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Topic: How do I hotwire a 1987 T-bird LX 3.8L? (Read 3313 times) previous topic - next topic

How do I hotwire a 1987 T-bird LX 3.8L?

I recently purchased a 1987 Ford Thunderbird LX 3.8L as a parts car, but unfortunately the owner lost all of the keys for it and neither an authorized Ford dealer or a locksmith were able to help me.  Do any of you know which wires I need to cross and/or jump to get the car started?  I already have removed the steering column cover and broke the steering column lock.  I have figured out what I need to do with some of the wires, but not with the electronic fuel pump.  Any assistance with figuring out how to get this car hotwired will be greatly appreciated.

How do I hotwire a 1987 T-bird LX 3.8L?

Reply #1
Why not just remove the electrical part of the switch and work it with a screw driver ?
Fox-less at the moment

How do I hotwire a 1987 T-bird LX 3.8L?

Reply #2
^ makes life a whole lot easier

How do I hotwire a 1987 T-bird LX 3.8L?

Reply #3
that's how they steal them. takes less then 15 sec if your good
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
***** Project "EVOLUTION" 1987 Cougar LS  & 1985 Cougar Convertible *****
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5.0 HO 306 roller block, machined GT-40P heads, Wiseco dished forged pistons, Eagle forged floating I-beam connecting rods, Lunati pushrods, ARP bolts, Scorpion aluminum 1.6 rockers, Comp Cams Magnum 266HR, Explorer intake, 65mm TB, MAF Conversion, 19# injectors, Ford Racing stainless P-headers, 2-1/2" cat-less exhaust w/ Flowtech Afterburner lers , SC AOD with 2800 BDR torque converter, 3.73 T-Lok rear, CHE rear control arms, full 2-1/2" frame w/1" jacking rails & seat supports, Rear disk brakes, Turbine wheels, All original interior w/ floor shift upgrade .......
Pretty much every panel on my 87 is new, rebuilt, or re constructed. :D
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How do I hotwire a 1987 T-bird LX 3.8L?

Reply #4
Quote from: daminc;337560
that's how they steal them. takes less then 15 sec if your good

I was gonna say... that's how older Fords are stolen all the time.

How do I hotwire a 1987 T-bird LX 3.8L?

Reply #5
Quote from: hypostang;337557
Why not just remove the electrical part of the switch and work it with a screw driver ?

Certainly if he can get the steering column unlocked so the wheel moves freely he can remove the ignition switch from the column and just move the slide on the switch to get it to start.  If the lock cylinder can be broke with a screw driver in such a way that it can be turned to start it then it's easy to turn the lock cylinder to the correct position to push the pin in to remove it completely to put in a new one with new keys.

How do I hotwire a 1987 T-bird LX 3.8L?

Reply #6
Quote from: Watchdevil;337572
Certainly if he can get the steering column unlocked so the wheel moves freely he can remove the ignition switch from the column and just move the slide on the switch to get it to start. 



 Exactly what I was trying to say , but you said it better :D
Fox-less at the moment

How do I hotwire a 1987 T-bird LX 3.8L?

Reply #7
I had the same problem when I got mine.  Take a dremmel and slot the security screws that hold on the ignition switch.  Then remove the switch.  Unbolt the column lock and let the wheel hang floppy.

Hook up your battery, mush the switch peg forward...VRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMM
My car is a gravity hybrid.  The gasoline engine gets me up the hills, and gravity gets me down.

How do I hotwire a 1987 T-bird LX 3.8L?

Reply #8
Well, you could do all that, but that's the fun and boring way. The Proper way would be to swap in another column.

Guaranteed to make life interesting, lol
(Ask me why I know this..) :hick:
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

How do I hotwire a 1987 T-bird LX 3.8L?

Reply #9
If you swap columns, keep the same type. You can swap your columshifter into a non column car, but it will break off and be hard to change gear.
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

How do I hotwire a 1987 T-bird LX 3.8L?

Reply #10
Quote from: hypostang;337597
Exactly what I was trying to say , but you said it better :D

Hey man it's never my intention to always "show you up" with my words, just so you understand! ;)

 

How do I hotwire a 1987 T-bird LX 3.8L?

Reply #11
Quote from: Watchdevil;337884
Hey man it's never my intention to always "show you up" with my words, just so you understand! ;)


I know , you just speak more eloquently than I do ;)
Fox-less at the moment