Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on August 24, 2013, 01:01:06 AM
Post by: rodsterh on August 24, 2013, 01:01:06 AM
Doubt there are too many 83 TBird folks here but I'd be curious to find the earliest (build date) 1983, V6, V8 and TC.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: STANG8U on August 24, 2013, 01:14:35 AM
Post by: STANG8U on August 24, 2013, 01:14:35 AM
Good idea we the the newest coverd lol
Interesting topic
Interesting topic
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: MY83T on August 24, 2013, 11:52:23 AM
Post by: MY83T on August 24, 2013, 11:52:23 AM
mine is a 6/4/83 build date which i think is pretty late build date. V-8 Car
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on August 26, 2013, 07:41:23 AM
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on August 26, 2013, 07:41:23 AM
My red-ish '83 Heritage was built in July 1983. Not sure when they stopped making the '83's.
My Gray Bird has a build date of Feb. '83 and it came with a 302.
If I am not mistaken, didn't they start making the V-8 T-Birds in Jan. 1983 ?
My Gray Bird has a build date of Feb. '83 and it came with a 302.
If I am not mistaken, didn't they start making the V-8 T-Birds in Jan. 1983 ?
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on August 26, 2013, 10:03:52 PM
Post by: rodsterh on August 26, 2013, 10:03:52 PM
Good question, when did they stop making 83's and started production of the 84's? I recall someone mentioning a 83 w/ 84 some features or a 84 w/ some 83 features so makes you wonder if there wasn't a transition period?
Motor Trend from Feb 1983 states the first 83's only came with the V6 and were to be available Feb 1983. The 5.0L V8 would be available March and the 2.3 Turbo would follow in May.
There is a Ford commercial for the 1983 Thunderbird saying Coming February 17th which is in line with the MT article.
Do you have a date stamp on your Feb car to narrow down the when in Feb is was built? Was your car built in Lorain? Sounds like you have a very early 1983 car.
I believe Kevin Marti has all of the Ford records for our cars but he hasn't made it available yet. It will be interesting when he does!
Motor Trend from Feb 1983 states the first 83's only came with the V6 and were to be available Feb 1983. The 5.0L V8 would be available March and the 2.3 Turbo would follow in May.
There is a Ford commercial for the 1983 Thunderbird saying Coming February 17th which is in line with the MT article.
Do you have a date stamp on your Feb car to narrow down the when in Feb is was built? Was your car built in Lorain? Sounds like you have a very early 1983 car.
I believe Kevin Marti has all of the Ford records for our cars but he hasn't made it available yet. It will be interesting when he does!
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on August 27, 2013, 12:45:48 PM
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on August 27, 2013, 12:45:48 PM
I will try to remember to take an up close pic of the door jamb the next time I see the Gray Bird. I do remember the sticker lifting from the paint.
Wow, maybe I have a real early car.
I know the vin sequence number is nothing special (not a low #)
Wow, maybe I have a real early car.
I know the vin sequence number is nothing special (not a low #)
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: 88turbo on August 27, 2013, 09:39:20 PM
Post by: 88turbo on August 27, 2013, 09:39:20 PM
mine is a TC so it cant be an early car since they came later in the model year so it would technically be an 83 1/2 5/16/1983 and its 15 days older than I am ;)
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on August 29, 2013, 12:49:40 AM
Post by: rodsterh on August 29, 2013, 12:49:40 AM
Quote from: 83-88T-Bird Guy;420678
I will try to remember to take an up close pic of the door jamb the next time I see the Gray Bird. I do remember the sticker lifting from the paint.
Wow, maybe I have a real early car.
I know the vin sequence number is nothing special (not a low #)
Sounds like it could be an early car. I'll be curious to see the sticker.
Quote from: 88turbo;420701
mine is a TC so it cant be an early car since they came later in the model year so it would technically be an 83 1/2 5/16/1983 and its 15 days older than I am ;)
Technically it could be an 'early TC' since their production started in May. :hick: Where was your car build? Don't think I ever saw any pictures of it but would like to see some.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: 88turbo on August 29, 2013, 04:45:39 PM
Post by: 88turbo on August 29, 2013, 04:45:39 PM
Quote from: rodsterh;420780
Sounds like it could be an early car. I'll be curious to see the sticker.
Technically it could be an 'early TC' since their production started in May. :hick: Where was your car build? Don't think I ever saw any pictures of it but would like to see some.
here's my 83, vin 1FABP46W5DA145967 I believe the car was built in Atlanta but I could be wrong.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: jrad235 on August 31, 2013, 12:57:19 AM
Post by: jrad235 on August 31, 2013, 12:57:19 AM
Looks like mine says 05/83, but the sticker is pretty trashed, so it's very difficult to make out.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on August 31, 2013, 01:21:32 AM
Post by: rodsterh on August 31, 2013, 01:21:32 AM
Quote from: 88turbo;420811
here's my 83, vin 1FABP46W5DA145967 I believe the car was built in Atlanta but I could be wrong.
No, you are correct, Atlanta built. Not sure where you got your build date of 5/16/83 but I believe mine is the same!
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: MY83T on August 31, 2013, 01:24:43 AM
Post by: MY83T on August 31, 2013, 01:24:43 AM
My Heritage is a Lorain built car....
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on September 03, 2013, 09:16:38 AM
Post by: rodsterh on September 03, 2013, 09:16:38 AM
Mine too.
And based on the date stamp under the hood and all of my other documentation I think I can safely say it was built on Friday April 22, 1983. The only way to know for sure is to wait until Kevin Marti makes his Ford reports available for our cars.
Never found a date stamp on my 83 TC and the only documentation I have shows an in service date of May 16, so the actual build date was most likely about a week earlier, perhaps around May 9th.
I was thinking maybe only TC's were built in Atlanta but have seem some Lorain built ones too. Would have made sense to just have one plant handle the TC but guess Ford didn't think so!
And based on the date stamp under the hood and all of my other documentation I think I can safely say it was built on Friday April 22, 1983. The only way to know for sure is to wait until Kevin Marti makes his Ford reports available for our cars.
Never found a date stamp on my 83 TC and the only documentation I have shows an in service date of May 16, so the actual build date was most likely about a week earlier, perhaps around May 9th.
I was thinking maybe only TC's were built in Atlanta but have seem some Lorain built ones too. Would have made sense to just have one plant handle the TC but guess Ford didn't think so!
