Hi, im new and cant decide what to do with my T bird

[shysty]

Hi all!!! My grandmother gave me my first T bird about a month ago. It's a 1978 Diamond Jubilee with 43,000 original miles. The car is it pretty great condition. runs like a champ. Sorry i don't have pictures at the moment. the car has been covered in the garage for about almost 10 years now. I uncovered it dusted it off, put about a gallon of gas in it and it started up on the first crank over. now im not sure if i should keep it and drive it on the weekends or sale it. could someone tell me what a car like this is worth???

[Rondor]

Re: Hi, im new and cant decide what to do with my T bird

If it is in really good condition and you have a garage I would keep it. I doubt you would get more than a few thousand for a 78 and it is probably worth more to you. None of us know what any of our cars will bring in the future, but I suspect we have long passed the high point in prices for most cars

[islandtime]

Re: Hi, im new and cant decide what to do with my T bird

We had a '78 Diamond Jubilee T-Bird back in the day (sold it in 1983). The person who bought it from us just sold it last year - in pristine condition - for $3,000.

[T for 2]

Re: Hi, im new and cant decide what to do with my T bird

I was the orignal owner of my 78 triple dove grey bird with 37,000 mi. I drove it only to car shows in later years, and had a trunk full of trophys. It was pristine, but I became more worried about breaking down, as the car was all orignal except for tires ,belts, ect. I sold it in 2008 to buy my 2002 blu-bird which I use whenever I want without worry. My 78 sold for $3,500, much less then what I thought it was worth. Chas.
AS we know its the memory that goes first. I put my 78 up for $5,000 and settled for $4,500, not $3,500. Didn't want to mislead you.
Chas.

[THX1138]

Re: Hi, im new and cant decide what to do with my T bird

If you haven't, change all fluids, belts, windshield wipers and tires. Also, get it tuned up. In your area, you should be able to drive it nearly year round. Insure it and drive it. If it's in super shape with a clean interior, show it, and have some fun. You now have a beautiful car that can be driven with no loss of value. Ford has always made drivetrains that last a long time with proper care. My old Ranger has 214,000+ miles with replacing normal wear items and a timing chain, and I am not kind to that poor truck. Make sure you also drain the fuel tank prior to filling it due to water and rust formation while the car was sitting. Most of all, have fun!

[shysty]

Re: Hi, im new and cant decide what to do with my T bird

Thanks for the advise. think i will try keeping it as long as i can. really great car and i do very much enjoy the look and the little purr the motor has. The car hasn't been registered in ten years, so now i know im going to owe back fees on it. i just had to pay the back fees on a motorcycle that was a gift to me, so i know surly they will try and get every penny i have from me again at the DMV. is there anything i can do to bring the value of this car up? and yes i will be replacing all the rubber on the car, belt's, tires, exc. and all the fluids. is there a drain bolt on the bottom of the gas tank?? would be helpful if there was some type of draining bolt or something to get to without having to drop the tank??? or is it possible to disconnect a fuel line and manually run the fuel pump to get all the old gas out???

Thanks ahead of time for any advise cause i can sure use it.

[snowbird]

Re: Hi, im new and cant decide what to do with my T bird

In your first post you mention that you aded some fresh gasoline and it started right up. If there is room in the tank, just add some more gas and drive it. That is what I would do. The only problem that may have occured is the gas in the carburator going bad but you say it purs like a kitten, so again, just run the engine and use up the old gas.
MartinB.

[TexasWhiteBird]

Re: Hi, im new and cant decide what to do with my T bird

Keep it, enjoy it and maintain it! these are very simple to work on and you can get any of the mechanical parts anywhere. 1977 was the biggest year ever for the T-bird as it was the first 'downsized' 'Bird , having followed behind the Lincoln-esque '73-'76s.I have owned a '77 and a '79 and loved them. There are plenty of things to do to 'perk up' the power and make them feel even better.!alan

[shysty]

Re: Hi, im new and cant decide what to do with my T bird

sorry to say but i must sale the car, no where for me to store the car and not enough room here at my apartment. so the first person with $1000 cash can have it asap.

[MerlotBlue]

Re: Hi, im new and cant decide what to do with my T bird

sorry to say but i must sale the car, no where for me to store the car and not enough room here at my apartment. so the first person with $1000 cash can have it asap.

I'm the first to admit that this car holds ZERO interest to me but with only 43,000 miles and running "like a champ" it seems to me you should be able to squeeze a little more than that out of it.

Put it on the side of the road with a sign indicating the mileage and your price of $1,000 and you should need any of us. I'd expect it'll be sold by the end of the day.

Good Luck!

[Ol'Dave]

Re: Hi, im new and cant decide what to do with my T bird

bout time for a picture of this to appear.....