Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: 1BadBird on August 11, 2013, 04:55:50 PM
Post by: 1BadBird on August 11, 2013, 04:55:50 PM
So yesterday I was reading an article in a stang rag about this individual that rescues dead or abandoned project stangs. He restores some for show, others he returns to road worthiness, then sells them. I thought to myself "Why not Our beloved Fox Birds and Cougars!!" If things would work out at the bodyshop I work at, and I demolished the other building, I would have lots of room for the cars, although the lot can hold 75 cars now. Of course I'd have to improve the fencing to keep out the undesireables but there's already security systems there. When I finished one, I'd be selective as to who I would sell them to.
So let me know what you all think about it.
So let me know what you all think about it.
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: 1WLD BRD on August 11, 2013, 05:51:45 PM
Post by: 1WLD BRD on August 11, 2013, 05:51:45 PM
you mean besides the fact that there is no market for these cars? or would you like a better reason not to do it? :)
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: gumby on August 11, 2013, 06:00:50 PM
Post by: gumby on August 11, 2013, 06:00:50 PM
Quote from: 1WLD BRD;419880
you mean besides the fact that there is no market for these cars? or would you like a better reason not to do it? :)
Unfortunately, that was my first thought as well.
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: Cougars 2 go on August 11, 2013, 06:38:34 PM
Post by: Cougars 2 go on August 11, 2013, 06:38:34 PM
Since there isn't a market yet to support large numbers, perhaps consider picking the ones that have some uncommon features such as sage green cars, 5-speed cars, special editions, rare colors, options, etc. It would be great if someone like you can save at least some from the recycle yard. It's nice to see other people interested in preserving these things even though reality keeps most of us from achieving that to the degree we want. Anything is better than nothing.
Do you have to demolish that building or can it be used to keep some cars out of the weather?
Do you have to demolish that building or can it be used to keep some cars out of the weather?
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: Dougy_Fresh on August 11, 2013, 07:17:01 PM
Post by: Dougy_Fresh on August 11, 2013, 07:17:01 PM
you couldn't specialize in Thunderbird/Cougars, there is simply not enough market for them. The hot ticket would be ANY "muscle car". Start with the cheaper stuff like Fox Mustangs, Birds, Cougars, and work your way up into the higher end cars that cost you more off the bat, but the return on investment would be much greater. Might have to sell 10 lower end cars just to get into a higher end car, but once you built and sold it, you could do 2 higher end cars...
Heck I was watching Barrett Jackson a couple nights ago and a early 60s stepside chevy truck went across the block. 60s body on a 80's chassis, 383, 350 turbo, 10 bolt front axle, 12 bolt rear axle... basically the cheapest of the cheap all the way around and it went for over 20 grand... I "LOL'ed" hard. Look at the prices people are getting these days for stuff. Heck, some of the prices they get for stuff on Fast n Loud really make me "LOL"
Heck I was watching Barrett Jackson a couple nights ago and a early 60s stepside chevy truck went across the block. 60s body on a 80's chassis, 383, 350 turbo, 10 bolt front axle, 12 bolt rear axle... basically the cheapest of the cheap all the way around and it went for over 20 grand... I "LOL'ed" hard. Look at the prices people are getting these days for stuff. Heck, some of the prices they get for stuff on Fast n Loud really make me "LOL"
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: Cougars 2 go on August 11, 2013, 07:29:20 PM
Post by: Cougars 2 go on August 11, 2013, 07:29:20 PM
Would you do it for the money or for the cars?
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: 1BadBird on August 11, 2013, 09:53:44 PM
Post by: 1BadBird on August 11, 2013, 09:53:44 PM
Quote from: Cougars 2 go;419887
Do you have to demolish that building or can it be used to keep some cars out of the weather?
Ya I would need to. It's a 80+ yr old office building. Although If I could get it, there is a 10k sq ft body shop in Merrillville available.
Quote from: Cougars 2 go;419893
Would you do it for the money or for the cars?
I would be doing it for the cars. I can't help it, I'm obsessed with these cars. I know that there isn't a great market for these cars except for the few devoted groups of people out there.
As far as the money aspect, I have a chance to get to paint a fully customized 54' Ford P/U. They guy is about finished with all the fab work and about ready to get it painted.
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: Haystack on August 11, 2013, 11:51:38 PM
Post by: Haystack on August 11, 2013, 11:51:38 PM
I've thought many times about starting a fox cougar bird junk yard. I used to find them all day long $400 or less. price is slowly creeping up, but.there is still little demand.
