Why Beater Cars are Worth Restoring, Ford Thunderbird

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ย. 2024
  • Beater Car Restoration and Ford Thunderbird review, car review and car tour with Scotty Kilmer. Car show off contest winner John and his 1988 Ford Thunderbird. Ford Thunderbird restoration. Is the Ford Thunderbird the best beater car? This 30 year old car has a 5.0 V8 engine and 170,000 miles. DIY car repair with Scotty Kilmer, an auto mechanic for the last 51 years.
    Thanks for watching!
    And remember, every Sunday 11 am CST, there will be a new car shown here on my channel. For a chance to have your car featured in a video on my channel, send a picture and description or short video to my email: scotty.mechanic@gmail.com and the best one for the week will be shown in a future episode on my channel.
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    ⬇️Things used in this video:
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    This is the people's automotive channel! The most honest and funniest car channel on TH-cam. Never any sponsored content, just the truth about everything! Learn how to fix your car and how it works. Get a chance to show off your own car on Sundays. Or show off your own car mod on Wednesdays. Tool giveaways every Monday to help you with your own car projects. We have a new video every day! I've been an auto mechanic for the past 50 years and I'm here to share my knowledge with you.
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  • @scottykilmer
    @scottykilmer  5 ปีที่แล้ว +200

    John is currently working on a Mechanical Engineering degree at the Colorado School of Mines, partially due to his experience restoring this Thunderbird.
    ⬇️Scotty’s Top DIY Tools:
    1. Bluetooth Scan Tool: amzn.to/2nfvmaD
    2. Cheap Scan Tool: amzn.to/2D8Tvae
    3. Professional Socket Set: amzn.to/2Bzmccg
    4. Wrench Set: amzn.to/2kmBaOU
    5. No Charging Required Car Jump Starter: amzn.to/2CthnUU
    6. Battery Pack Car Jump Starter: amzn.to/2nrc6qR
    ⬇️ Things used in this video:
    1. Common Sense
    2. 4k Camera: amzn.to/2HkjavH
    3. Camera Microphone: amzn.to/2Evn167
    4. Camera Tripod: amzn.to/2Jwog8S
    5. My computer for editing / uploading: amzn.to/2uUZ3lo
    6. Video editing software: amzn.to/2jv5Fhf
    7. Thumbnail software: amzn.to/2k7tz6C
    🛠Check out the tools I use and highly recommend ► goo.gl/rwYt2y
    🔥Scotty Shirts and Merch ► goo.gl/pTAeca
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    • @munkamama9380
      @munkamama9380 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Hey Scotty. How long can the video be for the "Show Off"? We want to submit our 69 M715 Galdiator.😁

    • @shellykennedy5427
      @shellykennedy5427 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Great job having faith in this relatively unknown 5.0 car and kudos for capitalizing on his experience by majoring in ME in college.

    • @scottykilmer
      @scottykilmer  5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@munkamama93803-15 minutes, send some pics to my email: scotty.mechanic@gmail.com

    • @munkamama9380
      @munkamama9380 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks Scotty😀

    • @paulmaclachlan6960
      @paulmaclachlan6960 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Great to hear this,hopefully he can restore older cars for himself and other people ,keep up the good work John,:)

  • @ChrisMFlorida
    @ChrisMFlorida 5 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    That's a cool car.. You never see those on the road anymore.. definitely a keeper.

  • @drivedb7
    @drivedb7 5 ปีที่แล้ว +71

    I've always thought these T-Birds looked like a mixture between a first gen Taurus and a fox body Mustang. A very interesting design.

    • @wantsacobra
      @wantsacobra 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Same platform most parts will fit

    • @whitey7388
      @whitey7388 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Drive train is the only parts that will change over from a mustang and not all will work

    • @wantsacobra
      @wantsacobra 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@whitey7388 sorry most suspension parts are interchangeable i own a mustang and have had a few tbirds

    • @Coyote-pj1iu
      @Coyote-pj1iu 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Ford fairmont thunderbird lol aka fox body mustang platform ( i call em boxbodys lol)

    • @wantsacobra
      @wantsacobra 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@Coyote-pj1iu exactly thank you ! All the same most parts interchangeable !

  • @jamesb8305
    @jamesb8305 5 ปีที่แล้ว +58

    I have a '77 caddy with some surface rust. I'd rather spend the money repairing the body than buy a new car; it runs perfect, and has been well maintained.

    • @HAL-dm1eh
      @HAL-dm1eh 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Weren't those the last of the big V8s? My mom had a 77 Sedan DeVille with the 425 and though it was a choked emissions car the big V8 still moved that thing very, very well. And talk about smooth. No one ever made anything that smooth again.
      Edit: If you can replace the QuadraJunk carb on it though. It gives good gas mileage but is aggravating to get to run right sometimes.

