Repairing My 1964 Ford Thunderbird Reveals Surprising Issues!

[@walterhammond290]

It's amazing that the car ran at all. That's a really big fuel filter.

[@richardthomas1743]

Very nice car! And honestly I wonder if that fuel filter has ever been changed. Maybe the owner might want to rethink his choice of "mechanics" where he lives. Looking forward to the next video and listing of the ThunderBird!

[@therealdeal67]

Crap me to ,that's the worse fuel filter I seen too. Make sure fuel tank is clean. Your videos are always worth watching for sure. Always stay safe.

[@rmitchell1]

I couldn't believe that was even running how bad that fuel filter was. Nice car

[@MAGA_Trump_Warrior]

After running the car for a little bit I would drop the filter again and see if more crap is in the housing. There may be fuel tank issues that may plague either you or the next owner in the future but that's just a suggestion.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

yep will do that

[@deancwebster]

I always liked the 64-66 t-birds the best and have nice memories of a 65 convertible that my aunt had when I was a kid. Looking forward to the next update.

[@tymac3306]

Great job Mr.V, I'm really glad that it was just a dirty fuel filter and it was the dirtiest fuel filter I have ever seen myself might have been a good idea to flush the fuel line from the filter forward but looks like it's going to be okay you got a real beautiful car there man take care of it for the next generation have fun!

[@johnroof2663]

A very nice looking convertible 64 Thunderbird. At the time of production the Thunderbird was considered one of the Best handling cars of its time. My parents had a 64 Thunderbird coupe when I was in high school, super nice cars. The seats in the car were upholstered With fabric instead of vinyl or leather and they are very rare.

[@mikehemen9708]

If I was closer, I'd be making a bid! Great job on a fantastic classic.

[@sammartinez8084]

Beautiful looking 👍👏👋👍👏👋

[@stevenwilhite4026]

What a nice trip down memory lane. Thank you for sharing this with your viewers. The 60’s were such a great era for car styling.

[@traviscoleman4192]

I am so happy to have you back! You're a very good mechanic!

[@richammerle]

RV, you've done it again!! Great job in tracking down the problem-I would have thought something more difficult! I think you may be correct; unless it was something mechanical, I would leave it as is. Let the buyer make the decision. Good job....entertaining as usual!

[@slicksnewonenow]

I'd also drop the fuel tank and send it out to be boiled and sealed. That's really a beautiful Bird, though... I'd LOVE to own one as nice.

[@Mustgtcs07]

Really nice car, always loved the older T-Birds. Might want to check the gas tank too, just to make sure that's not where all that rust was coming from in the fuel filter.

[@hectormacias8890]

That is one beautiful car. You did a great job with it. Thanks for keeping it original. Maybe one last thing you might want to do is adjust the trunk lid to make it look even smoother. Great job.

[@chrissz1762]

I love old cars. That car is beautiful. To me it looks really good. If I ever win the lottery that's the car I would buy no doubt. I would make it a baby blue.

[@SuperMAZ007]

I like this car. As a former Thunderbird owner I would do a fuel tank clean up. The amount of rust in the filter tells me the tank maybe rusty inside. So right now would be the right time to clean it. Also a endoscope camera is very useful to determine what is going on inside the fuel tank.

[@nysportsfan9680]

Awesome video! Love the t bird and I think the work you have done already is enough. Don’t want to mess with the historic aspects of the car

[@MannyMarvelous]

Love seeing old americana saved like this!

[@truckingfacts]

Great job man , looks great!!

[@MegaMC777]

I would check the fuel tank if the fuel filter is that nasty.

[@LaLaLucky7777]

Yep that has tank is shot like Joe Bidens Brain

[@JRobert111111]

Noticed the labored acceleration in your driving segment. I've NEVER seen anyone on KZbin put the gear shift in the proper "drive" quadrant. You drive in the second "drive" quadrant marked with the "big circle". This will start the transmission in 1st gear and shift through the gears. The first drive "small circle" is a "snow gear" which starts the transmission out in 2nd gear, then shifts to 3rd. Also, back in the day when these were daily drivers, you didn't hear folks stomping down on the gas pedal a bunch of times before starting. You merely gently press the gas pedal down to the floor a couple times when cold to set the choke. Then while cranking you depress the pedal about a third of the way or so down and it'll fire up. If it argues with you, then keep your foot gently in the gas and gently rev it until the engine wakes up. Lots of KZbinrs that have no idea how to start an older car without tons and tons of "drama". Best of luck to you.

