures of the under carriage? This is a great video. Thanks so much.
Hey, all these cars from 1955-1966 were built with a single master cylinder. I think 1967 was the first year for the dual master cylinder.
Thank you so much for posting this detailed video on how this 1966 Thunderbird convertible works!
I have some questions for you. My 1966 thunderbird landau with 428 engine factory cruise control and factory A/C comes with an electric antenna. I noticed the antenna is broken off but still visible at the base. Antenna motor spins freely. Is there a way I can replace the broken antenna part only? the ORIGINAL AM/FM radio still puts out tunes! I also don't have any interior lamps nor dash lights. do both operate off of the same fuse? bc the int lamp fuse is blown.
Also, the horn, power windows, and the power seat switch don't work. is it a bad circuit breaker? Also the heater and air conditioner fan doesn't work either. are they bad circuit breakers? also when cranking it clicks. still trying to get to start up for the first time in 33 years.
Hey Laszlo, thank you. First of all, you need to purchase the 1966 shop manual. Most of your questions are answered on page 15-9. If the power antenna mast is broken, you need to have it fixed by someone who does that. You cannot just go out and buy parts for it. Call the Birds Nest. Some people just buy a standard manual antenna, eliminate the power antenna, and call it a day. Interior lamps and dash lamps are controlled by the head light switch and a fuse in the fuse panel. The horn, power windows and seats are controlled by a 20 amp circuit breaker in the fuse panel. The fan motor is controlled by a 20 amp circuit breaker in the fuse panel. Why it wont start I cannot say without seeing it. Maybe the NS switch is out of adjustment? Maybe the starter is bad or the battery cables are bad?? Cant say without seeing it. Good luck.
Enjoyed your video, very informative! Nick, what are the two "buttons" that are in place where the red Seatbelt Warning light is located.
Hey R O, those are USB ports. It was an experiment to give them a place to charge their phones but it turns out that it didn't work. They could plug their phones in there to connect to the radio to play music but it would not charge there. The directions said it would. Live and learn. I wont do that again. I wanted to give them the ports without permanently modifying the car, like cutting a hole in the dash or something that could not be reversed. Thanks.
Sehr gut erklärt. Aber, NEVER switch OFF the running motor to let him lost a high temperature ! Open the front hood !!! Never overfill the liquid reservoir from power steering . Just as shown, as long as you can see a drop at the end of the messuring stick, OK !!!
Great super informative video. Thanks so much for sharing all of your knowledge with these videos. On this 66 car the expansion tank looks like a matte black and other items look like a gloss or semi-gloss, is this underhood factory correct? Is there a definitive list you are aware of? Slowly working on my 66 Q code and want to do it as correctly as possible.
Hey RSoup1, its always been my belief that Ford powder coated everything in the engine compartment semi gloss black. I did not make this car factory correct in that respect. I like gloss black because it looks nice and will fade to semi gloss over time so, to me, that is the lesser of evils. Nothing like opening a hood and seeing all this shiny black stuff with a shiny blue engine. Powder coating lasts a long time where paint doesn't so I chose to powder coat most parts. The surge tank is done by a radiator shop so I just leave it whatever black they use. Nobody wants to pay me extra to strip and repaint the surge tank. So, I think semi gloss black is probably factory correct. However, I never did see a brand new Thunderbird on the show room floor to see what they did when they were brand new. I always got them decades later when they were worn out. Thanks.
Great point about gloss fading over time, thanks for the info
Nick do you have a TH-cam video on the wiring and the insulation of the convertible top for your 66 THUNDERBIRD
Hey Greg, I didnt make a video about the wiring. Since I had to hand make all the wiring looms for the car, I didnt have the time to make a video. I also dont have one on the insulation. Sorry.
Where did u get the fan shroud from
Hey Michael, you can purchase reproduction fan shrouds from the Thunderbird suppliers like Birds Nest or Thunderbird Headquarters. At least, they used to be available. I had a few in stock from when I had my shop from LA so I used one of them on this car. thanks.
Thanks for the info 👍
Great video as there’s a lot of features these t-birds have.
Thanks Storm
Do you measure the transmission fluid with the engine running or off?
Always with the engine running. Make sure the car is in park with the steering column slid to the right and the ebrake on. Good luck.
