I agree, old man. Tell ya what...you and the Old Goat be ready and waiting for me when I arrive on the other side. Of course, the wait will likely be verrrrrrrry long. Regards, John
Hi John, Congratulations are in order! I'm glad to see you got your car started. I've got the same exact solenoid on my 1967 Ford Econoline van. Mine appeared to be the original one and it worked, but I thought I'd put on a like-new, pretty one I found at the wrecking yard about 10 years ago. See how it went. Turns out, it worked even better so I left it in place. Thanks for taking the old one apart and for the explanation as to how it worked. Regards, Tom
I just acquired a 66 Ford Thunderbird factory 1500 miles original tires and haul trying to get it restored thank you for posting search information come up a broke farmer son worked on all of our own stuff
Hey John. I totally understand - I always hate endings. I am terrible about not finishing a book I really like or a television series because I hate ends so much! So, with that said, I will just look at the new format as a continuation of the series...maybe you might look into getting a bullet bird or a later bird? LOL Yes, your videos have been EXTREMELY helpful. The part of the series on the leaf springs is worth its weight in gold! These birds are kind of oddballs, 64-66, and are just starting to really hit their stride in the mainstream. As long as your videos are out there they will help thousands! I have learned so much from you in general, I appreciate you sharing not only your wisdom but also your kindness and your life with us. I have taken away a lot from this. The big take away was learning I can do ANYTHING I want as long as I TRY!!! I learned that I should ALWAYS have a plan B -Z, that I should keep a clean workspace even in the middle of a project - no need roll around in filth, that planning and patience are 99% of the work - and also the vinegar!!!! Oh my, the vinegar soak - that has saved me SOOOO much money, time, and allowed me to bring parts back to life I have shared this with others - I also own a 4 door 70 Chevelle I am refurbishing - and I shared this super soak information with them(fellow Chevelle lovers) when I soaked my drums recently. They were shocked that a few gallons of vinegar brings parts back. So, I will carry on your wisdom to others. Maybe you could do a video series on the list of essential tools that a person needs for refurbishment - things that you have learned in your many years? Maybe a series of tips and tricks with that as well - I am getting long-winded here. Wishing you the best my friend!
Very well done John. I've really enjoyed this series and learned a lot. I used to turn wrenches in the army, but don't get a lot of opportunities to do it anymore outside of normal routine maintenance.
Brian, So pick up an el cheapo old car and start turning again. The car's condition won't matter and if it never gets finished...who cares? The fun and enjoyment is in the doing no matter how long it takes. Regards, John
When we are working on our 66 I always start it then slide the steering column over so it holds it in park. The column can’t move unless it’s in park so it is a good habit we have developed whenever we are tinkering around!
Chad, It's interesting to hear that. I wasn't aware that once the steering wheel is slid the shifter will be held in park. No one has yet mentioned it. I'll be checking that out in the near future. Regards, John
It's been fun and interesting, I sure will miss your videos. The only request I have is if you ever take the dash out I hope you record and post that. I remember that you bought a bunch of vacuum lines. Take care and enjoy that Bird.
Mike, There's much more to go on this old Bird, but all of what's left has been covered in videos posted by other T-Bird owners. Right now it doesn't look like I'll need to remove the dash, but I could get a wild hair you know where. 😁 Regards, John
@@joernone Kinda long but I will share my story. Years ago where I lived my driveway was between two houses on the main road and it was about 1/4 mile long. It was Winter and I would drive down the driveway to get my Sunday paper. This day I just had on my pajamas and robe. I drive down and get out and walk across the street to get the paper and I hear this click click clicking sound, my 69 Ford Fairlane was going into reverse. I run to it but it took off and the wheels turned and it's going in circles in the neighbors yard. I'm running along side it trying to get the door open, after about three loops thru the yard I finally was able to open the door and jump in and get it stopped. That had to be a hell of a sight with me in my robe chasing this darn car, luckily the neighbors didn't see anything and I had to laugh about it after getting back home. So yes, be sure to use that emergency brake if you get out with it running. LOL
61-63 had the same problem falling out of Park. On mine the fix was a combination of new detent, new shift lever, and tightening up the linkage down by the transmission. Shifts tight now.
Car is running nice! Thanks for the warning about car slipping out of park! Will be nice to see you driving down the road with a big grin on your face!