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: 88turbo on September 03, 2013, 10:27:33 PM
Post by: 88turbo on September 03, 2013, 10:27:33 PM
Quote from: rodsterh;420903
No, you are correct, Atlanta built. Not sure where you got your build date of 5/16/83 but I believe mine is the same!
carfax :)
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: 88turbo on September 03, 2013, 10:32:13 PM
Post by: 88turbo on September 03, 2013, 10:32:13 PM
the "odometer rollback" I believe is because of the 5 digit odometer and not being able to read past 99,999 miles.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on September 03, 2013, 11:32:55 PM
Post by: rodsterh on September 03, 2013, 11:32:55 PM
Cool! Got my 5/16/83 date from Carfax too. What are the odds???? :crazy: Wondering if that is the actual build date, not the in service date?
I thought I had a Carfax for my Heritage but can't find it. I'd be curious to see what date that would show since I know the in service date and the date stamp?
Anyone have access to a free carfax? :hick:
I thought I had a Carfax for my Heritage but can't find it. I'd be curious to see what date that would show since I know the in service date and the date stamp?
Anyone have access to a free carfax? :hick:
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: MY83T on September 04, 2013, 12:43:17 AM
Post by: MY83T on September 04, 2013, 12:43:17 AM
FORD 999 Report includes a confirmed build date, but they are not free anymore......
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg169/my70gt/FORD999REPORT.jpg)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg169/my70gt/FORD999REPORT.jpg)
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on September 04, 2013, 12:57:04 AM
Post by: rodsterh on September 04, 2013, 12:57:04 AM
Hmmm, not sure if I have the 999 report or not? I'll have to check. Sucks they aren't free any longer....
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: MY83T on September 04, 2013, 01:07:33 AM
Post by: MY83T on September 04, 2013, 01:07:33 AM
Quote from: rodsterh;421190
Hmmm, not sure if I have the 999 report or not? I'll have to check. Sucks they aren't free any longer....
The date stamp on my shock tower is the same as the 999 report.....
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg169/my70gt/davids%20thunderbird%20pics/DSC_1945.jpg)
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on September 04, 2013, 09:22:14 AM
Post by: rodsterh on September 04, 2013, 09:22:14 AM
Very cool! Thanks for confirming.
:cheers:
edit...
Just went back to add this info to the "Original cars, owners, documentation" topic and saw it was already there. duh
:dunno: Dunno why I didn't remember that?
:cheers:
edit...
Just went back to add this info to the "Original cars, owners, documentation" topic and saw it was already there. duh
:dunno: Dunno why I didn't remember that?
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: MY83T on September 04, 2013, 01:24:06 PM
Post by: MY83T on September 04, 2013, 01:24:06 PM
i wonder if the Heritage and Turbo Coupes were all later production.....would make sense, as they rushed the base cars into production first i'm sure.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: EricCoolCats on September 04, 2013, 02:36:49 PM
Post by: EricCoolCats on September 04, 2013, 02:36:49 PM
Quote from: MY83T;421217
i wonder if the Heritage and Turbo Coupes were all later production.....would make sense, as they rushed the base cars into production first i'm sure.
In theory, David, this is correct. The V6 base models should have been the first off the line. The V8 engine was supposed to be a running option...in other words, as soon as the engines were supplied, they could be dropped in. The Turbo Coupe, AFAIK, was also a running option.
I have a hypothesis...the original date of 12/26/82 was supposed to be the start date of production for 1983 Thunderbirds and Cougars. That got kicked back to 2/83 (the information that I have in the Ford dealer books is that production began around 2/26/83, give or take a few days). I am now wondering if the delay was not just for quality control, but also to add the V8 near the beginning of production. I know the same can be said for the 4-cylinder turbo production. I'm still trying to find more info in the literature and books that are in my possession, but I'm sticking by this hypothesis for the time being. Just a hunch, really, with some evidence to support it.
What we'd really need to find is the earliest 1983 V8 car. Then we could start piecing things together. Same for the earliest 1983 Turbo Coupe.
In any case, the 1983's were almost mid-year cars and had a shorter run than normal.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: MY83T on September 04, 2013, 08:50:35 PM
Post by: MY83T on September 04, 2013, 08:50:35 PM
Quote from: EricCoolCats;421218
In theory, David, this is correct. The V6 base models should have been the first off the line. The V8 engine was supposed to be a running option...in other words, as soon as the engines were supplied, they could be dropped in. The Turbo Coupe, AFAIK, was also a running option.
I have a hypothesis...the original date of 12/26/82 was supposed to be the start date of production for 1983 Thunderbirds and Cougars. That got kicked back to 2/83 (the information that I have in the Ford dealer books is that production began around 2/26/83, give or take a few days). I am now wondering if the delay was not just for quality control, but also to add the V8 near the beginning of production. I know the same can be said for the 4-cylinder turbo production. I'm still trying to find more info in the literature and books that are in my possession, but I'm sticking by this hypothesis for the time being. Just a hunch, really, with some evidence to support it.
What we'd really need to find is the earliest 1983 V8 car. Then we could start piecing things together. Same for the earliest 1983 Turbo Coupe.
In any case, the 1983's were almost mid-year cars and had a shorter run than normal.
Rods Heritage and mine are only 2 weeks apart for build dates, so that makes some sense......i wish Kevin Marti would get his act together so we could get the stats already. He made a few Turbo Coupe Reports available as a test marketing thing, and silence since then, every year i call and am told next year.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on September 05, 2013, 12:32:24 AM
Post by: rodsterh on September 05, 2013, 12:32:24 AM
Quote from: EricCoolCats;421218
In theory, David, this is correct. The V6 base models should have been the first off the line. The V8 engine was supposed to be a running option...in other words, as soon as the engines were supplied, they could be dropped in. The Turbo Coupe, AFAIK, was also a running option.
I have a hypothesis...the original date of 12/26/82 was supposed to be the start date of production for 1983 Thunderbirds and Cougars. That got kicked back to 2/83 (the information that I have in the Ford dealer books is that production began around 2/26/83, give or take a few days). I am now wondering if the delay was not just for quality control, but also to add the V8 near the beginning of production. I know the same can be said for the 4-cylinder turbo production. I'm still trying to find more info in the literature and books that are in my possession, but I'm sticking by this hypothesis for the time being. Just a hunch, really, with some evidence to support it.
What we'd really need to find is the earliest 1983 V8 car. Then we could start piecing things together. Same for the earliest 1983 Turbo Coupe.
