With nice weather approaching it will be time to bring out our T-Birds and other cars for the upcoming show season. I think our club members are tuned in to checking fluids, tires, and belts.

 

However, on the First drive, it is important to start slow and check the operation of the brakes. Due to the fact most of our class cars have single chamber master cylinders, it is important on the first slow drive to check drive to check the pedal goes to the floor, of any polling, pulsation, or grabbing. Wheels and cylinders have a tendency to attract moisture and turn to gel. 

 

When was the last time you pulled a drain and pulled back a seal to inspect the condition of your wheel cylinders, rubber, brakes, hoses, and brake cylinder metal lines. Please check the operation of your emergency brake and if it's not operable, have it repaired properly. Tires have a tendency to develop flat spots and cracks due to age and exposure to the sun. Replace any tire that shows any defect. It has been a pleasure writing about, and the different series of T-birds and my personal experience. I will move on to different topics because I don't have enough knowledge of these later T-birds to do this column justice.

Happy mentoring, 

 
Larry Sneary
H.V.T.C. Tech Advisor

 

 

Ford Thunderbird News 1956-2005

First Generation 1955-1957

The Ford Thunderbird was introduced in February 1953 as a response to Chevrolet's new sports car, the Corvette, which was publicly unveiled in prototype form just a month before.

Second Generation 1958-1960

Although the 1955–57 Thunderbird was a success, Ford executives—particularly Robert McNamara—were concerned that the car's position as a two-seater limited its sales potential. As a result, the car was redesigned as a four-seater for 1958.

Third Generation 1961-1963

The Thunderbird was redesigned for 1961 with styling that gave the car a unique bullet-like body side appearance.

Fourth Generation 1964-1966

For 1964 the Thunderbird was restyled in favor of a more squared-off appearance, which was mostly evident when viewing the car from the side or rear.

 Fifth Generation 1967-1971

 

 

1In 1967, a larger Thunderbird with luxury appointments more in line with a Lincoln was built. 

Sixth Generation 1972-1976

The sixth generation of the Thunderbird debuted in the fall of 1971 as a 1972 model.  It was the largest Thunderbird ever produced.

Seventh Generation 1977-1979

For the 1977 model year, the Thunderbird was shifted to the smaller chassis, but it still looked large.

Eighth Generation 1980-1982

Reflecting a further industry-wide adoption of smaller vehicle designs in the interest of improved fuel efficiency and emissions compliance, the Thunderbird was redesigned for 1980.

Ninth Generation 1983-1988

In response to the lackluster reception of the eighth-generation 1980–1982 Thunderbird, Ford executed a significant redesign for 1983.

1989-2005 Thunderbirds and Car Care tips

Styles and Changes

Tenth Generation 1989-1997

Upcoming

On December 26, 1988, a completely redesigned Thunderbird was introduced as a 1989 model along with the similar Mercury Cougar.

Eleventh Generation 2002-2005

About Us

After a five year hiatus, Ford introduced the 2002 Thunderbird. Returning to the original formula for the Thunderbird, the latest version had a two-passenger convertible/removable hardtop configuration like the first-generation Thunderbird and styling strongly recalling the original.

Car Care Tips

Trends

Things to know to care for your car.

Little Bit of This and That

New

Odds & Ends

Advice Tips

 Helpful Tips

What is a bird that does not fly and some requires maintenance? 

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