Thanks JOHN. The part is called the brake shoe to cylinder link. The site you sent me shows the part for the early T-BIRDS but I am sure they will work for the 66 as well.
Michael, I don't know what to tell you, my friend. Years ago new brake cylinders came with those pins. Not any more, I guess. Put out a call on the Thunderbird Forum. No doubt someone has a couple old ones just sitting around. Sign up if you're not already a member. It's free. www.vintagethunderbirdclub.net/phpBB3/index.php Regards, John
Yes, 64-66 had the same problem with the end of the shift lever getting a notch worn in it over time, and the result was it falling out of park. The detent that the lever engages could get worn too, but it usually is always the shift lever. I've done both, the new detent is cast a little more proud in places for better lever retention. Another thing that can get worn is the lower shift tube bushing. The original was plastic, and could get brittle and fall apart over time. The result is extra slop in the linkage. I replaced a couple using directions from Nick that he had printed in one of his parts catalogs, fairly easy. One more area specifically for 65-66 Birds is the shift linkage bushings on the cross shaft linkage under the car. Those can wear and fall apart and result in linkage slop.
@@joernone Yes, Nick Pepe from Vintage Thunderbird Restoration. From his catalog when he had his business in California, Nick's T-Birds (AKA T-Birds by Nick). He could probably send you the directions about column repair on 64-66 T-Birds. There are also articles on the Vintage Thunderbird Club International website's forum posted by others.
Thanks again, my friend. Nick has uploaded two YT videos covering the steering column, but I've been holding off intently watching and studying them until I get to that part on my car. Meanwhile, I'll collect the parts I'll need to do the job. Regards, John
Ray, Ain't gonna happen, my friend. There will be a few, but not a series. There's already plenty of very good YT vids on how to install seat covers and headliners, repair floorboards, cracked dashes, gauges, etc., so there's no need for me to reinvent the wheel. Regards, John
Thanks, Donald, but with an exception here and there me thinks my vid days are over. It's time I just lay back and let others show me for a change. Regards, John
Michael, I won't be quitting. There will just be far fewer videos. But no problem, my friend, as there's plenty of vids out there that already cover the same things I would be covering. Piece of cake. Regards, John
Well done John. It is a pleasure to see it running. I guess you never anticipated getting it running again would be this lengthy. Great job for all those many,many people that will use your videos as a source of information for their projects. What is the the plan for the floor pans and interior? Are you going for a drive and then move it along to some one else?
Doug, Thanks, my friend. The plan is to keep working on it, but at a slower pace as I have several unfinished projects needing attention. They're lonnnnng overdo. But I'll be popping in now and them. Regards, John
The sweet sound of a Ford engine. Well done my friend - You've exceeded everyones expectations !!!!!! Now with Drive In movies making a comeback, you need to take Wifey to one, one day after you get everything else cleaned up and relive the past. Another excellent series... what is next ? Pinball ? :) Thanks Ron
hello joe nice video! I'm having starting issues with the 66 tbird as well. it clicks when I try to crank. well bypassed the starter solenoid just feeding voltage to the starter motor directly it just spun and did not crank, is that a bad starter motor? Is it a chore to remove and replace the starter motor?
Laszlo, Hello there, my friend, you caught me on the internet. Good timing. It sounds like the starter bendix isn't throwing out to engage the flywheel, so the starter motor just sits there and spins. Remove the starter and check it out...or you can try tapping the starter case with a small ballpeen hammer. It might jar the bendix loose, but even if that works it's a problem that'll only come back to haunt you, at a later date so why bother kicking the can down the road? Btw...everything on these Birds are chores to repair. Comes with the territory. Regards, John
I was told the same thing about the car slipping into reverse from a man in ONTARIO ,CANADA. I have to check mine also. JOHN, I have a question....I am missing the studs that attach to the rear brake shoes to the wheel cylinder. Can they be bought?
Michael, I'm not sure which part you mean, but maybe it'll be here: www.macsautoparts.com/ford_thunderbird/brakes/drum-brakes/drum-brake-hardware.html Regards, John
I will contact them Monday and try and place an order. The LINCOLN and the T-BIRD both use these links. Thanks again!!! Hope you get to enjoy your car soon.