In any case, the 1983's were almost mid-year cars and had a shorter run than normal.
From my earlier post...that theory is what the Feb MT article says too
Motor Trend from Feb 1983 states the first 83's only came with the V6 and were to be available Feb 1983. The 5.0L V8 would be available March and the 2.3 Turbo would follow in May.
There is a Ford commercial for the 1983 Thunderbird saying Coming February 17th which is in line with the MT article.
Quote from: EricCoolCats;421218
What we'd really need to find is the earliest 1983 V8 car. Then we could start piecing things together. Same for the earliest 1983 Turbo Coupe.
Hey, that's what I said in my first post! LOL :giggle:
I was doing some searching and found a very original, 6,650 mile V8 Heritage with a very clear 3 18 date stamp on the radiator support. I think that's the earliest V8 I saw so far assuming the date stamp is original which I believe it is.
Funny thing is some of the sheet metal stampings on the March 18 car are 3 3 where are my April 22 car wears some sheet metal stamped 2 21. Both Lorain cars. Make you wonder what was going on in the early days of the new Aerobird!
Keep us posted on your findings Eric.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on September 05, 2013, 12:35:24 AM
Post by: rodsterh on September 05, 2013, 12:35:24 AM
Quote from: MY83T;421231
Rods Heritage and mine are only 2 weeks apart for build dates, so that makes some sense......i wish Kevin Marti would get his act together so we could get the stats already. He made a few Turbo Coupe Reports available as a test marketing thing, and silence since then, every year i call and am told next year.
Maybe more of us need to start calling/emailing Kevin! :hick:
His info would help clear things up a bit. I'm wondering if he thinks there isn't much of a demand for the TBird/Cougar reports compared to the Mustangs or if he has a lot of work to compile the raw data?
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: MY83T on September 05, 2013, 12:56:03 AM
Post by: MY83T on September 05, 2013, 12:56:03 AM
Quote from: rodsterh;421257
Maybe more of us need to start calling/emailing Kevin! :hick:
His info would help clear things up a bit. I'm wondering if he thinks there isn't much of a demand for the TBird/Cougar reports compared to the Mustangs or if he has a lot of work to compile the raw data?
Both....
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on September 05, 2013, 01:07:49 AM
Post by: rodsterh on September 05, 2013, 01:07:49 AM
Quote from: 88turbo;420701
mine is a TC so it cant be an early car since they came later in the model year so it would technically be an 83 1/2 5/16/1983 and its 15 days older than I am ;)
Your VIN - ...A145967
My VIN - ...A144687
Both show a vehicle manufacture date on Carfax of 5/16.
Looks like my VIN was assigned earlier than yours. Not sure if we can use the consecutive number as a guide to production dates. Maybe a general trend can be found but probably nothing specific.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: MY83T on September 05, 2013, 01:10:59 AM
Post by: MY83T on September 05, 2013, 01:10:59 AM
Quote from: rodsterh;421262
Your VIN - ...A145967
My VIN - ...A144687
Both show a vehicle manufacture date on Carfax of 5/16.
Looks like my VIN was assigned earlier than yours. Not sure if we can use the consecutive number as a guide to production dates. Maybe a general trend can be found but probably nothing specific.
Rod, if im not mistaken, the consecutive unit # is based on all Fords produced, not just Thunderbirds?
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on September 05, 2013, 01:22:07 AM
Post by: rodsterh on September 05, 2013, 01:22:07 AM
I thought it was specific to the model but could be wrong. Eric posted this in another topic:
The Atlanta VINs are not the same as the Lorain VINs. In other words, you could have H101234 and A101234, just as an example, at the end of two cars' VIN numbers. It gets weird but that's how Ford assigned VINs. Just FYI.
The Atlanta VINs are not the same as the Lorain VINs. In other words, you could have H101234 and A101234, just as an example, at the end of two cars' VIN numbers. It gets weird but that's how Ford assigned VINs. Just FYI.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: MY83T on September 05, 2013, 03:32:32 AM
Post by: MY83T on September 05, 2013, 03:32:32 AM
Hi, i thought these promo videos were appropriate to post here, some cool vinatage vids i never saw before.....enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UB0GyxwzkY&feature=player_embedded#t=45
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccwLRy0Tpl0&feature=player_embedded#t=184
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fc3RO9g-gHg&feature=player_embedded#t=31
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: Dansbirds on September 05, 2013, 06:55:56 AM
Post by: Dansbirds on September 05, 2013, 06:55:56 AM
Not sure if it helps but my V6 83 Heritage has seriel # end of H101147 and a manufactured and shipped to dealer date of 1/21/83. When I was a kid we ordered a 83 new and it arrived in Feb 83, I no longer have it so dont know the vin but it was a V6
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: Dansbirds on September 05, 2013, 09:15:00 AM
Post by: Dansbirds on September 05, 2013, 09:15:00 AM
Also not sure if it held true but for my 65's the serial # all started with 1XXXXX, which were consecutive with all Fords built. If that held true my 83 would be the 1147th 83 Ford
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: shorangerbird on September 05, 2013, 10:28:37 AM
Post by: shorangerbird on September 05, 2013, 10:28:37 AM
Quote from: rodsterh;421268
I thought it was specific to the model but could be wrong.
-it is model specific, Dan.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: Dansbirds on September 05, 2013, 11:46:18 AM
Post by: Dansbirds on September 05, 2013, 11:46:18 AM
Quote from: shorangerbird;421291
-it is model specific, Dan.
As far as I understood it it was specific to assy plant not model and they started at 100001 and went on with your # being assigned based on trim/options and availability of parts as ordered so in theory I guess a earlier # could have a later production/final assy date based on options/parts to complete build
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on September 05, 2013, 01:40:41 PM
Post by: rodsterh on September 05, 2013, 01:40:41 PM
It's model specific even within the same plant. Wasn't 100% sure but did some research and found this good info right under our nose. :hick: Makes sense seeing how there is a unique model designator in the VIN.
From http://www.coolcats.net/library/vincode.html
Also from other sources I checked, the consecutive number is when the car was scheduled to be built, not when it was built. Some orders were canceled and never built, some scheduled cars had to wait for parts, etc. etc. So if your consecutive number is 1001000, it is not the 1000th car built. In fact it could be built much later than 101500.
