Picked up a 1960 Tbird

46yblock

Senior Member
At a garage sale only 8 miles away was a Tbird for sale, already on the trailer. It was a total surprise, as I just followed a garage sale sign. Looked it over, price was right, so made the deal. It is a hardtop, complete, with 352 300HP engine, with factory air and Cruiso-matic. There is much to do, but so far I am looking forward to it. First thing is to establish whether or not the engine runs. I found a receipt in the car dated 2006 for a new 1960 Thunderbird starter, so that is encouraging regarding its ability to start. I will rebuild the Autolite 4100 first, and go from there.

The night after the purchase, but before delivery, I read that there was a 430 MEL engine option that year. When I first looked at it I just assumed it was a 352. Even though the big option is more valuable, I'm glad the 352 is in there.
When I was eleven or so family friends had a '60, and my sister and I thought they were so cool!

The key lock mechanism on the trunk is missing, only with the hole present, and one of the first things is to figure out how to get the trunk open. No telling what goodies might lurk inside!
 
If you haven't done so already, look in that hole with a flashlight. You should be able to use a long screwdriver to unlatch the trunk with. Might find Jimmy Hoffa in there.
 
I will look into the hole and see what can be seen. Saw some pictures of open trunks on the same models and the latch looks ultra simple. We pushed the car into the dirt part of the barn after getting wheels with tires mounted (lucky they were on hand). Now need to push it around to the other side with concrete.

Picture(s) in a day or two.

3900 lbs of American metal!
 
Streetdreams, as it turned out, he was a long time former employee of Bob Drakes Reproductions. There was a lot of new low priced Drake parts, a '52 Chevy truck, and bunches of miscellaneous old car/truck items. He even had a tube tester I almost bought, but put back at the last minute. Not the usual Rummage Sale!
 
I really like the look of the 58-60 birds. Have always wanted one with a F/I 351 and auto o/d trans. They show very well.
 
Here are some pictures. A small item of interest was found yesterday after removing the carb. It has a phenolic spacer that is tapered front to back like a wedge, I assume to have the carb level. Havent seen one of them before.
 

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