    • @jamesb8305
      @jamesb8305 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I have no problems with the "quadrajunk" on it. I need a better intake though. It's worse than a paperweight.

    • @bhumphries1360
      @bhumphries1360 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Do you still have it?

  • @unstablebobgable
    @unstablebobgable 5 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    Good American car. Too bad Ford stopped making them. I beat around in a Crown Vic Police Interceptor and love it.

  • @NascarFan-qq4lu
    @NascarFan-qq4lu 5 ปีที่แล้ว +229

    REV UP YOUR 30 YEAR OLD BULLETPROOF FORD THUNDERBIRD BEATER CAR!

    • @deletedaccount966
      @deletedaccount966 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Favorite Jr. win?

    • @alb12345672
      @alb12345672 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      The sad part is that car may outlast most of the junk on showroom floors today. That is a truck powetrain in there. I have a 95 v8 Tbird and it is tough as the basement of hell., Truly built ford tough.

    • @BenitoFan760
      @BenitoFan760 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@alb12345672 i bought a 97 v8 with 94k for $1300
      Does burnouts all day 😁😁😁👍👍👍

  • @auto.impulse
    @auto.impulse 5 ปีที่แล้ว +70

    It seems beaters are all everyone talk about this winter, got me wanting a rusted hooptie

    • @Tore_Lund
      @Tore_Lund 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      As an European watching this, the clock is ticking. Numerous European countries are banning sale of new non electric cars from 2025-2040. So keeping your old car possibly having it registered as a classic will make it exempt for EU nonsense when that time comes.

    • @jimmysapien9961
      @jimmysapien9961 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Auto Impulse in my neck of the Woods I call it my Ghetto Cruiser !!!!

    • @robertsroberts1688
      @robertsroberts1688 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      peter pede doesnt have to be good looking just has to run is my two cents if your extremely cheap

    • @ronaldmcdonald3965
      @ronaldmcdonald3965 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Rev up your hooptie! And your street cred from deep in the Ghetto

    • @auto.impulse
      @auto.impulse 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@peterpede6601 except for the classic 80s and 90s yotas everyone loves those =)

  • @j.t.cooper2963
    @j.t.cooper2963 5 ปีที่แล้ว +49

    I loved my 1987 T-Bird Turbo Coupe 5 speed.

    • @Shakerhood69
      @Shakerhood69 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      That would have been a blast to drive with the 5 speed.

    • @j.t.cooper2963
      @j.t.cooper2963 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Shakerhood69 Mine had a 373 rear gear because I converted it over from the automatic trans to manual. The factory 5 speeds had a 355 rear gear. It ran really good until it got T-boned by a guy who ran a red light in a truck. I miss it every day.

    • @michaelmace924
      @michaelmace924 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@j.t.cooper2963 a T-boned T-bird

    • @j.t.cooper2963
      @j.t.cooper2963 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@michaelmace924 It was kind of ironic. Lol.

    • @whitey7388
      @whitey7388 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ya i love the cars too

  • @orestislaskos7343
    @orestislaskos7343 5 ปีที่แล้ว +120

    Still better love story than twilight

    • @CommodoreFan64
      @CommodoreFan64 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Very true, but there is very little that is not lol!

    • @HAL-dm1eh
      @HAL-dm1eh 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I'm glad this meme hasn't really died. That turd of a "story" deserves it.

    • @orestislaskos7343
      @orestislaskos7343 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hell yeah

    • @abbysapples1225
      @abbysapples1225 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Oh hands down

    • @Jack_77990
      @Jack_77990 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sorry but, not exactly a high bar

  • @rickloera9468
    @rickloera9468 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    My favorite is the 1983-1986. I've owned three, and want another one. These are great road cars. Perfect size, good get up and go with the 5.0 liter, and decent gas mileage. My first was an 86 Base model with the V-6. It had the optional AOD transmission. That car got phenomenal mileage. My next one was also an 86, but an Elan. Same V-6, but a three speed automatic. It is amazing how one more gear can give you such a difference in mileage. My friend had a 93 Thunderbird LX with a 5.0 AOD. He drove from San Jose to Fresno. That's about 135 miles from his house to mine. We were going to San Diego, him in his 93 and me in my 86, the one with the three speed automatic. Anyway I filled up in Fresno, and recommended that he do the same. He said he will tank up later. I'm like ok. We aren't stopping until we get to Anaheim by Disneyland. He's like, dont worry I'll make it. We were traveling late at night so fewer stations open and we took off. I was going to fill my car up once I got close to Disneyland because I knew of a place that had cheap gas. We get there and the whole road has been dug up and the exit is closed. Ok, I'll just keep driving. Just as we were getting close to San Clemente I spot an open station right off the freeway and take my exit. We pull in. Joe says hey my fuel light has been on for a while, I was wondering when you were going to stop. Cell phones were around but we didn't have them at the time. So now we are both needing gas. I end up buying like three gallons more then Joe did. That would be fine if he didn't already have a 135 miles on his tank when mine was full. He got 28 MPG with his 5.0 V-8, and I got 17 MPG with my V-6. If I had been in my first 86 with AOD I would have clocked in at about 31 MPG. Got 34.78 going from Grand Junction Colorado to Las Vegas Nevada 519 miles on one tank. I also had an 85 Thunderbird Anniversary Edition. That was a V-8 and a very nice car. Also had a 97 Limited Edition. Inguessnyou can tell.that I am partial to mb Thunderbirds. I'm glad the kid featured on Scottys show is enjoying his Thunderbird and was able to repair the car after its accident.