From http://www.coolcats.net/library/vincode.html
Also from other sources I checked, the consecutive number is when the car was scheduled to be built, not when it was built. Some orders were canceled and never built, some scheduled cars had to wait for parts, etc. etc. So if your consecutive number is 1001000, it is not the 1000th car built. In fact it could be built much later than 101500.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on September 05, 2013, 01:48:34 PM
Post by: rodsterh on September 05, 2013, 01:48:34 PM
Quote from: MY83T;
Hi, i thought these promo videos were appropriate to post here, some cool vinatage vids i never saw before.....enjoy!
Wow, very cool! Even though I'm always searching for stuff like this, I never saw these before either!
Thanks for sharing!
:cheers:
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: Dansbirds on September 05, 2013, 04:17:17 PM
Post by: Dansbirds on September 05, 2013, 04:17:17 PM
Here is a link to a site that some of my T Birds are on you can search thru the assy plant and year to see in sequence the ones they know of, I know it doesnt help with a actual date of production but does at least try to keep tabs on cars from early vin#'s thru late. Mine as of now is the earliest vin out of the Lorain plant but there would be earlier I bet http://www.tbirdregistry.com/1981-1985-vin-order.aspx
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: MY83T on September 05, 2013, 10:22:58 PM
Post by: MY83T on September 05, 2013, 10:22:58 PM
Quote from: Dansbirds;421311
Here is a link to a site that some of my T Birds are on you can search thru the assy plant and year to see in sequence the ones they know of, I know it doesnt help with a actual date of production but does at least try to keep tabs on cars from early vin#'s thru late. Mine as of now is the earliest vin out of the Lorain plant but there would be earlier I bet http://www.tbirdregistry.com/1981-1985-vin-order.aspx
Dan, if yours is a Lorain car, your build date should be stamped on your shock tower in yellow. I verified my build date with the 999 Ford report and it is exact for the date with the shock tower stamp. Mine is stamped in yellow......
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on September 05, 2013, 10:36:30 PM
Post by: rodsterh on September 05, 2013, 10:36:30 PM
I've seen the stamps on the radiator support too, sometimes it's just a partial stamping and may be hard to see. I wouldn't be surprised if some cars never got stamped. Yellow is the only color I ever saw.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: Dansbirds on September 06, 2013, 06:57:42 AM
Post by: Dansbirds on September 06, 2013, 06:57:42 AM
I'll check and see if its on there.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: Dansbirds on September 06, 2013, 11:05:23 AM
Post by: Dansbirds on September 06, 2013, 11:05:23 AM
Quote from: rodsterh;421332
I've seen the stamps on the radiator support too, sometimes it's just a partial stamping and may be hard to see. I wouldn't be surprised if some cars never got stamped. Yellow is the only color I ever saw.
No stamp on shock tower but on radiator support is 1 18 which fits with the ship to dealer date of 1/21/83
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on September 10, 2013, 08:27:54 PM
Post by: rodsterh on September 10, 2013, 08:27:54 PM
Wow, that's an early one. Could you post a picture of the stamp? I'd say you would have the earliest V6 so far! :hick:
Now how about V8 and TC cars. :burnout:
Now how about V8 and TC cars. :burnout:
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: Dansbirds on September 11, 2013, 06:19:33 PM
Post by: Dansbirds on September 11, 2013, 06:19:33 PM
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: screaming306 on September 13, 2013, 10:45:53 PM
Post by: screaming306 on September 13, 2013, 10:45:53 PM
not on topic but does anybody have any ideas of where I can find the window felts, and chanel guides ?
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: cylon on September 15, 2013, 05:42:12 PM
Post by: cylon on September 15, 2013, 05:42:12 PM
Just wanted to join the forum since I'm in the process restoring a 1983 Heritage which I bought new. It's on its second engine and transmission and while it runs very well it was in need a lot of attention. I've just about completed the interior with fiberglass floorboards and all the interior switches etc. New radiator, air conditioning, and heater. All the plastic interior parts have been reinforced with fiberglass as well. Suspension has been replaced including steering, torsion bar supports, struts and shocks. It basically runs like a new car.
I can't seem to find a replacement wiper control box so I have to manually turn off the wipers but at least they work. I'm in the process now of exterior work and eventually will have it painted. A long time ago I removed anything that didn't have a direct input to engine functioning. The biggest problem I ever had with it aside from the dam cam timing gear with plastic gears was the crankshaft position sensor. Seems like it was a shoot some would last for only a short time and others longer. I actually drilled a hole through the alternator bracket so I could remove them without having to take off the alternator. Seems like the current sensor is holding up pretty well.
I've tried to determine the build date but I can't seem to find it on the interior door as that has been reworked for the door latch. I don't know if the VIN can provide the build date?
But in any case the VIN is 1FABP 406F1DA1228333 24 if this could indicate a build date?
I can't seem to find a replacement wiper control box so I have to manually turn off the wipers but at least they work. I'm in the process now of exterior work and eventually will have it painted. A long time ago I removed anything that didn't have a direct input to engine functioning. The biggest problem I ever had with it aside from the dam cam timing gear with plastic gears was the crankshaft position sensor. Seems like it was a shoot some would last for only a short time and others longer. I actually drilled a hole through the alternator bracket so I could remove them without having to take off the alternator. Seems like the current sensor is holding up pretty well.
I've tried to determine the build date but I can't seem to find it on the interior door as that has been reworked for the door latch. I don't know if the VIN can provide the build date?
But in any case the VIN is 1FABP 406F1DA1228333 24 if this could indicate a build date?
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on September 15, 2013, 11:29:21 PM
Post by: rodsterh on September 15, 2013, 11:29:21 PM
Quote from: Dansbirds;421609
Not the best pic but here it is
You need a better camera! :hick:
Cool pic, thanks for posting.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on September 15, 2013, 11:37:39 PM
Post by: rodsterh on September 15, 2013, 11:37:39 PM
Quote from: cylon;421752
Just wanted to join the forum
Welcome!
Quote from: cylon;421752
I'm in the process restoring a 1983 Heritage which I bought new.
Cool! :burnout: Bought mine new also. Good luck with it and keep us posted on your progress.
Quote from: cylon;421752
I don't know if the VIN can provide the build date?
No it can't. If more build date/VIN combos were known, the VIN may give an indication of what timeframe the car may have been built but without the yellow date stamp or Marti report, the VIN won't tell you.
