General => User Rides => Topic started by: Scott D on June 06, 2010, 12:35:31 AM
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on June 06, 2010, 12:35:31 AM
Paid for it @ 4:30pm, had it in the driveway @ 9:45pm
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on June 06, 2010, 12:36:17 AM
:burnout:
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Watchdevil on June 06, 2010, 01:47:34 AM
Great find... A couple years ago before I got my Mustang I was sick over two nice 1997 Tbirds I seen on a dealer lot. Both in great shape... One later red with beige leather and the other bight red with gray interior. Both had V8's and sunroofs IIRC. When I was looking I was in no position to buy those cars used. And of course when they go they go.
Now I get sick when I see so many nice examples of Tbirds at Pull-A-Part that many are not even wrecked... I think they must have been C4C cars or something.
I know I would be better off buying a good used late model Bird rather than spending a paramount of money and time on the one I have now. However, I have to save my Bird and return it to some level of glory. It belonged to my step-mom and the body is in very good shape. I just wish I could progress more on it... I have yet another setback... I have to have wisdom teeth pulled and several crowns put on... My insurance for that will run out for the year and not pay for enough of it all.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: ProTouring442 on June 06, 2010, 07:58:08 AM
Nice find! I had a 96 in the same colors. I put the Ford Motorsport "Cobra" wheels on it. Nice ride until a deer messed it up.
Shiny Side Up! Bill
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: 1Bad88tbird on June 06, 2010, 09:57:37 AM
Nice find for sure! Looks to be in great shape.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: 50tbrd88 on June 06, 2010, 10:10:24 AM
My bro has a car about like that...
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: vinnietbird on June 06, 2010, 10:25:18 AM
Nice looking Bird.I had thought about getting one while I work on the Sport.Where are you located?
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on June 06, 2010, 11:29:29 AM
Thanks for the words, gang. I forgot how nice is was to ride in a luxury coupe. :birdsmily:
Quote from: vinnietbird;324432
Where are you located?
I updated my profile, so no more guessing haha!
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: vinnietbird on June 06, 2010, 11:39:23 AM
Oh,I thought it was closer.There's a Joe Heitz dealer in Oklahoma as well.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: fluke on June 06, 2010, 12:04:15 PM
Looks really nice and that interior looks comfortable. :) Good light colour to not roast in the summer. Tint those windows and maybe add a sound system and your set!
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: 20thanniver-ls on June 06, 2010, 02:45:31 PM
Sweet car, looks like you bought it right down the street from me...... Has it got the 3.8 or the 4.6? Good to see someone on here so close! I never knew the mn-12's to not have the autolamps in them...
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on June 06, 2010, 07:29:41 PM
Quote from: 20thanniver-ls;324456
Sweet car, looks like you bought it right down the street from me...... Has it got the 3.8 or the 4.6? Good to see someone on here so close! I never knew the mn-12's to not have the autolamps in them...
It's got one gallon of American fury (3.8L per flush).
I'll second the having somebody on the forum being close. You'll have to come over when the boss grills out. she can make some badassed ribs!
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Watchdevil on June 06, 2010, 11:03:39 PM
Okay this thread is making me wish I had another one... Loved my former 89 and it seemed a world of difference in handling with the IRS. I swear if my Mustang was paid for I'd add one of these Birds to my stable. Parts are plentiful if needed.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on June 20, 2010, 08:31:20 PM
Alright! I got to work on the car for the first time, yesterday. New upper radiator hose replaced.
Dang I need to make a list of things I'm going to actually do with this car :burnout:
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: mercury-man on June 20, 2010, 09:42:32 PM
Scott , Any chance at all you might bring this bird to Owensboro friend ? :poke:
D & P ;)
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on June 20, 2010, 10:05:10 PM
Quote from: mercury-man;326061
Scott , Any chance at all you might bring this bird to Owensboro friend ? :poke:
D & P ;)
I'd like to say "yes," but I may take the rental car we'll have had for the week prior.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on June 20, 2010, 11:40:54 PM
Quote from: Scott D;324487
(3.8L per flush).
LMAO!! I figured thats where you got that from.... It's on pretty much every commercial toilet I've ever seen:rollin:
"3.8LPF/1.0GPF"
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on June 21, 2010, 03:49:40 AM
Quote from: sarjxxx;326093
LMAO!! I figured thats where you got that from.... It's on pretty much every commercial toilet I've ever seen:rollin:
"3.8LPF/1.0GPF"
HAHA! Somebody gets it :D
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on June 25, 2010, 05:09:15 PM
And here's the sorely missed '86 Cougar GS ...