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: 1BadBird on August 12, 2013, 10:57:26 AM
Post by: 1BadBird on August 12, 2013, 10:57:26 AM
I know there isn't much of a demand for them, but I want to try to rescue as many as I can. I'm "not" making this my only source of income, and I don't really care how long I keep a car. Just sayin ;)
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: Cougars 2 go on August 12, 2013, 04:54:59 PM
Post by: Cougars 2 go on August 12, 2013, 04:54:59 PM
Quote from: 1BadBird;419900
I would be doing it for the cars. I can't help it, I'm obsessed with these cars. I know that there isn't a great market for these cars except for the few devoted groups of people out there.
Quote from: 1BadBird;419928
I know there isn't much of a demand for them, but I want to try to rescue as many as I can. I'm making this my only source of income, and I don't really care how long I keep a car. Just sayin ;)
If you're doing it for the cars, then I completely understand and think that is great. But if you're making that your only source of income, you may start losing weight involuntarily because of the very limited appeal these have - at least the Cougars. If this will be your only source of income, you may have a chance with some unique Turbo Coupes so consider starting with one of those if you can get a very solid and appealing car for little money to start with.
Personally, I'd prefer to see Cougars saved as the TBird has a greater chance of survival in larger numbers than the Cougars because more people like the TBirds than Cougars and are therefore more likely to be rescued and such. But odds are the Cougars will give you smaller profit margins, if any at all.
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: 1BadBird on August 12, 2013, 05:32:19 PM
Post by: 1BadBird on August 12, 2013, 05:32:19 PM
You're right, I didn't mean to exclude the cougars..........shame on me :punchballs: I'll fix that in the original post title. The wife makes decent money and I'll also be doing other body/paint work as well. :D
I see the typo that I made in that reply :bricks1:
I see the typo that I made in that reply :bricks1:
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: Cougars 2 go on August 12, 2013, 07:01:03 PM
Post by: Cougars 2 go on August 12, 2013, 07:01:03 PM
Quote from: 1BadBird;419940
You're right, I didn't mean to exclude the cougars..........shame on me :punchballs: I'll fix that in the original post title. The wife makes decent money and I'll also be doing other body/paint work as well. :D
I see the typo that I made in that reply :bricks1:
I think you did mention both somewhere in that first post though. I was just saying that TBirds have wider appeal among the two options and you may have a better chance of small profits with those. But also because they have wider appeal, they will probably be "saved" in larger numbers than the Cougars throughout car nut world so my suspicion is the Cougars have fewer people "looking out" for them.
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: slowbird on August 12, 2013, 08:59:53 PM
Post by: slowbird on August 12, 2013, 08:59:53 PM
Come rescue my car! I been trying to sell forever n can't get rid of it.. I am so fed up car is clean
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: MY83T on August 12, 2013, 09:00:21 PM
Post by: MY83T on August 12, 2013, 09:00:21 PM
John, its your dime, and your passion that counts. I can say from personal experience that John is the real deal, and this is a labor of love from a passionate car guy. There might be a limited market, but this will change at some point as people want a cool alternative to a Fox Stang/Capri. I do agree that the Pedigree Birds would be nice to save like Fila's, TC, XR-7 or Heritage/Elan's, and many other oddball configurations. (My Heritage non-withstanding) How is that for a subtle hint? :giggle:
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: daminc on August 12, 2013, 10:59:15 PM
Post by: daminc on August 12, 2013, 10:59:15 PM
all I can say is... in another 20 years, there will be very few numbers of our cars on the earth..... They HAVE to be worth something then.... Right?
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: daminc on August 12, 2013, 10:59:41 PM
Post by: daminc on August 12, 2013, 10:59:41 PM
maybe?....lol
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: 1BadBird on August 13, 2013, 10:08:35 AM
Post by: 1BadBird on August 13, 2013, 10:08:35 AM
I got the hint............. I think........... Yep, it's rattling around in the confines between my ears. :mullet:
Seriously though, you guys do make a valid point on the "Pedigree" birds. I'm trying to get things in order/lined up finance wise. It definitely won't happen over night but I do want to make this happen.
Seriously though, you guys do make a valid point on the "Pedigree" birds. I'm trying to get things in order/lined up finance wise. It definitely won't happen over night but I do want to make this happen.