[@88GTi]

Great job ARV...Love the mud filter! Amazing that it even ran 😂😂

[@JoseGonzalez-fn8wo]

dude I admire the hustle. Been watching you for a long time now. You are one talented son of a gun. Finding gems like this.

[@emthur]

Got to love an easy fix! The filter did its job and saved the jets in the carb!

[@ancel321]

Good job. You know when to stop when it comes to other peoples property. I always enjoy your channel.

[@reinhardeder8268]

love what you are doing Buddy, go ahead love you to!

[@cdog42065]

RV - I have a 64 Mercury Monterey Breezeway with the same engine. That filter has been there for some time and it doesn’t help with the crappy ethanol gas. That is something I check and replace every year. I typically rebuilt my carb every few year to keep it from running like crap. Honestly, the FE 390 engines are bulletproof and will run forever. The manifold exhaust leaks are normal for that engine. Good Luck!!

[@mikejohansson6711]

Well I bought a '65 Tbird back in Nov of 2021. I have been working on it slowly. I checked my fuel filter a couple of months ago and it was plugged about 1/4 of the way. So I replaced the fuel tank. That rust you see in your filter came from the tank. The new tank was cheaper than getting the old one repaired. Now I have to install the new leaf springs and then on to the transmission.

[@tymac3306]

4:38 The throttle issue sounds like an accelerator pump problem on the carburetor

[@patricknicolucci5073]

you need a carb rebuild, your accelerator pump membrane is dried up .

[@1575murray]

The lousy ethanol infused gas we pay outrageous prices for these days is very hard on the accelerator pumps on older carburetors.

[@reel2reel.]

I'am having the same stumble with my '65 Bird. I went as far as to remove the edlejunk carb and install a new Holley 600 street warrior...adjusted the settings including the accelerator pump and still have the same stumble. I guess I'll have to check out that filter . I bet it is the same issue. Nowhere in the paperwork from the last 20 years that came with the car has mention of cleaning/replacing that filter.

[@billgee02]

can't wait for the next installment - if the car wasn't used often that filter wasn't changed in many years👍

[@dangoodall-williams4200]

As it's been said, WOW, that filter! Tell your buddy to check his mechanic. Jeez. Great fix and I agree, don't go further. See what the buzz is first.

[@FunTowerRadio]

I had a 65 TBird. Sounds like the accelerator pump. I'd suggest rebuilding the carb. Also, be careful when you park that car on a hill. They've been known to slip out of park. Make sure the emergency brake is holding well. Good luck!! I just watched the rest of the video - nice fix! The exhaust manifolds were known to crack/leak, too. Mine sounded just like that LOL

[@jemtec1]

Agreed. Accelerator pump is definately garbage. Spot on description! Used to have a 68 Ford F100 Ranger with a 390. Another well known issue was the timing chain and gears getting loose and messing up valve timing as well as tossing ignition timing on the distributor. Had all the same troubles at one point while I had her.

[@CORVAIRWILD]

The styling of the thunderbird, and I'm 62, so I remember when those were old cars, The styling was always so out of the ordinary for its day. I still have trouble appreciating The styling cues, but I watch adam, rare classic cars and automotive history. He has a friend that describes styling cues, that I never would have thought about. As far as originality goes, I like putting original hose clamps on, and not the cheap Chinese garbage that resembles original, I go to junkyards and salvage these little odds and ends and pieces so it just looks so much more correct under the hood, and I also like the patina look. By the way, I own over 30 collector cars, and a total of about 50 vehicles. So I kind of know what I'm talking about

[@harrycallaghan3057]

Beautiful car, one of my favourites 👍🏻

[@duallyentertainment3005]

Beautiful car, seems pretty reliable.

