What parts are no longer available?

[JoelK]

Re: What parts are no longer available?

Too bad Aaron at thunderbird Concepts isn't carrying the three reveal molding/ trim pieces....

[justjon]

Re: What parts are no longer available?

When 102+ people need them he probably will ...... You know you can them re chromed don't you?

[007Cruiser]

Re: What parts are no longer available?

What I find interesting is that I can find all sorts of after market stuff for my 63 TBird and soon it may become more difficult to keep 02 thru 05's on the road.

The aftermarket catalogs and supply houses seem to dry up after '66. Try finding stuff from the '70s.

[sauernote]

Re: What parts are no longer available?

My black car just took a hit by a cretin talking on a cell phone. Over 3K worth of cosmetic damage. No problem getting the following parts: rear bumper, rear taillight, trunk lid "bird", thunderbird script on left rear panel, and some other parts behind the rear bumper.
My lucky day!

[BITWTB]

Re: What parts are no longer available?

[QUOTE=SugarDaddy;424369]In 2010, we needed a new Front Electronics Module (FEM) to be replaced, along with our steering rack and power steering pump. There were no FEM's available anywhere in the US, except at a couple of dealers who would not sell the ones they had in their stockroom. We had to wait 3 to 4 weeks before the FEM manufacturer could make a few more and ship them out to our dealer. So much for having parts in stock!
It's frustrating waiting for a part (the FEM) to come in while your T-Bird is in the shop torn apart!

Has anyone tried aftermarket such as http://www.carsteering.com/addtocart...80-00125.html# ?

[merlot4]

Re: What parts are no longer available?

So far the FEM (front electronics module) is becoming difficult to get; one of the three reveal moldings (front chrome windshield surround) is only available as left over stock, it at all; and I suspect the windshield itself may become difficult in years to come, although available now. As we find these things it would be useful to list if anyone comes up with an alternative. Is the FEM swappable with the Lincoln LS?

[lasuvidaboy]

Re: What parts are no longer available?

I would think in the future that an aftermarket company will produce many parts and the rest will come from wrecked vehicles. The 2002-2005 Tbird was'nt exactly a low production vehicle compared to some cars from the 1950s and 60s so parts should still be available for many years to come.

[65TBSTEVE]

Re: What parts are no longer available?

I retired from an automotive parts supplier company in Michigan 7 years ago and as of then, ALL suppliers were required to supply parts for 10 years after the end of production. Tools are owned by the car companies and the suppliers keep those tools on hand to mold those parts when orders come in from the car companies supplier parts operations. So I don't see how there will be a problem until after 2015 for most of our parts.

[XCR440SP]

Re: What parts are no longer available?

I'll chime in from a dealer perspective. On items like the FEM, don't assume since they were hard to get once that they'll be the ones to stockpile. We fight this all the time. Instrument clusters is one of the most common. We'll call in to order one and its on backorder, takes 3 weeks. Next time its in stock.

Many of the items are direct ship from vendor. For example, I just ordered a seat cover (Leather) for a 2001 F-150, it doesn't come from Ford but from the vendor. It's been a week and 1/2, and I suspect due to the low demand they likely make them as requested.

If I were going to stockpile things, it woudn't be items to make the car run or drive since I suspect either Ford or aftermarket will cover that. What becomes hard to find is the trim pieces that are for appearance, but not neccisary to make the car go. On most cars when they get to the age of our 'Birds, owners don't pay to replace them. Our cars are different, but likely will fall under the same rules. I've been adding the interior aluminum pieces to my collection since they're different year to year I suspect they'll be the first to go.

[merlot4]

Re: What parts are no longer available?

Thanks for your insight, Steve and XCR440SP, this is good to hear.

[JAB02LHS]

Re: What parts are no longer available?

I retired from an automotive parts supplier company in Michigan 7 years ago and as of then, ALL suppliers were required to supply parts for 10 years after the end of production. Tools are owned by the car companies and the suppliers keep those tools on hand to mold those parts when orders come in from the car companies supplier parts operations. So I don't see how there will be a problem until after 2015 for most of our parts.

WHAT ABOUT SUPPLIERS THAT HAVE CLOSED DUE TO THE ECONOMY?

[JAB02LHS]

Re: What parts are no longer available?

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Many of the items are direct ship from vendor. For example, I just ordered a seat cover (Leather) for a 2001 F-150, it doesn't come from Ford but from the vendor. It's been a week and 1/2, and I suspect due to the low demand they likely make them as requested.
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CAN YOU ORDER A DRIVER SIDE SEAT COVER FOR A PCR?