Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: coupid on January 28, 2019, 11:24:46 PM
Post by: coupid on January 28, 2019, 11:24:46 PM
A few weeks ago I saw a mint looking 1987 Ford Thunderbird LX at my local cars and coffee. There was a for sale sign on the windshield so I took a photo to follow up with the owner after the show. The car was owned by an elderly woman who had recently passed away. Her family was selling the car and the house. I made an appointment to drive the car a few days later. With only 26k original miles it drove perfectly. All the electronics worked perfectly and you could tell she really cared about the car.
After a short discussion with my wife about how we needed to buy it even though we already have a 65 Mustang, I made an offer and picked it up a few hours later.
Here it is in the driveway before I drove it home:
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4878/46860659882_c18348ec27_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2eoV8zL)
After getting a few blocks away, the car started chiming at me. A few tense seconds later I realized that she had set the speed warning at 25MPH!
After the uneventful drive home:
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7867/46860667732_98bdb2ca09_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2eoVaV7)
The trunk had all sorts of blankets and california dusters:
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7887/39947997413_a7388dd359_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23S4VS6)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7917/46860668622_6b91a51be9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2eoVbbs)
In the spare tire area was a pair of coveralls for changing tires without ruining your outfit
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7899/45998402445_5ed7676cf9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2d5HQue)
Tucked into the garage:
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4908/46860673562_260591dd33_c.jpg)[/url
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2eoVbKo](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4849/46860670532_6dd35ab33d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2eoVcDC)
After a short discussion with my wife about how we needed to buy it even though we already have a 65 Mustang, I made an offer and picked it up a few hours later.
Here it is in the driveway before I drove it home:
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4878/46860659882_c18348ec27_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2eoV8zL)
After getting a few blocks away, the car started chiming at me. A few tense seconds later I realized that she had set the speed warning at 25MPH!
After the uneventful drive home:
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7867/46860667732_98bdb2ca09_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2eoVaV7)
The trunk had all sorts of blankets and california dusters:
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7887/39947997413_a7388dd359_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23S4VS6)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7917/46860668622_6b91a51be9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2eoVbbs)
In the spare tire area was a pair of coveralls for changing tires without ruining your outfit
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7899/45998402445_5ed7676cf9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2d5HQue)
Tucked into the garage:
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4908/46860673562_260591dd33_c.jpg)[/url
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2eoVbKo](https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4849/46860670532_6dd35ab33d_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2eoVcDC)
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: coupid on January 28, 2019, 11:28:07 PM
Post by: coupid on January 28, 2019, 11:28:07 PM
As I was looking through the owners manual I noticed a piece of paper folded up in the holding case. It turned out to be the original window sticker
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7898/45998404865_0e0b0b19c4_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2d5HRcX)
She really went all out with the options!
It is in really nice shape:
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4844/39948003313_b9c9054074_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23S4XBP)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7833/39948005403_d57867d5a0_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23S4YeR)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7898/45998404865_0e0b0b19c4_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2d5HRcX)
She really went all out with the options!
It is in really nice shape:
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4844/39948003313_b9c9054074_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23S4XBP)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7833/39948005403_d57867d5a0_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23S4YeR)
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: Muttwood on January 29, 2019, 09:16:31 AM
Post by: Muttwood on January 29, 2019, 09:16:31 AM
Not many LX cars came with leather !
Interesting, 5.0, console but it doesn't appear to be an LX sport !
I like it !
Enjoy
Interesting, 5.0, console but it doesn't appear to be an LX sport !
I like it !
Enjoy
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: Mikey97D on January 29, 2019, 09:18:53 AM
Post by: Mikey97D on January 29, 2019, 09:18:53 AM
Wow, She's a beauty! Congratulations!
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: coupid on January 29, 2019, 11:38:28 AM
Post by: coupid on January 29, 2019, 11:38:28 AM
Quote from: Muttwood;468618
Not many LX cars came with leather !
Interesting, 5.0, console but it doesn't appear to be an LX sport !
I like it !
Enjoy
Quote from: Mikey97D;468619
Wow, She's a beauty! Congratulations!
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: mcb82gt on January 31, 2019, 11:38:51 AM
Post by: mcb82gt on January 31, 2019, 11:38:51 AM
very nice car. good score!
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: thunderjet302 on January 31, 2019, 08:52:40 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on January 31, 2019, 08:52:40 PM
Nice. Keep it clean.
FYI: In 87 you could order a LX with sport seats and a floor shift. Sport seats were not available in an 87 Sport though. In 88 you could only get the sport seats and floor shifter in the Sport and Turbo Coupe. Apparently Ford realized it was silly to put sport seats in the LX and not the Sport.
