Michael, Thanks, my friend, but Nick at Vintage Thunderbird Repair has the best T-Bird channel. He's a very experienced pro. I'm just a garage hack.😁 Regards, John
Don’t worry John about how many videos Could be another 100 and I’ll still be here Have been since number 1 You and wifey will be going for a ride soon
Hey John, your phone is clicking lol. New electronic sequential turn signal system can be purchased from any of the Thunderbird dealers. Birds Nest has them part number B13A367D or B13A367E and they cost about $200. There are two types depending on which year car you have. 66 is the E type. Commenting on your last video, I mentioned that you can access the sequential bag through the trunk because there "should" be insulation and a cardboard trunk panel behind the back seat that covers the access hole to the trunk but what I didn't know is that all that is missing in your car so you can easily access the sequential bag from behind the back seat. I'm sure your insulation is in tatters like most cars or non existent. The insulation helps to keep noise from the trunk down to a minimum and also insulate all the areas behind the rear seat so you might want to think about replacing that when the time comes. Your pretty creative so Ill bet you'll find something interesting to replace it with. You can purchase new insulation kits too. Heating the plug ends on wiring looms with a heat gun helps to loosen and soften them up and makes it easier to separate them. Especially in colder climates when they get hard like a rock like yours are. The two relays you showed are for the flashers. Available new as well. The brake light relay is in the sequential bag, the relay in the middle that you didn't think was the brake light relay. Also available new. Its okay to spray and clean electrical parts with carb or brake cleaner, especially the sequential motor points and cam. I don't normally mess with the original sequential parts, motor and relay, anymore because the electronic system can be purchased and makes life so much easier. However, its far more interesting to watch you mess with it and find new ways to fix problems and, as the video shows, you were very successful. Its easy to check the brake light switch under the dash. Two wires go to the switch. On the back of the switch, the two wires are exposed (no rubber covering) so just touch them together with a screw driver or something (do not touch them to ground) and if the brake light relay is good, the brake lights should work. If the brake lights do work only when you jump the wires on the switch but not when you push the pedal, then the switch is probably bad. If the brake lights still don't work after jumping the switch as I explained above, then most likely the brake light relay is bad. Great video John. Great job on the sequential relay and very helpful info for those that want to fix their original parts.
Nick, Thanks again, my friend. As you suspected, the trunk panel and insulation behind the rear seat were gone when I got the car. If possible, would you mind sending me a photo of the panel? I'll make one. The insulation won't be a problem. Btw...it appears Bird Nest has changed the part number for their electronic sequential tail light systems: 656SEQ; 66SEQPK and SEQPK-UNIVERSAL. And they sure don't give them away. 😁 Regards, John
Hello joernone. Sorry that I watched this video a couple of weeks late. I kind of got out of the habit of watching your series since you started regrouping after your first 99 videos. I have a '65 Thunderbird that I've been refurbishing for the last seven or eight months. Like you, I'm not restoring, but refurbishing due to the excessive costs of antique auto restoration. My car is somewhat worn with substandard paint, but more or less mechanically sound I would say. I've put maybe 500 - 700 miles on it since I bought it two years ago. Some of the things you've done and posted have been very helpful to me - specifically the upper ball joints video. Now I it looks like some of my experiences MIGHT benefit you. Again , sorry I'm late to this video and leaving a response. One of the first things I did to my car when I got it a couple of years ago was addressing the sequential tail lights. (This was before I started the refurbishment project.) On each side, only two of the three bulbs on my car would work in sequence with the turn signals. I read that it's usually the contacts in the cam operated sequencing unit in the trunk. I took the rubber board with the relays and sequencer out and took the cover off like you did. I did clean the contact points. The signals started sequencing like they were supposed to. However, after I did the job, I read somewhere else (can't remember where) that cleaning the contacts is often only a temporary fix (for whatever reason.) Sure enough, when I drove the car after the signals were fixed, the sequence of the signals started malfunctioning again. (Only lasted about thirty miles or so.) I decided to go with the electronic sequencers from a company called Cougars Unlimited. Mercury Cougars of the 1960's apparently also had the same type of rear turn signal sequence function, so a group of enthusiasts put together these units originally for Cougars then for Thunderbirds. The guy I talked to from Cougars Unlimited said it's common for the original equipment contacts to start malfunctioning AGAIN after they've been cleaned...so be wary. Don't want to demoralize you, but it happened to me. Anyway, I ordered one of the units from his company, and I've had no problems with turn signal sequence function since. All three components on your rubber mounting board are replaced with one electronic unit. The cost of mine was $229 plus shipping, but that was like a year and a half ago or whenever. I actually think I bought mine from a retailer on eBay, but I was able to get support from Cougars Unlimited. You have to get the CORRECT unit for the MODEL YEAR. Most '65's T-Birds before a certain date can't use the unit made for '66 T-Birds, but I think it's mostly a connector difference. For some really weird reason that neither I or Cougars Unlimited understand, my early '65 model car needed the '66 style unit. Like you, I had a %$#@ of a time getting the connectors off. I should've used your heat gun method, but didn't have one. Used pliers and muscle instead. Likewise, I couldn't get them all the way reconnected once I got everything reinstalled. I cheated and got the connectors about 85 - 90%% pushed back together and then wrapped electrical tape around the remaining gap...then wrapped over that with heavy duty Gorilla Tape. Haven't had any problems because of this so far. I just didn't want to wreck the old original connectors by putting too much pressure on them. They're holding and staying connected well so far. So if your current fix doesn't last, I personally would go to the Cougars Unlimited unit and don't look back. I don't sell these things or have a vested interest. I just figure life's too short. Oh, and it doesn't make the growling motor sound when you use the turns signals, like the original does. Good luck!
