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Topic: Car in Barn (Read 3842 times) previous topic - next topic

Car in Barn

I got a lead on a 2.3L turbo in a barn.

Thought I'd share with you what I found!
1983 TC, red/tan, lots of options. Leather interior, vent windows, cornering lights, premium sound, A/C, tilt wheel, TRX wheels, tinted glass, speed control, power drivers seat, and a few more goodies topping out at $15520.00.
Still had the original window sticker in the glove box.

Hoping it would be low mileage since it was last driven in 1994 then parked but it has 135,000 miles.

Body is straight and rust free and the rest is very original.

It was cool to be part of one of those 'car in the barn' stories!
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Re: Car in Barn

Reply #1 –
Freaking awesome.  If you bought it, you'd better get some new rims ASAP, considering the TRX tires can't be had for less than $200 a piece.  In any case, awesome car, and I can't believe it doesn't have red interior.  135 is pretty high, but if you apply the average rule of 12k miles a year, 135 is about half of what it should have.  Incredible find.

Re: Car in Barn

Reply #2 –
So....how much are they wanting for it?
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo - '85 Marquis LTS - '86 LTD Wagon

Re: Car in Barn

Reply #3 –
Yep, got it. The first thing I noticed was the tan interior. I don't ever recall seeing red/tan. Like you said red/red is what I remember. I have 2 nice tires for the TRX rims so I guess I'll have to start posting wanted ads for good used tires so I can at least put the TRX wheels on once in awhile!  I really like the look of the rims but hate the price of the tires!

I didn't really -need- another car but figured it would be at home with the 83 5.0L Heritage I bought new.

The mileage is average but I sure wish it was only 35,000!

Here's a picture of it getting some attention after all the years under a cover!
tbirdregistry.com
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Re: Car in Barn

Reply #4 –
Chuck,

I got it for about $15000 below sticker!!  ;)
tbirdregistry.com
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Re: Car in Barn

Reply #5 –
Quote from: rodsterh
Chuck,

I got it for about $15000 below sticker!!  ;)


 :flip:
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo - '85 Marquis LTS - '86 LTD Wagon

Re: Car in Barn

Reply #6 –
but it's 'leftover'!!  Can't pay sticker price! :D
tbirdregistry.com
26480
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Re: Car in Barn

Reply #7 –
Wow, even on jackstands it looks showroom new!

Re: Car in Barn

Reply #8 –
Great find! take care of that baby!

Re: Car in Barn

Reply #9 –
Great story... and a great find... Need to keep it original as it will be going up in value.

Re: Car in Barn

Reply #10 –
no .. man oh man. it looks brand new.. MORE PICS!! hehe.. what a great deal.

Re: Car in Barn

Reply #11 –
Well the pictures do make it look great but it has the flaws of a 22 year old car with 135,000 miles. I was pleased it was so straight and rust free (although there is a little rust showing up on the bottom of the doors) and original.  The guy I bought it from did me a favor???? and recently replaced the original turbo, which he said was bad, with a turbo from a 87-88 TC w/ an innercooler. I'll be looking for an original elbow and parts to brng it back to stock.

The headliner is sagging and I think the carpet is too dirty to clean so I need to replace both. Of course the leather seats have 22yr old wear so I'll be looking to freshen them up too. Otherwise the interior just needs a good cleaning.

The paint looks decent and needs buffed to bring it back to life.

After sitting 11 years, it's not running real smooth so I'm sure it needs a tune up/clean up.

All in all I think it's a great candidate to keep stock as a reminder of where this whole TBird TC stuff got started!

I’ll post some more pictures and keep you updated.

I’m liking the red/tan combo the more I clean it up.  Anyone else have or recall seeing this combo? I’ve followed these cars since new and don’t remember seeing the red with tan. (I found a metallic brown/tan car in the junkyard last year that was a beautiful combo and I just thought I had to bring it home!)
tbirdregistry.com
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Re: Car in Barn

Reply #12 –
Quote from: rodsterh

I’m liking the red/tan combo the more I clean it up.  Anyone else have or recall seeing this combo? I’ve followed these cars since new and don’t remember seeing the red with tan. (I found a metallic brown/tan car in the junkyard last year that was a beautiful combo and I just thought I had to bring it home!)


Yup, a buddy of mine in GA has that color combo.  It's an 84 though I think.

Still, you got some interesting color combos on the 83-84TCs.
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo - '85 Marquis LTS - '86 LTD Wagon

Re: Car in Barn

Reply #13 –
Any wiring damage due to rodents?

Re: Car in Barn

Reply #14 –
What is a TRX wheel and what is so special about it?