1964 Ford Thunderbird - Will It Run?

Getting a 1964 Ford Thunderbird running that has sat for ten years.
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This Week With Cars - Episode 0046

[@TheVitusGarageAutoblog]

Cool old bird

[@Nigel-nar53]

The Thunderbird was the first car I remember showing an interest in. as a kid in the UK I saw one on the telly & was so excited by it my parents bought me a Thunderbird Dinky Toy, I wish I still had it! 👍

[@AJGreen-cn8kk]

My wife's and my first car after we got married was a '61 Thunderbird. One of the best riding cars I've ever had.

[@bulentkirac3753]

The 1964 Ford Thunderbird was the first car I remember showing an interest in. As a young man in the U.S. New York, I bougth one for 800 US Dollars in 1973 & was so excited by it. I wish I still had it..! Now I am an architect living in ISTANBUL, TÜRKİYE. I miss that car a lot.

[@Gerryslo945]

If you know anything about this guy, Steve, or have seen any of his other videos, he never does anything until he discovers the problem. No matter how old the oil is, if it still looks like it could be used, he won’t change it. He starts everything from the beginning and doesn’t replace or change anything until he finishes his initial inspection and determines what has to be changed, replaced, or rebuilt in order to get the car running. I think it’s very informative and educational the way he approaches his attempts to start these old cars.

[@willitmakeit]

I hope I'm wrong but I think this video is staged the oil was not checked. the carburetor looks brand new. and the gas after 10 years would not have started that car. But that's just my opinion

[@gus6rocks]

I don't believe you are wrong, its a scam.

[@tuckerjl]

Frank Barone from the factory it would have been a autolight 4100 carb and a cruse o matic transmission fully restored it would only bring 20 to 25 grand it's a very low trim option car but they are beautiful cars in my opinion!!

[@ScottDLR]

I think you're exactly right. I actually have one of these cars and it doesn't start that good after sitting just a few months.

[@ihave35cents95]

@@ScottDLR then something is wrong

[@ScottDLR]

@@ihave35cents95 Yeah, the gas has dried up in the carb and the pump has to work overtime to fill everything up. Except now I have EFI and it starts instantly.

[@TR5T]

One of the best looking cars Ford ever produced.

[@TheREALOC1972]

Agreed, I've always loved these mid 60's T-birds but it's funny because 10 years ago noone would touch them and they were called the "Ugly Birds" but now they are one of the most popular cars to build into Daily Driver Restomods.

[@fireballxl5768]

As other comments I would at least of checked the Engine oil level,but as it has sat for a few years I would have put Fresh oil in Before starting !

[@3bluto]

So wondering why you never check the engine oil level before you start these things? You check everything else except the most important fluid in the car!

[@ozzietadziu]

That's the first thing I noticed. Tsk, Tsk.

[@radioguy1620]

really should pre oil it too thru the oil pressure sender

[@wilhelmsallsten7706]

The first thing to do is make sure the engine spins freely then change the oil and filter. Then add kerosene to the oil to flush the crap out and change oil again.

[@mrofnocnon]

​@@wilhelmsallsten7706 You would only add kerosene if the engine runs ok after an oil and filter change of course.

[@paulhall170]

I think that maybe he checks some things before he films....

[@paulhall170]

I love how thorough you are....

[@SierraJohn]

Glad to see you doing videos on the mid-60s T-Birds. My current project car is a '66 Town Hardtop model.

[@murraykriner9425]

Love these older T-birds. The fact that most all of it is working as it should amazes even me. So many cars like these required repairs when they were parked, and never troubled with fixing them at any time afterwards. She's a peach.

[@kevinchamberlain7928]

Quite literally a work of art! Modern cars do not have the wonder built-in like this this!

[@edsalerno2790]

I got to drive my cousin's 64 convertible Thunderbird back in 1971, I thought it was a jet with the airplane themed controls. With 300 hp 390 cubic inch it was a fast car by 1970 standards. Wish you could show how cool that convertable top was to work, a real engineering marvel . Maybe in a future video. Great video's, well done and very informative.

[@ThisWeekWithCars]

I shot a video of the convertible top working today and I will upload it for everyone to see, it is very neat!

[@555Trout]

Fantastic find. That's a driver as is!

[@makiwa]

I hope you did check the Oil off camera...??? What a beauty!