Awesome reference! Thanks!
Your welcome.
These two guys spend to much time together!! They act like brothers who are sick of each others shit lol
Another good guess. Craig is great but we give each other a lot of shit, all in fun.
@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426 loved your video. Ty for teaching me alot of things about my car that I didn't know. My speedometer isn't working where should I start looking for the problem?
@@thembrelectric If the speedometer is not working at all, no movement at all, then either the cable is bad or one of the two gears in the trans are bad. Usually the gear on the end of the cable breaks. You can pull the cable out of the trans and check to see if the gear is okay. Then you can look into the trans and see if the gear on the output shaft is still there. When speedos jump, then the speedo assembly is bad. Then you must pull it out and send it out to be repaired. I hope that helped.
Hey Nick, I am going to replace the thermostat in my 1965 390 Tbird. What temp thermostat should I get? 160, 180, 190?
Hey Branson, when I was in LA we used 165 degree because of the heat. Here in Colorado I use 180 because of the cold. If your in a winter climate, you want a higher temp thermostat. Good luck.
R12 or r134a in your ac system????
Hey Marcus, I always use R134 now because nobody has R12 and it costs an arm, leg and your first born. Its just not worth it to use R12 these days. When I have all the stuff rebuilt, I tell them Im converting so they use the correct seals and such. Thanks.
This is great information. I'm saving it to my library. I have my son 66 bird and I need front bumper and Grill that kind of thing. If somebody knows where some of the stuff is that it does NOT have to be perfect. I'D APPRECIATE FINDING OUT WHAT PARTS ARE located. I honestly haven't looked that much for parts.
Hello, I have a 1965 & a 1966 Thunderbird. The 1965 does not want to start even when I keep moving the shift handle up/down. Do you know someone in West Palm Beach or anywhere in Florida who can help me with this problem? Thanks
HI Enrique, yes I know a guy named Tom Chitwood. His home base is Daytona Beach. His phone number is 386-290-9982. Good luck.
nice video and lovely car however far too many adverts i counted about 8 !
Hey Martin, sorry about the adverts. My grand kids made me do it upon pain of annoying me to death so I did it. I give them the money I make from it, maybe about $30 a month. Not much but its a lot to a kid. Sometimes you just gotta bite the bullet. Thanks..
@@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426 I understand that's cool if it's for the kids , wish I could've done that years ago !
@@martinparker9249 Man, dont get me started on things I could have done years ago. lol
Hi Nick,
great video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge here. I was just missing one information: which breakfluid would you recommend? DOT 4?
Best regards from Germany.
Michael
Factory original fluid is Dot 3. I had a 1965 Ford Taunus when I lived in Stuttgart in 1977-78. What a cool car. Wish I still had it. Thanks.
I have a question... Do you have any experience installing 3 point seat belts on 61-66 hardtop models? I know that Ford didn't install 3 point seat belt brackets until 67. I am really trying to get this done on mine but it would have to be a custom job. My concern is if there's enough sheet metal on the roof of a hardtop model to install a bracket, or would doing it from the side pillar be the only option. I know it's unsightly but I prefer the safety of a 3 point belt over lap belts. I called a seatbelt company out of Texas that has a universal kit that I like.
Hey Storm, I have no experience with that and I've never seen a 58-66 Thunderbird with that modification. Sorry I cant help you.
@@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426 Hi - I did this mod about 10 years ago on my 65. I'm in UK and a company in London made up some static belts for me using the old buckles. Good place to mount is rear pillars about halfway up where there are cut-outs to take the mounting plates easily. I also had rear 3 point belts made which are easily mounted at the upper back of the seats. You'll have to remove the package tray to lift the headlining to gain access to the pillar. Another owner here mounted his on wheel arch but I reckon that could put too much pressure on your neck if you had a crash.
Thank I didn’t know my tbird e-brake function was like that I’ve been using the override forever.
Dear Sir! My name is Robert, I currently have a 1965 Thunderbird Landau edition. Is there any way to contact you with questions that I have???
Hey Robert. My email is tamie.nick@sbcglobal.net
Just bought a 65 coupe with lots of repairs needed. Can you recommend a mechanic in the Palm Springs or San Francisco area that has your expertise? Greatly appreciated!