[@sds433]

Wow, glad it was a sort of easy fix.

[@danswartwood4580]

Nice T- Bird, it's only original once. Thank you.

[@richardthomas1743]

Hey man! thumbs UP!

[@raymondmumford6255]

Another awesome video

[@Peter_Yachymczyk]

Nice car!

[@smarternu]

Yep, that is a sweet classic.

[@slicksnewonenow]

Too many things could be the problem. First would be to of course check the filter for crud. If that's dirty, dropping the fuel tank and cleaning it out would be in order. The pump should also be replaced if the innards are rotten. ALSO, there's the distinct possibility that the carburetor needs a rebuild... The accelerator pump being bad would definitely cause the car to die if it's not operating properly. ALSO... checking the ignition timing and setting it to compensate for timing chain slack always helps. And TAKE CARE of that exhaust leak... It could potentially lead to burnt valves... And you'd be surprised at the extra power that it's robbing. But don't worry too much... That car is incredibly clean and well worth any mechanical work that it might need. The important thing is to keep it exercised after everything is tightened up!

[@nwragsdale]

If it is an early 1964. Built prior to November 1963, you can check the VIN to verify, pray that your power steering gear/pump does not go out. Prior to December of 1963, Ford used the power steering gear from the 1963 model. Problem was the design of the gear means you have to unbolt the motor mounts and lift the block up about 4-5 inches, so the pump will clear the block and sub frame for removal from under the car. Tbirds built after December had a redesigned ps pump and it's not a problem.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

What an incredible car! You have more than earned your share of the profits.

[@85square]

Thanks for coming to the car show!

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Was fun!

[@ckalnicki]

Very sharp!

[@organiccold]

That car is amazing. That fuel filter looked like it was new back on 1965 lol

[@liamthemarchingbandguy4063]

That car looks so much like a Ford Thunderbird like an old friend of mine from college had

[@paulsheehan8185]

i remember working at an auto part store, and filling up the batteries.

[@cardinaloflannagancr8929]

Very cool video yeah it's surprising the things that get checked and don't. I have a buddy with an old 80's 1500 chevy had fuel issues. Got a new fuel pump and tank since they thought well it's old maybe gunk like that was getting pulled in the pump. Not thinking well then so none of that made it's way to the fuel filter though?? Nearly was going to replace the tpi setup on it. The cause was a single relay the contacts had lost tension. Just enough so at times it would lose or have irregular power going on to the pump. Cleaned the contacts on it and the fuse panel and spread the contacts slightly, solved. He did replace the relay just because a few months later but really didn't even need that.

[@freestang6662]

My 66 Mustang had similar build-up to that in the float bowl. I was told it was sugar from ethanol in the gasoline. Ethanol also eats fuel lines and gaskets, which can cause additional gunk to build up.

[@wurly164]

This is why I do all my own work.

[@The_headwaters_of_the_Yadkin]

The transmission cooler lines should curve around the oil pan so access to the fuel filters is straight forward. The factory lines are steel, no rubber hose. I suggest replacing them, because if the hose breaks it will leave you stranded

[@aaronwilliams6989]

COOL CAR!

[@chrisplace3024]

Looking Good

[@bruceblais7958]

Back in 64 they had leaded gas I don't know if it was the lead in the filter, but what a car, great find

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

hope not

[@bruceblais7958]

@@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182 it shouldn't hurt the engine they were made for that back then I had one an Oldsmobile I had to put a can of lead in it when all the gas went to unleaded it should be fine

[@davidlarson4164]

I agree with not doing much more with it, but it does sound like it has an exhaust leak and I would fix that. I think that will detract from the value. Good job though, always enjoy your videos.

[@CORVAIRWILD]

It's quite amazing that that '64, if I have the year correct, has such a huge filter. GM went to this tiny filter in the quadrajet in 1966, it's amazing, it's the size of your thumb. And they used it for 20 years. Then they went to this filter under the frame, in 1980s for fuel injection, and now some or many vehicles don't even have a fuel filter at all, it's a sock in the fuel tank around the fuel pump. And so many people never change their fuel filter, you'd think the garage would just do it and make a profit. But I repair so many vehicles that have an antique fuel filter, just like your vehicle, the forgotten maintenance item

[@eddybetanya]

I changed the fuel (petrol) filter on volvo s80 100, 000 miles. Instant boost in performance.