    • @omartinoco9930
      @omartinoco9930 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      That's a great story but a little long. So the main idea is that the 5.0 is actually good on the highway in thinner mountain climates. Like the boy states in the video, it is not tuned for power but for reliability just like any Ford product.

  • @DanielsCarTalkChannel
    @DanielsCarTalkChannel 5 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    Thunderbirds are nice cars. Sadly people see an old car and just see an old car.

    • @RatelHBadger
      @RatelHBadger 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I disagree, although they aren't the collectors items of their 60's & 70's counterparts, the late 90's Firebirds and Corvettes still hold onto some of that magic.

    • @DanielsCarTalkChannel
      @DanielsCarTalkChannel 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      The way I see it any car that someone wants to take the time to fix up is still good as long as it’s done right. Imagine seeing even a late 90’s Thunderbird that’s in showroom condition. Is anybody going to break the bank to own one, no. Can you still stop and admire, sure.

  • @donhatter159
    @donhatter159 5 ปีที่แล้ว +58

    That is a nice car

    • @HAL-dm1eh
      @HAL-dm1eh 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      It really is. My mom had a Cougar around that year with the V6. Total dog. Ford should have never put a V6 in that car it was just unacceptable. But it did run, got us where were needed to go, and when you came to a stop you thought the engine had totally stopped. Very smooth car in every way.
      But if you were or are fortunate enough to find one with the 5.0L you got a REAL nice American car.

  • @larryburnett100
    @larryburnett100 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Great looking car for thirty years old the good old days when America made great car's and trucks 👍👍

    • @ProjectFairmont
      @ProjectFairmont 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Same for MK VIII, it was the best year. But yea I am sure unique parts are hard to find.

  • @payamyazdi7672
    @payamyazdi7672 5 ปีที่แล้ว +253

    smart men drive old reliable beaters and stay single

    • @allotherstaken3
      @allotherstaken3 5 ปีที่แล้ว +30

      Replace smart with lonely

    • @whtcabo1
      @whtcabo1 5 ปีที่แล้ว +32

      Oh boy! Somebody drank Mammy's kool-aid. "Girls is the devil Bobby Boucher".

    • @Saint696Anger
      @Saint696Anger 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@whtcabo1 😂

    • @throwingsparks
      @throwingsparks 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Some men have to drive beaters AFTER D~ day🤬

    • @whtcabo1
      @whtcabo1 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@throwingsparks then I need not apply to the choices in life. Losing all around.

  • @genociderjill
    @genociderjill 5 ปีที่แล้ว +173

    I have a 1984 Toyota Cressida , I'm trying to fully restore. Better than those Plastic Mercedes Benz in 2018 😂.

    • @Superman20000
      @Superman20000 5 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Destroid the great part is that anyone Who knows a bit about Cars wouldn't but a Mercedes

    • @entername9862
      @entername9862 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      My car toyota corona 1994
      better than Mercedes😂

    • @taunusv4power
      @taunusv4power 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Restoring a 1986 cressida here, and i love danganronpa too :D

    • @genociderjill
      @genociderjill 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@taunusv4power ✌🏽 killer pair

    • @drivedb7
      @drivedb7 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That'd be a cool car to make a video on! Does yours have the digital dash and the fancy leather seats?

  • @PapiDoesIt
    @PapiDoesIt 5 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    That engine is capable of much more power than that!

    • @jameswallace3881
      @jameswallace3881 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Unfortunately it’s not from what I hear. I thought the same thing but this 5.0 is built different internally then the high output 5.0.
      Its meant for economy and doesn’t take to mods well, a bummer ):

    • @Elliottfan
      @Elliottfan 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Slap a roller cam in that thing, aluminium heads, roller rockers a nice intake and it'll put down 300 hp easy

    • @Elliottfan
      @Elliottfan 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ho or non ho, it can happen. You have to get conversion roller lifters if it's a flat tappet but still flat tappet cams still offer hefty hp ranges

  • @RandyRydberg
    @RandyRydberg 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I’m in Colorado and have been driving 1989-1997 Thunderbirds for twenty-five years, I currently own a 1993, a 1995 and a 1997 along with two Lincoln Mark VIII’s. I totally understand why John likes his ‘Bird! I owned my first one, a 1990, for eighteen years and still own my 1995 since 2001. Paid for and cheap to own, and there are several great mechanics nearby when I do need something done. Bravo for learning how to fix you own, John!

