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Topic: Are these both base Birds? (Read 737 times) previous topic - next topic

Are these both base Birds?

I was wondering if you could even get the full digital cluster on a base model...

http://www.carsforsale.com/used-cars-for-sale/1985-ford-thunderbird-raleigh-nc-248139175

http://www.carsforsale.com/used-cars-for-sale/1986-ford-thunderbird-roy-wa-247446919
Current: 1986 Thunderbird, 105k 3.8/C5, 2 tone  Midnight Wine/Medium Taupe, wing windows, wire wheel covers.


Former: 1985 Cougar GS 115k Oxford White/Regatta Blue, 5.0, full console, 14" 8 hole aluminum T-Bird rims, Edelbrock valve covers.

Are these both base Birds?

Reply #1

These cars could be ordered in crazy combinations.  You could ala carte every option that a élan had and it would technically be a base bird still.
Both appear to be base birds although very well equipped ones.  The black side mirrors are the dead giveaway as badges can fall off.  Elan's were made through 86 model year and always had chrome side mirrors.








1983 FORD THUNDERBIRD HERITAGE 5.0
2008 SAAB 9-7X AERO 6.0 (LS2) 1 0f 554 Made
2011 FORD FLEX SEL Family Hauler

Are these both base Birds?

Reply #2
Quote from: MY83T;441718
These cars could be ordered in crazy combinations.  You could ala carte every option that a élan had and it would technically be a base bird still.
Both appear to be base birds although very well equipped ones.  The black side mirrors are the dead giveaway as badges can fall off.  Elan's were made through 86 model year and always had chrome side mirrors.

But I thought my tbird was an elan. It says so on the black trim that goes around the whole vehicle...but I have black side mirrors. So im not sure thats a "set-in-stone" kinda thing
1986 Ford Thunderchicken, 5.0 AOD w/ Shift kit,  354,XXX miles. 1-Family owned. Original engine+trans.
8.8 Disc Rear w/ 3.73 Posi. CHE Control Arms. '04 Cobra brakes all around. 2000 Cobra R wheels. Tubular front LCA's. MM Steering Shaft. Unlocked Speedo, Lowering springs, Eibach sway bars front and rear. Ram air intake.

Are these both base Birds?

Reply #3
Quote from: kylesburrell;441719
But I thought my tbird was an elan. It says so on the black trim that goes around the whole vehicle...but I have black side mirrors. So im not sure thats a "set-in-stone" kinda thing

I could be mistaken on that.  83/84 are 100% with chrome mirrors on Heritage/Elan.    85/86 not, my error.  The 85/86 had the lower trim on the lower valance that had "élan" on them. Also the on the trunk lid.  The 84 had élan on the right dash and trunk lid. I can't say with total certainty that 85/86 could be had black or chrome mirrors.








1983 FORD THUNDERBIRD HERITAGE 5.0
2008 SAAB 9-7X AERO 6.0 (LS2) 1 0f 554 Made
2011 FORD FLEX SEL Family Hauler

Are these both base Birds?

Reply #4
My first 86 cougar was a base model with full digital dash, 5.0 and rear window defrost. No other options.

No passenger mirror, manual seats/mirrors/windows. Noninterrmitent wipers and no tilt wheel.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

Are these both base Birds?

Reply #5
Door panels and seats are usually the sub-model giveaway, not just these, but a lot of cars.
Current: 1986 Thunderbird, 105k 3.8/C5, 2 tone  Midnight Wine/Medium Taupe, wing windows, wire wheel covers.


Former: 1985 Cougar GS 115k Oxford White/Regatta Blue, 5.0, full console, 14" 8 hole aluminum T-Bird rims, Edelbrock valve covers.

Are these both base Birds?

Reply #6

Yep both base cars. The Elan (in 87-88 it was the LX) cars had different seat upholstery and Turbo Coupe door panels.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

Are these both base Birds?

Reply #7
5.7mpg,, battery was prob dead and they jumped it and started it  up

 

Are these both base Birds?

Reply #8
Quote from: jcassity;442439
5.7mpg,, battery was prob dead and they jumped it and started it  up

Or they hit the reset button before blasting down the 1/4 mile 10 times in a row. I did that once and my tripminder said 3.9mpg.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.