Great to see you again John. Don't worry about the nay sayers. You're in the home stretch on the Thunderbird, don't stop now. I look forward to every one.
As long as you have the time and energy to make these videos. I have the interest to watch them. I look forward to seeing you and your project. Also I miss the radio videos they were very fun and informative to watch, and were as good or better than most on TH-cam. Hope Wifey is doing well. Thanks John for all hard work and informative content
Paul, My TH-cam radio repair days are over. I left it to the new group of TH-camrs that does excellent repair and restoration work, far better than I ever did. But I do appreciate your very kind comment. Thank you, my friend. Regards, John
Tom, I again answered your question about removing the roof molding by uploading a video showing you how to do it and supplying you with the link. Go back and check it out. If it's not needed, I'll delete the video. John
Hello from Connecticut !..Im just chiming in now, and after watching your series on the jukebox and now the t bird..I too own a seeburg ay 160 that needs help, and ive learned ALOT from watching your videos. Im also an auto tech and collector, i own two classic corvairs for over 20 yrs now, and believe me i know the struggles with classic cars. Still, id rather drive something i can work on and not the modern day crap designed in such a way it scares you to do anything more than open the hood to add washer fluid lol..Keep up the awesome work, and i ll follow your series on the t bird and im looking forward to watching you work on your pinball machines too..god bless.
Another great video, John. I like the idea of fixing the original, it is an accomplishment that makes you feel good when it works out. The video will help many people trying to fix theirs. Even though there are many diagrams and schematics online, being able to see one in action goes a long way. George B. in Michigan
I agree George. Wish I had watched one like it before starting work on my sequentials. It's surprising that no one has put up a video about it before now. Thanks, my friend. Regards, John
That was interesting. I'm glad you posted that. I had a good idea of how those mechanical lights worked but had never had one apart. It reminds me of the jukebox repairs.
Wow, what an impressive number of wires used to light up the back end of the Thunderbird. Your radio repair skills came in handy on this one. Great video John as always.
I don't have a TBird myself, but I am not easily bored. Not owning something does not prevent me picking up ideas to use elsewhere. We did have a 2012 Mustang wit sequential turn signals. I never looked into the wiring, but no doubt they were electronic. I was thinking that if needed it might be possible to get a module from a salvage yard then adapt wiring to the older car. Glad you got the mechanical one going though. 73 Al WB8FEQ
Albert, In the end it would probably not be worth the time and trouble to adapt. Probably best to eventually buy a new modern setup designed to work with the car. Regards, John
You’re right, this is the only video out there that explains what’s going on here! Love the detail of your videos. The timing always seems to be perfect John! My 66 is running now and the sequential lights came back to life except two outsides on each side. Thanks again my friend! -Robert
Thank, my friend and I'm glad you've made progress. It's just a matter of applying measured patience and never forgetting that it's all fun, no matter how tedious it may seem. As they say: "If this stuff were easy everybody would be doing it." 😁 Regards, John
That was excellent !! I had no idea how that system worked. My mom had a 65 with a 430 Lincoln engine in it , triple black, and I loved the blinkers, and how my brother destroyed the rear tires . 😂 thank you for keeping me motivated to continue to work on my 65galaxy xl 500 , 390 vinyl top dream ride.
John, I'm not interested in car restoration, but I enjoy all your videos and I'm hanging on grimly past #100. I learn from each of them, and now I am committed to the damn thing! You take care and thanks.
Nice job on that John. Very very interesting to see how that works. Have to say my friend, I don't have a T-Bird, ( I had an 80 but it was more like a fat short LTD lol ) Seeing your progress takes us along on this journey even though we can't do it ourselves. Some will enjoy and some won't.
I am happy to see You fine and well! These videos are a documents for future! Documenting that journey to get this lovely Thunderbird up and running can take 200 videos if needed! Definitely better than no videos at all! Just Today I was wandering, if someone from 100 years from now sees these videos, what do they think about our lives, the ways of thinking, our values? I believe, in 2100 there is some young man, who sees these videos and find that this fine gentleman from Arkansas has made something with his own hands and it works!... Just my humble thoughts
Thank you, Tarmo. 200 videos will likely kill me, my friend. 😁 I do enjoy making them and passing along what I find, but no longer wanted to bore everyone, or bore most of our subscribers. After reading these comments, it seems I may have been wrong about that. I wonder who will own this Thunderbird if it's still in existence in the year 2100. How cool would it be to know, eh? Regards, John
Hi John, I don’t care if the videos reach 500! I am there until the end my friend. Let me just say, you have the patience of Job. And my friend you are a magician, how you got those signal lights working was a real achievement! Well done. I am sure you will get the brake lights working and that back up light too!
