I can't leave anything stock, that would be unAmerican. I've got a new cruiser, and I need to decide what to do with it. It's a 62 t-bird convertible, with a dealer installed tonneau. These pics are from the inspection, I'll get some new ones when it gets delivered. I'm getting the original Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels with it too, so the first thing to go is those wheels. I'll put some bias plys on it, but wide white or narrow? Anyone see a nice custom 61-63 thunderbird? I want to go with a mild custom, probably lower it just a couple inches. There's no door handles to shave, although I am considering leading in the fender top stainless trim and making it body color. I like the quarter trim, but the rest can be smoothed. What would have been done to this in 62, if some rich kid from the valley got it as a graduation gift?
Damn...aside from maybe lowering a bit I wouldn't touch a thing...other than maybe run it over to Fat Lucky's in Tejas and let him work his magic on the interior...that thing is beautiful, shiny, big and decadent...nice ride coming soon: rodtees.com
I would have to agree with oldrodgarage on this one and I will cut ANYTHING. Maybe lower a bit - not too much though and do a great interior. Call it good!
Other than wheels and tires I'd say lower it, some good pinstriping, find a roadster cover for the rear, and call it done. As for wheels, the original wires look good with thin white walls. Supremes with thin whites would also be a good choice. Btw, here's a tip for white interiors; use Mr.Clean Magic Eraser on the stubborn dirty stuff. It works really well.
Those cars are gaining in value quickly. I have a 63 hardtop. If it was a ragtop it would be worth $10,000 more. Lower, skirts, paint, wheels. But keep it reversable. Rick
Narrow whites, lower it, do nothing else... do not modify the body it's great as is. But it's not my car now is it... Oh never mind.
Thanks for the input guys. It's hard for me to not cut something up, but I like the lines on this one. Just gotta warm up the 390, and Bellflower tips would look cool. It does have a roadster tonneau too, it's just not on in these pics.
Maybe I'm picky, but I can't stand the wire wheels that Ford used. The spokes are flush with the outer rim and that just bothers me. Get a set of Chrysler wires, they look better and use the same bolt pattern. Maybe some custom paint and interior, but a '61-63 Tbird looks great as-is. Good score!!
To my eyes, Squarebirds and Bulletbirds always seemed like customs right from the factory. I never like the tonneau cover, though. But I've seen very few radical mods that made them any better. Different, yes, better, not really. I think the best way to do one of these is to just clean it up a little by removing some of the filigree - emblems, etc. Lower it a little like the designers intended.
As the owner of a '63 Thunderbird ("Bullet Bird") Coupe I feel it doesn't take to much to make these cars look great. Nice white walls and Asrtos or cool caps and lowering a little. Maybe if you want to go wild maybe some Larry Watson style scallops. Here is a couple pictures of T-Birds.
narrow whites and lower it.... then maybe little things from there. But I think you'll end up having to much fun with it for a while to do much else.
Skirts, different wheels, and a pimp interior with some swivel buckets. Maybe eventually get rid of the emblems (not the trim) and spray some candies or flake. Best part is you can drive it now!
That and the second set of twins due in October . . . I bought this one because I won't have time for another project for a while. I've gotta do some tinkering though. First step is wheels and lowering, then we'll see from there.
Some whites and lowered. Other that that leave it just like it is. Way too kool to chop up. _________________________________________________________________ Like I told the kid, "Your music's not too loud, it just ****s!"
Couldn't see how grinding it down and rippen' emblems would improve it. Same as the rest: lower in, 4in white walls, skirts. Scallops could be cool. Still like the "bird" emblems especially on the rear. Do like the idea of swivel seats. A luxury interior would set this off.
Lowering it is the way to go. I lowered mine about 3 inches all the way around and it looks great. I cut 1 3/4 coils out of the front and added 2 1/2 inch lowering blocks in the rear. I had to custom blocks for the rear.
No wide whites (it's a '62, not '52!) but I'll agree with minor lowering, narrow whitewalls on chrome rims, and remove the emblems. And do not touch that sweet interior.
I agree. Just lower it,(I cut 1 1/2 coils out of the front of mine)and pinstripe it. It's true about the price. I picked mine up for 6k,had it been a convertible...another 15k at least! They really don't need much to customize them,just subtle mods and you're good to go!
The Jalopy Journal