:(
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on June 25, 2010, 11:39:44 PM
ooooh a blonde
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on June 30, 2010, 09:33:34 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;326507
ooooh a blonde
Nope, not a blond ...a 19th Anniversary Cougar ...more pics I dug up ...
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on June 30, 2010, 09:33:53 PM
and a few more ...
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on June 30, 2010, 09:38:14 PM
and a pretty badass decal Eric helped me come up with. We sold 'em for a while, through CoolCats.net (http://www.coolcats.net) for cost plus a 1$ donation to the Red Cross ...
If I remember, correctly, we wanted do something for Cougar drivers to show their support of those who lost their lives in the 9-11 attacks, those who lost family in the attacks, and those serving our military.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on June 30, 2010, 11:21:29 PM
Oh...sorry. not a blonde. A calico!!:rollin:
...lovin the rear window louver
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on July 01, 2010, 02:05:54 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;326937
lovin the rear window louver
I dug it, too. It was painted gold, when I bought the car, so I painted it flat black, like it's supposed to be. So far, it's the only pair I've seen on a Fox Cougar.
I'd like to find some for the t-bird, but budgeting means the Thunderbird stays stock, for now.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on July 01, 2010, 02:07:08 PM
Here's just one more ass shot of the ol' Red Fender & one of the '89 Silverado DD
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: irv on July 01, 2010, 03:54:51 PM
isnt it amazing the night and day differences between the 80's and 90's birds and cougars. just got a 96 XR7 and it is the quietest car ive had. they threw tons of sound deadening everywhere. my 94 was the same way.--irv
i put the 25th anniversary rear panel and taillamps on to take a little chrome off the back [last pic]. 23,400 miles.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on July 01, 2010, 04:28:51 PM
Quote from: irv;326984
isnt it amazing the night and day differences between the 80's and 90's birds and cougars. just got a 96 XR7 and it is the quietest car ive had. they threw tons of sound deadening everywhere. my 94 was the same way.--irv
i put the 25th anniversary rear panel and taillamps on to take a little chrome off the back [last pic]. 23,400 miles.
Not a bad looking cat, at all.
The first thing I noticed was ride quality, but I guess the IRS on the MN-12 cars is the biggest contributor to that.
The second thing I noticed was the ease of getting new parts. I remember trying to find a harmonic balancer for the '86. Three parts stores tried to sell the harmonic balancer for the newer 3.8L, and the last wanted to say it was the same balancer, even after I showed him the ones from the '86 were different.
The serpentine belt was another issue on the '86. The car had A/C, so I listened to the fools at the parts store. The belt was entirely too long, so I got the belt for the cars w/o A/C. Too ed short.
I like the Fox cars, but the '80's car building quality seems to show :(
The MN-12 is where it's at, I think.
Now, as far as going all out wild engine modding, I'd pick another Fox to work on in a heartbeat. The computers on the mn-12 cars has me for a loop, although I'm sure as soon as I read up on them, learn, and study, it'll be just like a Fox car.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on July 01, 2010, 07:26:54 PM
absolutely. I know what you mean. I have to keep reminding myself that mine is for DD use and that the cougar is to be the project now. There is so much quick and easy stuff that I could do to the bird to improve upon it, but right now I just want it to be stock while I have fun rebuilding the cougar. (which, btw, will be getting a project thread started in a few weeks):D I've got BIG plans :evilgrin:
I do enjoy the styling of the mn-12 cougs, especially the front end, I think however, that it was a mistake the way they decided to shape the rear quarter glass. I know its called 7th generation for a reason, but to me, it just takes away all of the look of a cougar from it with it not retaining the upsweep, and thats why *uneducated* people think its a tbird. (although, it did eliminate that HUGE blind spot...)
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: ProTouring442 on July 02, 2010, 07:08:00 AM
Quote from: Scott D;326985
Not a bad looking cat, at all.
The first thing I noticed was ride quality, but I guess the IRS on the MN-12 cars is the biggest contributor to that.
The second thing I noticed was the ease of getting new parts. I remember trying to find a harmonic balancer for the '86. Three parts stores tried to sell the harmonic balancer for the newer 3.8L, and the last wanted to say it was the same balancer, even after I showed him the ones from the '86 were different.