If I do that TH-cam will delete the video. Nowadays, they delete for almost no reason. But with all the new video platforms popping up on the net I'd say TH-cam's days are numbered, but they'll not believe it until it happens. Regards, John
Ive been doing a 38 Packard/ It doesn't matter what kind of car is being restored we in the hobby are interested in all cars. Good luck with your project. I have been doing mine since 1978, but had to raise the kids before any serious money could be utilized. Like you just another old guy fixing an old car.
Richard, The '38 Packard is a cool car. I'm not much into cars that old, but there's always been something about Packards that I like. I'm particularly partial to the '56 models. Regards, John
HUU-RAY!!! For John; as well as all of us who try to stay in touch to see what is going on in Ark-inn-sass! You keep the videos coming; because before you know it, it is gonna get too cold for you to do anything out in your garage. Cold fingers don't work very well on us old folks, do they, John? I'm 64 and my fingers are already getting stiff. Break out the hot water soaks and Voltaren ointment.
What a great video John,my sequential light works fine. But my breaklight don't works. I hope you find the problem and so I can resolve it too. 😉 . Thank you for 100 excellent videos. Greetings from Italy Roberto
Roberto, You're very welcome, my friend. Repairing the brake lights will be my next task. I'll try to be very detailed which will hopefully help you. Regards, John
@@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426 Hi, I'm 100 miles from Campobasso near Pescara. If next time you will come here it would be a pleasure for me to meet you.
John this is golden rules 45 or pat whatever you prefer when I got my 1966 tbird the rear taillight Electronic Module had already been installed but I know where it came from and I've spoke to the owner of the company that makes them because they're the same units that are on the 1969 Cougar XR7 also has sequential turn signal lights in the rear great job on restoring the original mechanism that's awesome I'm waiting for you to show me how to repair the old radio I'd like to fix mine just to say it's fixed
Thanks, my friend. About that radio...that's up in the air. Brendan and I have about decided to go with a modern retro look am/fm for a '66 T-Bird. Which reminds me...I have to arrange something about that. Stay tuned. Regards, John
While I was dubbing about in my trunk I noticed the trunk light socket and wire was still there but was puzzled why when I put a light bulb in it and hooked it up to 12 volts it would not come on so I disassemble that to find that it had a Mercury capsule switch inside the light socket that was still functional but the wire had come apart or the spring wasn't allowing it to come in contact when the trunk got open I was able to rebuild it tested it with both LED and regular bulbs and it works fine at 12 volts however the wire work supposed to plug in is only producing 5 for some strange reason and that does not seem to produce enough voltage the allow the light you come on I will have to find another 12 volt Source in the trunk well that was interesting to see something that used a little ball of mercury and what looked like a fuse with a bit of wire at one end so that when you raised up the trunk the Mercury connected between that wire and the other end allowing the circuit to be completed pretty fascinating actually
Well done John on fixing the sequential lights! The sequential lights on my 65 work fine, but lately I have noticed that I can actually hear the mechanism. It makes a circular kind of sound. I am assuming it's that cam that you pointed out. Maybe it's getting dirty and that's why I can hear it?
I have a 1966 and my sequential lights sometime work other time it doesn't. So I am going to clean the electronic connections and see if that does it. My brake light and travel lights work its just when I use the hazard or blinkers.
John, well done my friend. I knew you would nail it down... anything mechanical can be fixed.. its the new chinese junk that is hard to fix. Those sequential lights look sweet !!! Curious how the hazard lights work on that car... do all bulbs blink or do they go sequential as well ? Either way ,Well Done My friend... Best to Wifey too !!! GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN !!!! Keep em coming :)
Ron, We'll be moving on to the hazard lights. For all I know they do work, but we better not hold our breath. I'll find out this afternoon and include the results in the next video. Sound like a plan? Regards, John
@@joernone Sounds like an awesome plan. I was also wondering why they wrapped that stuff in what looked like Fiberglas insulation. Likely to keep out moisture, but still pretty cool for those days.
Ron, I think it was for moisture and physical damage protection in that it's located close to the spare tire. You know how folks will practically throw a tire in the trunk. But most of all I think it was to quiet down that noisy sequential motor. You heard it in the video. The T-Birds were supposed to be pleasure cars, comfortable, quiet rides and all that. It's also been called a muscle car, of which I disagree. They had big motors to haul around their heavy weight and give the driver a sense of power under the hood, but I don't recall ever seeing a 1966 stock Thunderbird at a drag strip. 😁 Regards, John
Looks good John! Backup lights are over rated any way, you can always revert to hand signals ( not that any new driver ( new in the pass 30 years) probably understands hand signals.
I was out in my front yard the other day blowing leaves when someone drove by in a mint condition white Thunderbird that looked identical to your car . By the way didn't the Mercury Cougars from the late 1960's have similar taillights to the Thunderbirds ?
