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  • Re: Random useless facts about 2002-2005 Thunderbirds

    Originally posted by 5bird7 View Post
    From the Canadian order sheets I have (dated 12/00) and the Canadian Ford website in 2002, the only wheel available to Canadians on the 2002 was the 16 spoke machined wheels.

    The number of 2002s shipped to Canada was 2544 according to the stats. I would assume that ALL 2002s shipped to Canada had the 16 spoke painted wheels even if they appear to be premium models.
    I know that those that ordered their cars, sought out chrome wheels by ordering them after they picked up their car either through their dealer or from the US.

    Canadian order codes according to their order sheet was 120 (for hardtop) labeled as "Popular" and 100 labeled as Standard (without hardtop).

    This appeared to have changed with 2003 and chrome wheels were allowed then. At least that's what owners of 2003 in Canada were reporting.
    Not sure what happened on the query I made upon the database on the above statement where I said 738 had painted wheels, or what I was thinking, but yes, there were 2,961 Canadian Thunderbirds. Of that, 2,544 were 2002s and ALL had the 21 spoke painted wheels. The remaining 417 units (2003-2005 Thunderbirds) had 7 spoke chrome wheels or 16 spoke machined wheels with the exception of 55 007s that had 21 spoke chrome wheels. I also corrected post #60 where I made the mistake.
    Quickdraw
    Raccoon Lodge Administrator

    Comment


    • Re: Random useless facts about 2002-2005 Thunderbirds

      Originally posted by Quickdraw View Post
      Not sure what happened ......
      Not sure, but based on that last post is it possibly related to this somehow?
      Attached Files
      Bird is the word.....
      Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats. H. L. Mencken US editor (1880 - 1956)

      Comment


      • Re: Random useless facts about 2002-2005 Thunderbirds

        Originally posted by RustyFrye View Post
        Not sure, but based on that last post is it possibly related to this somehow?
        If you owned a 2002-2005 Cantaloupe wouldn't you want to know more about it? Is it a Canadian Cantaloupe? Premium or Deluxe? And wouldn't interior color be a factor on its desirability?
        Quickdraw
        Raccoon Lodge Administrator

        Comment


        • Re: Random useless facts about 2002-2005 Thunderbirds

          .
          .
          Perhaps a clue on why 2002 TB Blue cars that were dealer ordered for STOCK sold faster than other colors is that they were way under-ordered by the customers themselves.


          <TABLE style="WIDTH: 318pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=424 border=0> <COLGROUP> <COL style="WIDTH: 78pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 3803" width=104> <COL style="WIDTH: 48pt" span=5 width=64> <TBODY> <TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20> <TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; HEIGHT: 15pt; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 78pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=20 width=104>2002</TD> <TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=64>Black</TD> <TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=64>Tblue</TD> <TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=64>Red</TD> <TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=64>White</TD> <TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=64>Yellow</TD></TR> <TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20> <TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; HEIGHT: 15pt; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=20>% Cust Ordered</TD> <TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">55.2%</TD> <TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">42.5%</TD> <TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">52.9%</TD> <TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">47.3%</TD> <TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">57.3%</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
          Quickdraw
          Raccoon Lodge Administrator

          Comment


          • Re: Random useless facts about 2002-2005 Thunderbirds

            Originally posted by Quickdraw View Post
            And wouldn't interior color be a factor on its desirability?
            It's obvious it would be incredibly desirable. It almost has a saddle interior.
            Attached Files
            Bird is the word.....
            Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats. H. L. Mencken US editor (1880 - 1956)

            Comment


            • Re: Random useless facts about 2002-2005 Thunderbirds

              Originally posted by 5bird7 View Post
              ...2002, the only wheel available to Canadians on the 2002 was the 16 spoke machined wheels.
              oh
              How did I miss that ? Now In the same boat with Quickdraw on his 738.

              I really did mean 21 spoke painted wheels.
              Limited Edition databases for 007 msg..#26 , PCR sticky, and Cashmere msg.#64
              ......

              Porthole Authority


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              Comment


              • Re: Random useless facts about 2002-2005 Thunderbirds

                Originally posted by Quickdraw View Post
                .
                .
                Perhaps a clue on why 2002 TB Blue cars that were dealer ordered for STOCK sold faster than other colors is that they were way under-ordered by the customers themselves.