Victor, It runs over to a square brass vacuum supply block on top of the intake manifold next to the carburetor on the passenger side of the car. Go here and pick up the video at time 5:04 to see the block: ruclips.net/video/aS3hHZud9fs/видео.html Regards, John
Don, Interesting observation, my friend. But I don't know how to start this car without being in the seat. You can't reach the key any other way. 😁😁😁 Regards, John
John..It's about time...I was a young man when this started, now sadly I'm an old one, but can now die happy...
I agree, old man. Tell ya what...you and the Old Goat be ready and waiting for me when I arrive on the other side. Of course, the wait will likely be verrrrrrrry long.
Regards,
John
Hi John,
Congratulations are in order! I'm glad to see you got your car started.
I've got the same exact solenoid on my 1967 Ford Econoline van. Mine appeared to be the original one and it worked, but I thought I'd put on a like-new, pretty one I found at the wrecking yard about 10 years ago. See how it went. Turns out, it worked even better so I left it in place.
Thanks for taking the old one apart and for the explanation as to how it worked.
Regards, Tom
Thanks, Tom. I knew it would start, then would come the start of new issues and I've not been disappointed. 😁
Regards,
John
Cant wait to see you and Wifey going for a drive, nice work John been a long time coming
I can't wait either, but I still have a lot of repairs to do on this car.
Regards,
John
You know John, there's nothing like the sound of the big V-8 exhaust when she's running smooth. Well done my friend.
Carl,
And there nothing like the sound of the V-8 lapping up the gasoline. 😁
Regards,
John
I just acquired a 66 Ford Thunderbird factory 1500 miles original tires and haul trying to get it restored thank you for posting search information come up a broke farmer son worked on all of our own stuff
Hey John. I totally understand - I always hate endings. I am terrible about not finishing a book I really like or a television series because I hate ends so much! So, with that said, I will just look at the new format as a continuation of the series...maybe you might look into getting a bullet bird or a later bird? LOL Yes, your videos have been EXTREMELY helpful. The part of the series on the leaf springs is worth its weight in gold! These birds are kind of oddballs, 64-66, and are just starting to really hit their stride in the mainstream. As long as your videos are out there they will help thousands! I have learned so much from you in general, I appreciate you sharing not only your wisdom but also your kindness and your life with us. I have taken away a lot from this. The big take away was learning I can do ANYTHING I want as long as I TRY!!! I learned that I should ALWAYS have a plan B -Z, that I should keep a clean workspace even in the middle of a project - no need roll around in filth, that planning and patience are 99% of the work - and also the vinegar!!!! Oh my, the vinegar soak - that has saved me SOOOO much money, time, and allowed me to bring parts back to life I have shared this with others - I also own a 4 door 70 Chevelle I am refurbishing - and I shared this super soak information with them(fellow Chevelle lovers) when I soaked my drums recently. They were shocked that a few gallons of vinegar brings parts back. So, I will carry on your wisdom to others. Maybe you could do a video series on the list of essential tools that a person needs for refurbishment - things that you have learned in your many years? Maybe a series of tips and tricks with that as well - I am getting long-winded here. Wishing you the best my friend!
Donald,
All things eventually come to an end, my friend. Many viewers probably wish it had happened 70 videos ago. I'm one of them. 😁
Regards,
John
Very well done John. I've really enjoyed this series and learned a lot. I used to turn wrenches in the army, but don't get a lot of opportunities to do it anymore outside of normal routine maintenance.
Brian,
So pick up an el cheapo old car and start turning again. The car's condition won't matter and if it never gets finished...who cares? The fun and enjoyment is in the doing no matter how long it takes.
Regards,
John
Rad video!! Never seen a solenoid pulled apart. Very cool
Nick,
It's always fun to tear thing apart. I can't resist doing it. Glad you liked seeing it.
Regards,
John
Great info as usual John, excellent stuff
Johnny,
Thank you, my friend.
Regards,
John
When we are working on our 66 I always start it then slide the steering column over so it holds it in park. The column can’t move unless it’s in park so it is a good habit we have developed whenever we are tinkering around!
Chad,
It's interesting to hear that. I wasn't aware that once the steering wheel is slid the shifter will be held in park. No one has yet mentioned it. I'll be checking that out in the near future.