Pearline is hardly mint, but I'm happy she's not a rust bucket either. I was just discussing that with Brendan, what with me finding a '66 in such relative good condition located only 6 miles from the house. And there were several car models that has sequential tail lights. I don't know if Cougars were part of the crowd. Regards, John
@@joernone I have not missed a single video of yours since you restored my grandfather's Philco. I'm not much of a mechanic, but I marvel at how you figure things out. The sequential signal puzzle was a classic. I turned 86 a couple of months ago and enjoy TH-cam, especially yours.
@@oldtroller2861 Martin, A belated great big happy birthday to you, my friend. 86, eh? Great accomplishment. No sense in quitting anytime soon. Go for the 100 gusto! It's my plan. I'll meet you there. 😁 Regards, John
Hi Joe.!! I have in my garage a 1966 Ford thunderbird and I am working on a turn signal sequential relay. Some one cutoff all the wires in the back of the car where is located the part, the turn signal sequential .So I have the the disc of the diagrams but is really difficult for me to identified the wires it is possible to have a picture of the back of the turn signal sequential relay how is connected I do have the part with me I have to ordered it came with nothin it was disappeared thank you..
Send me a photo of which relay you're talking about. Is your name Pancho? If not, it's rude to request something and not provide at least a first name. joernone@gmail.com John
@@joernone Joe I had being sending you emails asking for apologize I don't know if you got it but I want it to be sure you got it .I see you email. addrees thank yor very much I will send you the pictures right now..
1964 did not come from the factory with sequentials. You can retrofit them. Contact Cougars Unlimited or West Coast Cougars and forget about the ancient unreliable mechanical mechanism for your 66.
John, I don't care if the series goes to 200, I'll be looking forward to watching them all.
Dan,
One subscriber says 100 more videos and you say 200 more. I'm sensing a conspiracy to kill me.😁
Regards,
John
You have the best site for these t-birds that breaks down everything we need to know.
Michael,
Thanks, my friend, but Nick at Vintage Thunderbird Repair has the best T-Bird channel. He's a very experienced pro. I'm just a garage hack.😁
Regards,
John
Don’t worry John about how many videos
Could be another 100 and I’ll still be here
Have been since number 1
You and wifey will be going for a ride soon
Another 100 videos...man, I'll be in my grave. 😁
Regards,
John
I love watching these videos. Despite me being pretty young i love old cars (typically 60’s specifically) and these videos are helpful! thank you :)
Hey John, your phone is clicking lol. New electronic sequential turn signal system can be purchased from any of the Thunderbird dealers. Birds Nest has them part number B13A367D or B13A367E and they cost about $200. There are two types depending on which year car you have. 66 is the E type. Commenting on your last video, I mentioned that you can access the sequential bag through the trunk because there "should" be insulation and a cardboard trunk panel behind the back seat that covers the access hole to the trunk but what I didn't know is that all that is missing in your car so you can easily access the sequential bag from behind the back seat. I'm sure your insulation is in tatters like most cars or non existent. The insulation helps to keep noise from the trunk down to a minimum and also insulate all the areas behind the rear seat so you might want to think about replacing that when the time comes. Your pretty creative so Ill bet you'll find something interesting to replace it with. You can purchase new insulation kits too.
Heating the plug ends on wiring looms with a heat gun helps to loosen and soften them up and makes it easier to separate them. Especially in colder climates when they get hard like a rock like yours are.
The two relays you showed are for the flashers. Available new as well. The brake light relay is in the sequential bag, the relay in the middle that you didn't think was the brake light relay. Also available new. Its okay to spray and clean electrical parts with carb or brake cleaner, especially the sequential motor points and cam. I don't normally mess with the original sequential parts, motor and relay, anymore because the electronic system can be purchased and makes life so much easier. However, its far more interesting to watch you mess with it and find new ways to fix problems and, as the video shows, you were very successful.
Its easy to check the brake light switch under the dash. Two wires go to the switch. On the back of the switch, the two wires are exposed (no rubber covering) so just touch them together with a screw driver or something (do not touch them to ground) and if the brake light relay is good, the brake lights should work. If the brake lights do work only when you jump the wires on the switch but not when you push the pedal, then the switch is probably bad. If the brake lights still don't work after jumping the switch as I explained above, then most likely the brake light relay is bad.
Great video John. Great job on the sequential relay and very helpful info for those that want to fix their original parts.
Nick,
Thanks again, my friend.
As you suspected, the trunk panel and insulation behind the rear seat were gone when I got the car. If possible, would you mind sending me a photo of the panel? I'll make one. The insulation won't be a problem.
Btw...it appears Bird Nest has changed the part number for their electronic sequential tail light systems: 656SEQ; 66SEQPK and SEQPK-UNIVERSAL. And they sure don't give them away. 😁
Regards,
John
Hello joernone. Sorry that I watched this video a couple of weeks late. I kind of got out of the habit of watching your series since you started regrouping after your first 99 videos. I have a '65 Thunderbird that I've been refurbishing for the last seven or eight months. Like you, I'm not restoring, but refurbishing due to the excessive costs of antique auto restoration. My car is somewhat worn with substandard paint, but more or less mechanically sound I would say. I've put maybe 500 - 700 miles on it since I bought it two years ago. Some of the things you've done and posted have been very helpful to me - specifically the upper ball joints video. Now I it looks like some of my experiences MIGHT benefit you. Again , sorry I'm late to this video and leaving a response.