[@MrDunky48]

Your knowledge of so many makes and models of older vehicles is remarkable. Perhaps you are older than I think!! From Morris Minors to Thunderbirds: staggering.

[@moodiblues2]

You like the same cars that I do. I had a 66 Alpine and I have had several Jaguars including my present XK8. I have a four car collection now but my wife would shoot me if I acquired more. Also, I don’t have your tools or facilities and don’t do my own work anymore. Though I worked my way through college working in a gas station which also did all service on cars. So I always enjoy and salivate over your cars. I now have a 2002 Thunderbird but would love a mid sixties version when they were the best inside and out.

[@ScottDLR]

Super nice, original car. Paint looks great and that is a fabulous color when it's cleaned up. I've had a 64 for more than 40 years.

[@bendingunit2264]

This might be my first project car, I’ve seen quite a few very cheap and in great condition, especially here in Arizona 🌵

[@David-lb4te]

An odd list of priorities; you check the points contact gap, but don't check the oil, fuel or water before starting? Seem fixated on electrical issues (battery, alternator and points) but not the running blood of the engine.

[@jlwilliams]

Absolutely no corrosion on the battery terminals, still some charge on the battery, engine stickers intact, perfect upholstery, top good, carb replaced... I can't believe this car has really been sitting very long. It's not neglected, just dirty...

[@GlamStacheessnostalgialounge]

A car like that is a barnfind hunter's dream.

[@pgilb70]

Why has it got a new looking carb?

[@johnsnowvideo]

Hi Steve, when are you taking us along on a drive with all these vehicles after you have gotten them started?

[@ThisWeekWithCars]

It is winter here now with snow on the ground so you will see more of that in the spring.

[@pablocespedes9585]

I am really curious as well! Nice videos, this T-Bird is a diamond in the rough, is really good shape!

[@life02ab]

beauty! Love this T-bird era!

[@timelwell7002]

Of course it will run - Thunderbirds are GO..!

[@TheHorsebox2]

Lovely old car. Hope it gets a good home.

[@TUMBLINJEST]

Is it me, or does that look like a brand new carburettor ? and did anyone check inside the air filter for mouse nest or mouses..other than that it ran very well, but had it run for some time before.. just saying..

[@myavo]

brand new carburetor I see..

[@ckuehncnwhsyt]

Not by any means the original either.

[@21stcenturyfossil7]

@@ckuehncnwhsyt You're right. It's an aftermarket Holley.

[@ihave35cents95]

I doubt it's brand-new looks like a 4160 my car sat since 1980 and that Holley still looks brand new

[@MatthewBerginGarage]

I wouldn't use the dremel. The point file is better because the file makes the point contacts flat and parallel to each other giving better electrical contact and longer point life. 🙋‍♂️😀

[@ThisWeekWithCars]

In my experience the points file causes the contact to corrode much quicker again. Some of the contacts now might be plated and file removes it.

[@MatthewBerginGarage]

@@ThisWeekWithCars If they corrode quickly them you are not filing the points sufficiently or the condenser is starting to fail. As they wear the points create a raised section on one point face and a pit on the other face. The raised section must be filed until the entire point face is flat and parallel with the other face. This usually cannot be done unless you remove the points. I've been doing this for at least 40 years. I passed my mechanic licence in 1975. I know a little bit about this topic.

[@mikejohansson6711]

A 1964 Thunderbird was my daily driver from 1984 to 1992. She was a great car.

[@stevevisek7422]

Steve, you have a great channel that I only discovered last weekend. I've spent several enjoyable hours watching you work on your projects. I live in the Omaha area and am heartened to see you and the Junkyard crew hard at work on your British cars and other projects. I have 4 MGs and an old Beetle that I"m nursing back to health. I don't get to Des Moines as often as I used to but still travel there once or twice a year. I'd love to meet you and maybe get together for lunch if not check out your operation.

[@ThisWeekWithCars]

I was a guest speaker a few years ago at the Flatwater Austin Healey Club's Christmas party. I know quite a few members there from meeting them at other car shows.

[@Onry1]

No way that's been sitting for over 10 years...

[@mightydmusic2970]

looks to clean

[@tomsheets6399]

Plus, if it was sitting 10 years, why did the old battery have somewhat of a charge? it should have been deader than a door nail

[@r.w.d.s.8647]

Batter still had voltage ???? Good Gas still in it ???