Regards,
John
It's been fun and interesting, I sure will miss your videos. The only request I have is if you ever take the dash out I hope you record and post that. I remember that you bought a bunch of vacuum lines. Take care and enjoy that Bird.
Mike,
There's much more to go on this old Bird, but all of what's left has been covered in videos posted by other T-Bird owners. Right now it doesn't look like I'll need to remove the dash, but I could get a wild hair you know where. 😁
Regards,
John
@@joernone Kinda long but I will share my story. Years ago where I lived my driveway was between two houses on the main road and it was about 1/4 mile long. It was Winter and I would drive down the driveway to get my Sunday paper. This day I just had on my pajamas and robe. I drive down and get out and walk across the street to get the paper and I hear this click click clicking sound, my 69 Ford Fairlane was going into reverse. I run to it but it took off and the wheels turned and it's going in circles in the neighbors yard. I'm running along side it trying to get the door open, after about three loops thru the yard I finally was able to open the door and jump in and get it stopped. That had to be a hell of a sight with me in my robe chasing this darn car, luckily the neighbors didn't see anything and I had to laugh about it after getting back home. So yes, be sure to use that emergency brake if you get out with it running. LOL
61-63 had the same problem falling out of Park. On mine the fix was a combination of new detent, new shift lever, and tightening up the linkage down by the transmission. Shifts tight now.
Thanks, my friend. I'll be getting to mine in the not too distant future.
Regards,
John
Car is running nice! Thanks for the warning about car slipping out of park! Will be nice to see you driving down the road with a big grin on your face!
George,
Thanks, my friend, but as usual old man Murphy has decided to pay three more visits. Never fails. Stay tuned.
Regards,
John
Thanks JOHN. The part is called the brake shoe to cylinder link. The site you sent me shows the part for the early T-BIRDS but I am sure they will work for the 66 as well.
Michael,
I don't know what to tell you, my friend. Years ago new brake cylinders came with those pins. Not any more, I guess. Put out a call on the Thunderbird Forum. No doubt someone has a couple old ones just sitting around. Sign up if you're not already a member. It's free.
www.vintagethunderbirdclub.net/phpBB3/index.php
Regards,
John
Yes, 64-66 had the same problem with the end of the shift lever getting a notch worn in it over time, and the result was it falling out of park. The detent that the lever engages could get worn too, but it usually is always the shift lever. I've done both, the new detent is cast a little more proud in places for better lever retention. Another thing that can get worn is the lower shift tube bushing. The original was plastic, and could get brittle and fall apart over time. The result is extra slop in the linkage. I replaced a couple using directions from Nick that he had printed in one of his parts catalogs, fairly easy. One more area specifically for 65-66 Birds is the shift linkage bushings on the cross shaft linkage under the car. Those can wear and fall apart and result in linkage slop.
Very good info, my friend. Thank you. And what parts catalog do you mean, Nick from VTR? If so, where can I find it?
Regards,
John
@@joernone Yes, Nick Pepe from Vintage Thunderbird Restoration. From his catalog when he had his business in California, Nick's T-Birds (AKA T-Birds by Nick). He could probably send you the directions about column repair on 64-66 T-Birds. There are also articles on the Vintage Thunderbird Club International website's forum posted by others.
Thanks again, my friend. Nick has uploaded two YT videos covering the steering column, but I've been holding off intently watching and studying them until I get to that part on my car. Meanwhile, I'll collect the parts I'll need to do the job.
Regards,
John
What about all those videos of the interior repair?
Ray,
Ain't gonna happen, my friend. There will be a few, but not a series. There's already plenty of very good YT vids on how to install seat covers and headliners, repair floorboards, cracked dashes, gauges, etc., so there's no need for me to reinvent the wheel.
Regards,
John
But we like YOUR videos!@@joernone Bu
THAT IS A BEAUTIFUL SOUND, MY FRIEND! GOOD JOB! EXCELLENT WORK - BUT KEEP UP THE VIDEOS :)
Thanks, Donald, but with an exception here and there me thinks my vid days are over. It's time I just lay back and let others show me for a change.
Regards,
John
@@joernone No......No.....don't quit!
Michael,
I won't be quitting. There will just be far fewer videos. But no problem, my friend, as there's plenty of vids out there that already cover the same things I would be covering. Piece of cake.