One of the first things I did to my car when I got it a couple of years ago was addressing the sequential tail lights. (This was before I started the refurbishment project.) On each side, only two of the three bulbs on my car would work in sequence with the turn signals. I read that it's usually the contacts in the cam operated sequencing unit in the trunk. I took the rubber board with the relays and sequencer out and took the cover off like you did. I did clean the contact points. The signals started sequencing like they were supposed to.
However, after I did the job, I read somewhere else (can't remember where) that cleaning the contacts is often only a temporary fix (for whatever reason.) Sure enough, when I drove the car after the signals were fixed, the sequence of the signals started malfunctioning again. (Only lasted about thirty miles or so.) I decided to go with the electronic sequencers from a company called Cougars Unlimited. Mercury Cougars of the 1960's apparently also had the same type of rear turn signal sequence function, so a group of enthusiasts put together these units originally for Cougars then for Thunderbirds. The guy I talked to from Cougars Unlimited said it's common for the original equipment contacts to start malfunctioning AGAIN after they've been cleaned...so be wary. Don't want to demoralize you, but it happened to me. Anyway, I ordered one of the units from his company, and I've had no problems with turn signal sequence function since. All three components on your rubber mounting board are replaced with one electronic unit. The cost of mine was $229 plus shipping, but that was like a year and a half ago or whenever. I actually think I bought mine from a retailer on eBay, but I was able to get support from Cougars Unlimited. You have to get the CORRECT unit for the MODEL YEAR. Most '65's T-Birds before a certain date can't use the unit made for '66 T-Birds, but I think it's mostly a connector difference. For some really weird reason that neither I or Cougars Unlimited understand, my early '65 model car needed the '66 style unit.
Like you, I had a %$#@ of a time getting the connectors off. I should've used your heat gun method, but didn't have one. Used pliers and muscle instead. Likewise, I couldn't get them all the way reconnected once I got everything reinstalled. I cheated and got the connectors about 85 - 90%% pushed back together and then wrapped electrical tape around the remaining gap...then wrapped over that with heavy duty Gorilla Tape. Haven't had any problems because of this so far. I just didn't want to wreck the old original connectors by putting too much pressure on them. They're holding and staying connected well so far.
So if your current fix doesn't last, I personally would go to the Cougars Unlimited unit and don't look back. I don't sell these things or have a vested interest. I just figure life's too short. Oh, and it doesn't make the growling motor sound when you use the turns signals, like the original does. Good luck!
Great to see you again John. Don't worry about the nay sayers. You're in the home stretch on the Thunderbird, don't stop now. I look forward to every one.
Dwayne,
Thanks, my friend. Naysayers don't bother me. Couldn't care less. I just don't want to bore those who prefer not to be bored.
Regards,
John
As long as you have the time and energy to make these videos. I have the interest to watch them. I look forward to seeing you and your project. Also I miss the radio videos they were very fun and informative to watch, and were as good or better than most on TH-cam. Hope Wifey is doing well. Thanks John for all hard work and informative content
Paul,
My TH-cam radio repair days are over. I left it to the new group of TH-camrs that does excellent repair and restoration work, far better than I ever did. But I do appreciate your very kind comment. Thank you, my friend.
Regards,
John
Great video John. I found it very helpful. You have a lot of patience
Tom,
I again answered your question about removing the roof molding by uploading a video showing you how to do it and supplying you with the link. Go back and check it out. If it's not needed, I'll delete the video.
John
Hello from Connecticut !..Im just chiming in now, and after watching your series on the jukebox and now the t bird..I too own a seeburg ay 160 that needs help, and ive learned ALOT from watching your videos. Im also an auto tech and collector, i own two classic corvairs for over 20 yrs now, and believe me i know the struggles with classic cars. Still, id rather drive something i can work on and not the modern day crap designed in such a way it scares you to do anything more than open the hood to add washer fluid lol..Keep up the awesome work, and i ll follow your series on the t bird and im looking forward to watching you work on your pinball machines too..god bless.
Another great video, John. I like the idea of fixing the original, it is an accomplishment that makes you feel good when it works out. The video will help many people trying to fix theirs. Even though there are many diagrams and schematics online, being able to see one in action goes a long way.
George B. in Michigan
I agree George. Wish I had watched one like it before starting work on my sequentials. It's surprising that no one has put up a video about it before now.
Thanks, my friend.
Regards,
John
Don’t sweat over it John. We’re not bored with it. 😵. I had a fun evening planned. Watching Video #100 and then re arranging my sock drawer.
P.J.,
Rearranging your sock drawer was probably more exciting. 😁😁😁
Regards,
John
@@joernone it’s all good my friend
That was interesting. I'm glad you posted that. I had a good idea of how those mechanical lights worked but had never had one apart. It reminds me of the jukebox repairs.
