1959 Ford Thunderbird

Convertible

5.8L 5769CC 352Cu. In. V8 GAS OHV Naturally Aspira

Automatic

H9YJ104087

Clear

GAS

For sale is my 1959 Ford Thunderbird Convertible. It is equipped with a 352 V8, automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power driver seat and fender skirts. It was restored about three years ago. Here is a short list of the items replaced or restored: BODY - The only rust was in the outer rockers, lower quarter panels and bottom of the spare tire well. It has had new rockers and quarters installed and new sheet metal in the spare tire well. The floors, inner rockers, trunk, radiator support and battery box are all original and solid. These are items that usually rust out in most Squarebirds, especially convertibles. The car was repainted the original Colonial White about three years ago. I would consider the paint very good driver quality. It is more than presentable for most car shows but for concours judging I would have it redone. ENGINE - The 352 block was rebuilt and the heads have had new valve seals installed. The valve seats have not been replaced so I would recommend using a lead substitute additive. It has a new oil pump, timing chain and distributor. The engine runs smooth with no significant smoke or oil burning. TRANSMISSION - A new front seal, front pump bushing and front pump O ring was installed along with new shifter seals. The transmission shifts as it should. I also replaced the shift lever and detent plate to prevent the shifter from accidentally dropping into reverse from park. BRAKES - The complete system was overhauled including new shoes, drums, wheel cylinders, metal and rubber lines and master cylinder. I also added self adjusters to all four wheels. This was not an option at the time. The brakes stop as well if not better than when new with no fade. I also replaced the rear emergency brake cables. COOLING - The radiator was pressure tested and cleaned. The overflow tank has been resoldered and does not leak. A new water pump was installed. New upper and lower radiator hoses were installed as well as a new thermostat. CHARGING SYSTEM - An alternator was installed to replace the generator. EXHAUST - A complete new exhaust system was installed including mufflers. SUSPENSION - New shocks, ball joints, idler arm bushings, upper control arm bushings, tie rod end and sway bar bushings were installed. STEERING - The power steering pump and power steering control valve were rebuilt and all hydraulic lines were replaced. The steering works fine with no leaks. FUEL SYSTEM - New fuel tank, sender, fuel tank straps, fuel lines and fuel pump were installed. I also replaced the original Ford carburetor with an Edelbrock carburetor. This greatly improves performance and reliability. INTERIOR - New seat covers, foam padding, door panels, side panels, kick panels, carpeting, dash pad, sun visors and floor mats were installed. Over $2500 was spent on the interior alone. TRUNK - A new concours correct burtex trunk mat kit was installed (not the cheaper vinyl/fleece). The original jack is also in place. New trunk weatherstripping was installed. TOP - The top pump was rebuilt and the hydraulic lines were replaced. The top goes up and down without any problems. The convertible top is older and should be replaced for concours judging. However is does not leak and looks presentable. TIRES - The car sports reproduction BF Goodrich Bias Ply Tires with the correct 2 1/4" whitewall. The tires have less than 100 miles on them. I would recommend radial tires however for any type of long distance high speed driving. I have a set of radial thin whitewall tires that I use for normal driving that can be substituted if desired. HEATER - The heater core was redone and an external valve was installed in the engine compartment. RADIO - The original AM radio works. I also added dual 3 1/2 speakers in the console to replace the original speaker and a wire was installed to plug into an IPOD or MP3 player. The wire is hidden inside the ash tray. WINDOWS - The power window motors were rebuilt and all four windows go up and down fine. All glass is in excellent condition. WIPERS/WASHER - An electric wiper motor has been installed to replace the vacuum motor. An electric washer pump has also been installed. CHROME - About 95% of the chrome was either replaced with new or rechromed including both front and rear bumpers. DIFFERENTIAL - A new pinion seal was installed and the gear oil replaced. WHEELS - New front wheel bearings installed. DOORS - New door weatherstripping was installed. This is just a short list of the items that have been redone. All receipts are available. I have driven this car around 1400 miles since the restoration was completed including both sustained high speed driving and stop and go driving and the car runs excellent with no vibrations, noises or overheating issues. The only issue with the car is when it sits for a prolonged period of time the valves are a little noisy when first started. This goes away after a couple of minutes. This is not an issue if the car is started regularly. The undercarriage could also use some detailing. The clock does not work. The car is featured in the 2014 Squarebirds Calender for the month of May. The car is being offered AS IS with no warranties expressed or implied. If you have any questions please call me at (856)779-9695. I have tried to be as honest as possible but it is the buyers responsibility to have the car inspected. A $1000 deposit is due within 48 hours and full payment is due within 7 days by cash, certified check, or bank transfer. If you do not have the cash available please do not bid. I need to sell the car ASAP to make room for another project and do not have 3-4 weeks to wait for you to get a loan from your bank. I have a clear NJ title for the car. Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer but I will assist in any way I can. I reserve the right to end the auction at any time. A couple of people have asked about the blue rubber floor mats. They were included in the package when I bought the interior kit. They really don't match the turquoise interior and rugs. However they do protect the carpet so I leave them in. There are mats that are available in black that would probably look better. Unfortunately there are no turquoise mats available.