The serpentine belt was another issue on the '86. The car had A/C, so I listened to the fools at the parts store. The belt was entirely too long, so I got the belt for the cars w/o A/C. Too ed short.
I like the Fox cars, but the '80's car building quality seems to show :(
The MN-12 is where it's at, I think.
Now, as far as going all out wild engine modding, I'd pick another Fox to work on in a heartbeat. The computers on the mn-12 cars has me for a loop, although I'm sure as soon as I read up on them, learn, and study, it'll be just like a Fox car.
Wait until you need to replace an upper ball joint...
Shiny Side Up! Bill
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: irv on July 02, 2010, 10:04:45 AM
try getting any trim parts for the later cars. everything is obsolete. vintage parts still has some though. dealers are the only ones who can order from them.--irv
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on July 02, 2010, 03:33:09 PM
Quote from: ProTouring442;327045
Wait until you need to replace an upper ball joint...
Shiny Side Up! Bill
Quote from: irv;327054
try getting any trim parts for the later cars. everything is obsolete. vintage parts still has some though. dealers are the only ones who can order from them.--irv
I love you guys, too :flip:
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: thunderjet302 on July 02, 2010, 04:18:03 PM
I have both a Fox and a MN-12. While the MN-12 may ride better and have more sound deadening the Fox is just sooo much better looking. The MN-12s are ok for daily drivers and I like mine fine enough but the Fox bodies are real T-birds;)
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: irv on July 02, 2010, 05:45:49 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;327088
I have both a Fox and a MN-12. While the MN-12 may ride better and have more sound deadening the Fox is just sooo much better looking. The MN-12s are ok for daily drivers and I like mine fine enough but the Fox bodies are real T-birds;)
thats what the 55-7 guys say too--irv
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: ProTouring442 on July 02, 2010, 07:00:46 PM
Quote from: Scott D;327077
I love you guys, too :flip:
It's all love my friend! :D
I considered an SC before I bought my TC, but I found the TC first. All 'Birds are cool in my book though, even the 4-doors.
Shiny Side Up! Bill
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on July 02, 2010, 07:30:13 PM
Quote from: ProTouring442;327110
It's all love my friend! :D
I heard that! The minute I stop seeing the core members of the forum giving each other shiznit is the day I know the Thunderbird/Cougar (or Cougar/Thunderbird depending on which side of the coin you're on) community is at a downfall.
Quote
All 'Birds are cool in my book though, even the 4-doors.
true that, my friend, true that. To think, it took an MN-12 car for me to truly appreciate the Fox 'birds, even when I owned a Fox Cougar.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Johnny Cougar on July 02, 2010, 08:59:11 PM
Quote from: ProTouring442;327045
Wait until you need to replace an upper ball joint...
Shiny Side Up! Bill
Its not too hard, expecially if you have ratchet wrenches.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on July 03, 2010, 12:48:28 AM
Can one of you guys do me a quick favor? I c00ched an underhood light to day from the jy, but ht donors engine harness was gone so I dont know where mine is supposed to hook up to. Can you snap a quick pic of where yours connects to for me?
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on July 03, 2010, 02:14:50 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;327141
Can one of you guys do me a quick favor? I c00ched an underhood light to day from the jy, but ht donors engine harness was gone so I dont know where mine is supposed to hook up to. Can you snap a quick pic of where yours connects to for me?
I was going to, but I don't have an under hood light, either :dunno:
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on July 18, 2010, 12:50:56 PM
I've finally got FIRM plans on what direction I'm going with my '97.
After cruising up to Thundercat Dyno Days in Owenesboro, KY, and scoping out Dan & Paula's awesome mint looking '85 feline, which get no justice done to it in pictures, y'all have got to see it in person to appreciate how awesome that Cougar LS is. Well, after seeing that, I'm going to make sure this '97 'bird looks just like it rolled into the factory show room.
That is the direction I'm going with Project 'underbird :headbang:
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on July 18, 2010, 02:02:48 PM
...*ahem*... :wrongforum: :D
Jk have fun with it:D
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: 5.8fastcat on July 18, 2010, 02:44:04 PM
Scott; Glad you and your crew made it up to the Thundercat Day
Wish you could have brought your new ride.