[@michaelr4063]

Haha awesome, fuel filter..? Ehh.., nah this car ain’t got one. Look at mee!! MY fuel filter weighs 35lbs. Wow that was bad. I’m the ‘rebuild the carb’ guy from your last T-Bird post so I’ll take some pride in diagnosing it as a fuel system issue from way ‘down south’ in Jersey (even though you did all the grunt work). Reminds me of something an old mechanic told me a looong time ago.., “check the simple things first”, then he called me stupid, lol. Still holds true today. I think you’re right to stop while you’re ahead on this one. It runs, drives, the top works correctly, the car is extremely presentable, desirable as it is..., let the next owner fall in love with it and decide how far $$$$ to take it. If I was keeping it, figuring if even a small amount of what was in that filter made it into the carb..., I’d definitely be rebuilding it (the carb). Would probably make that thing really “snap” as opposed to “it runs”.., but I definitely agree with you- don’t start putting “I love it and wanna keep it forever” money into it. Now’s a good time to move it- beginning of summer- wooo! Lastly just some FYI; a carb (rebuild) kit normally won’t have a negative impact on an older car’s value. It’s a freshening up of the unseen internals of the original carburetor. That’s it. Think of it like changing out the filter and gasket on an automatic trans. What WILL (in most cases) negatively impact the value of a vintage car..., would be entirely changing out or swapping the carburetor for a new replacement or even a vintage replacement with incorrect date codes, markings, linkages.., etc; and if ya ever DID do that, ya keep the original carb with the car..., never trash it. Hopefully that clarifies any confusion. Rebuilding the original- good. Replacing- bad. Anyhow.., GREAT JOB brother!! You figured out what 10 years worth of “mechanics” could not. Check the simple things first👍👍✌️. Dammit almost forgot.., don’t tell me you haven’t experienced the luxurious ease of entry provided by Thunderbird’s exclusive swing away steering wheel lol...? I’m guessing no ‘cos I haven’t seen ya sorta geek out over it yet. Thunderbird exclusive swing away steering wheel. One of the many wonderful reasons that car weighs over two tons🤣. Check it out

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

haha yep. also, swing away steering wheel system doesn't work! bummer

[@michaelr4063]

@@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182 believe me you’re not missing out on much with that goofy swing away steering wheel. Good luck with the car.

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

I would repair the exhaust leak...detracts a bit from how it runs and you might get some CO into the interior.

[@countrygentleman4084]

Might have to change out the fuel filter a few times to make sure you got it clean fuel line

[@nathankim7664]

Wow. It only needed a fuel filter to fun like it's supposed to??? Something tells me that the previous owner had a "quack" mechanic if the problem has been going on for years. Looks like the fuel filter was last replaced when Starcourt Mall opened (ST reference)! But I cannot wait for a crusin' around town kinda video! Does the radio work well?

[@danielsweeney6742]

Nice car! Maybe you should keep it!

[@YellowScubadiver]

Good job!

[@Randythesavage777]

Here's a tip , if oil or fuel filter wrench don't work , a strong old leather belt always works for me....( Men's pant belt)

[@1966caprice]

Yeesh, the garbage in the filter housing looked like it was a quarter of an inch thick if not more. Amazing what some basic maintenance will do for an old car.

[@JohnsJohnson-ns5xm]

Maybe check the carb settings. It looks like that filter was on there for many years so people probably have been messing with the Jets to get the car to run right so it may be running rich.