  • @dalegribble683
    @dalegribble683 5 ปีที่แล้ว +157

    REV UP YOUR RESTORED BEATER THUNDERBIRD!!!!!

  • @dr.crentist3155
    @dr.crentist3155 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I had an '86 thunderbird, ran nice. I love the 4 headlights on the 86 thunderbird, mustang and cougar

  • @aziquaderi
    @aziquaderi 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    This was a good car story. He didn't give up, that was the greatest gift.

  • @ryanm7263
    @ryanm7263 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    This was our family car when I was a kid. I loved that car. She was a beast.

  • @sreilly
    @sreilly 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Still have my ‘86 T-Bird with almost 41,000 miles. Was featured on car vs. car on Scotty’s channel (didn’t win, but was paired against a Chevy Impala). Has never let me down. 100% original with original paint. Everything works, including the AC. So glad you kept this car after everything it has been through!

    • @camtheatlien3882
      @camtheatlien3882 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Want to sell it?

    • @sreilly
      @sreilly 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@camtheatlien3882 unfortunately no. Too much sentimental value. Has been in the family since brand now.

  • @cavinoliver9430
    @cavinoliver9430 5 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Scotty respect from Jamaica!

  • @flashfronkprepping1779
    @flashfronkprepping1779 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I owned the 87 thunderbird with the 3.8L. Just a fun car to cruise down the highway in and it handled pretty decent!

  • @bigtoe1956
    @bigtoe1956 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    i have a 1988 t-bird 3.8 and i love it.been driving it for 15 years.

  • @gorillaninja78
    @gorillaninja78 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Albeit it’s nice to have a new vehicle, they just are not worth the very high prices anymore so it’s great to keep an older car running and they are more reliable

  • @AndrewFRC135
    @AndrewFRC135 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Cool stuff. Very similar to my '87 Cougar XR-7 5.0. I've been driving and restomodding my Cougar for the last 7 years since I turned 16. It was my mom's car when I was born and it is what brought me home from the hospital too.
    I parted out a turbo coupe to get replacement/upgrade parts for her. Right now the car has been repainted in factory shadow blue metallic on silver two-tone with the turbo coupe hood. She had quite a bit of rust in some spots, so I cut out and welded in new sheet metal. I have an 8.8" rear end and a T5 manual ready to rebuild and swap in. The engine is just purring along at 130k miles.

  • @timboslice1979
    @timboslice1979 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Those Ford 5L 302s were bulletproof. Tough engines.

    • @the1andonlyfirebug
      @the1andonlyfirebug 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      They were definitely good engines but the owner obviously doesn't know what engine his vehicle has because he called it a Windsor.The Windsor is a 351 cubic inch ,I believe 5.8 liter and were mainly engines designed for trucks, not cars at least that I know of.

    • @brendanmahrt2387
      @brendanmahrt2387 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      the1andonlyfirebug no he is right. Windsor is the plant they were made in . The reason people call them 351 Windsor’s is because there was other 351s example 351 Cleveland

    • @the1andonlyfirebug
      @the1andonlyfirebug 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'm not saying anything is wrong with the 302. It's a good engine and still very common. I would just personally go with a Windsor if I wanted a V8. However I'd much rather have a 300 inline 6 cylinder. It may only be a V6 but they do well in trucks and are definitely hard to kill. They are becoming more and more uncommon now because everyone wants a V8. I never knew why it was a Windsor, I just knew they were good engines and I think had a bit more power than a 302. Plus there is nothing wrong with going with something different from what most people do.

    • @JP-vf9yb
      @JP-vf9yb 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@the1andonlyfirebug the 302 is part of the windsor family of engines. the 5.8 was used in SN-95 Mustang Cobra R's not just trucks...

    • @JP-vf9yb
      @JP-vf9yb 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@the1andonlyfirebug lol inline and 90 degree v-design engines are different... the 300 is an inline 6 not a V6

  • @clownchaostime3024
    @clownchaostime3024 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have told people for years that the Thunderbirds from late 80's to 97 were beasts

  • @pappasmitty2
    @pappasmitty2 5 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    New cars today have SO many recalls. Engine and transmission problems right off the showroom floor. Customer service non- existent and they purposely engineer them so you'll have to go to them for any little thing. You can't hardly get after market stereos anymore! Scotty, I think it may be time to get and fix up a beater. It will have YEARS of use as the reason for repairs. What's the dealerships excuse for the new cars needing work before you even get your permanent plates or first oil change?