Looks very clean in the pics
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on July 18, 2010, 03:01:30 PM
Greg, thanks for letting a Koren rental car hang out with you guys. I was |<-this->| close to getting the wife talked into a dyno run on it. Lunch was awesome, as was the company good.
I've got a laundry list of things to get done to the 'underbird. Number one, first and foremost is to get it re-shod before I bring it out of town for any kind of showing. That'll be done before September's Central City car show, which I'll be meeting up with Dan & Paula, again.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: 5.8fastcat on July 18, 2010, 04:32:53 PM
What is the date for the Central City (labor day)?? I'll see if I can meet up with you and Dan/Paula there.
Glad you could make it
Next time we will have to park the Koren stuff out back
LOL
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on July 18, 2010, 05:10:47 PM
Quote from: 5.8fastcat;328727
What is the date for the Central City (labor day)?? I'll see if I can meet up with you and Dan/Paula there.
I'll be there Saturday, September 4th. Looks like the car show portion is from 8am-3pm & I'll be there for all of it.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on July 18, 2010, 05:15:48 PM
Here's some pics I need to show off, before I forget I have them ....
:burnout:
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on July 19, 2010, 07:26:13 PM
whoop whoop ...
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on July 19, 2010, 07:38:18 PM
Idk what it is. Is this how you show off your dangerously-picting-while-driving skillz?;)
Oh, and you and your rear wing on a 3.8:flip: wtf didn't mine come with one....
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on July 20, 2010, 10:18:22 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;328849
Idk what it is. Is this how you show off your dangerously-picting-while-driving skillz?;)
Oh, and you and your rear wing on a 3.8:flip: wtf didn't mine come with one....
Not only did I take the pic while I was cruising, but I sent it to my email right after ...HAHA!
btw, I took that in the same 55mph zone I always cruise 50 mph in. Shoot, even on the interstate I do 5 under. This car rocks.
And as far as the no wing on your ride ..we'll just go with Ford decided not to put one on yours because it's too fast ...yeah ...and if they'd have put the wing on there it'd ....it'd come off due to the high speeds your car's capable of ...yeah, yeah, that's the ticket :punchballs:
So, I ordered the lower hing rebuild kit for the driver's door. Hopfully that gets installed next week, sometime.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on July 24, 2010, 04:43:17 PM
The wife was worried about ME modding this car, when I first bought it. Little did we know SHE was the one who decided to invest in modifying it ...
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Watchdevil on July 24, 2010, 11:32:04 PM
Quote from: Scott D;329400
The wife was worried about ME modding this car, when I first bought it. Little did we know SHE was the one who decided to invest in modifying it ...
I'd say she better leave the mods to you! :rollin:
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: irv on July 25, 2010, 08:55:57 AM
Quote from: sarjxxx;327141
Can one of you guys do me a quick favor? I c00ched an underhood light to day from the jy, but ht donors engine harness was gone so I dont know where mine is supposed to hook up to. Can you snap a quick pic of where yours connects to for me?
heres some pics from my 96-bulb is pulled out--irv
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on July 25, 2010, 08:10:49 PM
Another picture of the 'bird's ass & the daily driver & the wife's hot rod ...
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on July 27, 2010, 04:28:56 PM
Fuzzy dice!!!! Ftw!!!!
Oh, thx for pic, but I already rigged mine in:hick:
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on July 27, 2010, 05:05:09 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;329679
Fuzzy dice!!!! Ftw!!!!
:headbang:
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: tbirdsps on July 27, 2010, 05:10:57 PM
That sucker is CLEAN under the hood. It looks like new.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: irv on July 27, 2010, 05:17:00 PM
the whole car is like day 2. the lady never had it out in bad weather. has 23,650 on it. its not quite as good as the 88 on the undercarriage but close. its the last one im going to own so i looked hard to find the right one--irv
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on August 01, 2010, 04:43:43 PM
And the 'underbird just got a bath, so here's the obligatory pictures ...
I get to work on those weeds as soon as I get done playing on here :mad:
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on August 01, 2010, 11:58:47 PM
Ooooh, look at all the pretty birdies
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on August 08, 2010, 05:50:53 PM
Well, I have one of the four things I've put tops on the list done to the 'underbird today. Andrea even helped me out with the work, so I think her and the 'underbird have some kind of an understanding, now.