[@geraldbly4903]

Excellent video! Nice classic tbird

[@billshipley6677]

As I recall inside the vehicle being that the steering wheel is big it does slide toward the passenger side for the driver to get in and out and then slide it back I don't know if you knew that or not She's a Beauty design like a cockpit of a jet

[@wendy833]

Bill, yes it does slide to center. I had a friend that owned a car same color as this. Can't believe he would start this without cleaning all the old oil, gas, filters etc.

[@WorksOnMyComputer]

Beautiful car.

[@jettrink7510]

Yes... fantastic find.

[@Becu1001a]

The next question I would be asking is where has the "original" auto transmission oil gone to.

[@gus6rocks]

The mouse might have drunk it..

[@Shane-Singleton]

This was about as uneventful of a Will It Run as i've seen. Wish they were all that easy! lol. Heck i've got vehicles that I start every few days that don't crank over as fast as that T-Bird! Very nice car you have there. The only way i'd like it better is if it had a 4-speed manual in it.

[@lesd40]

A Ford mechanic once told me NEVER put Dextron in a type F Ford automatic or the clutch elements will be damaged and the transmission will have to be rebuilt.

[@hazeljones5272]

This car has been started recently,battery still had a charge .The-previous owner had it running when he bought it .

[@Dog.soldier1950]

A file is fine for the points the dermal is way over doing it. Really needs fresh gas

[@wesleyc.4937]

I was thinking the same thing about the oil.

[@BA-gn3qb]

My dream car. I was born in 1964.

[@goldrecordsvideos]

Sweet action, nice bird. Are they as bad on fuel as ppl say? Im seeing like 10MPG mixed

[@SilverWedge]

1964 T-bird has over-the-top styling. A well functioning 390 is perfect for a Midwest cruiser. Let us know how it behaves on the road.

[@arevee9429]

Astonishingly good, original condition. Just like that Jag sedan he started a while back. Where does he find these things?

[@11secghia]

minty!! if thats orig paint its a KEEPER!

[@simms4lyfe]

Great video steve

[@kongazizi6870]

Thanks so much for this valuable information and really looking forward for more of these interesting videos of yours on KZbin soon again my friend. Regards.

[@joefrieson5100]

Very nice looking thunderbird.

[@MrMedicAdnan]

Mine has been sitting for 6 years, we got it started but it smoked like a mofo. Valve stem seals are probably shot and plan is to pull the heads off for a rebuild. Debating on overhauling the entire motor.

[@JoeBlack1108]

Yup it will run when you prep it before you do the video

[@jimmyaber5920]

It has the tilt-away steering wheel. I can't remember if pushing gear lever past P unlocks it or if you push the turn signal lever forward. Love that Tbird.

[@TheArkDoc]

Gearshift in Park, and lift up slightly... the wheel slides to the left.

[@jonnypickett2546]

You get hold of some amazing old cars..

[@peterjones2845]

beautiful car

[@deangale4496]

Where and how do you find all these cars ? Pretty clever but please drop the oil out and change the belts as part of the process, lol. Pretty clever all the same.

[@zingzing5077]

Another quality video, thank you.

[@galerae947]

I owned a 65 Thunderbird Landau with only 51,000 original miles that I bought for $3,000 from the original lady owner. It was a wonderful, reliable car for the 10 years I owned it. Unfortunately, it is one car I will always regret selling.

[@yv5grb]

Very educative, thanks

[@steve0957]

Steve. You are a very interesting guy.

[@jnucleo]

My mom bought one of these used back around 68. The styling was timeless but the car was so heavy it's handling was horrible. Typical for the day but worth it for the style factor.

[@johndavey72]

Hi Steve, The 3M box tells me you must have a purpose built spray booth on site? Do you find these cars yourself or do you have employees that hunt for you? That engine sounds sweet! (gearbox) result! l bought a model of this T-Bird when l was probably 13/14 , back in 1966/7.l thought it was fantastic! We had the Ford Zodiac to compare... and the winner is!!! Keep 'em coming!!

[@Bigdog302V8]

6.11 The Breaker points are not supposed to arc across. if they are arcing across the points, this is a sign the condenser is bad.

[@biffoswilly]

I really like the TBird

[@alexnavarrete5495]

Under the hood for a 1964 is it similar to under the hood for a 1962 T bird? I just was given a 1962 T bird and it doesn't run. This is a good way for me to start looking at it. The video was really good

[@21stcenturyfossil7]

They're very similar under the hood.

