DIY Network

1962 Ford T-Bird: Authentication and Evaluation From "Classic Car Restoration" episode DCR-301

The classic 1962 Ford Thunderbird sports roadster.

In this segment, we do some preliminary prep work and planning to get an idea of exactly what we've gotten ourselves into with this restoration project. To help with this process, we enlisted the help of a third-generation Thunderbird expert -- Rob Duddy from T-birds.com.

Following are some of Rob's tips and suggestions.

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	Rob Duddy, a T-bird expert, gives Steve tips on how to tell an authentic 1962 sports roadster from one of the many counterfeits that are out there.
	Figure A

An Authentic Sports Roadster?

Over the history of the Thunderbird, Ford built sedans and convertibles, but the sports roadster is quite unique. In fact, there were fewer than 2,000 actual roadsters built. Because of its scarcity and status as a collectible, the real sports roadster has inspired some fakes -- regular convertible models that have been retrofitted with some sports roadster features. If you're thinking of buying a 1962 or 1963 sports roadster, it's important to inspect it well to verify authenticity. To authenticate our project car as an authentic roadster, Rob suggests checking the numbers on the VIN plate and inspecting certain features and styling cues that are unique to the car.

The VIN data plate (figure A) lists the body number as "76B" -- which is the number Ford used to designate the sports-roadster body. The plate also lists a serial number that begins with "2Y89." The "89" near the beginning of the serial number also refers to the roadster body style. The presence of these two numeric designations helps confirm that our car is a true sports roadster.
Another place to verify then numbers is under the hood, on a portion of the body just above the passenger-side headlight (figure B). Again, the numbers "2Y89" in the series verify that this is an authentic sports-roadster (figure C). In addition, there are two other places under the hood to verify this number -- on the passenger side sub-frame just above the firewall, and underneath the front cowl.

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

From the Z-code and VIN number, we can also confirm that our engine (figure D) is a Thunderbird 390 special V8, 300-horsepower engine with a 4-barrel Holly carburetor and dual exhausts. If the VIN code had an "M" in the series, it would mean that the engine was a rare M-code edition -- a 340-horsepower, 6-barrel, high-performance engine with a triple-deuce carburetor and an aluminum manifold. This would indeed be a find, as there were only a total of 157 M-code sports roadsters produced in 1962 and 1963.
Aside from the embossed numbers, there are some external cues and some parts that can help identify the roadster as authentic. To look at the most prominent feature of the Thunderbird sports roadster, we put the convertible top down. In the unusual configuration for this car, the top is lowered into the trunk compartment, which closes when it's stored. (figures E and F). Our ragtop is not in great shape, and may later have to be replaced, but the complex system of the power convertible is working.

Figure E

Figure F

With the convertible top stored in its compartment (figure G), the tonneau cover can be seen in detail. With two people working together, the tonneau can easily be removed. It simply unlatches in the center, two rear thumb-screws are removed, and the cover can simply be lifted out (figure H). The tonneau on our vehicle is in great shape, which is a real benefit since a replacement for this part can be very difficult to find and expensive.

Figure G

Figure H

Other clues for identifying an authentic sports roadster include an interior grab-bar on the passenger side (figure I). This feature was another one that is unique to the sports roadster.

The sports roadster emblem, like the one found in the center of the tonneau cover, is also present on the front fenders (figure J).

Figure I

Figure J

The Kelsey Hayes wire wheels are another important feature (figure K). On our project car, the original wire wheels had been replaced. Finding originals of these wheels would likely prove difficult and expensive, but there are reproductions available that are very close in appearance.

The original Kelsey Hayes wire wheels had a spinner cap on them that interfered with the standard Thunderbird fender skirts. Therefore, on authentic sports roadster models, you won't find fender skirts and there are no fender skirt "pins" along the wheel lips. On this car, the empty holes on the wheel lips (figure L)O are evidence that the car never had fender skirts.

Figure K

Figure L

Parts Needing Replacement

In addition to the wheels and some emblems needed for this restoration, a few items will need to be replaced. The tires will be replaced -- either with radials or the historically correct bias-ply tires. The front and rear bumpers are inspected closely (figure M), and are probably too rusted to be re-chromed.

Fender trim will be replaced, as well as a missing quarter-panel trim piece. The headlights and taillights (figure N) need some restoration work also.

Although dirty, the interior (figure O) is in relatively good shape overall. The steering wheel is badly worn and will need replacing.

The exterior paint finish is in good shape for a car this old, and can likely be cleaned and color-sanded or simply polished.

Figure M

Figure N

Figure O

The '62 T-bird's trunk lid raises and lowers to permit concealment of the convertible top.

In the segment that follows, Steve goes over some of the tools that will be helpful in any automotive restoration.

RESOURCES :

T-birds.com
T-Birds.com
A website dedicated to the appreciation of 1961 through 1963 Ford Thunderbirds. Hard-to-find restoration parts and materials, including reconditioned original t-bird body parts, can be found through t-birds.com.

Thunderbird Restoration Guide, 1958-1966 (Motorbooks International Authentic Restoration Guides)
by William Wonder
Published by Motorbooks International, June 1997
ASIN: 0760303908
To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.

Illustrated Thunderbird Buyer's Guide (Motorbooks International Illustrated Buyer's Guide)
by Paul G. McLaughlin
Publisher: Motorbooks International (July 2000)
ASIN: 0879388706
To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.

Vintage Thunderbird Club International
www.vintagethunderbirdclub.org
The Vintage Thunderbird Club International (VTCI) is an organization dedicated to the restoration of Thunderbirds and is an excellent resource for many aspects of restorations. The organization establishes juding rules and offers technical advice and production data.

Motorbooks International
www.motorbooks.com
Motorbooks International is a enthusiast's source for automotive books and information. At their website, they carry more than 6,000 book titles, making them one the largest and most comprehensive auto-related bookstores online. Among the books they offer are many popular and hard-to-find automotive-related titles -- car manuals and books on auto history, auto restoration and repair.

Larry's Thunderbird and Mustang Parts
Fullerton, CA
Thunderbird and Mustang specialty parts. Suppliers for the convertible-top canvas-kit installed on our Thunderbird.
www.larrystbird.com

T-Bird Sanctuary
Supplier of Thunderbird parts and supplies. www.tbirdsanctuary.com

GUESTS :

Rob Duddy
T-Birds.com