Anyway, I ordered the Lower Hinge Rebuild Kit (http://www.supercoupeperformance.com/partBrowser.aspx?partId=284) from Super Coupe Performance (http://www.supercoupeperformance.com/). I (for the most part) followed the instructions (http://www.supercoupeperformance.com/Instructions/Door%20Hinge%20Repair%20Kit.htm) and a few hours later, I was done. The door doesn't sag, and the next time I shouldn't have such a long time working on it, as I've done it :headbang:
So ...here's some pictures ...
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on August 08, 2010, 05:53:38 PM
So, I ended up getting the hinge out and not losing the bolt, pictured above. So, with the hinge out, I took the Dremel, hammer, and got to work on changing the guts ...
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on August 08, 2010, 05:55:53 PM
So, I ended up getting the hinge out and not losing the bolt, pictured above. So, with the hinge out, I took the Dremel, hammer, and got to work on changing the guts.
I used the factory jack to hold the door, so I could get the hinge in and out. Andrea helped me position the door so I could get the hinge back in place.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on August 08, 2010, 05:59:29 PM
I couldn't get to the two bolts at the front of the lower hinge, so I had to spend some time with the box end wrench. Lane (Andrea's older boy) changed out the striker plate for me ...
It went back in a lot easier than when it came out. But, like I said, the next time shouldn't be very hard for me :headbang:
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on August 08, 2010, 06:03:10 PM
The rebuilt hinge looks good and fits even better. The door closes correctly and didn't need any adjustment. The Jetta sat beside the 'underbird the whole time, as support. Even though I didn't have a whole lot of room to work with, it was still roomier than what the Germans gave in the Volkwagens :punchballs:
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on August 09, 2010, 10:33:36 PM
Thats wierd that your door was sagging...mines older with more miles and my door is fine. They do make a lot of noise though if I dont keep them oiled...
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on August 10, 2010, 05:00:10 AM
Quote from: sarjxxx;331330
That's weird that your door was sagging...mines older with more miles and my door is fine. They do make a lot of noise though if I don't keep them oiled...
I guess I was just lucky the brass bushings wore out. It wasn't really all that hard to do, as soon as I had the right tools. If you include the hour trip to Wal*Mart to pick up some attachments for the Dremel, it took me 5 hours to get the door done.
If the striker doesn't have the plastic covering, I would keep an eye on the door's lower hinge, if I were you. That's one of the signs a rebuild may be in store in the near future.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on August 10, 2010, 11:43:54 PM
Quote from: Scott D;331356
If the striker doesn't have the plastic covering, I would keep an eye on the door's lower hinge, if I were you. That's one of the signs a rebuild may be in store in the near future.
.......uuuhhhhhh.....
I didn't even know there was supposed to be one there!!!
Thats probably why I cant get my 88 to close right too!!!
:toilet:
I went to AZ and got a Ford Door bolt bushing kit but they were WAY too big. Are ours special?
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: irv on August 11, 2010, 07:32:42 AM
most of the time if you have helper to hold the door, you can mark it and slide it back a little to work on the hinge without taking it off.there is an attachment for your jack to hold the door or use a board.hinge pins and bushing are a pain sometimes as you are finding out. looks like everything is coming along nicely.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on August 11, 2010, 07:35:54 PM
Quote from: irv;331450
most of the time if you have helper to hold the door, you can mark it and slide it back a little to work on the hinge without taking it off.there is an attachment for your jack to hold the door or use a board.hinge pins and bushing are a pain sometimes as you are finding out. looks like everything is coming along nicely.
I started by using the factory jack, that was in the trunk of the car from the factory ...I jacked up the door until it was level. Then, I removed the kick panel, got the hidden nut, first. Next, I took off the two bolts from the door, itself. Then I loosened the top bolts on the door-side, and jacked the door up a little more so I could get the lower hinge out. Then, I went to Wal*Mart and bought some cutting wheels for my Dremel tool. Then I rebuilt the hinge, then I installed it reverse of how I took it off.
I had my wife move the door open (or closed it somewhat) so I could work the hinge back in, while I slid the jack to keep the door supported.
Over all, not including my trip to Wal*Mart, it was a four hour job. Not bad, considering I didn't have the cool tools that the body shop (that said both upper and lower hinge was going to get replaced, and replace the lock mechanism because it needed it, too, and they were going to do it all for 700$ ...pen 15British cigarettes) has, but it worked :headbang:
When I have to change another one, it should only take half the time ;)
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on August 21, 2010, 03:40:04 PM
Well look what the mail man brought me, today .....