    • @Carlos-hr9kg
      @Carlos-hr9kg 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      L. Smith most cars nowadays have amazing stereo systems. Some have built in factory sub woofers etc. infotainment is amazing, with apple and android play, nav, etc. I don’t see the need to replace it. And first year models are never perfect. But I agree with you, the new mustang is having so many problems with the shift forks, engine ticking or slapping, etc.

  • @jaredklug3502
    @jaredklug3502 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I drove a beautiful 84 thunderbird in high school. Showroom condition with 60k on it. Wrecked it 4 months later. I miss that car a lot. Well built, snappy 302, sunroof and digital dash.

  • @paulmaclachlan6960
    @paulmaclachlan6960 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    this is great to see an older car being refurbished to it's former glory,and the old saying "they don't make them like they used too" is definately true in this case,i hope you get many more miles out of the car :)

  • @tylerpaneckywithsyrupontop6799
    @tylerpaneckywithsyrupontop6799 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a 86” Thunderbird 5.0L EFI 4speed and it was my great grandmas car then it came to me and it’s really reliable and I love it! This car has gotten me to love cars bc it roars like thunder lol

  • @4runner510
    @4runner510 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I've always liked this generation of Thunderbirds body style

  • @tomthorn2887
    @tomthorn2887 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I recently purchased a fully restored 1985 Toyota truck. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. New cars are great but there is just something so fun about getting in a restored 35 year old truck and riding around.

  • @chrisneal3909
    @chrisneal3909 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Dayam Bru. Awesome! I got my 88 from a lady with 5.0, AOD 30mpg. I pull a T5 and pedals from the junkyard for it, put the rear end and front hubs from my 99GT I sold that got totaled; I bought it back. Tbird still reads 27 - 30mpg. I love it. I shall now call you... Bro Bird. Stay awesome.

  • @rigomartinez8252
    @rigomartinez8252 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love it. I myself had a 1987 Ford Thunderbird. Dark brown. Drove and felt like a champ. But it was no 5.0

  • @adammanning1805
    @adammanning1805 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    My first car 86 Thunderbird v6, what a piece.

  • @harleysrule2176
    @harleysrule2176 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I had one of those a few years older than that one. T-birds are great cars. You guys really went the extra mile to keep it on the road. Great job!

  • @72dodge340
    @72dodge340 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    GREAT JOB!!!!!!! I like this body style. I'm glad you saved it. BUT, more importantly, you learned some new skills and perseverance earlier in life, which is priceless. Nice T-Bird!

  • @atx-cvpi_99
    @atx-cvpi_99 5 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    A beater Crown Victoria Police Interceptor is worth restoring and restomoding.

    • @MoistChungus
      @MoistChungus 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      A crown Vic is just worth getting in general

    • @RatelHBadger
      @RatelHBadger 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      It's got a cop engine, cop suspension, cop wheels...

    • @humansvd3269
      @humansvd3269 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@RatelHBadger You're going to pay $$$ for cars either way. Why not spend it on a proven system with new parts and robust aftermarket support vs new, unproven cars with too much computers that you don't need?

    • @the1andonlyfirebug
      @the1andonlyfirebug 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      What most people call Crown Victoria's are actually a Grand Marquise most of the time. Any law enforcement using Ford/Mercury vehicles more than likely have a Mercury Grand Marquise unless they switched to a Ford Taurus SHO. Crown Vic's haven't been made or been used as police vehicles in probably 25-30 years. Some newer Crown Vic's may have been used as Police vehicles after the production of the Ford LTD/Crown Vic ended. However the Grand Marquise was very similar to a Crown Vic kinda like the Taurus and Sable. Even though the police versions are fast, the Police version of the Dodge Charger and Taurus SHO are much faster and probably more fuel efficient.

    • @davidcronin414
      @davidcronin414 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@the1andonlyfirebug They literally made Crown Vics until 2011 and a great deal of agencies still use Vics in day to day enforcement. 30 years? Yeah, right....

  • @Rebecca-zr2zx
    @Rebecca-zr2zx 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    nice car -- your future wife will love it! don't ever get rid of this gem!

  • @theol3199
    @theol3199 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I always liked how the last generation 302s sounded, they kinda had a growl and a whistle to them. Smooth engines. I had one in my 94 f150

  • @markfive3731
    @markfive3731 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Sold them new back in 88. One of my favorite t birds.

  • @OsoBlanco17
    @OsoBlanco17 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    My folks bought one of these brand new back in 1988. Great ride!

  • @maxforever26
    @maxforever26 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I agree with Paul down below. Nice to see people still appreciate the old cars. Good job and nice video.

  • @ronaldmcdonald3965
    @ronaldmcdonald3965 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    You learn a lot from these kinds of projects. The kid speaks very intelligently. Good Luck!

