15 years of rats washed away 88 Thunderbird turbo coupe

This is the worst car I’ve ever cleaned out in my life 15 years of mice and rats it was so disgusting 88 Thunderbird turbocoupe 2.3 RHR turbo 8.8 reacts 3.73 gear fox body platform

[@jusadude1558]

First of all I love watching and listening to you. I’ve learned a lot and enjoying seeing the whole family get involved. Especially you and your boy. He will always remember helping you. One more thing. Your wife does an amazing job of filing you do all this Excellent team work guys. Can’t wait to see more and watch your channel grow.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you I appreciate it

[@joshnjaa5019]

So satisfying watching the dirt and grime come off. I had a '93 T-Bird with a new motor that I gave away to a cousin way back. Love it!

[@Sleeperdude]

Yep it’s nice to watch it go away

[@pokey999991]

Funny, I just got a oil dipstick out of a 93 t-bird from a pick a part place, for my 91 Cougar. Had 3.8 engine, matches right up..

[@MakinEndsMeet69]

Hello sleeper dude, I actually clicked on a couple of your videos by accident and I thoroughly enjoy them. Especially the last one with the Futura in it and drove all those miles and no problems I can dig it man. Please be careful with all the rat feces and stuff like that you realize that's where the black plague came from from the rats and the fleas. I have been sick from a lot less one little bug in some human sewage and got into my bloodstream through a burn on my hand and ended up with endocarditis three months in the hospital and I died six times thankfully the Lord has blessed me and I am here to talk about it. Regardless of all that I am not much of a Ford person myself although they do make a few good ones. I actually bought a 2001 ZX2 Coupe from a neighbor in Texas for $500 what a wonderful car. The 2 L double overhead cam engine has to be the very best motor Ford ever built. Dependable and extremely fast in those little cars, the only thing is is you need to keep up on the timing belt due to the fact that it's a double overhead cam and will ruin the motor if it breaks. But other than that no problems whatsoever. Kind of just like the car you're messing with right now what a wonderful wonderful build that Ford made. Almost like the days of old when car manufacturers actually built something worth having. Not just Ford or Chevy or Chrysler products they all built decent stuff back in the day but nowadays they don't last very long they are throw away cars that cost an arm and a leg and nobody can really afford them I know for sure I can't that's why I drive a 96 Silverado only the second generation on computers and still very understandable. Anyway I'm rambling on I just wanted to tell you that I really enjoy your videos and keep up the great work oh and one more thing please fix a ramp on your garage I cringe every time you pull a car out of there. I'm a carpenter of 20 some odd years actually closer to 30 and I could build that out of wood and it would last forever. Anyway many blessings to you and your family.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thanks man

[@LarryDeSilva64]

You really did an outstanding job cleaning that t bird turbo up. Thanks for sharing.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@johnnykR9]

My MIL had this model car; bought brand new in ‘88; still had it 20 years later when she passed away. Loved it. I got to drive it a few times over the years.

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s neat

[@imonittonite]

God bless the beasts and the Thunderbird saviors. Those seats are quite similar in color to the ones in my '97. Ford must have had a bunch left over.

[@mackjenkins7721]

May you did a very good job on cleaning it. I like how you took every single thing out basically stripping it down & then power washing it. I was surprised to see you power wash the inside of the car but I know what came out super clean. I used to work part-time at a Ford dealership detailing. The Thunderbird came out pretty clean man. Good job brother good job.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you it was nasty

[@HybridlifeOrg]

At least someone who removes carpets seats and plastic to deeply clean everything. Many thanks. Cleaning from the inside like we see in some videos is not sufficient.

[@Sleeperdude]

Exactly

[@bs1986able1]

Glad I came across your channel! Happy subscriber! This is my kind of content right here and knowing you're saving a T-bird makes it even better. Been on the hunt for a Turbo Coupe for many years now so you're lucky to have found two with decent bodies...minus the rat condos lol.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thanks man

[@ShawnSJames]

Grew up seeing T-birds like this in the 80s. Awesome cars. Hope you can bring it back to its former glory. A classic like this definitely needs to be saved.

