Thunderbird’s are known for their smooth cruising, but what about for their cargo capacity? Well this Thunderbird has a custom truck bed with a tailgate and bed cover, and offers a unique spin on a comfortable and stylish classic. With loads of recent maintenance, and a running 390, this ford still needs a little fine tuning before hitting the streets. This unique and useful ‘bird is offered for $4,800. Check it out here on craigslist out of Willits, California. Thanks are in order to “Bones in AK” for sharing this unusual Thunderbird find!
The 390 V8 is a great runner having recently received a new carb, new fuel pump, new distributor, new tune up parts, new starter, a heater core, and a tank cleaning. While many new parts have been fitted, the engine compartment still wears a heavy patina with obvious signs of surface rust. Although the seller has described the car as non-op, he feels that you could likely drive it home with a trip permit from DMV. The only running issue seems to be fine tuning, which I would assume to be the carb and the base timing on the engine.
Inside you will find the typical Thunderbird luxury you were expecting, but the carpet is long gone at this point. The floors look very solid, with very minor signs of surface rust. The dash, console, and seats all look very reasonable, and with a good cleaning, and fresh carpet, the interior would be as luxurious as ever.
While I am a bit disappointed that the fins where lost during the truck conversion, this ‘Bird is still a neat project. The bed floor looks rather robust, and the builder made a tail gate, and a fiberglass bed cover. The seller claims there is very little rust in this car, and there is not any visible rot to be seen. Although I will say that the rockers and lower door edges are questionable. In the photos you see a typical Thunderbird style roof on this car, but that in fact is not the roof on this vehicle. The current seller was planning to graft the Thunderbird roof onto the car which really makes that car look great. The current smooth roof, is simple and does the job, but lacks the flair and style that this Thunderbird deserves. I vote that the Thunderbird roof gets fitted, and I think this Ford would be a great classic bike, and motorbike hauler. Sadly the Vespa shown in the pictures is not included with sale. Would you pick up this interesting take on a classic Thunderbird?
I think it would look better with the T-Bird rear wheel arch shape. I’m not a fan of the concept by any means but, I’m sure others will like it.
I have to wonder what this poor `Bird did to deserve that.
I have to see a TBIRD abused like this. They are classics. I had a 1962 and it was one of the best cars I ever owned. They were special luxurious sports car.
The builder did a great job I think of,having a vision,and sticking to it,
and the work looks good,from what the pics show,these poor old T Birds
aren’t worth much,and rather than rotting away in a field somewhere,at least it is still in usable shape.It may not be pretty yet but,I think it could look great.
I love seeing some of the custom T Birds on B/F..,Keep ’em flying high..!
Some people should not be permitted to buy old cars!
“The seller claims there is very little rust in this car…………….”
Yeah, only around the edges of the holes?
Cheap plastic fuel filter and NO clamps to hold it on. Good grief, use your head!!!
While not everyone’s cup of tea, the bed and tailgate seem to have been done well. I wouldn’t be looking to buy it, but if someone gave it to me…
This poor “Bullit Nose” Bird did not deserve that!!!
Guess I need to get new glasses, because I disagree with many comments made today.
1. Brian – don’t understand your comment about losing fins, looks like every other ’61 ‘Bird to me.
2.JW454 – I like that he matched the rear wheel arch to the front, looks more of a piece to me.
3.Dirk – I went through all the CL photos, saw scabs, but no holes, other than where there was some missing trim. What am I missing?
4. Will, JCS, Chuck – I like it!
Did the attached roof come from a Starliner?
This one does deserve the nickname “Blunderturd.” As far as the Vespa is concerned, they are best used as stationary displays – VERY unstable; with the engine hanging off one side of the swingarm, they are heavier on one side than the other, and tail heavy to boot. The small diameter tires fall easily into potholes that wouldn’t phase a small motorcycle. (When I was in high school, I owned and rode one of these.) The tires would always wear more on one side than the other, due to the engine location. When I bought my first motorcycle, ( Triumph ) I picked it up on Friday morning and rode it over the weekend. I went to deliver the Vespa to the co-worker I had sold it to on Monday, and almost needed a change of underwear before I’d ridden the Vespa a couple of blocks, because I realized how unstable it was, even after such a short time on a motorcycle. The Vespa literally felt like it was going to tip over at any second.
Shoulda put some counterweights to balance it.
Lessee, sooooooooooooooo…. there MIGHT be more than a few Brit bikes that have a swing arm offset. How did Dick Mann, Jimmy Rice, Gary Nixon et al, stay on? Somehow we did ok on the streets and roads as well.
The creator of this vehicle will eventually die. When he does he will be met at the Pearly Gates by someone who understands the beauty of classic cars. Accordingly, it is unlikely that he will be granted admission – EVER. Someone should save him the embarrassment and just direct him there now — right now, please.
Amen Brother John!
Wow! such negativity! Personally, I like it. It is not been completed, but I think that it is a good start on “different” vehicle. And I like the current top.
Providing no severe rust issues, complete the car. It in fact that it does have serious rust issues. Do some cursory “smoothing” and paint it all the same color and drive it!
A Thunderbird is a Thunderbird, and a Ranchero is a Ranchero, and n’er the twain shall meet!
Thundero?, Ranchbird?, what might you call this thing? Actually, this thing has potential IMO. These bullitbirds aren’t that great of a car so, customizing one isn’t a real sin. I like it!
I prefer Thunderchero. Full disclosure, this is a members user name on another forum that I visit.
I Like it, and it makes a lot of sense. Most cars / utes normally have one occupant so a two seater is ok, and if you are hauling only small loads this would be fun. Would make a great promo vehicle. It could take pride of place in my shed along with the vitesse and gt
Each to there own I like the early 60 s birds this was someone s dream not mine but it will need a good amount of work and money to finish up good luck to sellers and the buyer
Birdero?
Bulletruck?
Thunderbed?
ThunderRanch?
Thundercover?
Thundertruck?
Thundermino?
Really needs a new paint job.
You may not like it ,but it does show creativity and imagination, and its not like it destroyed the last T-Bird on the planet. It needs to be finished, but I think it could be a very cool car. If you don’t think so what, no harm no foul
Different strokes. Different folks. I like it.