  • @kevin92foxbody67
    @kevin92foxbody67 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice old foxbody t-bird!! Yeah its really a mustang foxbody with different sheet metal n a few other things

  • @Cammi-Cat-XIII
    @Cammi-Cat-XIII 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    My friend in high school (around 1998) had a 1988 Thunderbird LX just like this one, only with the digital gauges. Midnight blue from the factory. After he sold that one he bought a midnight blue 1988 Thunderbird turbo coupe.

  • @basithph8958
    @basithph8958 5 ปีที่แล้ว +116

    Rev up your beaters!

  • @cresto9325
    @cresto9325 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Well done, mate! The modern society hate old vehicles and you taught them a lesson. I hate calling these things old beaters, I love to call them piece of motoring history.

  • @mbiker345
    @mbiker345 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It’s nice to see somebody who really loves their car enough to fix it up like that. Rather than the throw away mentality of most folks in the snow belt.

  • @AaronMartinCOOLVIDEO
    @AaronMartinCOOLVIDEO 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    That kid is doing a nice job of keeping that car on the road and it's a rare car to see anymore because they were mostly viewed as being disposable.

  • @jeremiahshine
    @jeremiahshine 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I saw a bent-backed bun wearing old woman hunched in the seat of a garage kept 1977 Delta 88, the same as my first car yesterday. She made the hugeness of the thing double. I was jealous of her.

  • @bhumphries1360
    @bhumphries1360 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I want a 1985 Ford Thunderbird so bad! I found one online in Florida. It's listed for a little over four grand, original everything. I love the old school digital instruments. I feel like if I don't buy one soon, I'm going to miss out. These won't be around forever!

  • @robertsroberts1688
    @robertsroberts1688 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    saw an old orange restored VW bug the other day still works and runs and sounds like a dream

  • @iamthe_guy
    @iamthe_guy 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I gotta say i ADORE that car i drive a 1987 Lincoln Mark Vll which is basically the Thunderbird drive it everyday 4 speed auto but more luxury stuff to it but love that car

  • @Romulan112
    @Romulan112 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    My '93 Thunderbird was a great beater car. it was stolen last late Feb and is missed to this day. RIP thunderbird

  • @royemunson100
    @royemunson100 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I dig that you didn't just junk it and actually fixed it. Paint did wonders for the car

  • @thomasdipaolo2349
    @thomasdipaolo2349 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice job. Kid has really put the shine back on that Thunderbird

  • @breal5790
    @breal5790 5 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    First like in first comment they did a good job in fixing it I plan on getting myself a Lincoln Town Car 98 or newer with a 4.6 engine

    • @irmdog
      @irmdog 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Don't pay more than 500 bucks for it, 90s Fords are money pits.

    • @D4x4Bronc
      @D4x4Bronc 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Get a 01+ they have the pi heads and redesigned valve seals that don't burn oil as bad. 98-00 is okay but are a carry over from 96-97 head design.

    • @breal5790
      @breal5790 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I think anyone from a 03 and up

    • @HAL-dm1eh
      @HAL-dm1eh 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      As a former owner of a 98 Crown Vic and current owner of a 98 Expedition with the same 4.6 whose head gaskets just blew on it (after 250,000 miles to be fair), I just thought I'd drop some advise.
      If you get a Panther (CV, Grand Marquis, Town Car) you'll probably be fine and they are VERY easy to work on and parts are cheap. But my advise to you is to get an 04-up. Ford had upgraded the engine, suspension and steering to the point that by 04 they had ALL the bugs worked out of these cars and they are very valuable now.
      I wouldn't hesitate to get an 04 up Panther again (I highly regret selling my CV even with its old type steering and suspension) but I can't find a deal that I can afford. However if you find one with up to 100K miles on it, it was taken care of and it's a good deal, GO FOR IT!!!!

    • @mazdarex7
      @mazdarex7 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Everybody, thanks for interesting and helpful thoughts. I thought pre 99, but will read further. Thx.

  • @joshcontreras8821
    @joshcontreras8821 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I had a 89 Lincoln mark7. Loved it

  • @stylicho
    @stylicho 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Always loved those big motors in regular cars

  • @fossil-bit8439
    @fossil-bit8439 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I had an 85 T-Bird and to this day was favorite car. Not very fast for a V8 car but it was just fun to drive and very comfortable. I do love the taillights lit up on the later 80’s models.

  • @impala5202
    @impala5202 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    That body paint, 80s American muscle car styling and stock equipment. Makes your car look really magnificent. 👍👍

  • @edwaggonersr.7446
    @edwaggonersr.7446 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've owned an 85 and a 92 Thunderbird. Loved them both. The 85 was my favorite, it had the 302 v8, throttle body injection, with the four speed auto. Very comfortable ride, cornered well and had good acceleration.

  • @knifeyboy82
    @knifeyboy82 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    My grandpa had an 88 cougar, I wish I could have had the money to fix it up. I loved that car.