[@Sleeperdude]

I agree

[@moodiblues2]

The first really nice car I bought new was an 88 Thunderbird. I didn’t even know the turbo was available or I’d have bought it. Mine had an 8 cylinder motor. My T-bird cost me in the $20000 range when I bought it. I loved that car for three years and bought a 91. I now have a 2002 t-bird and a 2016 Mustang which has a turbo four. It’s too bad Ford stopped making decent cars except for the Mustang. It’s nice to see you refurbishing the old girl.

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s cool thank you

[@redwave4454]

I was a teen when these came out. My neighbor had a really cool 1988 Mercury Cougar. I thought that was the coolest car. Always wanted a Turbo Coupe.

[@Sleeperdude]

Me too

[@mullinsjm1]

I saw an early 80s t-bird today and it made me think of yours

[@Sleeperdude]

Ah man thanks for thinking of me

[@pdinardo9472]

This is cleaning to the extremes.With the hazmat suit on. Love it!!🤘

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@johnokeefe358]

I bought a 1985 T-Bird Turbo coupe brand new and drove it 113,000 trouble free miles. Kind of wish I still had it. It even still had its original clutch when I sold it.

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s awesome

[@doctorhugocat]

Awesome! Love this car, thanks for the videos. You probably know this already, but those scented sheets you put in the dryer will take away the ratty smell from the interior. My Ford had mice in it when I bought the car; I stuffed those sheets everywhere after cleaning the interior and the smell disappeared.

[@Sleeperdude]

Great we will try it for sure ! Thanks for watching

[@racer193wr]

I had the germanized version of this car in the 88 merkur xr4ti way back in the mid 90s. Car was a beast at 15lbs of boost.. I blew the engine up racing a turbocharged neon and did I rebuilt it. .010 pistons and everything else stock as It didn't hurt much of nothing but a score in a cylinder wall. Had the block and head planned and used a Ford headgasket the first time. Got it all back together and turn the boost way down to break it in. I think it made 15 miles before it blew the headgasket. This time I had a friend who was a great mechanic tear it down and check everything was good and that the head and block where true.. they where and he couldn't explain why it blew the headgasket... got it all back together and that time it made 27 miles and it popped the upgraded headgasket. I was ready to burn the car and had it towed to my yard where it sat for three years. Never figured the issue and sent it to the junk yard when I moved... kinda always wanted a turbo coupe.

[@Sleeperdude]

I pushed h 32 pounds of boost in mine with the stock head gasket and it never blew. Unless I had a fuel issue and leaned out

[@smithlonny8924]

I'm happy to see you taking precautions, although the biohazard suit might have been a little overkill. Lol!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thanks

[@houseofno]

Never take chances with a rodent infested vehicle. Rodent feces carry hantavirus and a whole host of nasty diseases. Nothing is overkill when it comes to protecting your health, especially when you're not the one who might have to go to the hospital. Remember that you don't know WHAT you are breathing into your lungs or coming in physical contact with. Cheers to overkill with bunny suit.

[@Threetails]

Rabies spreads easily as an aerosol. And the cleaning process will kick up droplets of rat droppings so nothing to mess around with.

[@67Stang]

She looks a lot better. Still away to go but certainly better. Looking forward to seeing her running smoothly and moving around.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thanks man

[@camilledillon6382]

Wow can’t believe how dirty that car was ! Love your videos!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@touchmylightsaber356]

Always loved these cars along with the late 80s Mercury Cougar that had the digital dashboard. Amazing job!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@Banana_Banshee]

rats got collapsible skeletons, they’re slimy little critters

[@Sleeperdude]

Apparently so

[@leighalmond4128]

This is my new diet. Watching your shows! But your channel is awesome!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you I appreciate it

[@applied.precision]

Those were gorgeous cars. My dad had an 86. Good memories. Nice job with it can't wait to see how it turns out.