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: thunderjet302 on August 13, 2013, 12:47:40 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on August 13, 2013, 12:47:40 PM
Quote from: MY83T;419952
John, its your dime, and your passion that counts. I can say from personal experience that John is the real deal, and this is a labor of love from a passionate car guy. There might be a limited market, but this will change at some point as people want a cool alternative to a Fox Stang/Capri. I do agree that the Pedigree Birds would be nice to save like Fila's, TC, XR-7 or Heritage/Elan's, and many other oddball configurations. (My Heritage non-withstanding) How is that for a subtle hint? :giggle:
I would also add the 87-88 LX Thunderbirds to the list. They tend to be well optioned cars.
I think the 2.3T and 5.0 cars are going to be more valuable than the 3.8 cars. I would concentrate on saving the ones with more desirable engines first.
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: 1BadBird on August 13, 2013, 01:13:16 PM
Post by: 1BadBird on August 13, 2013, 01:13:16 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;419989
I would also add the 87-88 LX Thunderbirds to the list. They tend to be well optioned cars.
I think the 2.3T and 5.0 cars are going to be more valuable than the 3.8 cars. I would concentrate on saving the ones with more desirable engines first.
Yep, Those years as well Lou. :D
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: 1BadBird on August 13, 2013, 01:28:07 PM
Post by: 1BadBird on August 13, 2013, 01:28:07 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;419989
I would also add the 87-88 LX Thunderbirds to the list. They tend to be well optioned cars.
I think the 2.3T and 5.0 cars are going to be more valuable than the 3.8 cars. I would concentrate on saving the ones with more desirable engines first.
Yep, Those as well Lou. :D
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: ZondaC12 on August 13, 2013, 04:32:45 PM
Post by: ZondaC12 on August 13, 2013, 04:32:45 PM
I constantly wonder about the treatment/survival rate of these cars versus any vehicle now considered "classic" or valuable/significant. It wasn't a terribly long time I guess, mainly due to the oil embargoes, but there was a time these high five-figure muscle cars were at beater-status. I'd like to know how many of them were just used up and thrown away. How about all of the personal luxury cruisers, the then-equivalent of "econoboxes", what do we have left? Is it that hard to find a decent Pinto? They're not worth that much today. I spend much of my workday waiting for latest-technology semiconductor process equipment to "finish what it's doing" (read: SLOWWW) and thus have time to snoop around on craigslists around the country.
I really get the feeling that at this point in time anyway, people that have already-existing nice, clean examples of these cars, want to sell to someone that will continue that care. Or in any case, they "think" its worth a lot, just based on a lot of asking prices I see. Just looking at the quantity out there. And they sit and sit, and don't sell a lot of the time. If they're sitting on the grass next to a driveway, that's bad of course. However it doesn't seem like people are lining up ready to just grab one and throw it into the salt in the winter. Hell they're RWD, and in this day, what Everyman is going to jump into anything without ABS, traction control, and airbags?
I really get the feeling that at this point in time anyway, people that have already-existing nice, clean examples of these cars, want to sell to someone that will continue that care. Or in any case, they "think" its worth a lot, just based on a lot of asking prices I see. Just looking at the quantity out there. And they sit and sit, and don't sell a lot of the time. If they're sitting on the grass next to a driveway, that's bad of course. However it doesn't seem like people are lining up ready to just grab one and throw it into the salt in the winter. Hell they're RWD, and in this day, what Everyman is going to jump into anything without ABS, traction control, and airbags?
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: Cougars 2 go on August 13, 2013, 06:50:33 PM
Post by: Cougars 2 go on August 13, 2013, 06:50:33 PM
Quote from: 1BadBird;419981
I got the hint............. I think........... Yep, it's rattling around in the confines between my ears. :mullet:
Seriously though, you guys do make a valid point on the "Pedigree" birds. I'm trying to get things in order/lined up finance wise. It definitely won't happen over night but I do want to make this happen.
And if money doesn't need to line up, try to fit a Cougar in there too. :cougarsmily:
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: daminc on August 13, 2013, 07:49:23 PM
Post by: daminc on August 13, 2013, 07:49:23 PM
Quote from: Cougars 2 go;420008
And if money doesn't need to line up, try to fit a Cougar in there too. :cougarsmily:
maybe a vert or 2 also
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: rodsterh on August 13, 2013, 08:20:20 PM
Post by: rodsterh on August 13, 2013, 08:20:20 PM
Quote from: 1BadBird;419900
I would be doing it for the cars. I can't help it, I'm obsessed with these cars. I know that there isn't a great market for these cars except for the few devoted groups of people out there.