Looks like you have some extra digits in your VIN.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: MY83T on September 15, 2013, 11:38:56 PM
Post by: MY83T on September 15, 2013, 11:38:56 PM
Quote from: cylon;421752
Just wanted to join the forum since I'm in the process restoring a 1983 Heritage which I bought new. It's on its second engine and transmission and while it runs very well it was in need a lot of attention. I've just about completed the interior with fiberglass floorboards and all the interior switches etc. New radiator, air conditioning, and heater. All the plastic interior parts have been reinforced with fiberglass as well. Suspension has been replaced including steering, torsion bar supports, struts and shocks. It basically runs like a new car.
I can't seem to find a replacement wiper control box so I have to manually turn off the wipers but at least they work. I'm in the process now of exterior work and eventually will have it painted. A long time ago I removed anything that didn't have a direct input to engine functioning. The biggest problem I ever had with it aside from the dam cam timing gear with plastic gears was the crankshaft position sensor. Seems like it was a shoot some would last for only a short time and others longer. I actually drilled a hole through the alternator bracket so I could remove them without having to take off the alternator. Seems like the current sensor is holding up pretty well.
I've tried to determine the build date but I can't seem to find it on the interior door as that has been reworked for the door latch. I don't know if the VIN can provide the build date?
But in any case the VIN is 1FABP 406F1DA1228333 24 if this could indicate a build date?
Nice to see another 83 Heritage here....good luck with the restore.....i have mine coming up soon, got flooded from Hurricane Sandy....Chracoal Grey interior? Replacement console from a Blue interior? Keep at it. BTW your VIN is shows your car to be built in Atlanta...no date code in the VIN. Possibly a build stamp on your shock tower.....
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: MY83T on September 15, 2013, 11:42:49 PM
Post by: MY83T on September 15, 2013, 11:42:49 PM
Quote from: rodsterh;421767
Welcome!
Cool! :burnout: Bought mine new also. Good luck with it and keep us posted on your progress.
No it can't. If more build date/VIN combos were known, the VIN may give an indication of what timeframe the car may have been built but without the yellow date stamp or Marti report, the VIN won't tell you.
Rod, the Ford 999 report does give the build date which i verified as correct from my shock tower, so he can pay for a basic report and get the info he needs it.....
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: MY83T on September 15, 2013, 11:59:41 PM
Post by: MY83T on September 15, 2013, 11:59:41 PM
Quote from: cylon;421752
Just wanted to join the forum since I'm in the process restoring a 1983 Heritage which I bought new. It's on its second engine and transmission and while it runs very well it was in need a lot of attention. I've just about completed the interior with fiberglass floorboards and all the interior switches etc. New radiator, air conditioning, and heater. All the plastic interior parts have been reinforced with fiberglass as well. Suspension has been replaced including steering, torsion bar supports, struts and shocks. It basically runs like a new car.
I can't seem to find a replacement wiper control box so I have to manually turn off the wipers but at least they work. I'm in the process now of exterior work and eventually will have it painted. A long time ago I removed anything that didn't have a direct input to engine functioning. The biggest problem I ever had with it aside from the dam cam timing gear with plastic gears was the crankshaft position sensor. Seems like it was a shoot some would last for only a short time and others longer. I actually drilled a hole through the alternator bracket so I could remove them without having to take off the alternator. Seems like the current sensor is holding up pretty well.
I've tried to determine the build date but I can't seem to find it on the interior door as that has been reworked for the door latch. I don't know if the VIN can provide the build date?
But in any case the VIN is 1FABP 406F1DA1228333 24 if this could indicate a build date?
Here are a few interior shots of my car before the flood.....
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg169/my70gt/50608bb7.jpg)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg169/my70gt/7cbceafb.jpg)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg169/my70gt/327b8ae0.jpg)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg169/my70gt/f2ad9997.jpg)
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on September 16, 2013, 12:12:14 AM
Post by: rodsterh on September 16, 2013, 12:12:14 AM
Quote from: MY83T;421769
Rod, the Ford 999 report does give the build date which i verified as correct from my shock tower, so he can pay for a basic report and get the info he needs it.....
Correct.... I keep forgetting that! :hick:
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: cylon on October 31, 2013, 06:49:39 PM
Post by: cylon on October 31, 2013, 06:49:39 PM
Just a quick update. The car has been primed and has all new tires as well as a long list of suspension and electrical parts and switches. I even made the sidelights (C Column ?) using blue LEDs. At this point I need to take a break from working on it since it will have to be sanded again for the finish coat and I would just as soon drive it around for a while and give the primer a chance to cure. Still a few things to do, I need to put in a headliner, any suggestions would be helpful and also some routine maintenance such as new plugs, wires, distributor Etc. But what a pleasure to Drive as I’m sure you all know. Some nice looking cars here on this forum.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on January 13, 2014, 09:23:56 AM
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on January 13, 2014, 09:23:56 AM
I got a pic from my Gray '83 factory 5.0 T-Bird.
Fender looks like March 24th and the shell looks like it is stamped March 22nd.
My sticker is un-readable on the door jamb, but I thought years ago when I could read it, it said Feb. 83.
However, if I squint real hard, that appears be an 03/83 in the upper left. ( bottom pic )
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s3/83-88T-BirdGuy/Nov302013picsGrayBird001_zpsa9d55217.jpg) (http://"http://s148.photobucket.com/user/83-88T-BirdGuy/media/Nov302013picsGrayBird001_zpsa9d55217.jpg.html")
(http://i41.tinypic.com/2lbnkbd.jpg)
Fender looks like March 24th and the shell looks like it is stamped March 22nd.
My sticker is un-readable on the door jamb, but I thought years ago when I could read it, it said Feb. 83.
However, if I squint real hard, that appears be an 03/83 in the upper left. ( bottom pic )
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s3/83-88T-BirdGuy/Nov302013picsGrayBird001_zpsa9d55217.jpg) (http://"http://s148.photobucket.com/user/83-88T-BirdGuy/media/Nov302013picsGrayBird001_zpsa9d55217.jpg.html")
(http://i41.tinypic.com/2lbnkbd.jpg)
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on January 15, 2014, 11:13:35 PM
Post by: rodsterh on January 15, 2014, 11:13:35 PM
Sheet metal date stamps can be much earlier than the car build date so not a good indicator of how early the car was built.
Build date better be a little later than the oldest sheetmatal stamping tho' :hick:
With some image processing, sure looks to be 03/83.