Regards,
John
Well done John. It is a pleasure to see it running. I guess you never anticipated getting it running again would be this lengthy. Great job for all those many,many people that will use your videos as a source of information for their projects. What is the the plan for the floor pans and interior? Are you going for a drive and then move it along to some one else?
Doug,
Thanks, my friend. The plan is to keep working on it, but at a slower pace as I have several unfinished projects needing attention. They're lonnnnng overdo. But I'll be popping in now and them.
Regards,
John
@@joernone I will stay tuned for updates as they come along. Once again, great job!
The sweet sound of a Ford engine. Well done my friend - You've exceeded everyones expectations !!!!!! Now with Drive In movies making a comeback, you need to take Wifey to one, one day after you get everything else cleaned up and relive the past. Another excellent series... what is next ? Pinball ? :) Thanks Ron
Ron,
Actually, in the beginning I think everyone's expectations were for me to finish the refurbishment in 6-weeks or less. 😊
Regards,
John
AWESOME !!!!!!
Thank you, my friend. Like your YT handle. Another one I like is KingHuman. 😁
Regards,
John
She’s a runner!!! Congratulations, John! She sounds great! But isn’t she idling a bit fast?
I finally get the engine started and already you're hammering on me about the idle. Ease up, my friend. It'll get there.
Regards,
John
Aw, and i thought i was gonna getto see it moving!
Gordon,
Not quite yet, my friend, however, we're all but there.
Regards,
John
hello joe nice video! I'm having starting issues with the 66 tbird as well. it clicks when I try to crank. well bypassed the starter solenoid just feeding voltage to the starter motor directly it just spun and did not crank, is that a bad starter motor? Is it a chore to remove and replace the starter motor?
Laszlo,
Hello there, my friend, you caught me on the internet. Good timing.
It sounds like the starter bendix isn't throwing out to engage the flywheel, so the starter motor just sits there and spins. Remove the starter and check it out...or you can try tapping the starter case with a small ballpeen hammer. It might jar the bendix loose, but even if that works it's a problem that'll only come back to haunt you, at a later date so why bother kicking the can down the road?
Btw...everything on these Birds are chores to repair. Comes with the territory.
Regards,
John
I was told the same thing about the car slipping into reverse from a man in ONTARIO ,CANADA. I have to check mine also. JOHN, I have a question....I am missing the studs that attach to the rear brake shoes to the wheel cylinder. Can they be bought?
Michael,
I'm not sure which part you mean, but maybe it'll be here:
www.macsautoparts.com/ford_thunderbird/brakes/drum-brakes/drum-brake-hardware.html
Regards,
John
Michael,
Here's some. Brendan found them. Hopefully, they'll work:
www.summitracing.com/search/brand/raybestos/part-type/brake-hardware-components/brake-hardware-component-type/wheel-cylinder-link
Regards,
John
I will contact them Monday and try and place an order. The LINCOLN and the T-BIRD both use these links. Thanks again!!! Hope you get to enjoy your car soon.
Hey on the brake booster what does the vacuum hose go to?
Victor,
It runs over to a square brass vacuum supply block on top of the intake manifold next to the carburetor on the passenger side of the car. Go here and pick up the video at time 5:04 to see the block:
ruclips.net/video/aS3hHZud9fs/видео.html
Regards,
John
Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in
the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort. -Franklin D. Roosevelt
Correct. Couldn't agree more.
Regards,
John
Hi John! what is the I terminal for on the starter solenoid?
I don't know what the "I" stands for, , maybe ignition, but it supplies 12 volts to the positive terminal of the coil.
Regards,
John
Kool , thank's
This is sort of equal in length of time to Moses journey through the wilderness. }
Bobby,
More like a round trip mission to Pluto. 😎
Regards,
John
Simple, don't start or run the car unless you are in the seat.
Now you'll need a DIXIE horns, like Dukes of Hazard.
Don,
Interesting observation, my friend. But I don't know how to start this car without being in the seat. You can't reach the key any other way. 😁😁😁
Regards,
John
All of that rattling noise is coming from all of the money you have in your pockets! Get offa' that wallet, John!
Michael,
Actually, the rattling is leftover small change. The large bills went out the window a long time ago. 😁
Regards,
John
its now 4 years later....you bought that at TRUMP PRICES...that same starter solenoid is now....42 dollars at o rielys....i miss those TRUMP prices.