FYI: In 87 you could order a LX with sport seats and a floor shift. Sport seats were not available in an 87 Sport though. In 88 you could only get the sport seats and floor shifter in the Sport and Turbo Coupe. Apparently Ford realized it was silly to put sport seats in the LX and not the Sport.
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: Tbird232ci on February 01, 2019, 05:28:34 AM
Post by: Tbird232ci on February 01, 2019, 05:28:34 AM
That's the first factory floor shift 3.8L car I've seen.
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: grutinator on February 01, 2019, 02:30:44 PM
Post by: grutinator on February 01, 2019, 02:30:44 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;468655
Nice. Keep it clean.
FYI: In 87 you could order a LX with sport seats and a floor shift. Sport seats were not available in an 87 Sport though. In 88 you could only get the sport seats and floor shifter in the Sport and Turbo Coupe. Apparently Ford realized it was silly to put sport seats in the LX and not the Sport.
Wow, I had never realized that. neat bit of trivia and very strange on Fords part.
Also, very nice find! Congrats!
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: EricCoolCats on February 01, 2019, 03:12:49 PM
Post by: EricCoolCats on February 01, 2019, 03:12:49 PM
Quote from: Tbird232ci;468664
That's the first factory floor shift 3.8L car I've seen.
:mullet:
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: coupid on February 01, 2019, 03:33:48 PM
Post by: coupid on February 01, 2019, 03:33:48 PM
Its wild to me that the preferred equipment package cost almost triple the upgrade to the 5.0
The Marti report said it was only one of 206 87s with this paint and trim code.
The Marti report said it was only one of 206 87s with this paint and trim code.
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: thunderjet302 on February 01, 2019, 03:38:52 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on February 01, 2019, 03:38:52 PM
Quote from: Tbird232ci;468664
That's the first factory floor shift 3.8L car I've seen.
I've actually seen an 87 LX 3.8 that was black with a raven interior (i.e. like a Turbo Coupe) and a floor shifter. Factory equipped that way (it was at a car show and the owner had the window sticker on display). So at least one was ordered that way, but it's extremely rare.
Actually the full length center console in my car came out of a 87 3.8 Cougar LS. Had a full console but a column shifter. Appeared to have left the factory that way.
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: Tbird232ci on February 02, 2019, 04:44:46 AM
Post by: Tbird232ci on February 02, 2019, 04:44:46 AM
Quote from: EricCoolCats;468668
:mullet:
I didn't look at the other side of the window sticker...just the standard half...
Quote from: thunderjet302;468670
I've actually seen an 87 LX 3.8 that was black with a raven interior (i.e. like a Turbo Coupe) and a floor shifter. Factory equipped that way (it was at a car show and the owner had the window sticker on display). So at least one was ordered that way, but it's extremely rare.
Actually the full length center console in my car came out of a 87 3.8 Cougar LS. Had a full console but a column shifter. Appeared to have left the factory that way.
I've seen a few 88 LX 3.8 cars with the full length console but column shift. In my old 3.8 car, I used the little coin tray out of an 88 3.8 console car when I did my initial console swap. After that, I converted it to floor shift.
I have no doubt that they are out there, I just have never seen one.
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: coupid on February 02, 2019, 06:18:56 PM
Post by: coupid on February 02, 2019, 06:18:56 PM
Any leads on where I could find a new center console latch? All the ones on ebay are for Turbo Coupes or some other trim level.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: jcassity on February 02, 2019, 06:58:05 PM
Post by: jcassity on February 02, 2019, 06:58:05 PM
first,,
how much did you score this for?
2nd
i have a few center consoles,, im betting i would have the latch you need so email me jcassity@frontier.com or call 304 772 3411
shawn,,
you had me doing a double take cause i never saw a CFI (87 only for this body) floor shifter car.. LOL)
how much did you score this for?
2nd
i have a few center consoles,, im betting i would have the latch you need so email me jcassity@frontier.com or call 304 772 3411
shawn,,
you had me doing a double take cause i never saw a CFI (87 only for this body) floor shifter car.. LOL)
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: rodsterh on February 02, 2019, 07:21:22 PM
Post by: rodsterh on February 02, 2019, 07:21:22 PM
Nice score!! Good luck and enjoy it!
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: coupid on February 02, 2019, 09:35:00 PM
Post by: coupid on February 02, 2019, 09:35:00 PM
Today, I replaced the door strikers since I had a little squeak from the doors. I also got the underhood light functioning again. Finally, I got some condensation out of the driver's side headlight. That was a strange one since the car has sat in my garage for the past week.