Johnny,
Are you trying to soften me up for more of my garage goodies? You know you always come out on the losing end, eh?
Regards,
John
@@joernone I do need to get the ladders. I need to get the limbs and leaves off this second story roof.
Johnny,
Whenever you're ready, old son.
Regards,
John
I have a 66. Your videos are priceless, it has taught me so much about my car and auto repair in general. Thank you so much John!
You're very welcome, my friend. Glad to hear it. It's what these making vids is all about.
Regards,
John
Luv your series interesting, informative & enjoyable. Great work I find it very helpful
Thanks Johnny. It's much appreciated, my friend.
Regards,
John
Wow, what an impressive number of wires used to light up the back end of the Thunderbird. Your radio repair skills came in handy on this one. Great video John as always.
Doug,
Thanks, my friend. While repairing that mess, I was thinking the same thing. 😁
Regards,
John
This is a great project John. I once owned a 66 T-Bird Town Car and I really enjoy watching your work with this wonderful automobile.
I'm glad to see you're doing well John, And I really enjoyed this video a lot!!
Glad to hear it, my friend. Does that mean you'll soon be shipping the Olds to my garage?
Regards,
John
You are a brave man tackling that sequential system! Congrats!
Thanks, my friend, but it had to be done and wifey refused to do it.😁
Regards,
John
Another great vid. When I start working on my "flashers", I will replay this video.
Good luck with them, John. Unless everything in the bag is fried, the system shouldn't be too difficult to make operational.
Regards,
John
I don't have a TBird myself, but I am not easily bored. Not owning something does not prevent me picking up ideas to use elsewhere. We did have a 2012 Mustang wit sequential turn signals. I never looked into the wiring, but no doubt they were electronic. I was thinking that if needed it might be possible to get a module from a salvage yard then adapt wiring to the older car. Glad you got the mechanical one going though. 73 Al WB8FEQ
Albert,
In the end it would probably not be worth the time and trouble to adapt. Probably best to eventually buy a new modern setup designed to work with the car.
Regards,
John
Hi John grate video keep them coming.
Don,
You did tell me you wanted to see a video about the sequentials. I was happy to oblige, my friend.
Regards,
John
You’re right, this is the only video out there that explains what’s going on here! Love the detail of your videos. The timing always seems to be perfect John! My 66 is running now and the sequential lights came back to life except two outsides on each side. Thanks again my friend! -Robert
Thank, my friend and I'm glad you've made progress. It's just a matter of applying measured patience and never forgetting that it's all fun, no matter how tedious it may seem. As they say: "If this stuff were easy everybody would be doing it." 😁
Regards,
John
That was excellent !!
I had no idea how that system worked. My mom had a 65 with a 430 Lincoln engine in it , triple black, and I loved the blinkers, and how my brother destroyed the rear tires . 😂 thank you for keeping me motivated to continue to work on my 65galaxy xl 500 , 390 vinyl top dream ride.
Happy to have helped, my friend. It's why I started a YT channel. What's your first name?
Regards,
John
John,
I'm not interested in car restoration, but I enjoy all your videos and I'm hanging on grimly past #100. I learn from each of them, and now I am committed to the damn thing! You take care and thanks.
😁 😁😁 Thanks Ian. I'll try to keep it from being too painful.
Regards,
John
I was waiting for this vid. Thank you.
Christopher,
You're very welcome, my friend. Hopefully, it helped.
Regards,
John
good to see the progress is coming along john i hope wifey and family are keeping well and avoiding mr covid look forward to the next one.
David,
So far we're all good around these digs. Hopefully, it'll stay that way. I appreciate you asking, my friend.
Regards,
John
Nice job on that John. Very very interesting to see how that works. Have to say my friend, I don't have a T-Bird, ( I had an 80 but it was more like a fat short LTD lol ) Seeing your progress takes us along on this journey even though we can't do it ourselves. Some will enjoy and some won't.
Carl,
I was probably more curious about what was inside that bag than any of our subscribers. I love a mystery! 😁
Regards,
John
You lead I'll follow, I find it fascinating even though I don't own a T-Bird.
Sam,
You don't own a T-Bird?????? Buy one now! 😁
Regards,
John
I am happy to see You fine and well! These videos are a documents for future! Documenting that journey to get this lovely Thunderbird up and running can take 200 videos if needed! Definitely better than no videos at all! Just Today I was wandering, if someone from 100 years from now sees these videos, what do they think about our lives, the ways of thinking, our values? I believe, in 2100 there is some young man, who sees these videos and find that this fine gentleman from Arkansas has made something with his own hands and it works!...
Just my humble thoughts
Thank you, Tarmo. 200 videos will likely kill me, my friend. 😁 I do enjoy making them and passing along what I find, but no longer wanted to bore everyone, or bore most of our subscribers. After reading these comments, it seems I may have been wrong about that.
I wonder who will own this Thunderbird if it's still in existence in the year 2100. How cool would it be to know, eh?