Build date better be a little later than the oldest sheetmatal stamping tho' :hick:
With some image processing, sure looks to be 03/83.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: MY83T on October 06, 2015, 10:43:18 AM
Post by: MY83T on October 06, 2015, 10:43:18 AM
My new 83 is an Atlanta built car. 4/22 date stamp in yellow on the firewall, and a v8. Pretty early car for a V8. No buck tag which is consistent with all of the other Atlanta built cars i have seen from 83. This car is an oddly optioned Bird, and i am ordering a Marti report which should hopefully reveal some interesting stuff. I am working on a deal which would trade my low mileage LSC for another 83 Heritage with only 24K original miles, in showroom condition and almost fully loaded. A factory black paint car too, which in 30+ years i can't recall seeing another black heritage or élan. If i end up with the Black 83 also, i will photograph the heck out of that car, top to bottom.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on October 06, 2015, 11:12:42 AM
Post by: rodsterh on October 06, 2015, 11:12:42 AM
Same date as my Lorain built car...they were going down the line the same day many miles apart! Good luck on the 24K mile car, keep us posted and share any Marti reports you get.
Rod
Rod
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 06, 2015, 03:54:52 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 06, 2015, 03:54:52 PM
Quote from: MY83T;451603
My new 83 is an Atlanta built car. 4/22 date stamp in yellow on the firewall, and a v8. Pretty early car for a V8. No buck tag which is consistent with all of the other Atlanta built cars i have seen from 83. This car is an oddly optioned Bird, and i am ordering a Marti report which should hopefully reveal some interesting stuff. I am working on a deal which would trade my low mileage LSC for another 83 Heritage with only 24K original miles, in showroom condition and almost fully loaded. A factory black paint car too, which in 30+ years i can't recall seeing another black heritage or élan. If i end up with the Black 83 also, i will photograph the heck out of that car, top to bottom.
You need a bigger garage :hick:
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on October 06, 2015, 04:18:29 PM
Post by: rodsterh on October 06, 2015, 04:18:29 PM
Somehow I don't think he's alone! :)
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: MY83T on October 06, 2015, 09:17:00 PM
Post by: MY83T on October 06, 2015, 09:17:00 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;451611
You need a bigger garage :hick:
or Matchbox cars
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 06, 2015, 11:06:19 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 06, 2015, 11:06:19 PM
Or a way to shrink full size cars to matchbox size and then make them full size again when you want to drive them ;).
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: MY83T on October 06, 2015, 11:26:00 PM
Post by: MY83T on October 06, 2015, 11:26:00 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;451628
Or a way to shrink full size cars to matchbox size and then make them full size again when you want to drive them ;).
you are a genius, i know just who to call.......
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W_ph68w6SM
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 07, 2015, 12:24:39 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 07, 2015, 12:24:39 PM
I was thinking of this guy actually https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U68aYI5LhvM
Edit: I just realized that movie came out when I was 4 years old........
Edit: I just realized that movie came out when I was 4 years old........
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: MY83T on October 07, 2015, 12:27:26 PM
Post by: MY83T on October 07, 2015, 12:27:26 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;451640
I was thinking of this guy actually https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U68aYI5LhvM
Edit: I just realized that movie came out when I was 4 years old........
Im so old, i fart dust.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 07, 2015, 12:36:57 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 07, 2015, 12:36:57 PM
I'm not that old yet. I think ;).
Back on topic a bit. On your current 83 how late was it built? I'm curious if the wiring color coding matches an 83 car or an 84 car. My 88 Thunderbird is a very early build car (4628 off the line) and it has some odd overlaps with an 87 car. For instance the wires are color coded to an 87 car but it has the vss sensor wired into the engine harness, something no 87 car had. Also being an early build car it has metal rear window trim instead of the rubber trim.
Back on topic a bit. On your current 83 how late was it built? I'm curious if the wiring color coding matches an 83 car or an 84 car. My 88 Thunderbird is a very early build car (4628 off the line) and it has some odd overlaps with an 87 car. For instance the wires are color coded to an 87 car but it has the vss sensor wired into the engine harness, something no 87 car had. Also being an early build car it has metal rear window trim instead of the rubber trim.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on October 07, 2015, 06:53:20 PM
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on October 07, 2015, 06:53:20 PM
There are almost always some overlap near end or beginning of year...
The '86 Grand Marquis my uncle ordered for my mom(he owned a dealership) near end of '86 production had a set of 1987 plug wires and the wedge base 3157 tail lamp bulbs, those were supposedly not used till '87...
Lowest Lorain VIN for '83 is 101147 which is likely one of the first '83 off their line(As long as we're counting in the first 1500 or so)... For Atlanta first is 118617, followed by 119737, 120667 etc which likely indicates Atlanta was building other models prior to and along with T-Birds, so VINs prior to say 115000/117000 are all for what other model they built... I know in the late '60s & early '70s ATL built Full Size & Torino, those VINs were assigned in sequence irregardless of model or build day...
VINs are always assigned on paper/computer as they are received from dealer, on the line 123456 could be built days or even weeks apart from 123457... Note early builds are likely built fairly close together, but if there is a shortage from supplier for say blue leather upholstery(yeah bad example), those builds could be held up a few days/weeks till the product arrives at assembly plant...
The '86 Grand Marquis my uncle ordered for my mom(he owned a dealership) near end of '86 production had a set of 1987 plug wires and the wedge base 3157 tail lamp bulbs, those were supposedly not used till '87...
Lowest Lorain VIN for '83 is 101147 which is likely one of the first '83 off their line(As long as we're counting in the first 1500 or so)... For Atlanta first is 118617, followed by 119737, 120667 etc which likely indicates Atlanta was building other models prior to and along with T-Birds, so VINs prior to say 115000/117000 are all for what other model they built... I know in the late '60s & early '70s ATL built Full Size & Torino, those VINs were assigned in sequence irregardless of model or build day...
VINs are always assigned on paper/computer as they are received from dealer, on the line 123456 could be built days or even weeks apart from 123457... Note early builds are likely built fairly close together, but if there is a shortage from supplier for say blue leather upholstery(yeah bad example), those builds could be held up a few days/weeks till the product arrives at assembly plant...
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 07, 2015, 07:34:51 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on October 07, 2015, 07:34:51 PM
So parts overlap from one year to the next isn't that uncommon for late/early build cars. Makes sense as they are probably using up leftover parts.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: Thunder Chicken on October 07, 2015, 07:46:50 PM
Post by: Thunder Chicken on October 07, 2015, 07:46:50 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;451628
Or a way to shrink full size cars to matchbox size and then make them full size again when you want to drive them ;).