[@Sleeperdude]

I love them thank you

[@hahomy]

Man I cudnt believe all the yellow rat pee that Came out of all that carpet and seats wow and what a transformation josh amazing difference 👍💖

[@Sleeperdude]

Yes it was disgusting 🤢

[@blacksc400tenn]

I was 17 when those came out. I was a big Ford fan then. And the Thunderbird SC was one of my favorite cars. I even had a model car kit of a SC that I put together.......lol

[@Sleeperdude]

I’m a big fan of them too

[@MrMattDat]

Great video and what a car! Always loved that model and now I have to go back and watch this series from the beginning!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you I love them too

[@paliacho9]

Great video, and thanks for uploading it! But don't put that germ infested fabric back in it. Just make a 'Stripper' out of it: everything non essential is deleted. Everything. Only things linked to operation and performance remain. AC is deleted, etc.

[@Sleeperdude]

Good idea

[@johnnydanger57]

I would never have thought to pressure wash the inside of a car...lol. But it does make sense in the end. She looks a lot better for sure!

[@Sleeperdude]

Yeah that was a first for me too

[@jman4652]

Man, if we had these cars in Australia, I would be getting my self one in a heartbeat. There a cool looking car. Good clean up job to mate 😎👍

[@Sleeperdude]

Thanks man

[@LSnium]

You must like spending money on cars that break down alot, aka old Fords, and probably new ones too, this thing will put you in debt, reccomend Japanese cars from the era, way better.

[@khamp96]

My friend had that dark blue turbo coupe! That car was beautiful. His wife got mad at him and ran the car into a wall and totaled it out 😪

[@Sleeperdude]

Oh my gosh that’s awful

[@dominicpedrazzini9755]

Haha holy shit. What’d he do?

[@khamp96]

@@dominicpedrazzini9755 I think he was cheating on her . I think 🤔

[@dominicpedrazzini9755]

@@khamp96 ohh ok gotcha.

[@static_Tricolor_camry]

My old 97 Accord EX is 24 years old. I'm driving it right now and it runs mint, the Exterior and interior needs a complete restoration. They sure don't make cars like they used too.

[@Sleeperdude]

I always drive older cars ! They are the best

[@michellemorgan3133]

Love that model of the Thunderbird! I had a 92 Supercoupe. That was a really good car.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thanks

[@LSnium]

Those must be some of the yellowest fogged up old oxidized headlights i have ever seen, and I've seen lots of bad headlights.

[@Sleeperdude]

Yep

[@05milmachine90]

Super Coupes and Turbo Coupes! love them! I have had a few Aero Birds and about 12 MN12 Birds and Cats over the years including a few SC's. I miss them

[@Sleeperdude]

I love them all I have 2 of each

[@351cleavland]

FYI - I am an auto detailer and in a situation like that I would start off the interior by setting up an ozone generator and let it go for about 45 minutes. That will kill ANYTHING be it viruses, bacteria and odors. It will also make it safer to start cleaning the interior.

[@RyanRyker]

Yall should try finding a second hand upholstery cleaner/rug steam cleaner, that way you can get some of that water outta there while it dries. That way you can use it just on old smelly cars etc. Also try getting boxes of baking soda and sprinkling it on the seats WHEN THEIR DRY. Its a natural deodorizer. If you have a shirt you like that has grease on it or pants etc, put some baking soda and dawn dish soap on it and give it a scrub with a brush or tooth brush then wash it, it'll come out and it doesnt matter how long the stains been sitting there or if the shirts already gone thru the wash, itll work. My grams use to use these tricks for my grandpas clothes he worked in the rail yards. Also if u ever cut yourself, blood comes out with peroxide and add baking soda if its being stubborn, scrub and toss thru the wash, itll come out. Hope this helps.

[@jacobwhittaker6241]

Feel like I'm back on the farm again hearing the guineas and chickens in the background, only thing missing is a peacock call...... Lol

[@Sleeperdude]

My neighbors have some

[@jacoballred7689]

Well, people collect Ford Thunderbirds for various reasons. Just it's always a particular collector that likes T-Bird's. My Thunderbird is a rebuilt 1966 but it's come a long ways since highschool.

