Thunderbird parts unavailable

[gbsb]

Just a thought, I keep reading about how our cars are getting older and parts are getting harder to find. What are we going to do when there is a breakdown and no parts are available.
Are we going to have a beautiful car that we really enjoy that is just a yard ornament because there is no repair parts. Please some thoughts or ideas on this, or do I need to trade while it is still running and get something that has parts available. George

[wcoates]

George, I think we will always be able to buy parts somewhere. Easy, Maybe not!

Electronic modules will surely be a problem but we have a post buried here about repair alternatives.

Body parts and interior parts,--salvage yards somewhere.

Ebay, https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...=6001&_fosrp=1 Thousands of parts--some of real value.

Parts Houses--check them all. Like Rockauto:

THUNDERBIRD

3.9L V8

Accessories

Belt Drive

Body

Brake & Wheel Hub

Cooling System

Drivetrain

Electrical

Electrical-Bulb & Socket

Electrical-Connector

Electrical-Switch & Relay

Engine

Exhaust & Emission

Fuel & Air

Heat & Air Conditioning

Ignition

Interior

Literature

Steering

Suspension

Transmission-Automatic

Wheel

Wiper & Washer

Worst case send it to Cuba. They haven't had parts for years and their babies still run.

More and more of these cars (IMHO) will leave daily driver service (Mine has) and be relegated to sunny day drives and trips to TBN events (Mine currently) and someday only a sunny day drive to The Dairy Queen to get a Ron McCloud Memorial Banana Split.

Many of our cars are slipping below the $10,000 mark. Where are you going to get a sunny day convertible for less money. And if you already own it, why screw around with worry or replacement . Most being already paid for, we have a sunk cost item so put $50-$100 a month in a repair envelope and hope for the best! My hope is that it becomes undrivable at the same time as I lose the ability to drive.

[Birdlover]

I'm not worried about finding parts to keep the car running (yet). For awhile the electronic modules were a problem, but there are now venders who will rebuild them. Suspension parts might be a problem if you insist on genuine Ford parts, but there are plenty of aftermarket parts available for our cars. There aren't any more Ford windshields, but aftermarket are readily available. Salvage yards are always an alternative to finding parts.

Now, finding body parts is another issue, but then there are salvage yards. Six years ago I was hit broadside in the passenger door by a drunk driver who ran a light. No new doors available. Replacement door came from Canadian salvage yard. Took awhile to find, but one was available.

[BirdsAndBugs]

Mechanically, there are aftermarket parts available. Salvage yards and as some have discovered there are vendors available that are helping rebuild some of the electronic modules. I'm really not too worried. I'll just keep enjoying my Thunderbirds for as long as I can.

Of course, mine are used mostly on the weekends and road trips so if I had a little downtime once in a while it would be not big deal. Maybe the situation is a little different for those that rely on their Thunderbirds for their daily transportation.

[Gobird]

Not worried. Not an every day driver any longer so I can wait for parts if need be.

[gbsb]

Thanks for the answers. I was just being paranoid I put maybe 5000 miles a year on my 2002, so should last a long time . I do have something else to drive, it is a F450 Ford with a 6.0 diesel and I guess I am a little worried about the TBird being a money pit like the 6.0 diesel is. George

[003T]

Today I had my broken windshield replaced. Of course there are no Ford windshields available and I was worried but I got a glass made in USA from a Co. that says they make them for the OEM market. So I guess that is the best that I could do. They seemed to do a good job. It is a bit scary to realize that parts are scarce or not available.

[BirdsAndBugs]

Yesterday I got an email from Thunderbird Specialties on this very subject. I guess now you can join Phil's private parts club.

I'm amazed how when we have a discussion on TBN, within 24 hours I get an email concerning a recently discussed subject here. Coincidence? I think not.

Recently (in the last 2 weeks) I bought a Thunderbird lanyard keychain. $9.99 on eBay and over $20 with Thunderbird Specialties. Then I started looking at other accessories and their prices were WAY higher than the prices other dealers were selling the same items for on eBay. Just saying they aren't really doing anybody any big favors.

[RBIRD]

Greg, Phil gives us the ideas and we find the parts cheaper on the internet. His way of giving back for helping him with his book.

Bob

[Brad]

Yesterday I got an email from Thunderbird Specialties on this very subject. I guess now you can join Phil's private parts club.

I'm amazed how when we have a discussion on TBN, within 24 hours I get an email concerning a recently discussed subject here. Coincidence? I think not.

Recently (in the last 2 weeks) I bought a Thunderbird lanyard keychain. $9.99 on eBay and over $20 with Thunderbird Specialties. Then I started looking at other accessories and their prices were WAY higher than the prices other dealers were selling the same items for on eBay. Just saying they aren't really doing anybody any big favors.

I'm guessing your name will be moved from the "friend of Phil" list to the "enemies of Phil" list within the next 30 seconds...

[BirdsAndBugs]

I'm guessing your name will be moved from the "friend of Phil" list to the "enemies of Phil" list within the next 30 seconds...

I'm not trying to make waves with anyone. I've shopped on Phil's Thunderbird Specialties website many times over the past 15 years. However, I never actually bought anything as I was able to find it at Ford, Thunderbird Concepts, or eBay for less money.

[Brad]

I joke about it because I've been cautioned by his supporters not to alienate him since he is the only supplier of certain parts. I'm not aware of any non-appearance parts that aren't available elsewhere for a fraction of the cost.

[Welker]

At my age I have many of my body parts repaired or replaced. My guess is so long as they can fix and repair old people who's actuarials have not gotten them, they'll be able to fix and repair the old geezers' cars.

[Quickdraw]

I joke about it because I've been cautioned by his supporters not to alienate him since he is the only supplier of certain parts. I'm not aware of any non-appearance parts that aren't available elsewhere for a fraction of the cost.

Yes, because if you alienate him he might get upset and throw away all his inventory. Or he could double his prices (again) as punishment, or else offer everything at 95% off and go out of business. In Phil's defense he has to maintain his publicly claimed ownership of his six Malibu estates and five Beverly Hills mansions (or maybe it was the reverse - five and six). Then again he might threaten to sue everyone who doesn't buy from him.

Brad, have you been cautioned by more than 10 or 11 people? If not maybe those were just his tenants.

[hippy_mailman]

I found a pushpin(actually a screw pin) for the engine shroud yesterday at a ford dealer for 5 bucks! although it was last one and only one near me.maybe I should buy a lotto ticket!!