  • @lawyerpan
    @lawyerpan 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Man you brought back memories. We had an 87 Thunderbird LX. That was a sweet car. Didn't give us much issues other than maintenance and a bad module.

  • @davidparisi4980
    @davidparisi4980 ปีที่แล้ว

    One of the most Aerodynamic car designs ever.

  • @mazdarex7
    @mazdarex7 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice attitude and good job, young man. Although you might lose money on this car, you will save and succeed in the long run! Congratulations to your parents and brothers for making full use of this car!

  • @bradleybritt9198
    @bradleybritt9198 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Got to love the old thunder chickens.

  • @ryanmalin
    @ryanmalin 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I had 3x 94s, one 95 & one 96 tbird. They were great cars. Cheap and for the money almost impossible to beat. Independent rear suspension. Double wishbone front suspension. 4 wheel disc brakes. Really good cars. Never left me stranded in all the miles I put on those cars. My 95 had over 400,000milds when i finally sold it

  • @archiebunker6059
    @archiebunker6059 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good job kid! You saved that car's life, twice 👏👍

  • @tazmod7272
    @tazmod7272 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    That is cool he was able to bring the car back to life after being in the family so long plus he learned so much.

  • @augustbiernbaum4841
    @augustbiernbaum4841 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Scotty, I’m glad you’re putting this on display, I’ve been wanting to restore a Thunderbird in memorial to my uncle.

  • @markiangooley
    @markiangooley 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    My Dad bought a slightly older T-bird secondhand, especially cheap because it was peach-colored with matching leather interior. I loved that car - the color was hideous enough to be interesting - and almost wish I had it.

  • @michaeldickens7493
    @michaeldickens7493 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm glad you fixed it I had an 87

  • @neftv1
    @neftv1 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Glad scotty shared video. I almost have a soft spot for a Thunderbird since it was my first car I purchased for myself. A 1983 Thunderbird is what I had and I got it used in the late 80s. It was 6cyl 105hp if I remember right. Back then I had a friend mechanic (much like a scotty) look it over and discovered the tranny was leaking from the front of it. The rest looked solid. He told me don't get this unless they fix that. Back then they want $4800 to buy it. So took it back to negotiate that I would pay that price if they fixed the leak. They said they would and after a short time I had the car to take it to my mechanic again and he told me they didn't do crap. It was still leaking. sales guy who started with big smiles with me when I told him it still leaking he wanted to see for himself. fine when he came to my friend garage he was all dress up and he kneeled down to look at the transmission. Sure enough it was leaking and he claimed to not believe it. I Told him take it back or I want the car fixed here at my friend garage and the dealer pay the bill. After back and forth with his boss he agreed to that. so it got fixed right. That car lasted me 5 year ls as a daily driver for work. Found out later that sales guy was not working at the place I got the car and soon there after that dealer was gone too. Lol. Anyway In the early 90s I had to get rid of it because it was a accident magnet. Name the side and it was hit. The only part not hit was the roof. My mechanic friend told me get rid of it so I did. Back then was when Saturn started making cars and got one of those. But the Tbird was a fun car to that point. Even with the 6cyl it felt like a cruiser on the highway. Was confortable with velour seats. It even had a CB radio it in. Fun times.

  • @alodius_
    @alodius_ 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    i got an 84 Thunderbird, trust me their tanks. over 213,000 miles on it and still runs like a clock minus a wiring issue i chased down.

  • @TheREALOC1972
    @TheREALOC1972 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a friend in my car club that is in the process of rebuilding his 84 Thunderbird. It was his first car and he drove it until shortly after he and his wife got married when she made him buy a new car. While at a car show a few years ago and talking to several people and basically being scolded by several wives the wife realized what she had done and told him to rebuild it so they could have a car to come to car shows with. That's what I love about the car community, a woman isn't going to listen to a man when it comes to having a cruise-in/car show car but when she hears other women talk about how fun it is they will listen.

  • @gilbertsanchez2568
    @gilbertsanchez2568 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I love beaters

  • @rickplesnik2570
    @rickplesnik2570 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video. Nothing wrong with older vehicles! My daily driver is a 30 year old Chevy S10 Long Box, 2.8L V6 with a 5 Speed Manual Transmission. Good on gas, inexpensive to maintain, and paid for!

  • @vinodthespeedfreak4893
    @vinodthespeedfreak4893 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This car is as old as I am, but it sure looks great!

