65 THUNDERBIRD PROJECT

The Thunderbird is  finally coming together after 3 years of working on it (started Nov. 2014) with all the parts now reassembled. Next we need to decide on wheel and tires. First we tried the wheel from the 51 that is a 17" American Racing.

 Then tried the wire spoke wheel from the 60 Starliner and decided to go with the 17" American Racing style wheels and Michelin tires. Now looking for wheels we can afford.

 The head lights still had to be put back together and I had seen some cars at the Good Guys Scottsdale show with Halo Headlights that I liked so I bought a set.

 The headlight buckets had to be modified (slots on each side) to accept the LED Halo Bulb and the existing adjusting screws were frozen so new ones were purchased

 The new lens accept Halogen lamps that will be much brighter and the Halo ring at the outer edge of the lens are on all the time the engine is running.

 Along with the existing lamp sockets new wiring harness had to be made for the new LED bulbs.

 New lens in place.

 Headlights are now complete.

 I set up a backboard at the back of the shop to adjust the headlights. The painted grill looks good.

 The old upholstery was put back in the car to make sure all the parts are there, back seat and package shelf were first.

 Passenger side front bucket seat.

 The steering wheel was filled, sanded smooth and painted to match the car.

 The drivers side front bucket seat is in bad condition. The plan is to send the interior pictures to 3 or 4 upholstery shops for a budget cost after the first of the year and so we can set the money aside to have the car re upholstered.

Still have some odds and ends to work on but as of now the car is back together.