Regards,
John
Nice Job👍🏻
Thanks Thomas. Hopefully, they'll last a while longer.
Regards,
John
Hi John,
I don’t care if the videos reach 500! I am there until the end my friend. Let me just say, you have the patience of Job. And my friend you are a magician, how you got those signal lights working was a real achievement! Well done. I am sure you will get the brake lights working and that back up light too!
Gordon,
Thanks for the vote of confidence, my friend. I'll try hard to meet your expectations.
Regards,
John
Good job
Thank you, David. I hope this finds you and yours well, my friend.
Regards,
John
Well John, at least there aren't as many contacts on that thing as what were on your Jukebox. Lol
How true Brian. And them not being burnt was an added plus.
Regards,
John
I love your video's John, put on the jukebox for some background music 😂 Lol,
If I do that TH-cam will delete the video. Nowadays, they delete for almost no reason. But with all the new video platforms popping up on the net I'd say TH-cam's days are numbered, but they'll not believe it until it happens.
Regards,
John
Ive been doing a 38 Packard/ It doesn't matter what kind of car is being restored we in the hobby are interested in all cars. Good luck with your project. I have been doing mine since 1978, but had to raise the kids before any serious money could be utilized. Like you just another old guy fixing an old car.
Richard,
The '38 Packard is a cool car. I'm not much into cars that old, but there's always been something about Packards that I like. I'm particularly partial to the '56 models.
Regards,
John
@@joernone Oh ome more thing, I used your technique on swapping out Capacitors, very helpful, Thanks for that
Hooray! Video 100! Keep 'em coming, John.
Dwayne,
Slave driver!😁
Regards,
John
HUU-RAY!!! For John; as well as all of us who try to stay in touch to see what is going on in Ark-inn-sass! You keep the videos coming; because before you know it, it is gonna get too cold for you to do anything out in your garage. Cold fingers don't work very well on us old folks, do they, John? I'm 64 and my fingers are already getting stiff. Break out the hot water soaks and Voltaren ointment.
Michael,
64? Kid! Btw...hot or cold, my fingers no longer work well at all. 😁
Regards,
John
John I’d really love to visit, I’m in greenbrier so hit me back , I have a long history with ford and Shelby.
Greenbrier? Why, you're from right outside.😁 Fire off an email to me, my YT handle at gmail.
Regards,
John
What a great video John,my sequential light works fine. But my breaklight don't works. I hope you find the problem and so I can resolve it too. 😉 .
Thank you for 100 excellent videos.
Greetings from Italy Roberto
Hey, my family is from Campobasso. Ive been there and saw where my grandfather was born. Loved the country and the people. Ciao!
Roberto,
You're very welcome, my friend. Repairing the brake lights will be my next task. I'll try to be very detailed which will hopefully help you.
Regards,
John
@@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426 Hi, I'm 100 miles from Campobasso near Pescara. If next time you will come here it would be a pleasure for me to meet you.
All my turn signals work properly hope they never quit lol
Dewey,
If they quit, try to fix them. If it can't be done, then go electronic. Eazy-peazy, my friend.
Regards,
John
Enjoyed the video, almost made me want to do sequential on my 64, because the only thing I can’t figure out is how to get my turn signals to work.
Claude,
Does the '64 have sequentials? I was just kinda guessing about that.
Regards,
John
@@joernone nope. Friend told me he changed his 64 to sequential and regrets it. Ps trying to figure out how to send you picture of my Tbird.
John this is golden rules 45 or pat whatever you prefer when I got my 1966 tbird the rear taillight Electronic Module had already been installed but I know where it came from and I've spoke to the owner of the company that makes them because they're the same units that are on the 1969 Cougar XR7 also has sequential turn signal lights in the rear great job on restoring the original mechanism that's awesome I'm waiting for you to show me how to repair the old radio I'd like to fix mine just to say it's fixed
Thanks, my friend. About that radio...that's up in the air. Brendan and I have about decided to go with a modern retro look am/fm for a '66 T-Bird. Which reminds me...I have to arrange something about that. Stay tuned.
Regards,
John
While I was dubbing about in my trunk I noticed the trunk light socket and wire was still there but was puzzled why when I put a light bulb in it and hooked it up to 12 volts it would not come on so I disassemble that to find that it had a Mercury capsule switch inside the light socket that was still functional but the wire had come apart or the spring wasn't allowing it to come in contact when the trunk got open I was able to rebuild it tested it with both LED and regular bulbs and it works fine at 12 volts however the wire work supposed to plug in is only producing 5 for some strange reason and that does not seem to produce enough voltage the allow the light you come on I will have to find another 12 volt Source in the trunk well that was interesting to see something that used a little ball of mercury and what looked like a fuse with a bit of wire at one end so that when you raised up the trunk the Mercury connected between that wire and the other end allowing the circuit to be completed pretty fascinating actually
Great job, but you are making it look to easy, maybe in the future you may have to do this while the car is running ( love the channel )
Sure Art. Here...hold this bare wire for me.😁
Regards,
John
Nice video John, just like the juke box , keep trying you'll figure it out it's not rocket science.
