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This is a long standing issue in the car hobby for those who like the limited, rare, or unusual in the auto world. It is also an attraction even tho many don't realize it. Some of my fondest memories are the challenges and the hunt. That intrigue is what adds to the pleasure of owning and maintaining a classic is really all about and even more so if you restore one.The more the automobile advances the bigger this challenge will become. Think restoring a Model A and a retro. That is why in the future there will be a demand for our cars, making the hassle of parts today well worth the effort, even if we don't sell.
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Ron couldn't agree more. The hunt for parts and the cars are part of the fun. Guess that's why I just bought a piece of side reveal windshield molding. Don't need it. Might someday. I'm a believer in the $50 part being bought and stored. Bought cabinets to store (hide) replacement parts as wife NEEDS a neat garage. She thinks I'm nuts.Bill Coates-Canfield, Ohio
2003 -THE GREY GHOST- MSG, Saddle with Saddle dash kit, door panels, boot and visors -
It wouldn't surprise me if a 2002-2005 Thunderbird flea market would be at Hershey in ten or twenty years. In 2027 our '02s will be antiques, using 25 years as a minimum requirement. I remember the joy of finding a left rear fender with tail light intact for a 1940 Packard 120 for a friend while walking the Hershey parts area. It was $15.! My friend was ecstatic with the find.sigpicComment
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Now THAT'S an optimistic take on things! I guess the solution now is to buy every inexpensive and/or damaged bird and stash them away in a barn. People WILL come calling...Comment
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Bought cabinets to store (hide) replacement parts She thinks I'm nuts. Mine thinks I am too Bill! I only tell her when she notices. Years ago (sound familiar?)we'd peruse junk yards for '40 Ford parts....
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I have a 1955 Thunderbird and I am thnking about finding a 2002-2005 TBird and Updating the old bird with the newer Interiour and drive train and for sure a 12 volt systemComment
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I seem to watch a lot of car shows. Not mentioning names, but it always amuses me when they get in a rusted heap of certain models and then they order everything it needs. New hood, new floor pan, new trunk, new interior, new fenders, new door sills, new crate motor, new whatever. They go on about what a difficult rebuild it was. What's the fun if everything is just handed to you?sigpicComment
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I have a friend in the Chicago area that did that with Porsche 928s. I think he now has about 5 of them. They are only now starting to find interest as collectibles.Originally posted by bsedwebt View Post
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You are the experts so am I right in saying there is a strong cottage industry that helps support the 55-57's? And the advantage the first Birds have over the retros is the significant lack of "technology" in them, not to mention there's no composite fenders/parts to refabricate?
As I'm reading threads like this, it seems to me the most consistent problem with the retros has been issues with technology (read: computer) parts, in addition to composite material parts. The computer/technology parts could come after market, I guess (is that even possible with computer parts?), but what about composite material parts? When I was looking at the Merlot out of Florida, in my conversation with Mark Grossnig, he told me there could be an increasing problem locating quarter panels (composite material).Comment
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You certainly can do that, but except for updating the battery voltage, your '55 will be worth much less after "updating" it with a new interior and drive train.Originally posted by TEE4TOO View PostComment
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This "chasing down of parts" is frustrating and not for everyone! --- AlanComment
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I'm always on the look out for parts. I have two street rods (1953 F0rd F-100 and 1934 Chevy 2dr sedan ) plus my latest addition 2002 T-Bird. I look for parts to help out our fellow car club members and for my brother who builds street rods and restores classics. I spend lots of time in the vendor and junk sections of car shows while I attend with my cars.
It's exciting to find a rare piece or a bargain. My garage is full of stuff that I or my buddies may need some day.Comment
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