[@Sleeperdude]

I actually bought a 67 4 door today

[@jacoballred7689]

@@Sleeperdude Well, My T-Bird is a 2 door-1966 hard top with a 390 engine bored 60. over. Even though it's heavy the car is fast and can fly.

[@1980bwc]

New sub here from Southwest TN. Just heard about your channel from hot rod hoarder. Cool content. I'm a Chevy guy but these T-birds had nice styling. They still look good today.

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s awesome me and him a good friends

[@1980bwc]

@@Sleeperdude Thats what he was sayin in his last video. Did you see it? The guy who's place he was at, had SOOOOO MANY awesome cars, that are just rotting way into the earth. He's one of those folks who is gonna fix them all up. 🤥 Yet in reality he's not gonna do a dang thing, but let them continue to rot away into the earth. Those kind of folks wont sell anything to people who will actually bring them back to life either. Kinda makes ya sick to your stomach thinkin about it!

[@jamesking8593]

It's amazing what a little elbow grease can do God bless you guys I enjoy the shows keep up the good work

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@mikesawyer4707]

I had a red with gray leather, 1995 turbo super coupe. Leased it, however my wife told me at lease end to not buy it because she did not like how it handled the roads in our Michigan winters

[@Sleeperdude]

I have 2 super coupes I love all that stuff

[@refugeinc.159]

No such thing as a turbo super coupe.

[@reifonseca5767]

And its shame they even let it get to that condition to begin with.

[@Sleeperdude]

True

[@MSolomon751]

Props to you man, that’s a car I would of thought was just too far gone to save

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@hellokitty4105]

i have a 88 bird also. And i agree with you on the front end!

[@JoE_Songs]

finally, somebody who is doing the cleaning of a rat infested car appropriately. With a "hazmat suit", mask and a pressure washer...

[@Sleeperdude]

Thanks

[@danielheartsill4269]

If you haven't yet check the timing belt. If it breaks it will destroy the engine. Many years ago I had a Pinto that had that same looking engine and it wanted a new belt every sixty thousand miles. My Pinto wasn't a turbo. It was the wagon, kinda neat little car.

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok thank you

[@yunked210]

Man I haven’t seen one of them in ages keep up the good work!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@kamikaze6363]

I physically cringed 12 times watching you pressure wash this poor car. That being said - good stuff, man.

[@Sleeperdude]

It was pretty gross thank you

[@TheCrackerBox]

Thanks for another , Brother !

[@Sleeperdude]

My pleasure!

[@housegod7202]

Legend has it, them seats are still wet... but seriously good video brother

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@jenniferhansen2736]

man if this car could talk im sure it would give you a big thank you for the bath

[@Sleeperdude]

For sure

[@LoveBandit1000]

Man....that pressure wash was deeply satisfying....LOL

[@joshuawilliams181]

My dream car!! Always loved this body style and SC to boot!! Jealous!!!

[@Sleeperdude]

Yeah they are my favorite too thanks for watching we will have another video of this car out soon

[@nickfortunato2938]

Gotta love the hazmat suit lol

[@Sleeperdude]

Thanks man

[@theopinion9452]

I'll be damned!!...mice were building a ...mice army,thank god for folks like yaself!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thanks

[@davidlilly3564]

Nice kitty. I love cats. Nice car to.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thanks

[@rainbowanderson]

*pressure washes inside of the car* goes to outside, and “I would roll the windows up to keep water from getting in, but they don’t work”. Laughed too hard. But anyways, neat video man

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@williamdeegan7840]

Do you know how and why it ended up in the yard. It doesn't appear to be an accident victim. Neat car.

[@Sleeperdude]

The guy I got it from seems to buy cheap Fords and just park them

[@williamdeegan7840]

Neat car. I think I need a Tetinus Shot just to watch the video. Smart thinking. Gloves and Masks. Some nasty diseases in their waste.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thanks it was soo nasty

[@captainprairie5790]

That thing had more barnacles on it than my pontoon boat!!! Dadgum!