[@jamesford3648]

Hello and where to Begin, 1st & FOREMOST, Safety FIRST, NEVER let these car run without the steering wheel moved to the right. These cars have a issue of coming out of park when there just sitting and running. Always move the steering wheel to the right if you don’t change the “Ident” plate in the Steering column. Incorrect valve covers and breather element. If there original covers and Breathing element there worth some money. Also I noticed the wire wheels. You can do a “Spoke count” original Kelsey’s are a 48 Spoke count and run with tubes. You do look like you have a decent car. Also I would check the level of hydraulic pump in the trunk, Ur top is a little slow, or you could just have air in the system and need to bleed it. Good luck with sale of the car, But again you do have a “Few” small things that would affect the Price IMHO. Valve covers are a easy find along with the breather. If you do replace the covers and breather the correct color is called “Castillo Gold” for the covers and element. GLWTS

[@petersmith7140]

I wonder what the bottom of the fuel tank looks like?

[@shloomyshloms]

I'd check the fuel tank and carb with that much gunk in the filter.

[@Nick-ez8zs]

If you havent already you should check the tires if they are cracking or if they are really old

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Yep they are actually fairly new tires!

[@jeremyTallen1]

Heck the owner will probably want to keep it now!

[@Holmbergihergi1]

I’m new here but love the video man definitely a new subscriber

[@travelingfool9096]

you and Jeb should drive should drive to the canyon in this

[@jamieeedden777]

Is this your car or something your doing for someone else either way looks pretty sweet for an older car

[@ahummerich2751]

Will you be dropping the fuel tank?

[@townhall05446]

Accelerator pump, which someone probably told you a month ago, is the problem. I guess growing up with fuel injected cars you wouldn't have a way to know.

[@aldoabruzzi6417]

How much did this finally sell for?

[@Astonvanquishs]

man that fuel filter was caked with dirt!!!

[@maraudersr1043]

Put on a proper breather so that you get cooler air. Cooler air equals better performance!

[@ScrapPileRepair]

What's up with the oil filter gasket when you put it back on?

[@TRDOffRoad2020]

It's actually is a good looking nice original car even with the rusted kick panels. I hate they put the after market stereo speakers, butchered the door panels and rear passenger side panels with modern equipment.Probably done right and sounds much better it just takes away the originality looks. Just a opinion. Keep up the good videos 👍

[@michaelcoffey7362]

Cool 😀

[@802Garage]

Holy crap that is by far the worst fuel filter I've seen and I've seen some bad ones. Doesn't bode that well for the tank and lines, honestly. Will need another filter soon, hahaha. Very surprising with how much money was spent on the car the filter wasn't changed. Good work!

[@802Garage]

Oh and congrats on 50K subs if I hadn't already said!

[@802Garage]

Last thing, if you ever have mold of any kind if you use the product Moldex it works phenomenal. The mold will literally disappear in front of your face and it doesn't damage fabric or leather.

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

Yep im gonna have to check it again soon... And thanks 50k is crazy!!

[@802Garage]

@@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182 Totally crazy, but well deserved. V10 build will be coming out this year so I'll be trying to catch up. 😁

[@jacobhearns9724]

Nice!

[@williamsinger4124]

A new batree? Either you really like that car, or you're going all Hollywood on us lol

[@shawngrenaud]

Better get a spare fuel filter. If the trash is coming from the old tank (as I suspect) it may not be long before you need it.

[@EMObeamer]

You're not in Oregon ATM are you? I'm driving from LA to Oregon and I'm in Southern Oregon and just passed a old white Ford crew cab F350 with a bed camper on the back and Vermont plates. Seemed oddly like you

[@garydutton1342]

HI, nice job. How muck are you looking to get for it. Cheers Gary (From Australia)

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

thanks. price undetermined as of now

[@donalddesnoo5303]

They jump into reverse w running in park just a caution 😮easy fix

[@stevenwilhite4026]

How long do you plan on keeping it?

[@morethan1e463]

you should clay bar, polish and ceramic coat this! id imagine its getting listed for 25-30k plus?

[@robertbroyles4865]

You had your fuel filter wrench on backwards.

[@85square]

the cornish NH car show is next weekend, non of us would complain if you brought that.

[@danbartolini27]

You should definitely check the condition of the gas tank

[@jeremyk8157]

Carb rebuild would be considered maintenance. Replacing the carb would bother the 10 percent who want a garage queen.

[@robburdack4361]

hate to see the inside of the fuel tank with that filter like that

[@ARuralVermonterQqjmcb182]

it will be flushed