I've been thinking about my base T-bird

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I've been thinking about my base T-bird

August 16, 2006, 07:32:51 PM

Ok this is what I know:

Engine smokes when first started. Valve stems? Maybe rings? 200000KM.
Transmission was rebuilt 10 years ago.
Suspension; rear springs are the progressive rate springs. Top 3 or 4 coils are colapsed but they don't seem to be broken. Front is still original.
Front end/steering loose; I think it's the bearings, maybe some play in the rack.
Interior is in good shape; replaced the seats 2 years ago.
It has some rust, body work will be needed. The underside is my biggest concern.

Here's what I'm thinking:

Rebuild a short block; either one of my 302s or the 351W I have in the shed. Put the trickflow top end kit on it.
May reuse the transmission but there is another AOD in the shed with about 120000KM on it.
New suspension all around. New control arms and bushings. New A-arms and bushings.
The rack in the sport parts car is good. I'll use it in the base. Pump too? All new tierod ends, ball joints and bearings.
May install a console and floor shifter if Thunder Chicken ever gets back to me
The body concerns me. Should I just repair the known rust and paint the car or should I totally strip the car and have it media blasted?

Financing:

Money is tight right now, still paying off the garage and other renos I've done to the house.
Within the next couple years there are some problem spots on the TC that is going to need attention.
Anyone got some drugs I can sell to finance this? :) J/K

Suggestions:...

I've been thinking about my base T-bird

Reply #1 – August 16, 2006, 09:42:36 PM

I'd just repair the known rust and get it painted. You've already got the rust-free TC if you need a "show" car, but the base could just be brought up to "looks good, goes better" driver status.

The suspension rebuild is something I'm going through right now. The rear control arms I can see (if you're going aftermarket), but why are you wanting new A-arms? Are they rusted out? If they're not, you can just install new bushings and ball joints (like I'm doing). You'll probably find the car will need front springs as well - I discovered both of mine broken when I pulled 'em, and I'm sure Newfoundland's roads suck as bad as our frost heaved, potholed, neglected collections of patches the politicians try to pass off as roads. You didn't mention it, but I'd recommend the TC brake upgrade, at least the fronts. As I'm sure you're aware, the 10" brakes on base cars suck donkey balls.

Just do the jobs you want to do as you get the time/money to do them. Between the Sport and base I'm sure you can build a fine driver. Selling the car would be useless unless you're absolutely broke, because you'd never get much out of it. Especially when you consider the sentimental value you've got in the car.

I'll try to get that shipping info on the console soon. Maybe we can work out a trade, console for door panels :D

I've been thinking about my base T-bird

Reply #2 – August 17, 2006, 08:43:00 AM

You've got some good points there Thunder Chicken!

I'm sure I'm going to need atleast new bushings, springs and shocks all around. I'll pick the best set of rear control arms and put the bushings in them. Like you said, i probably don't need new A-arms. Also, I forgot to mension swapping in the sport rear to take advantage of the limited slip dif.

Yes I am painfull aware of the braking limitations of the stock base brakes.

Does the sport have the same brakes as the base? I think so. I should take the sport's swaybars too? What about the quad shocks? They are fairly new on the sport. Do they make a noticable difference?

I'll have a look for the door panels this weekend and confirm that it's all there. If they are, you're on for the console for door panel swap.

I've been thinking about my base T-bird

Reply #3 – August 17, 2006, 09:00:38 AM

The Sport has the same miserable brakes that the base has, except it may have larger rear drums. The Sport would have bigger sway bars, so take them. I dunno if the quad shocks make any difference or not - I've never noticed any difference between cars with 'em and without 'em. Since you've got 'em, though, you may as well use 'em :D