You would need a De-Bigulator to shrink them. Unfortunately making them full-size again would require some sort of Re-Bigulator, a concept so ridiculous it makes me want to laugh out loud...
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on October 08, 2015, 01:31:38 PM
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on October 08, 2015, 01:31:38 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;451651
So parts overlap from one year to the next isn't that uncommon for late/early build cars. Makes sense as they are probably using up leftover parts.
Sorta, there are parts from some years that just can't be used as there was a major change in model year(IE '86 to '87 Bird/Coug)... The '86 to '87 Grand Marquis was virtually the same car...
I've never seen a '88 Turbo Coupe with anything other than the Hitachi alt, by same token all '87 apparently had a Ford 2G...
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: FoxChassis on October 08, 2015, 05:46:52 PM
Post by: FoxChassis on October 08, 2015, 05:46:52 PM
The lowest 1983 T'bird VINs that I am showing in my VIN lists are....
Atlanta
V6: 115600
V8: 115650
TC: 139002
Lorain
V6: 100001
V8: 100005
TC: 109822
The lowest 1983 T'birds that I have entered into the database are....
Atlanta
V6: 118617
V8: 145008
TC: 143965
Lorain
V6: 115295
V8: 108275
TC: 122371
Atlanta
V6: 115600
V8: 115650
TC: 139002
Lorain
V6: 100001
V8: 100005
TC: 109822
The lowest 1983 T'birds that I have entered into the database are....
Atlanta
V6: 118617
V8: 145008
TC: 143965
Lorain
V6: 115295
V8: 108275
TC: 122371
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: FoxChassis on October 08, 2015, 05:57:09 PM
Post by: FoxChassis on October 08, 2015, 05:57:09 PM
Reason the Atlanta VINs start so high in 1983 is because that plant produced more than one Ford model that year. The (Fox) LTD was also produced there. The first 15,599 VINs assigned at Atlanta Assembly in 1983 were LTDs.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: White85GS on October 08, 2015, 06:01:27 PM
Post by: White85GS on October 08, 2015, 06:01:27 PM
Remember this YT video I posted last December?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5Ju4E4ej9g#t=38
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5Ju4E4ej9g#t=38
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on October 09, 2015, 09:42:27 AM
Post by: rodsterh on October 09, 2015, 09:42:27 AM
Quote from: FoxChassis;451673
The lowest 1983 T'bird VINs that I am showing in my VIN lists are....
Atlanta
V6: 115600
V8: 115650
TC: 139002
Lorain
V6: 100001
V8: 100005
TC: 109822
The lowest 1983 T'birds that I have entered into the database are....
Atlanta
V6: 118617
V8: 145008
TC: 143965
Lorain
V6: 115295
V8: 108275
TC: 122371
Quote from: FoxChassis;451674
Reason the Atlanta VINs start so high in 1983 is because that plant produced more than one Ford model that year. The (Fox) LTD was also produced there. The first 15,599 VINs assigned at Atlanta Assembly in 1983 were LTDs.
Great info! Thanks!!! :cool:
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on October 09, 2015, 02:24:33 PM
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on October 09, 2015, 02:24:33 PM
Quote from: FoxChassis;451674
Reason the Atlanta VINs start so high in 1983 is because that plant produced more than one Ford model that year. The (Fox) LTD was also produced there. The first 15,599 VINs assigned at Atlanta Assembly in 1983 were LTDs.
Yeah I figured Atlanta was producing some other model just wasn't sure what...
Assuming a later introduction, the 100005 first V8 VIN surely falls outside normal production, was likely a pilot/preproduction model... Generally preproduction applies to the first few builds with VIN less than 100050... Guessing the lowest Atl VINS are preproduction as well, those don't really stand out...
Before Norfolk Assembly closed I knew a couple supervisors... They'd generally build a few next year preproduction models a few weeks prior to ceasing current production(looking for assembly issues that may need modifying), those always had extremely low VINs
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: FoxChassis on October 09, 2015, 11:09:28 PM
Post by: FoxChassis on October 09, 2015, 11:09:28 PM
Very few early V8 VINs at Lorain in 1983..
1FABP46F9DH100005
1FABP46F2DH100007
1FABP46F4DH100008
1FABP46F5DH100017
1FABP46F5DH100051
1FABP46F0DH100054
1FABP46F4DH100056
1FABP46F0DH102886
1FABP46F3DH104969
1FABP46F0DH105058
1FABP46F4DH105175
1FABP46F2DH105188
1FABP46F4DH105189
.
.
1FABP46F9DH100005
1FABP46F2DH100007
1FABP46F4DH100008
1FABP46F5DH100017
1FABP46F5DH100051
1FABP46F0DH100054
1FABP46F4DH100056
1FABP46F0DH102886
1FABP46F3DH104969
1FABP46F0DH105058
1FABP46F4DH105175
1FABP46F2DH105188
1FABP46F4DH105189
.
.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on October 10, 2015, 01:39:51 PM
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on October 10, 2015, 01:39:51 PM
Quote from: FoxChassis;451702
Very few early V8 VINs at Lorain in 1983..
1FABP46F9DH100005
1FABP46F2DH100007
1FABP46F4DH100008
1FABP46F5DH100017
1FABP46F5DH100051
1FABP46F0DH100054
1FABP46F4DH100056
1FABP46F0DH102886
1FABP46F3DH104969
1FABP46F0DH105058
1FABP46F4DH105175
1FABP46F2DH105188
1FABP46F4DH105189
.
.
The ones through 0056 are likely pilot cars... VINs were possibly reserved could have been built weeks apart...
Do you have any other info on these cars??? For pilot cars generally DSO is 89 for Home Office Reserve, often these are test mules and not sold(though some are)... I had a '76 Stang II that was 100026..
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: FoxChassis on October 11, 2015, 10:42:52 AM
Post by: FoxChassis on October 11, 2015, 10:42:52 AM
I only have VINs. I do not have dates, or DSOs, etc.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on July 25, 2016, 10:07:31 AM
Post by: rodsterh on July 25, 2016, 10:07:31 AM
Quote from: FoxChassis;451702
Very few early V8 VINs at Lorain in 1983..
