Your thoughts on 1962 Thunderbird !

[Shadow]

I am thinking of buying a 1962 Thunderbird Hardtop for 12K it's actually on Ebay now. I intend to use it for a daily driver and was wondering if the Forum has any thoughts on this model Thunderbird + any questions I should ask other than rust + being a big car and LHD am I kidding myself using it as a daily drive + is 12K too much.
Look forward to your advice
Rgds
Mick (AKA Shadow)

[boss69hogg]

I had a 390 - they are pricey on the fuel and it will probably need the Premuim fuel to run. Will be pricey as an everyday. Otherwise, the car looks OK to me.

[skev]

56/57 might be a handier size for daily use,  wont be 12k tho I guess

[Meaty0]

Love the 62 T-Bird.  I say, yes if the bodywork is solid, then go for it.  Make sure you have the garage space and don't mind spending a bit on petrol and upkeep.

[StephenSLR]

I can't say too much about them but I think they look pretty cool.

I agree that the 55-57 models would be handier but they are pricey.

s

[66RedRagtop]

Nothing wrong with a T'Bird, but be sure you're happy with LHD for everyday traffic.

I drive quite often in inner Sydney during the week and wouldn't tackle LHD in a fit, what with all those busses whizzing around everywhere.

If you go ahead, prolly worth having full NRMA cover in the event of conking somewhere inconvenient.

LHD is easier on weekends when the novelty can be enjoyed.

[GLENN 70]

Is that the price he is willing to sell it ,12,000 doesnt sound to bad ,but you must see it, photos always look good .As a daily driver i say no,to big to park to low,heavy on gas and lhd, no not really ,a small mustang coupe ,auto ,air steer,power disc brakes lhd maybe . I think it is a weekend cruiser ony,i bought a 65 ss 2 door chevy  impala  350 motor,4 speed auto rhd everyday driver lasted 1 mth ,sold it ,to big ,to thirsty and old ,good for weekends only these days .

[Ash]

My two daily drivers are a 66 Mustang and a 1990 F150. The Mustang is LHD, and the truck is BIG. I find both have their pros and cons at times, but what car doesn't. A smaller car may be better on petrol but you can't fit sh#t in it. A big car may be thirstier but I find people just give you more space. I find people avoid parking next to my truck because it takes up all of the parking space and they have little room for themselves. They also see you coming and sure as hell give way.
The LHD is no dramas and I don't see why so many people complain about it. Even my wife who isn't a car person has no problems driving it around or parking it. She likes it actually. Sure there are times when there are blind spots. But even my late RHD model cars have blind spots, bit of a lame excuse to use I think.
If you have the cash, buy it and if you like it as a daily, keep it. I don't think you can lose out with a good buy on an old classic. Even if it is only for a few months, enjoy it while you can, have some fun then move it on

[GLENN 70]

As i said i had a 65 chevy ss impala ,well its 4 sale on e bay now  collector cars 1 st car up ,still the same but i did not have the super charger on it ,it is a very nice car . I found just too big 4 everyday use but that was me .

[Shadow]

Thanks for your replys I guess I should have included the following info in my initial topic / post. I only have a 15 minute drive from my home to work and there is not much traffic + I already have a 66 Stang in the garage so the Thunderbird would need to sit outside in the weather and this worries me + my stang from time to time requires much of my bank account so maybe a 12k classic car will mean I will have to sell the wife and dog (the dog going would upset me no end) any further thoughs would be appreciated
Rgds
Mick (AKA Shadow)

[Phoenix]

How much for the dog?

[StephenSLR]

maybe a 12k classic car will mean I will have to sell the wife and dog (the dog going would upset me no end) any further thoughts would be appreciated

The wife and dog are replaceable.

s

[scedd1]

Show this post to the wife and all your problems wioll be solved as you will be living in the Tbird

[StephenSLR]

Show this post to the wife and all your problems will be solved as you will be living in the Tbird

You can live in a car but you can't drive around in a house.

s

[66FBK]

The 62 Bird was great. I love the dash in those things. I was at the height of the Apollo rocket ship madness. Very cool. They look great in the aqua green combo. I have a soft spot for the 57 port hole Thunderbirds.  I wonder if you could fit a 302 of 351 windsor in them?

[StephenSLR]

They look great in the aqua green combo.

I spotted this one at Americarna NZ

I have a soft spot for the 57 port hole Thunderbirds.

Also known as baby birds ('55-'57 models)

'58 - early 70s models are known as big birds.

s

[Ausfox]

Quote,  StephenSLR "Also known as baby birds ('55-'57 models)

'58 - early 70s models are known as big birds."


In Bird Talk:

58 to 60 are Square Birds.

61 to 63 are Round or Rocket Birds

64 to 66 are Big Birds.

The rest don't matter.


To OP, using a Round Bird as a daily driver, I would find a lot of fun but highly impractical, having lived with three Birds, two 63's and a 60, over the last 7 years, you can be certain that you will have a scare daily when gawkers either tailgate or allmost run into you just to get a look.

Car parks are not made for this size car.

You would need to do something about the loose factory steering and especialy the Lounge Like suspension.

Dual circuit Disc brake conversion a neccessity.

Would think for $12K, it will probably need some work, good cars are in the high twenties.

Neverless I love them.

Pics of my last two 63 Round Birds.  




 

[Shadow]

Hi Ausfox,
If i buy this car and find it not practicle how saleable are 1962 Thunderbirds as i am only familiar with Mustangs

[Ausfox]

Hi Ausfox,
If i buy this car and find it not practicle how saleable are 1962 Thunderbirds as i am only familiar with Mustangs

The one you are looking at hasn't had any bids yet even at $12k.

Saleability would depend on condition.
Have you had anyone have a real good look at it?.

The bubbles around the rear window would worry me. Also repo and suspension parts are not as cheap as Mustangs.

There a couple in Queensland for sale  that are well under $20k, and both have been for sale for over a year.

My above pictured cars sold fairly quickly in the very high thirties but were both exceptional cars.

Would think you could pick up an economical six cylinder Mustang coupe for a daily driver, allready Registered and here that would have better resale than an unknown quantity Thunderbird.

Still think the Round Bird is one of the best looking 60's Fords ever.

[Mu$tang]

If i buy this car and find it not practicle how saleable are 1962 Thunderbirds as i am only familiar with Mustangs

The fact that there is a rocket bird still for sale at 12k should give some indication as to the saleability of the car, they don't move quickly.

I must admit those early tbirds are a work of 60's automotive art.

You know you want it!

[StephenSLR]

The fact that there is a rocket bird still for sale at 12k should give some indication as to the saleability of the car, they don't move quickly.

It doesn't mean that status won't change in the future.  They aren't making any more of these cars.

Don't look at its saleability, how much do you really want it?

If you like it and the price is comparable to every other one out there, buy it.

If you're really worried about saleability however, don't buy a  project or one that needs work as you're likely to spend more than you'll sell it for.  Buy a smokin' hot one and enjoy it.

s

[Shadow]

Thanks everyone I do appreciate your reply's and yes i would like it but think i will stick to one money pit for a while and continue to with my current daily driver which is a "soon to be classic I'm sure" nissan navara !!!
Thanks
Mick (aka shadow)

[StephenSLR]

Thanks everyone I do appreciate your reply's and yes i would like it but think i will stick to one money pit for a while and continue to with my current daily driver which is a "soon to be classic I'm sure" nissan navara !!!
Thanks
Mick (aka shadow)

Keep looking, 'the one' tends to come along when you have the money and it feels right.

s