  • @morgfarm1
    @morgfarm1 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I tip my hat to a fellow Thunderbird. I've had mine for 3 months after my uncle lost his battle with depression and addiction. It's a '97 with the Modular 4.6L V8. She still looks rough outside, but the inside, surprisingly, is decent. Not perfect, but not terrible. Had to clear the Cats out of the exhaust, cleaned the MAF, 8 new plugs and wires, replaced 2 of its 4 O2 sensors, and a few front suspension parts have been replaced. Now I need to find a way to raise $5000 to repaint it in the original Laser Red. The clearcoat is gone from the hood and it's missing paint from over 60% of the car. Aside from the looks, it runs like a top - 23mpg highway, 17 city, 18.5 average and 0 - 60 in 8.5 seconds. When I got it, it wouldn't get to 60! I'm used to the V6 Toyota 3VZE engine, so when I get to 60 in 8 and a half seconds, I feel like I'm flying. (and not to mention, the rumble of a V8 is my favorite part of the whole car)

  • @jdmguy44
    @jdmguy44 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice old car. Always liked Thunderbirds.

  • @easycomeeasygo8901
    @easycomeeasygo8901 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice job on saving that Thunderbird. This is one of my favorite style Thunderbirds. The good thing about this Thunderbird is that it's based on the fox chassis. So there's a ton of stuff you can do to it. You can make that into a really fun car to drive really cheap considering. Three, four hundred horsepower real easily. Good luck with the car.

  • @johnnyher9003
    @johnnyher9003 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a 1996 Ford Thunderbird, LX engine runs solid. It’s the transmission I’m working on I replace the transmission with a used one but it’s doing the same thing.

  • @Weepingbrother7nn
    @Weepingbrother7nn ปีที่แล้ว

    Yessir, what a legendary classic! ❤

  • @orng1
    @orng1 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    My parents had one when I was a teenager. They do great burnouts.

  • @guyonabudget5209
    @guyonabudget5209 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a 2004 Toyota Solara and it’s my main and beater car which I use for Ubereats Deliveries. It has 163,000 so far and still runs fine thankfully. I’m currently saving for a 2018 Toyota Corolla sport but until then its me and my Solara for now.

  • @migmadmarine
    @migmadmarine 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    i had an '84 turbo tbird. best handling car i ever owned

  • @eddietavaresjr.4773
    @eddietavaresjr.4773 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    These Thunderbirds are bulletproof motors i owned one for 8 years the engine would never die i had 217,000 miles on it but ran like a clock.

  • @Mcdongar
    @Mcdongar 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Scotty and John for sharing this video. I just had to let go of a 93 buick roadmaster my great-grandpa had bought brand new... because I couldn't fix the brakes and suspension myself... right before I moved to a new state!! This process is why I'm learning to work on cars now. I wish I could've kept it!

  • @thefirebirdflock3440
    @thefirebirdflock3440 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Gotta love that retro dash. ❤️

  • @steelisthemeal
    @steelisthemeal 5 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    This is an EXCELLENT idea
    Nice 👍

    • @chryslerelectronicleanburn1676
      @chryslerelectronicleanburn1676 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Saw your thumbnail. Subscribed to your channel Scraplife I have a truck like yours. Same color and make. Mine is a 1/2 though.

    • @steelisthemeal
      @steelisthemeal 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Chrysler Electronic Lean Burn cool yup these trucks are up for the absolute relentless
      Abuse relatively simple and relatively easy to fix. Great for maximum. Up time!!!!

    • @chryslerelectronicleanburn1676
      @chryslerelectronicleanburn1676 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@steelisthemeal found another chevy 1994 at a police auction. Got for 300.00. Putting brake lines on it now. Had to stop due to the cold!!! BBBBBRRRRRRR!!!!!

    • @steelisthemeal
      @steelisthemeal 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Chrysler Electronic Lean Burn wish that’s a great price!
      The brake lines and fuel lines are almost always bad on those things
      90% chance One of the fuel lines or return lines or a Breakline are leaking or bad
      I think the copper lines are actually the best ya can bend them very neatly in whatever custom fit works best for you whether you were in a big hurry or you want to take your time to do the job
      Of course they’re more money
      The fuel pumps on these things almost always go bad at around 80,000 miles

  • @wlwal1
    @wlwal1 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I had an 87 thunderbird, bought new and about four years later, was rear ended. Damage was very low, mostly underneath. About four weeks later, noticed that both tail lights were missing! Though some one stole them! I guess it was from the accident. Loved my beautiful TB.

  • @crosspollination6626
    @crosspollination6626 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    This was good. Just shows you that you don't need to throw away a car. Especially if someone can learn from ownership.

  • @PearComputingDevices
    @PearComputingDevices 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    The old Thunderbirds where pretty good cars. They were built like tanks. I have a 1994 GMC Safari AWD. I should take a video of it. It's like old, we don't drive it much. But we did, It's in very good condition. I just never thought of it until now. It's a classic like this Ford. That old 4.3 v6 is a heck of engine too. You gotten me to think! lol

  • @charlies.5777
    @charlies.5777 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Even though it's NOT a Toyota, Scotty STILL likes it!!😀

  • @Tool0GT92
    @Tool0GT92 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I used to have an 87 Thunderbird TurboCoupe 5 speed, I miss it.