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on August 22, 2010, 05:17:07 PM
I got the regulator rebuilt (http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=29213) :bowdown:
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on August 28, 2010, 05:41:43 PM
And the 'underbird was in her first car show ...
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: 1Bad88tbird on August 28, 2010, 09:37:46 PM
What a shine! Looks good! How'd you do?
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on August 28, 2010, 09:58:48 PM
What did you compete in? or did you just cruise
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on August 28, 2010, 10:56:47 PM
Quote from: 1Bad88tbird;333956
What a shine! Looks good! How'd you do?
Thank you, sir. That was a 15 minute wash job I did on the car. I'm still disappointed in it, but it does look nice :)
I just wish I had time to wax it before I went to the show.
Quote from: sarjxxx;333959
What did you compete in? or did you just cruise
To answer your, and the latter of 1b88's question, I was 45 minutes late for registration, so I didn't get to compete for anything :(
The car pictured with mine won the Mayor's Choice Award. It was a CLEAN car, too. I would hate to own it, with its white interior :eek:
The Lumina Z-34, parked on the other side of me, was a nice example of a '92 model. It was a factory 5-speed, too. So, him and I chatted up how our cars (and our - fox t-bird/cougar forum) are too new to be classics and too old to be new. So, right now, we're just children of the automotive world.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: mercury-man on August 29, 2010, 07:26:59 AM
Scott , I'm bringing some friends down next Sat for the other Carshow and nice pic of your :birdsmily: dude :headbang:
Dan & Paula ;)
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on August 29, 2010, 01:13:49 PM
Quote from: mercury-man;333980
Scott , I'm bringing some friends down next Sat for the other Carshow and nice pic of your :birdsmily: dude :headbang:
Dan & Paula ;)
'preciate it, sir. I'm going to be BUSY this week, with work, so I need to work in when I am going to wash and wax the car.
New tires are going on the car Tuesday, so that marks that off of the list. Like I mentioned, in another thread, the A/C may have to wait until after the show. Not what I was hoping, but something I may have to settle for.
BTW, if you look at Lane, in the pic, he looks like he's a veteran of many, many shows :rollin:
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on August 29, 2010, 09:46:20 PM
looks like you could use some headlight shine
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on August 30, 2010, 07:24:15 AM
Quote from: sarjxxx;334071
looks like you could use some headlight shine
I'm hoping that they cancel one of my loads, this week, so I can clay bar the car. I've thought about using my Maguire's headlight restore kit on my car, with two people suggesting it, I'll definitely get it done.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on August 30, 2010, 02:17:21 PM
waste fo money. Don't use maguries. it doesnt work. read [post=332311]this[/post] trust me
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on August 30, 2010, 09:59:26 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;334144
waste fo money. Don't use maguries. it doesnt work. read [post=332311]this[/post] trust me
I've had luck with it, in the past. Shoot, I did my wife's car's driver's side headlight with it & it came out looking brand new. Plus I still have over one half of a bottle left over ;)
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on August 30, 2010, 10:30:49 PM
ehhh... well, good luck. I used that stuff and it didn't do . Idk if you don't hafta buy it you might as well use it;)
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on September 01, 2010, 11:19:12 PM
Ha ha, ya know those stickers and front plates you see on cars sometimes that say house divided in reference to football teams, well mine is diveded a litttle differently. You came to mind also, so I made one for you too :D
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on September 03, 2010, 03:23:14 PM
Hey Scott, did your car come with provisions for attaching the lower half of the rear license plate? Or does your tag flap and rattle every time you close your trunk too?
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: 1Bad88tbird on September 03, 2010, 03:53:54 PM
I had that problem when I had my 95 Bird. If you get a piece of foam tape and glue it to the back of your plate it will take care of it.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on September 03, 2010, 08:04:09 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;334618
Hey Scott, did your car come with provisions for attaching the lower half of the rear license plate? Or does your tag flap and rattle every time you close your trunk too?
Mine rattles when I close the trunk. After looking at some of the pedigree papers I have on it, I may have to do some eBaying, no?
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on September 26, 2010, 05:46:18 PM
Well, here's some more pics of the 'underbird ....
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on September 26, 2010, 06:11:39 PM
need to clean them headlights up
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on September 26, 2010, 06:17:09 PM
That I do, sir, that I do. Maybe I'll get them this Friday?