I know a guy in Colorado Springs that does these cheesy TH-cam videos, I hear he's pretty good. Oh wait, that's me. Okay, I'm patting myself on the back. There is nobody. I moved away from LA, and the Thunderbird club folded in LA and San Diego. Everyone I knew that worked on them (and you could count them on one hand) are dead or moved away. I don't live there anymore so I really don't know anyone. You have to be very careful who you take the car to. Sorry I could not help you. Good luck.
@@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426
Thanks Nick… I’m finding the same thing, so far haven’t found anyone that specializes in Tbirds…or a vintage car mechanic.
BTW, I’m a big fan of the Beatles as well. I have all 13 of their albums released in the US. Same taste in music and cars!
We’ll, if you hear of anyone out my way, please pass along my way
@@garyfain7235 Will do Gary, Thank you.
My top don't work can u help whit tips please tku
Hey Matt, tops are extremely complicated and I could not possible tell you without seeing it or at least knowing exactly was is wrong. But even knowing what is wrong is very limited without being able to test things hands on. Whats the problem your having right now? Note: in most cases, if the top was working and all of a sudden it stops working, this is usually a relay. Not always but usually. So checking the relays for function is a must. Use the shop manual too, there are detailed instructions and diagrams in there. Good luck.
Nick, Great Vid. I have a 65 Conv with a 390 and the original Cruise-O-Matic. I'm having problems with it shifting properly when cold. When I first start it up and put it into any gear it does nothing for a few seconds - like it's low on fluid - but the fluid level is fine. Also when it's cold, it will not shift into 3rd. I have to drive it for about 5-6 minutes before it will finally start shifting into 3rd. It never slips and once it goes into 3rd it will be fine until I shut it off and it cools down. Do you think a full rebuild is in my future? I'm a little apprehensive taking it somewhere because I'm afraid there aren't many shops that have worked on them. I noticed you mentioned that one of the cars in your videos has been swapped to a C6. If I do need a rebuild, should I consider swapping to the C6? Are there many benefits to it? My car is not very original so that is really not a concern.
Hey Chuck, thanks. It is typical for the cruisomatic to lose 3rd gear and reverse when cold. This means that the trans has hardened seals. Once they warm up and soften up, they start to seal and the gears come back. There are two ways to cure this, use an additive or have it rebuilt. An additive is temporary only. It may or may not help. Ultimately it needs a rebuild to replace all seals. No, do not convert to a C6, the cruiso is everything a C6 is and not much of an improvement. Waste of money especially if you do not drive the car much or on long trips. Good luck.
Hee Nick...i'm from the Netherlands and i bought a tbird from 59 last week with a 430 engine. Do i have to use the same fluids as you discribed in this video?
Its a lot of fun to look at your work.👌👌
Gr.Pieter
Hey Peter, yes, use the same Lucas Hot Rod oil 20-50. Same type F transmission fluid and you can use that too in the power steering. Use a 50/50 water coolant mix in he radiator. Sounds like a very nice car. Good luck.
Thnx for your quick reaction....it is a beautifull car...i send you a picture of it soon.
Gr.Pieter
Heee Nick....i'm pickung up my t bird from 59 tommorow....i would like to send you a picture of it.....is that possible or do i need yiur email adress for it?
Gr.Pieter
@@pietero9684 Id love to see a photo. Send it to my email tamie.nick@sbcglobal.net. Thank you
I thought the small white dot on the 63's was 1,2,3 and the big green dot was 2,3? I guess i should try both and i should be able to tell a difference.
Big green dot, 1,2,3. Small white dot next to neutral, 2,3. Get an owners manual and it explains how that works.
Hello, I truly love all of your videos, I just recently bought a 64 thunderbird. I need to ask you questions about the bird. How could I get in touch with you. I understand that you know reside in Colorado. I lived in Wheatridge Colorado my name is Darrell
Hey Darrell, my email is tamie.nick@sbcglobal.net Thanks.
Thank you very much Nick. What city are you located in? I have a 1965 convertible and I live in Vegas. I have learned So much watching the Vid
Hey Swirltvlive, thank you. I live in Colorado Springs in Colorado. I'm a Raider fan but they suck this year. Have you been to the stadium yet? I bet its really cool. Thanks.