                <TABLE style="WIDTH: 318pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=424 border=0> <COLGROUP> <COL style="WIDTH: 78pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 3803" width=104> <COL style="WIDTH: 48pt" span=5 width=64> <TBODY> <TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20> <TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; HEIGHT: 15pt; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 78pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=20 width=104>2002</TD> <TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=64>Black</TD> <TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=64>Tblue</TD> <TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=64>Red</TD> <TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=64>White</TD> <TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=64>Yellow</TD></TR> <TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20> <TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; HEIGHT: 15pt; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=20>% Cust Ordered</TD> <TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">55.2%</TD> <TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">42.5%</TD> <TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">52.9%</TD> <TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">47.3%</TD> <TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">57.3%</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
                Interesting info. Part of the ordering problem was that few customers knew what that Thunderbird blue would look like. Red, black, yellow, and white were fairly obvious but not the Thunderbird blue. Think it was an advertising problem on the color as even the dealers weren't sure of the color - until they got one in.
                Limited Edition databases for 007 msg..#26 , PCR sticky, and Cashmere msg.#64
                ......

                Porthole Authority


                .

                Comment


                • Re: Random useless facts about 2002-2005 Thunderbirds

                  Originally posted by Quickdraw View Post
                  Here is a chart comparing the number of units ordered by a customer VS those ordered by the dealer. This might be one of the parameters Ford looked at in deciding to pull the plug on further production. The number of customers wanting to order a car to their spec the last year dropped to less than one tenth that of the first year. Not listed as dealer stock or customer ordered units are lease cars, test vehicles, fleet, company pool cars, etc.
                  I wonder if the anticipation or speculation of a supercharged model in 2006 might have put a damper on 2005 orders

                  Comment


                  • Re: Random useless facts about 2002-2005 Thunderbirds

                    .
                    .
                    .
                    Dot, that's most likely the answer, they had to see it in person.

                    Chuck, we knew the supercharger was dead long before the 2005s were out, from our Lima trip, but I don't remember if the public still hung onto that hope. Dot do you remember if there was still any buzz about a possible supercharger in 2005?
                    Quickdraw
                    Raccoon Lodge Administrator

                    Comment


                    • Re: Random useless facts about 2002-2005 Thunderbirds

                      Regarding rarity, I think some of it comes from errors when customers order their cars. A friend of mine ordered a new 1965 Impala with the 283 cu. in. V8, & manual 3 speed column shift transmission. He forgot to order
                      power steering and it was really difficult to steer because the steering box ratio was designed for power steering only.

                      Didn't the select-shift transmissions lack of strength have something to do with how much torque the supercharged engine would generate?
                      sigpic

                      Comment


                      • Re: Random useless facts about 2002-2005 Thunderbirds

                        Originally posted by Quickdraw View Post
                        .
                        .
                        .
                        Dot, that's most likely the answer, they had to see it in person.

                        Chuck, we knew the supercharger was dead long before the 2005s were out, from our Lima trip, but I don't remember if the public still hung onto that hope. Dot do you remember if there was still any buzz about a possible supercharger in 2005?
                        I don't recall any buzz about the supercharger after 2003 as word came out soon after the supercharger concept was shown at SEMA that the Ford program had been cancelled. The only company offering a supercharger version after that was the Saleen/Bonspeed and they dropped their try in early 2004 - just not enough interest.
                        Limited Edition databases for 007 msg..#26 , PCR sticky, and Cashmere msg.#64
                        ......

                        Porthole Authority


                        .

                        Comment


                        • Re: Random useless facts about 2002-2005 Thunderbirds

                          <TABLE style="WIDTH: 318pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=424 border=0> <TBODY> <TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20> <TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; HEIGHT: 15pt; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 78pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=20 width=104>2002</TD> <TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=64>Black</TD> <TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=64>Tblue</TD> <TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=64>Red</TD> <TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=64>White</TD> <TD class=xl63 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=64>Yellow</TD></TR> <TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20> <TD class=xl63 style="HEIGHT: 15pt; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=20>% Cust Ordered</TD> <TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">55.2%</TD> <TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">42.5%</TD> <TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">52.9%</TD> <TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">47.3%</TD> <TD class=xl64 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP-COLOR: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT-COLOR: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent">57.3%</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>




                          <TABLE style="WIDTH: 336pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=448 border=0> <COLGROUP> <COL style="WIDTH: 48pt" span=7 width=64> <TBODY> <TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20> <TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; HEIGHT: 15pt; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f5ff" height=20 width=64> 2003

