1963 Ford Thunderbird Convertible **NO RESERVE **
1963 Ford Thunderbird Description
I am selling my 1963 Ford Thunderbird Convertible. The convertible bullet birds are becoming harder to find lately - and this one is special. It is all original except for the front fenders which were swapped from a donor car. I included a photo of the inner fenders to show there was no accident - just the very typical rust spot behind the wheel opening. The car is so original even the factory markings are still in place - and visible at front radiator support, inner wheel wells and the area behind rear bumper.
This Thunderbird has a clean California title, it is currently registered and insured in my name.
The car was never in any accident. The only slight ding is at the passenger side rear wheel well lip. The body is very straight and has no bondo. There are some areas of localized rust/repair clearly shown in the photos - the lower areas behind the rear wheel openings. I took extra photos of the drip rail where the convertible top cover fit - its 100% clean. This is a notorious location for rust issues. The pans and floors are excellent - the front passenger floor had a hole about 12"x12" - and it was repaired professionally and is no longer an issue.
This car is fast - it accelerates like a muscle car. It has the stock single exhaust system which was only available in 1963 which adds some uniqueness. It starts right up - after a few pumps on the carb - which is the original carb and professionally rebuilt. It runs very well, the transmission shifts great, and the power steering works as it should. Sometimes the power steering drips slightly - but not much. No other drips have been noticed. The convertible top is all there mechanically. It rises and lowers manually right now - and very easily. The motor turns on and off - but I never checked the relay system - I believe there is a manual available to explain how it all works. I just released the hydraulic pumps so it can be used manually. In less than a minute they can be connected to the system. The glass is all in great shape, no cracks. The chrome is very clean. The front bumper was rechromed by bumperboyz, the rear bumper is in very good shape - but shows an occasional rust dot here and there.
The original brake booster was rebuilt by Dewey Booster in Oregon - and he did a fabulous job. The car has new shocks all around, and new rear leaf springs from Larry's Thunderbirds. Professionally rebuilt heads, and many tune-up related items. Complete tie-rod end replacement. New muffler. Too much to list.
The interior is all original - not perfect - the front seats have an occasional tear - but are very comfortable and work well. All gages work well. All electrical works well. The power vacuum door locks did not work when i tried them - they are fairly complex - I did not investigate it.
All interior lights work great - including under dash, above center console, and both doors.
The tires and wheels are in very good condition - hold air great, and are well balanced.
Included in the sale are several boxes of parts as shown in the photos. Including the rear bumper chrome gas lever. When I installed the rear bumper I positioned the bumper too close to the rear fascia and so to install the lever just loosen the rear bumper a slight amount.
Also included are (2) very good condition door arm rests - I was told they are extremely hard to find these replacements. Lots of extra chrome Thunderbird emblems. Any chrome or trim you don't see on the car are in the boxes. Included is an excellent spare tire. And included is a pair of the original rear wheel fender covers. They clip into place easily and fit excellent. I usually leave them off. All brake hardware front and back have been repaired. And included is a complete set of Thundebird Wheel covers for the original steel wheels. The only steel wheel included in the sale is the spare.
This car is built well. The doors and hood close with perfect fitment. Its my understanding that these Thunderbirds are really Lincolns badged as Fords - as they clearly resemble the 1961 Lincoln Continental.
In my opinion, the '63 Thunderbird is one of the best looking cars "Ford" ever built.
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