[@Sleeperdude]

Yes it did

[@ewa2929]

The block on the turbo was built by Yamaha I believe.When they stayed running they where a beast.

[@Sleeperdude]

I thought it was the SHO Taurus that had the Yamaha

[@tommyjohn1177]

Takes me back when I would drive through the lots and dream I could own a new car

[@Sleeperdude]

Man I still do that today !

[@brucedrake904]

That's funny my Dad did the same trick he used to do with shoe polish I didn't no one else knows that trick it's cool to see someone else knew it to it cleaned up nice 👍

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s funny

[@mariusmcleod2487]

A friend of mine had one of those engines in his 86 XR7 backed with a five speed manual. Man that thing was fast there wasn't a lot of car's that could keep up with it when the turbo kicked in. Eventually it met it's fate when he was being a dum dum and rolled it as far as i know it's still sitting down over the hill from his house.

[@Sleeperdude]

Wow that’s crazy

[@josephbartolotta4330]

Great job, those dirty rats will not recognize the car now===they wont return!!

[@Sleeperdude]

I hope so thanks

[@rodneychapman1506]

My sister-in-law had the Mercury version of the coop the Cougar RX7 with the 4 banger with turbo and a 5-speed it would tote the mail it was fast for a four banger !!!

[@Sleeperdude]

They are fun

[@eduardocertain2227]

I really miss my 1994 thunderbird

[@Sleeperdude]

We all miss the Thunderbirds we have loved and lost

[@rickonslow4732]

Before the first cruise in that rollin rodent rocket- make sure you drop a jar of Vicks Vapo Rub in the center console. A little dab under the sniffer, from the jar behind the shifter, will mask the funk wafting from the trunk.

[@Sleeperdude]

Good tip

[@robertsmith987]

did a wonderful job brother

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@SwordofLight]

What did you bring home today, honey? Rat infested car. Yeah....errrr...nope.

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s funny

[@SwordofLight]

@@Sleeperdude We all need a laugh. And that was truly my first reaction. Wear a mask, tho, when working with mouse poop. It can give you a lung disease. Other than that, WOW! Bring her back & Enjoy!

[@cristhomson9043]

One owner, clean, very clean, inside and out! 😂😂😂

[@Sleeperdude]

For sure , never smoked in either

[@angryyank]

I would buy a new carpet kit and install it AFTER every single inch of interior wiring is repaired and heatshrink them then add carpet and if you reuse those seats fine I would go look for a 99 or 00 stang for better seats then start gettin all of her drivetrain ironed out... BTW Sleeper brotha add a board on the ground right in front of the garage door width wise THEN add your ramp board on top of the width board instead of the floor for the tires to ride on.... Then the boards wont kickout near as bad coming down out of the garage... Cheers little brotha keep a building and fixin this ol iron.....

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok thanks

[@angryyank]

@@Sleeperdude NP brotha its a helluva lot safer.... I don't want anything happening to you or your family... Its what us old timers are here for to share the knowledge & help the next generation

[@bookooc5605]

Never seen someone pressure wash the interior of a car before lol

[@Sleeperdude]

Sometimes it’s needed

[@jamespolcyn8441]

I love you’re videos, but I hate rats.you are a trooper for going through all this.!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thanks it was nasty

[@BobPegram]

Remove the door cards, that's the only way you can fix the window regulators. I'm also curious if the mice/rats got behind them at all. If you didn't take everything electronic ( e.g. radio/cassette/cd player) out, they'll need a ton of drying time to see if they still work. Finally, get your wet/dry vacuum out in wet mode and vacuum the seats and other upholstery. You should get more dirt out. Detailers use a combo spray and vacuum machine to clean seats and such.

[@Sleeperdude]

Great advice thanks, and thank you for watching we will be doing a ton more in the next few weeks with the turbo coupe

[@k.k.9330]

you all should get yourself a ton of that FRESH CAB and toss the packs all over in those old cars and your shops... it drives the mice out and keeps them out and is SAFE for pets.