                          </TD> <TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f5ff" width=64>Black</TD> <TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f5ff" width=64>DS Blue</TD> <TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f5ff" width=64>Red</TD> <TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f5ff" width=64>White</TD> <TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f5ff" width=64>MS Grey</TD> <TD class=xl67 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f5ff" width=64>Coral 007</TD></TR> <TR style="HEIGHT: 25.5pt" height=34> <TD class=xl65 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; HEIGHT: 25.5pt; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f5ff" height=34 width=64>% Cust Ordered</TD> <TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f5ff" width=64 align=right>9.0%</TD> <TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f5ff" width=64 align=right>11.6%</TD> <TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f5ff" width=64 align=right>12.3%</TD> <TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f5ff" width=64 align=right>8.4%</TD> <TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f5ff" width=64 align=right>7.6%</TD> <TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #f5f5ff" width=64 align=right>18.5%</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
                          Quickdraw
                          Raccoon Lodge Administrator

                          Comment


                          • Re: Random useless facts about 2002-2005 Thunderbirds

                            I actually thought that there was a plan to release one, a "special edition" in 2006 (six) before the bagged the 2006s. I'm pretty sure they also released the colors for 2006. The reason I remember them is because there was a nice dark blue planned for 2006. Maybe it was just wishful thinking?

                            Comment


                            • Re: Random useless facts about 2002-2005 Thunderbirds

                              Originally posted by Chuck View Post
                              I actually thought that there was a plan to release one, a "special edition" in 2006 (six) before the bagged the 2006s. I'm pretty sure they also released the colors for 2006. The reason I remember them is because there was a nice dark blue planned for 2006. Maybe it was just wishful thinking?
                              Yes, you are right, there absolutely were plans for a 2006 Thunderbird. There are several pieces of Ford documentation to attest to that. New colors for 2006 were Dark Blue Pearl, Lime Sorbet, and Pewter Metallic. Bill Coates or Paul Thomas might even have 1:18 models they had made to the intended Ford colors.

                              It's been revealed before but perhaps you missed the reason they canceled the 2006. They had a great deal of trouble getting hardtops for 2005. Then the hardtop supplier filed for bankruptcy and all their assets were frozen by the court. Ford owned the tooling for the hardtops and could eventually get the tooling back but they were going to have to have the hardtops recertified by whoever resumed manufacturing of the tops. The cost is was going to cost north of a million dollars. And a new manufacturer probably was going to have startup issues with unfamiliar tooling. This, on top of declining sales, caused the cancelation. It was very nice they were able to build a 50th Anniversary model year before the program was canceled.



                              This shows the vastly reduced hardtop production for 2005:

                              <TABLE style="WIDTH: 192pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=256 border=0> <COLGROUP> <COL style="WIDTH: 48pt" span=4 width=64> <TBODY> <TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20> <TD class=xl65 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; HEIGHT: 15pt; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=20 width=64></TD> <TD class=xl65 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=64>Tot Prod</TD> <TD class=xl65 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=64>w/Hardtops</TD> <TD class=xl65 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=64>Percent</TD></TR> <TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20> <TD class=xl65 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; HEIGHT: 15pt; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=20 align=right>2002</TD> <TD class=xl65 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" align=right>31368</TD> <TD class=xl65 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" align=right>29064</TD> <TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" align=right>92.6%</TD></TR> <TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20> <TD class=xl65 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; HEIGHT: 15pt; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=20 align=right>2003</TD> <TD class=xl65 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" align=right>14768</TD> <TD class=xl65 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" align=right>13103</TD> <TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" align=right>88.7%</TD></TR> <TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20> <TD class=xl65 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; HEIGHT: 15pt; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=20 align=right>2004</TD> <TD class=xl65 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" align=right>12757</TD> <TD class=xl65 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" align=right>11662</TD> <TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" align=right>91.4%</TD></TR> <TR style="HEIGHT: 15pt" height=20> <TD class=xl65 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; HEIGHT: 15pt; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" height=20 align=right>2005</TD> <TD class=xl65 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" align=right>9295</TD> <TD class=xl65 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" align=right>7289</TD> <TD class=xl66 style="BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" align=right>78.4%</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
                              Quickdraw
                              Raccoon Lodge Administrator

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                              • Re: Random useless facts about 2002-2005 Thunderbirds

                                Harry, you are the best. Did not know about the hardtop dilemma - but the lightbulb went off (probably exploded) - now I get why the hardtop was an "option" in 2005 vs. automatically coming with the car. Umm but actually looking at the numbers, was it an option in all years? Or was the option in 2002 - 2004 "no hardtop" and "no cost for one" vs. 2005 where you had to specify you wanted one and pay for it? I do remember something was "different" about the hardtop in 2005.

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