Ray,
Good can-do attitude. Doom and gloomers make way!😜
Regards,
John
Well done John on fixing the sequential lights! The sequential lights on my 65 work fine, but lately I have noticed that I can actually hear the mechanism. It makes a circular kind of sound. I am assuming it's that cam that you pointed out. Maybe it's getting dirty and that's why I can hear it?
I have a 1966 and my sequential lights sometime work other time it doesn't. So I am going to clean the electronic connections and see if that does it. My brake light and travel lights work its just when I use the hazard or blinkers.
John, well done my friend. I knew you would nail it down... anything mechanical can be fixed.. its the new chinese junk that is hard to fix. Those sequential lights look sweet !!! Curious how the hazard lights work on that car... do all bulbs blink or do they go sequential as well ? Either way ,Well Done My friend... Best to Wifey too !!! GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN !!!! Keep em coming :)
Ron,
We'll be moving on to the hazard lights. For all I know they do work, but we better not hold our breath. I'll find out this afternoon and include the results in the next video. Sound like a plan?
Regards,
John
@@joernone Sounds like an awesome plan. I was also wondering why they wrapped that stuff in what looked like Fiberglas insulation. Likely to keep out moisture, but still pretty cool for those days.
Ron,
I think it was for moisture and physical damage protection in that it's located close to the spare tire. You know how folks will practically throw a tire in the trunk. But most of all I think it was to quiet down that noisy sequential motor. You heard it in the video. The T-Birds were supposed to be pleasure cars, comfortable, quiet rides and all that. It's also been called a muscle car, of which I disagree. They had big motors to haul around their heavy weight and give the driver a sense of power under the hood, but I don't recall ever seeing a 1966 stock Thunderbird at a drag strip. 😁
Regards,
John
@@joernone I agree with you .. these are not muscle cars.. they were luxury all the way. Pearline is no exception
Looks good John! Backup lights are over rated any way, you can always revert to hand signals ( not that any new driver ( new in the pass 30 years) probably understands hand signals.
I still use hand signals when I run my tractor on the road. I often wonder if anyone behind me actually knows what I am doing or what it means.
Johnny,
That's right! They probably think you're a whacky old guy who's failing his arms around while talking to himself. 😁
Regards,
John
@@joernone Thats what I would think if I saw you driving in your tractor lol.
I was out in my front yard the other day blowing leaves when someone drove by in a mint condition white Thunderbird that looked identical to your car . By the way didn't the Mercury Cougars from the late 1960's have similar taillights to the Thunderbirds ?
Pearline is hardly mint, but I'm happy she's not a rust bucket either. I was just discussing that with Brendan, what with me finding a '66 in such relative good condition located only 6 miles from the house. And there were several car models that has sequential tail lights. I don't know if Cougars were part of the crowd.
Regards,
John
Middle one is the break relay.
Brock,
Yes, my friend, I found that out. Stay tuned, I have plans for that bugger.
Regards,
John
John, NASA is looking for another rocket scientist. Are you interested? Martin
Martin,
Do they need someone to mop their floors? It's about all I could do for them.😁
Regards,
John
@@joernone I have not missed a single video of yours since you restored my grandfather's Philco. I'm not much of a mechanic, but I marvel at how you figure things out. The sequential signal puzzle was a classic. I turned 86 a couple of months ago and enjoy TH-cam, especially yours.
@@oldtroller2861 Martin,
A belated great big happy birthday to you, my friend. 86, eh? Great accomplishment. No sense in quitting anytime soon. Go for the 100 gusto! It's my plan. I'll meet you there. 😁
Regards,
John
Hi Joe.!! I have in my garage a 1966 Ford thunderbird and I am working on a turn signal sequential relay. Some one cutoff all the wires in the back of the car where is located the part, the turn signal sequential .So I have the the disc of the diagrams but is really difficult for me to identified the wires it is possible to have a picture of the back of the turn signal sequential relay how is connected I do have the part with me I have to ordered it came with nothin it was disappeared thank you..
Send me a photo of which relay you're talking about. Is your name Pancho? If not, it's rude to request something and not provide at least a first name.
joernone@gmail.com
John
@@joernone Joe I had being sending you emails asking for apologize I don't know if you got it but I want it to be sure you got it .I see you email. addrees thank yor very much I will send you the pictures right now..
hi.! Joe I really apologize of my manners my name is Francisco Leyva I feel shame of my self ..
Hilarious ! Your"bag" makes the same noise as mine.Is that normal operating sound?
Good job, but I would have installed a new electronic turn signal system
Buzz,
Brendan talked me out of it. Blame him.
Regards,
John
how may I contact you.?
Maybe some bad connection in the plugs
I'm sure that's the case to a certain degree. We'll see.
Regards,
John
Bad earths I I figured.....
1964 did not come from the factory with sequentials. You can retrofit them. Contact Cougars Unlimited or West Coast Cougars and forget about the ancient unreliable mechanical mechanism for your 66.
Richard,
I thought so, but wasn't sure about it. Shows you what I know.
Regards,
John