Thanks, I'll shoot you an email here in a few
thanks
Quote from: jcassity;468682
first,,
how much did you score this for?
2nd
i have a few center consoles,, im betting i would have the latch you need so email me jcassity@frontier.com or call 304 772 3411
shawn,,
you had me doing a double take cause i never saw a CFI (87 only for this body) floor shifter car.. LOL)
Thanks, I'll shoot you an email here in a few
Quote from: rodsterh;468683
Nice score!! Good luck and enjoy it!
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: BCA on February 04, 2019, 10:05:44 AM
Post by: BCA on February 04, 2019, 10:05:44 AM
Quote from: coupid;468669
Its wild to me that the preferred equipment package cost almost triple the upgrade to the 5.0
The Marti report said it was only one of 206 87s with this paint and trim code.
Would you mind posting the Marti Report here?
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: coupid on February 04, 2019, 12:31:36 PM
Post by: coupid on February 04, 2019, 12:31:36 PM
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: BCA on February 04, 2019, 12:50:27 PM
Post by: BCA on February 04, 2019, 12:50:27 PM
Interesting.
Thanks. :cool:
Thanks. :cool:
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: thunderjet302 on February 04, 2019, 03:22:01 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on February 04, 2019, 03:22:01 PM
Quote from: coupid;468709
here you go!
You car is similarly equipped to mine. I'm surprised the report doesn't list the floor shifter option, even though it was a requirement with the raven interior.
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: coupid on February 04, 2019, 07:18:20 PM
Post by: coupid on February 04, 2019, 07:18:20 PM
I really like your two-tone paint. Yeah they are pretty similar. Could you get the floor shifter with the bench seat?
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: thunderjet302 on February 04, 2019, 08:03:32 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on February 04, 2019, 08:03:32 PM
Quote from: coupid;468718
I really like your two-tone paint. Yeah they are pretty similar. Could you get the floor shifter with the bench seat?
Nope. The "bench seat" (technically still bucket seats) had a consolette in the middle that moved with the seat. When moved all the way up the consolette would cover the area where the floor shifter would be located.
My car no longer has the consolette. I removed it from the driver's seat when I had the front seats reupholstered. I replaced it with a full length console (I found a mint smoke gray one in a wrecking yard years ago). I never converted the car to a floor shifter though. I have all the parts but I haven't found the need to do it yet. If I ever swap the FRPP shorty headers on the car for long tubes I'll have no choice, but I don't see that happening anytime soon.
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: coupid on February 18, 2019, 02:42:36 PM
Post by: coupid on February 18, 2019, 02:42:36 PM
This weekend I replaced a sweeping power steering return line, center console latch and pulled the door card to reattach the power door lock actuator.
Then I took it on a 100 mile shakedown run to prepare for a trip to a car show in Sonoma next month.
I'm loving this car!
Then I took it on a 100 mile shakedown run to prepare for a trip to a car show in Sonoma next month.
I'm loving this car!
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: coupid on February 18, 2019, 10:49:53 PM
Post by: coupid on February 18, 2019, 10:49:53 PM
On it's shakedown run:
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: thunderjet302 on February 19, 2019, 10:47:27 PM
Post by: thunderjet302 on February 19, 2019, 10:47:27 PM
Looking good.
A set of 10 holes with Thunderbird center caps would look killer on that car.
A set of 10 holes with Thunderbird center caps would look killer on that car.
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: Tbird232ci on February 20, 2019, 05:41:04 AM
Post by: Tbird232ci on February 20, 2019, 05:41:04 AM
Quote from: thunderjet302;468713
You car is similarly equipped to mine. I'm surprised the report doesn't list the floor shifter option, even though it was a requirement with the raven interior.
That's probably part of the Premium Luxury Package that coupids has that yours doesn't have.
Title: 1987 Thunderbird LX
Post by: thunderjet302 on February 20, 2019, 10:27:59 AM
Post by: thunderjet302 on February 20, 2019, 10:27:59 AM
Quote from: Tbird232ci;468898
That's probably part of the Premium Luxury Package that coupids has that yours doesn't have.
That only existed in 87. In 88 you couldn't get the floor shift and sport seats in the LX, only the Sport and Turbo Coupe. I'd like to see an 87 order guide to see if the floor shift and sport seats were part of the Premium Luxury Package or a separate add on.
In the grand scheme of things it really doesn't matter. Just curiosity on my part as to how the options were different on the 87 and 88 LX.