1FABP46F9DH100005
1FABP46F2DH100007
1FABP46F4DH100008
1FABP46F5DH100017
1FABP46F5DH100051
1FABP46F0DH100054
1FABP46F4DH100056
1FABP46F0DH102886
1FABP46F3DH104969
1FABP46F0DH105058
1FABP46F4DH105175
1FABP46F2DH105188
1FABP46F4DH105189
.
.
Add 0058 to your list!
Would be interesting to see a Marti report for this car.....
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: Aerocoupe on July 25, 2016, 12:09:16 PM
Post by: Aerocoupe on July 25, 2016, 12:09:16 PM
Atlanta 5.0 car 165816. Sold in Lawton, OK new with 6 miles on the clock to my father and has never left the family though it is far from how it left the assembly line.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: deathbypsi on July 25, 2016, 01:06:35 PM
Post by: deathbypsi on July 25, 2016, 01:06:35 PM
My 84 TC shows 5/83 vin#148035
I was told my car was formerly owned by NASCAR driver Kenny Schrader and some paperwork in the glove box seems to indicate that as true.
I was told my car was formerly owned by NASCAR driver Kenny Schrader and some paperwork in the glove box seems to indicate that as true.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on July 25, 2016, 07:06:52 PM
Post by: rodsterh on July 25, 2016, 07:06:52 PM
Quote from: deathbypsi;456278
My 84 TC shows 5/83 vin#148035
I was told my car was formerly owned by NASCAR driver Kenny Schrader and some paperwork in the glove box seems to indicate that as true.
I remember a car for sale many years back that was claimed to be owned by KS and had some paperwork with it.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: deathbypsi on August 31, 2016, 03:32:34 AM
Post by: deathbypsi on August 31, 2016, 03:32:34 AM
Something curious I found on my car.
When I was under it I noticed that looking up into the trans tunnel it looks like there is a huge hole cut out of the floor pan with a torch and there is another tunnel shot down over top of that with the small hole for the manual shifter. I can see very jagged melted edge and a bunch of sheet metal screws. Was thinking this floor pan might have been for an auto trans car to start with and just "modified" for a TC. Anyone else seen this? I will get some pics next time its in the air.
When I was under it I noticed that looking up into the trans tunnel it looks like there is a huge hole cut out of the floor pan with a torch and there is another tunnel shot down over top of that with the small hole for the manual shifter. I can see very jagged melted edge and a bunch of sheet metal screws. Was thinking this floor pan might have been for an auto trans car to start with and just "modified" for a TC. Anyone else seen this? I will get some pics next time its in the air.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: Aerocoupe on August 31, 2016, 08:42:15 AM
Post by: Aerocoupe on August 31, 2016, 08:42:15 AM
Every Fox Mustang factory 5 speed car I have seen the shifter boot mount is a separate piece of formed steel that was spot welded over the tunnel. The trans tunnel all look like they were cut with a jig saw or sawsall for the shifter opening and then the shifter boot mount was spot welded and seam sealed over that. It would not surprise me if the 83 Birds were installed in the manner you are describing as it was the first year of the car and first year they offered the TC but I believe the TC was offered late in production? Either way would really like to see some pictures.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on August 31, 2016, 02:24:41 PM
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on August 31, 2016, 02:24:41 PM
Assuming same year, AFAIK a floor pan is a floor pan...
Generally openings are cut with a torch for floor shifter cars and either mount for auto shifter or 5 speed boot is installed...
Generally openings are cut with a torch for floor shifter cars and either mount for auto shifter or 5 speed boot is installed...
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: deathbypsi on August 31, 2016, 02:43:02 PM
Post by: deathbypsi on August 31, 2016, 02:43:02 PM
Generally? No. I have worked for Ford for 20 years at 5 different plants including a stamping plant and there is no way cutting out a hole with a torch 600-1200 times a day would be a normal production process,not even 50 times a day. They can just stamp the hole they want. For 6 years I built Lincoln Town car, Continental,LS and Tbird floor pans at Wixom Assembly and never once seen a torch in the hands of someone doing production work.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on August 31, 2016, 11:18:38 PM
Post by: rodsterh on August 31, 2016, 11:18:38 PM
Quote from: deathbypsi;456968
Something curious I found on my car.
When I was under it I noticed that looking up into the trans tunnel it looks like there is a huge hole cut out of the floor pan with a torch and there is another tunnel shot down over top of that with the small hole for the manual shifter. I can see very jagged melted edge and a bunch of sheet metal screws. Was thinking this floor pan might have been for an auto trans car to start with and just "modified" for a TC. Anyone else seen this? I will get some pics next time its in the air.
Yes. I've seen this on at least 2 83 TC's.
Quote from: Aerocoupe;456971
Every Fox Mustang factory 5 speed car I have seen the shifter boot mount is a separate piece of formed steel that was spot welded over the tunnel. The trans tunnel all look like they were cut with a jig saw or sawsall for the shifter opening and then the shifter boot mount was spot welded and seam sealed over that. It would not surprise me if the 83 Birds were installed in the manner you are describing as it was the first year of the car and first year they offered the TC but I believe the TC was offered late in production? Either way would really like to see some pictures.
Exactly as you described! ;)
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: deathbypsi on September 01, 2016, 12:08:19 AM
Post by: deathbypsi on September 01, 2016, 12:08:19 AM
That's just how mine looks. Cant believe they would do it that way!
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: rodsterh on September 01, 2016, 01:39:38 PM
Post by: rodsterh on September 01, 2016, 01:39:38 PM
Yea, sure does seem odd.
Title: Earliest 1983 TBird
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on September 01, 2016, 04:25:54 PM
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on September 01, 2016, 04:25:54 PM
My '88 appears to be cut with some type blade, definitely not stamped or torched(my bad, thinking of my Cobra Jet)... Looks to have been done before paint was applied...
Being as the majority of Fox Birds were column shifter, floor pan was likely cut sometime in early stages of assembly, before going to paint would make sense... The ones torched were probably flubs that made it to line after paint... Obviously there wasn't anyone with torch experience, work on my Cobra Jet is pretty, includes the staggered shock mount that was also installed on line(428, 4 speeds only)
Being as the majority of Fox Birds were column shifter, floor pan was likely cut sometime in early stages of assembly, before going to paint would make sense... The ones torched were probably flubs that made it to line after paint... Obviously there wasn't anyone with torch experience, work on my Cobra Jet is pretty, includes the staggered shock mount that was also installed on line(428, 4 speeds only)