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on December 06, 2010, 07:47:59 PM
I'll get a few new pics of the 'underbird, this week. I promise :)
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on December 08, 2010, 10:14:04 PM
Going through some old pics, I found the Mustang that was almost mine ...
This was Dad's '86 GT ...I can't recall a lot of what he did to it, but it was awesome to drive ...
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on December 08, 2010, 10:15:49 PM
schweet.
Those are my least hated years of fox mustang...the ones with those tailights
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on December 08, 2010, 10:18:46 PM
Tell me about it. It seems like '86 was the year for those Mustangs. Then again, Mustang wasn't supposed to have happened that year, not in a RWD configuration, anyway...
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on December 09, 2010, 06:19:35 PM
And it's gone ...
:(
At least it's in very, very good hands, right now
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on December 09, 2010, 06:22:26 PM
........... and where is it going exactly?:confused:
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: 1Bad88tbird on December 09, 2010, 07:09:49 PM
My guess is you're moving?
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: mercury-man on December 09, 2010, 07:38:42 PM
Bye Bye Birdy :disappoin
D & P :oldcougar:
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on December 09, 2010, 07:47:51 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;345120
........... and where is it going exactly?:confused:
It's now an hour an a half away from me :(
Quote from: 1Bad88tbird;345123
My guess is you're moving?
At times I wish we were, but in this case, no sir, we're not moving ...
Quote from: mercury-man;345131
Bye Bye Birdy :disappoin
D & P :oldcougar:
I did get misty-eyed when I knew it wasn't in the driveway ...Keven even asked, "Scott, where's the 'underbird??"
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: mercury-man on December 09, 2010, 08:43:07 PM
Hey Scott maybe your underbird has flown it's coop...:evilgrin:
D & P ;)
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on December 09, 2010, 08:53:54 PM
Quote from: mercury-man;345145
Hey Scott maybe your underbird has flown it's coop...:evilgrin:
D & P ;)
(http://smilearchive.com/s/contrib/ed/cry.gif)
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: mercury-man on December 09, 2010, 10:15:01 PM
more power to you dude. :2gunsfiri
D & P ;)
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on December 09, 2010, 11:04:35 PM
Quote from: mercury-man;345166
more power to you dude. :2gunsfiri
D & P ;)
;)
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on December 10, 2010, 04:14:47 PM
Quote from: Scott D;345133
It's now an hour an a half away from me
Quote from: mercury-man;345145
Hey Scott maybe your underbird has flown it's coop...
.......wait just a minute here......
have you done what I think you've done?
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on December 10, 2010, 04:35:13 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;345206
.......wait just a minute here......
have you done what I think you've done?
What do you think I've done?
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on December 10, 2010, 04:51:27 PM
Let dan borrow your car for an indefinite amount of time?
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on December 10, 2010, 05:10:59 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;345209
Let dan borrow your car for an indefinite amount of time?
Nope, the Thunderbird's not in Evansville :(
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on December 10, 2010, 05:30:10 PM
is it in the puppies shop
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on December 10, 2010, 05:47:54 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;345212
is it in the puppies shop
No sir, it's not
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: mercury-man on December 10, 2010, 05:48:34 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;345209
Let dan borrow your car for an indefinite amount of time?
:laughing: Birds don't like "Cats"
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on December 10, 2010, 05:50:48 PM
is it in the turbo shop?
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: 1Bad88tbird on December 10, 2010, 06:58:04 PM
I'm thinking it has a new owner.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on December 10, 2010, 08:38:24 PM
I was checking out the video mode on the wife's digital camera ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1y7pV7tuRg
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: 20thanniver-ls on December 10, 2010, 09:37:37 PM
Spill the beans on the 'Bird!
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on December 11, 2010, 10:50:56 AM
hey scotty I don't know if you're aware but theres this thing called light. It's pretty much required to make video.;)
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: thunderjet302 on December 11, 2010, 12:51:48 PM
V8?
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on December 11, 2010, 12:54:42 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;345275
hey scotty I don't know if you're aware but theres this thing called light. It's pretty much required to make video.;)
I know it, I may do another one, sometime ...
Quote from: thunderjet302;345283
V8?
Yeah, the Silverado's got a 350 in it
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on December 30, 2010, 06:17:58 PM
I found some of my Thunderbird paraphernalia ...
