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WELCOME TO CHRIS'S 1979 FORD THUNDERBIRD SITE! ME ck here to add your text. |
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YOU ARE VISITOR SINCE FEB. 18, 2001k THANK YOU FOR STOPPING BY THIS PAGE IS A STORY BEHIND THE SAGA OF MY 1979 FORD THUNDERBIRD. HOPEFULLY YOU FIND THIS INTERESTING AND AMUSING. I ALSO HAVE LINKS AND OTHER POINTLESS INFO POSTED HERE, SO GET UP, GRAB A COLD DRINK, BUCKLE YOUR SEATBELT CAUSE I DON'T DRIVE LIKE GRANNY!!!!here to add your text. |
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WHERE IT ALL BEGAN The year was 1996 and I decided to purchase this Thunderbird for $900. I did not do this out of passion, but rather to beat on. The car was big and old, just what I wanted. Was I in for the experience of my life! This car was driven hard and put away wet 24/7. It was far from cherry, so I figured who cares. Then the times became moments, and I found myself actually putting money into this piece of scrap metal. YEAR WAS 1996 AND I DECIDED TO PURCHASE THIS THUNDERBIRD |
The car did not look like this when I bought it, like I said, I beat this thing badly. It was stock, and was taken care of.lick here to add your text. |
In case if you noticed the five different colors, it was because of a deer. But for some reason instead of driving with a cracked header panel and dented fender, I replaced them. It was a sign of things to come. The pictures from above are from the spring of '97. This is when I got on that performance kick. The first thing added was dual exhaust and glasspacks, why that was not factory is beyond me. Well, I purchased a Holley 600cfm Double Pumper and an Edelbrock Performer 400 at a swap meet. I figured that this would give the 92K 351M just what it needed. The AC quit working, so that and all of the other non-essentials had to go as well. Now I needed wheels. I purchased some American Racing rims and BFG's this actually caught some heads as I drove by in this rust bucket. Then one day during a joy ride, I noticed a noise coming from the valves. I drove the remaining 5 miles home and I determined that the oil pump went bad. Now it gets UGLY. What a way to begin the summer of '97 before my senior year of high school!here to add your text. |
THE ENGINE I had to tow this car 10 miles to a buddies farm and pull my first engine! A few hours later, the 351 had been pulled along with the FMX tranny. After tearing the engine apart, I quickly discovered that I needed everything. The cylinders were bored 30 over, new pistons, rings, Competition Cam, bearings, crankshaft, freeze plugs, and EVERYTHING was done to the heads, from a few new valves, to seals, to seats. Since I am going this far out of my way, I decided to modify the drive train as well. A 2500 Stall convertor was needed, as well as a B&M shift kit. This was also a good time to paint the engine compartment and order some chrome. I finally had this car up and running again in the fall of '97, but I was not satisfied. This whole car was a learning experience, and I discovered that a 3 speed loves 370's but had better not get too attached to them, seeing how it was still my only vehicle. I can live without second gear scratches and the 3300 RPM at 55mph. Next comes a new paint job. |
A REAL HEAD TURNER In Feb. '98, I learned of a guy that would paint this car in his garage. It was a hobby of his, and he had the work to back it up, and a fair price, and even guranteed no rust would come back within reason. 2 days before it goes in, I get hit on the passenger side fender, oh well, not my fault so I don't have to pay. In case if you haven't learned, these cars are extremely rust prone, especially in the rear quarters. Living in the rust belt doesn't help either! I get the car back in April. It is the original color of Dark Cordovan Metallic, and has a little gold flake in the clear coat. I also decided to add air shocks to level out how the car sits. WOW, did people notice this car. I loved it! First the rumble can be heard, then the eyes can be blinded by starbursts from the shiny gloss! Details details, I needed a new vinyl top (NOT CHEAP) and a new windshield that insurance can take care of. Now it is time to show this thing even if the interior needs a little help on the drivers seat. I have never won a trophy, but I am amazed as to the compliments that I get on this car. There aren't too many like it anymore, in fact, most of the T-Birds in junkyards are in better shape than the ones still on the road. |
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FUTURE PLANS All that I can say about the future, is that I am planning to finish the interior as soon as I finish college. DON'T WORRY, this car has never seen snow, rain, or even salty roads since it has been repainted. Headers and an MSD ignition are in the plans as well. I would like to do more, but nothing is definite yet, such as a floor shift, bucket seats, etc. The trick to shows is to pay attention to details. Not just cleaning details, but the little things that matter. Here are a few pics of extra's that I have done to this car. |
You can enjoy a great meal, a beverage or so, and sit underneath this 77-79 T-Bird at the NASCAR Cafe located in Myrtle Beach, SC. Get in a model NASCAR go-cart and race while you are there as well. (HIGHLY RECOMENDED)d your text. |
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Daytona 500, 1998, what an exciting final lap it was for Earnhardt fans!!! Feb. 18, 2001 yet another exciting final lap for Earnhardt fans, until the final turn, which proved to be Earnhardt's last. We'll miss you Dale. DALE EARNHARDT 1951-2001 |
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