I bought one new in 66 every time I hit a bump the windshield wipers turned on
Hey Frank, thats because the teeth (looks like a gear) that the ball bearing (there is a spring loaded ball bearing iinside the lever) rides in is worn out. You can take the lever assembly apart and clean the teeth and maybe that will work. If not, you can get a good used one. I have many. Good luck.
I think the AMP Readout is in reality a VOLTAGE Readout.
Hey froehlichsingen, Interesting. Why do you think that?
I have to respectfully disagree with your statement about REC and FRESH AC controls. When the AC is on either REC or FRESH there is no vacuum to the heater control valve and therefore the heater core is NOT hot. Obviously the AC is more efficient in REC position because it recirculates the air. However, it should function well in Fresh position also unless outside air is excessively hot. Even the owners manual says to use the REC position if the outside air is above 85 degrees. You have done an outstanding job on this renovation. In some ways it is too bad that these cars are so complex. If it were a Mustang or Camaro you wouldn't need to explain everything.
Hey Jeff, your right, the heater valve does not get any vacuum when the air conditioning is selected. I chose to use REC because it doesnt draw the air from outside or though the heater core and I have seen many many times that the heater core gets hot anyway. Everyone complains that the floor and under dash is way too hot while driving. In LA anyway where it is always hot. Thanks for the correction.
1964 thunder bird conv
Ive been rebuilding my 64, check it out on my channel
Info is good but painfully slow…
Me gusta el carro un Ford Thunderbird 1966 Convertible; sale en la Película Thelma And Louise; filmada por Metro Goldwyn Meyer (M.G.M) año 1991; protagonizada por Susan Sarandon y Geena Davies; se trata de dos prófugas de la justicia; huyen hacia México sin documentos; a bordo de un Ford Thunderbird 1966 convertible; cuándo Thelma Dickinson (Geena Davies) se separa de su esposo machista y Louise Sawyer (Susan Sarandon) abandona su trabajo de mesera; las dos son prófugas de la justicia y asaltantes de banco; llegan hacia México sin ser vistas por los agentes aduanales; para no incautarles el carro; huyen hacia México para escapar de la policía; las dos andan armadas hasta los dientes; qué los/as viajeros/as qué viajan para la frontera con México; tengan mucho cuidado; porqué las dos son mujeres muy peligrosas; qué huyen de las autoridades policiales; ése carro está muy bonito; mi tío tuvo uno así; pero techo duro; además es la réplica del carro de la película Thelma And Louise filmada por Metro Goldwyn Meyer año 1991; saludos y buenas tardes.
Hey Jose, I don't speak Spanish. Ill get this translated soon and then respond. Thanks.
Es la réplica del carro de la película Thelma And Louise; pero la dueña del carro es Louise Sawyer (Susan Sarandon); maneja el carro; hacia la casa de Thelma Dickinson (Geena Davies); supuestamente por unos días de vacaciones; Thelma Dickinson (Geena Davies) se separa de su esposo machista; mientras Louise Sawyer (Susan Sarandon); abandona su puesto de mesera; las dos andan armadas hasta los dientes; son dos ladronas de banco; huyen hacia México sin documentos; a bordo de un Ford Thunderbird 1966 Convertible; solamente dinero robado; huyen hacia México; para hacer vida normal; huyen por trochas hasta llegar a la frontera con México; sin ser vistas por los agentes aduanales; para no confiscarles el carro; cuándo llegan a México por Ciudad Juárez; llegan a una casa de cambios; para cambiar los dólares por pesos; para comida, gasolina etc; para seguir el viaje hacia México DF; para escapar de la policía; dónde Thelma Dickinson (Geena Davies) y Louise Sawyer (Susan Sarandon) dónde se vuelven honradas; y más nunca vuelven a robar, ni matar gente; saludos.
I like your alternate history story. It would be nice if they made it safely to Mexico to live a normal life free from crime. Thank you.
This dude acting like he's teaching a women about a car 😂😂😂😂
Good guess because thats exactly what I was doing. The owner (a woman) knows nothing about cars or anything mechanical. In the end, she did pretty good though.
Yawn……five minutes was all I could take. “ the cap screws off”…. Really? Zzzzzzzzz