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok thanks

[@timhagler8595]

I'm a fairly new subscriber to your channel, and I have enjoyed your videos very much thus far. I subscribed mainly because of the notchbacks you got when you picked up the thunderbirds. If you decide to sell one of them, I was wondering if you will be putting that info out in a video. If you are not too far away from me, I would be very interested in one if the price is right. I absolutely love those cars, and they have seemed to be unattainable for me over the past several years. Thank you for what you do.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thanks for watching but I have already sold both notchbacks

[@timhagler8595]

Thats how my luck has been for the past several years. Lol. That car has became my unicorn. I promise to continue to watch your videos because I really enjoy your content. Thank you.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thanks I appreciate it

[@jonathan62019]

Stuff fabric softener sheets in everywhere before you put interior back together.

[@Sleeperdude]

Good idea

[@townhall05446]

I can't even fathom how that car was ever nice and fresh and clean and new, and got THIS bad.

[@Sleeperdude]

Yeah it’s crazy nasty

[@nickrubberboot3673]

Great to see you wearing steel-toe rubberboots!!!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thanks

[@billdursa4976]

Catching up on some of your older vids.

[@KeyserSoseRulz]

oh man, you lost all of that beautiful Ratina

[@Sleeperdude]

That’s funny

[@tjw8t1]

That's a sweet gas powered shop vac you got there

[@Sleeperdude]

Lol .. she has been thru it!!! Thanks for watching

[@moneygooddude]

Great job. Have you tried simple green as the cleaner/ degreaser?

[@Sleeperdude]

No I don’t think I have

[@BasedBidoof]

some crazy pressure washing

[@Sleeperdude]

Yes for sure

[@kypo2674]

Now that's a good clean. Looking forward to the next instalment of this car.

[@pierregoldstein]

I am super excited to see what happens!

[@Sleeperdude]

Me too

[@davidhucks9216]

Glad you covered up and wore mask for that job Smart move.

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@60MorganRd]

the body looks in ok shape

[@Sleeperdude]

Yeah not bad at all

[@davethepainterandtrader5962]

This is the best video on the internet

[@Sleeperdude]

Thanks man

[@rosewhite---]

Will all that upholstery dry out by 2023? The mat underlay is the old felt and will hold water forever!

[@Sleeperdude]

True

[@mr.motormaster9881]

Finaly, LOVE AND TUNDER ⚡

[@Sleeperdude]

Thanks

[@SolGoddess13]

Lord I would have been in a hazmat suit.

[@Sleeperdude]

She was nasty!!! Thanks for watching

[@stephenhoover571]

Josh find a metal dealer in your area and buy a sheet of metal and make new floor pans for your rusty floor cars i have not seen a bender in your new shop Harbor Freight has a few to choose from i got a 30 inch one it takes some doing but i think you are talented and can make them door bottoms too

[@houseofno]

Wow. That Tbird looks like someone tried to wax it with sandpaper even AFTER it was washed. Best wishes.

[@Sleeperdude]

It’s a little rough

[@dale5303]

Nice!!🤙🏻cant wait to see the next video!

[@Sleeperdude]

Thank you

[@alpharaptor7510]

It’s looking so much better Here in Australia Ford Used to use a Inline 6 engines in the Falcon. The Falcon 6 is a really Tough engine

[@Sleeperdude]

Ok that’s cool thanks

[@joeschlotthauer840]

That's a Ford Barra...

[@alpharaptor7510]

@@Sleeperdude yep you’re welcome Can’t wait to see more on this car

[@alpharaptor7510]

@@joeschlotthauer840 not just the Barra mate There’s more in6 models that were made here

[@rypkepaulusma]

Not often that I see a car being powerwashed on the inside, and you make a habit of it, necessarily 🤣

[@Sleeperdude]

Yeah I tend to buy stuff that requires it

[@janpetercok7315]

this one is quite rare than the 90s model

[@Sleeperdude]

You don’t see many anymore