[@rickallen6378]

The brake and gas petal show almost no wear. New carb on it, you must have drained the gas, a car sitting for 10 years with old gas would not start like that. How many miles on it?

[@paulking54]

Nice lookin car, interior would take some getting used to.

[@thomasdollard7971]

The gauges are like an airplane!

[@chuckster3629]

Someone put a new carburetor on it recently, it appears. And the brake booster appears to not be original as well.

[@ihave35cents95]

That's a Midland that's correct they used three different types on the 64 depending on the date

[@markmclendon8621]

love me a t-bird

[@ronnykmarshall]

My favorite car!

[@reesielover4829]

Great video. Just curious, did you buy the T-bird, and if so, mind saying what you paid for it? I'm a BIG T-bird fan. Thanks

[@deanbenson6879]

Old retired DIESEL/ Gas tech ASE cert, Co oil/ fluids first (watch a few episodes Jonathan W) first. I restored one of these in San Diego in 78. Use drier sheets inside to preserve, ck oil pres 1st! You could have pointed out the swivel seat/fully adjustable steering column/ self releasing brakes/ self locking doors..,..

[@ihave35cents95]

Ford never put a swivel seat in any car

[@pauljones1206]

Did he mention the engine size? Maybe a 390? Just wondering.

[@curtc8389]

Where in the world did you find this car? I've been looking for one of these and never saw an original in such excellent condition. Great find.

[@axeman6560]

Style!!

[@pipesmoker4238]

Sweet

[@AliasUndercover]

Good God I want one of those.

[@williamlane9140]

I'm calling BS.....sat for 10 years and has is still good? Barely tap the key and idles perfect? Hardly a tic, All fluids are up? No dust on it.....yeah I'm not buying it.

[@williamlane9140]

Gas is still good. Sorry for the typo

[@Clarkson350]

Nice Car!

[@mrofnocnon]

Just curious but where are you getting these cars from? Also were did the transmission oil go?

[@ThisWeekWithCars]

I haven't seen it leak maybe it got low and the owner didn't know what was wrong with the car and that is why they stopped driving it. We will never know.

[@mrofnocnon]

@@ThisWeekWithCars thanks

[@buggeroff9]

Any more videos coming up for the Thunderbird?

[@ThisWeekWithCars]

There is a video I uploaded after this one.

[@Oyvind88]

Awsome car😀😀

[@donaldmoore6327]

10 years and the batt has 9 volts ?? .....

[@Buyford28]

Thats a cool video, i had a 65 T bird for 3 years, the 3rd year it started to be a money pit so i sold it and bought a 05 Mustang Convertible 4.6, V8. But your video brings back good memories.

[@ThisWeekWithCars]

There is a lot of things that could go wrong on these that could make them a money pit!

[@klemarketing]

Send me more Videos as I just bought a 1964 T bird also!

[@saikakam]

HI, did this car use leaded or unleaded fuel? thanks

[@patrickmcnamara5846]

Leaded premium

[@bradfordeaton6558]

Is that a 352 or a 390?

[@curtiselder6644]

Common mistake... you shifted the Cruise-o-matic to Drive 1 to test it... should have put it in Drive 2. Drive 1 was for snow, and starts in second gear. Drive 2 is for all three gears. You are too young to know that. How to test my theory? Put the shift leaver in Neutral, then press straight down on the shifter without pulling it toward you... the shifter will stop travel at Drive 2. L was used to downshift to Second gear (above 35 mph) or Low gear (below 35 mph). You'll get poor acceleration in Drive1.

[@sprezzatura8755]

Excellent video. But maybe begin the next video with a full walk around and overview of the car before you get under the hood.

[@donalddesnoo5303]

Caution in park jumps to reverse w running

[@kevinheisinger1903]

Sweet 390

[@yvindHvaal]

390 or 428?

[@shauntvr4312]

Nice car

[@kevinconnor6921]

Keys to the cat chaser

[@tbirdsteve1]

More tbirds please!!! lol

[@gpowerdragon9852]

This is one goofy car I'm glad it's a nice condition

[@nicomarquez1955]

It is for sale you reastor it

[@athulad]

You should start b y checking the fluids.

[@JBO3022]

10 years untouched, huh? B.S.

[@joeyf504327]

fun fact: Type F was originally whale oil