I don't think I'm obsessed with these cars but I own two. :hick:
Quote from: 1BadBird;
I know there isn't much of a demand for them, but I want to try to rescue as many as I can.
Which is exactly why I couldn't walk away from the one owner red/tan leather 83 TC I found a few years back that is patiently waiting for some attention.
I've tried to 'rescue' a few others but they are either priced too high, the owner doesn't to sell or something else gets in the way.
Good luck on your endeavor, someone has to carry the torch and as long as I'm able, I'll be involved with these cars.
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: bodyman on August 13, 2013, 09:43:21 PM
Post by: bodyman on August 13, 2013, 09:43:21 PM
Good luck with this. While there does not seem to be much demand for or value to these cars now kind of makes it the right time to get your hands on as many as you can as long as you can buy them right, regardless of what motor. Only problem is you won't know if it was a good idea for another 10 or 20 years, but at least I will know where I can get some parts if I need them.
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: Trinom on August 14, 2013, 05:31:36 AM
Post by: Trinom on August 14, 2013, 05:31:36 AM
I think, that a rescue shop with a salvage yard behind is a cool idea, especially for people looking for parts without any success.
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: Clayton on August 14, 2013, 06:23:22 AM
Post by: Clayton on August 14, 2013, 06:23:22 AM
+1 for the rescue with a salvage yard. You cant save them all thats for sure. Have to break afew eggs to make an omelet. Ive always had the idea if i was into a very decent sum of money to nab up as many as possible and start my own foxbody salvage yard with the same basic idea. Fix as many as possible and strip the rest. Stockpile parts in a warehouse accordingly.
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: 1BadBird on August 19, 2013, 09:25:38 PM
Post by: 1BadBird on August 19, 2013, 09:25:38 PM
Well here's the first bird. Thanks Scott
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: 1BadBird on August 19, 2013, 09:28:06 PM
Post by: 1BadBird on August 19, 2013, 09:28:06 PM
I'll get more pics later. Still have to finish my 86'
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: 1BadBird on September 01, 2013, 10:42:57 PM
Post by: 1BadBird on September 01, 2013, 10:42:57 PM
My Bird now has a nest mate :evilgrin:
LOL and no it's not the lawn tractor :mullet:
LOL and no it's not the lawn tractor :mullet:
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: Haystack on September 01, 2013, 11:45:51 PM
Post by: Haystack on September 01, 2013, 11:45:51 PM
wish you were closer. I could throw some local stuff your way for relatively cheap.
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: 1BadBird on September 22, 2013, 09:12:10 PM
Post by: 1BadBird on September 22, 2013, 09:12:10 PM
Well........The T-bird/cougar rescue will be staying a pipe dream. I'm not going to get into why, but I still have total access to the body shop I was working in and will do some painting when/if he gets any jobs in. I've gone back to driving semis but the good part of that is I'm delivering parts to Ford and Chrysler.
Just thought I'd let you all know.
UPDATE :D
The rescue will only be delayed until the wife and I get our new home built next summer. I also have been given the option to get on a dedicated overnight run from my work yard to a supplier in Oregon (Toledo area) OH to the Chicago Ford assembly plant and back to the yard. This run pays well and will help with my goals. Sorry about the rant above. I was having one of "those" days.
Just thought I'd let you all know.
UPDATE :D
The rescue will only be delayed until the wife and I get our new home built next summer. I also have been given the option to get on a dedicated overnight run from my work yard to a supplier in Oregon (Toledo area) OH to the Chicago Ford assembly plant and back to the yard. This run pays well and will help with my goals. Sorry about the rant above. I was having one of "those" days.
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: 1BadBird on September 28, 2013, 08:12:52 PM
Post by: 1BadBird on September 28, 2013, 08:12:52 PM
Bump :D
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: Tbird-fanatic on September 28, 2013, 10:30:57 PM
Post by: Tbird-fanatic on September 28, 2013, 10:30:57 PM
Good to here!!!
Title: Fox Body Thunderbird/Cougar Rescue ?? UPDATE 9/28/13
Post by: Haystack on September 28, 2013, 11:35:03 PM
Post by: Haystack on September 28, 2013, 11:35:03 PM
there were a lot of clean and cheap cars in Oregon when I was up there. too bad I couldn't get any owners to call me back, or I would have driven one home.