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: 20thanniver-ls on December 30, 2010, 06:23:20 PM
I see you still have the key.....
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on December 30, 2010, 06:47:06 PM
Quote from: 20thanniver-ls;347734
I see you still have the key.....
he's toying with us and loving it:beatyoass:
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: 20thanniver-ls on December 30, 2010, 06:56:42 PM
Quote from: sarjxxx;347737
he's toying with us and loving it:beatyoass:
I'm gonna go spy on him at his house, he's only 'bout 20 mins. away.... lol
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: mercury-man on December 30, 2010, 08:21:07 PM
Joe if you do that then plan a trip up here to my town also dude. :poke:
Dan & Paula ;)
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: sarjxxx on December 30, 2010, 08:22:43 PM
oooohhh maybe thats it. Yes, AHA! Maybe its at his house but he doesn't want us to think that so he phonied up some pics of it being towed away when really they brought it right back.
How very very clever my good man. But I have seen through your ruse and your hand has been beaten. You should know that you were a worthy opponent but in the end, however close you may have been, you receive no cigar friend. So close, but still no cigar.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on September 11, 2014, 01:36:37 PM
Holy necro-post Batman....
Three years and nine months to the day, I have my Thunderbird back from the shop I brought it to for the two-cylinder bolt on kit. $2300 later I still have just a little bit of buttoning up to do on the project.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on September 13, 2014, 07:52:54 AM
Wow... The car was getting worked on for three years, nothing's hooked up anywhere and I still managed to lose two quarts of transmission fluid while it's sat the past couple of days...
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on September 24, 2014, 05:27:22 PM
Well, I have a list of things I need to finish the car I was told was ready to go aside of a transmission line, or cable, or something.
Right off the top, I need all of the pulleys but the one I had to find. The alternator, the bolts from the front of the engine, the carb spacer, oh let's see... valve cover gaskets, a dip stick, and the list goes on.
I could have done twice the job in half the time. And to top it all off, I had to get the cops involved just to even get ta time to go pick up the car. Some people.
If I had it to do over again, I'd have done it myself and eff'ed it up less.
Oh well, lesson learned :-)
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Aerocoupe on September 25, 2014, 08:16:13 AM
Looks like someone got in over their head and pushed it to the back of the shop. This is exactly why I do all of the wrench turning on my car and change the oil on it myself. The guy that owned that shop would have had a shaging limp if that were my car.
Darren
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on November 20, 2014, 10:35:34 AM
Quote from: Aerocoupe;438314
Looks like someone got in over their head and pushed it to the back of the shop. This is exactly why I do all of the wrench turning on my car and change the oil on it myself. The guy that owned that shop would have had a shaging limp if that were my car.
Darren
Well, they got over their head, pushed it to the back of the shop and the motor seized. No wonder he kept avoiding my phone calls every time. And to think, a set of junk spark plugs would have avoided the mess he's gotten himself into. I don't understand how some people can do that kind of shiznit.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on December 09, 2014, 07:29:20 PM
For those curious, it was Speedy's ler & Dyno who is responsible for the mess in the pictures.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on May 08, 2015, 06:04:29 PM
Oh oh oh, I learned more after the motor was pulled. Turns out a "Ford guy" needs to go back and learn what parts go on a manual transmission car and what parts go on an automatic car. Wow...
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on June 01, 2015, 03:34:58 PM
Wow, what a joke. No spacer on the rear of the engine caused the tq converter to lock up and push up against the bell housing, no bolts were in the tq convert. Things that shouldn't have been cut were cut off the side of the transmission.
If I would have known all of what was going to be messed up, I wouldn't have trusted the fool to work on a tricycle
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on January 18, 2016, 05:46:01 PM
A new project is in the works, now. Found the car I was looking for and trying to haggle with the guy to get the price I need in order to make it financially responsible for me :-)
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Haystack on January 18, 2016, 06:29:34 PM
What car, and what happened with the 97?
Welcome back.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Scott D on January 18, 2016, 06:35:23 PM
Quote from: Haystack;453408
What car, and what happened with the 97?
Welcome back.
Thanks
Check page 13 of this thread for what happened to the '97. Replaced it with the '05 Mustang for my wife, though.
I am looking at an '86 Escort GT that is the twin to my first car so I can use that as a base for another project.
Title: My (New to Me) 1997 T-Bird
Post by: Haystack on January 19, 2016, 01:27:07 AM