What I Learned

[tbird3127]

Hello Everyone, This is just an observation, after purchasing my 2002 TBird last summer I tried to learn as much about the car as I could. (I do my own maintenance). I since have met three TBird owners and I am shocked to learn how little they know about their cars! One who had an untested extended warranty thought it would solve any problem. The other two had low miles and didn't require hard to find parts. (YET!). Needless to say, the parts search is frustrating. I have not yet found someone (knowledgeable) to face to face discuss TBird issues. I am happy I have this forum. --- Alan

[BirdsAndBugs]

Re: What I Learned

Well, due to health challenges, I don't do as much work on my cars as I once did. Fortunately my 03 and 05 Thunderbirds have been pretty problem free. Just routine maintenance. As our series is now 12 - 16 years old, serious problems are becoming more common I suppose. Unfortunately so many parts are not longer available which seems to dominate a lot of the discussion lately. There are a number of folks here on TBN who have some good experience in working through the issues. Glad you decided to join in here.

[Rondor]

Re: What I Learned

While we all may embrace today's technology it is really changing the car culture many of us grew up with. It is not only impracticable but nearly impossible to do what many of us grew up doing. This is the biggest reason we don't see the kind of enthusiasm we once did over cars. That plus the parts issues are making keeping cars like ours a real challenge.
Soon many will be like a picture on the wall.... just something to look at.

[jssantoro]

Re: What I Learned

Hello Everyone, This is just an observation, after purchasing my 2002 TBird last summer I tried to learn as much about the car as I could. (I do my own maintenance). I since have met three TBird owners and I am shocked to learn how little they know about their cars! One who had an untested extended warranty thought it would solve any problem. The other two had low miles and didn't require hard to find parts. (YET!). Needless to say, the parts search is frustrating. I have not yet found someone (knowledgeable) to face to face discuss TBird issues. I am happy I have this forum. --- Alan

I've been working on mine since the original warranty expired. 130K miles and counting. What do you need to know?

[Blkhwk]

Re: What I Learned

Yes, there is more complexity, however, I find with the internet which makes available forums like this, Youtube, databases, etc) a person can "do" anything. You do have to supply intention, attention and practice. You'll still need tools, space and time, but I find I really enjoy working on these cars.

Also my respect for them has grown and respect for the designers, engineers, parts suppliers etc.

The more I learn, the more things make sense, and reveal the thinking that went into making this car a reality.

I also think it's a good process for me as I age, to keep the "learning" process alive, probably keeps me alive.

I do agree that there is likely less "passion" for "tinkering" with cars than our generation and part of it is because of the technical complications, but I think too there is less "do it yourself" generally. While our fathers did everything around the house, plumbing, carpentry, electrical, storage, settle disputes, repairs and replacements, the world today seems more specialization and we're more likely to call an attorney to handle a dispute, the MD to handle our ailments, the plumbler etc. I think it also changes our relationship to "things".
So, I agree, we probable have a greater appreciation for those things we do ourselves, but it requires ongoing learning and getting "involved".

[Tbear]

Re: What I Learned

Yes, there is more complexity, however, I find with the internet which makes available forums like this, Youtube, databases, etc) a person can "do" anything. You do have to supply intention, attention and practice. You'll still need tools, space and time, but I find I really enjoy working on these cars.

Also my respect for them has grown and respect for the designers, engineers, parts suppliers etc.

The more I learn, the more things make sense, and reveal the thinking that went into making this car a reality.

I also think it's a good process for me as I age, to keep the "learning" process alive, probably keeps me alive.

I do agree that there is likely less "passion" for "tinkering" with cars than our generation and part of it is because of the technical complications, but I think too there is less "do it yourself" generally. While our fathers did everything around the house, plumbing, carpentry, electrical, storage, settle disputes, repairs and replacements, the world today seems more specialization and we're more likely to call an attorney to handle a dispute, the MD to handle our ailments, the plumbler etc. I think it also changes our relationship to "things".
So, I agree, we probable have a greater appreciation for those things we do ourselves, but it requires ongoing learning and getting "involved".

Well said!

[tbird3127]

Re: What I Learned

Thanks JSSANTORO. I am from NY, I got the TBird to take to Florida for the winter. After spending last summer prepping and researching I left the car home. My first encounter with the parts issue was when I went to my local Ford dealer. He laughed when I asked for a cruise control cable. I found an incomplete one after a long internet search. (see my other posts). Now I need a rocker panel. This forum helped locate one but at a steep price. Maybe I'm spoiled. My two '65 Mustangs are a dream to work on. Every part is available and just a click away. I am not comparing the two. They are very different. It makes me think. What happens when you need that part that just is not available? Have you seen that show on Velocity Channel where someone puts a tractor motor in a "56 Ford? (Cuba) ha! I hope my TBird and I have an uneventful summer. --- Alan

[Guest]

Re: What I Learned

Finding OEM replacement parts is a challenge Alan, though some owners don't seem too concerned. Everything is fine, until you need a part you can't find. Then opinions change.

But if you think parts are expensive now, they'll become even more so going forward. Salvage yards and dismantlers know how scarce they are and charge accordingly, and with no guarantees.

My conversations with Ford executives, including the VP of Warranty Engineering, indicate that Ford will NOT be making more replacement parts for these cars going forward.

[RustyFrye]

Re: What I Learned

....... Ford will NOT be making more replacement parts for these cars going forward.

Does that mean they WILL be making the parts that help it go backward?

[4LOWBIRDS+7]

Re: What I Learned

My conversations with Ford executives, including the VP of Warranty Engineering, indicate that Ford will NOT be making more replacement parts for these cars going forward.

Do you know of any auto companies making replacement parts for their fifteen year old vehicles? Or do you think Ford has just singled out the Thunderbird?

[Peterfurlan]

Re: What I Learned

Rolls Royce, Mercedes Benz, Ferrari and BMW to name just a few.

[tbird3127]

Re: What I Learned

Fords decisions are not the only issues. The aftermarket has no profitability in a low production car. We are screwed both ways. I'll keep my eye out for a good tractor motor (just in case) --- Alan

[007Cruiser]

Re: What I Learned

Fords decisions are not the only issues. The aftermarket has no profitability in a low production car. We are screwed both ways. I'll keep my eye out for a good tractor motor (just in case) --- Alan

I like your thinking.

[Rondor]

Re: What I Learned

You have to wonder how guys like Dennis Carpenter made it .............

[JerriLampon]

Re: What I Learned

You have to wonder how guys like Dennis Carpenter made it .............

Or Dan Danchuk and his brother.