It looks like someone tried to start on this 1962 Ford Thunderbird project but didn’t get very far, and stopped in a hurry. You’ll have to decide whether it’s worth trying to finish it or not after looking the auction over here on eBay. Bidding is currently at only $405 and there’s no reserve, so it’s going to sell for sure! The primer, white and rust Thunderbird is located in Gilbert, Arizona.
I’m sad to report that the left side of the car is where the project seems to have stalled. That dark brown in the middle and rear is actually surface rust, and although I can’t tell for 100% sure, I’m confident some of the other stuff you see in this picture is body filler. The seller says the driver’s door is “rough” and that there is a dent behind the door as well. They also speak of some small rust holes in the front passenger side floor pan and in the trunk.
Although the tires don’t look bad in the pictures, they must be very old as the seller says they aren’t suitable for driving. The fender skirts go with the car, as well as all the trim that has been removed. The chrome appears okay for a driver, but there is some pitting obvious in close up pictures.
Here’s the best shot of the damage behind the door and of the surface rust. I think it will sand off as the seller states, but plan on using a surfacing primer to deal with the remaining scratches and pits.
On the inside, you’ll be busy. The door panels are included despite not being installed, as is the back seat. A full upholstery kit plus installation will be needed eventually. I suppose a set of FLAP (Friendly Local Auto Parts) store covers would do for the moment if you were on a budget; I’ve certainly done that enough times until I could afford to fix things properly.
The 390 cubic inch V8 is said to run “strong” but that it needs exhaust gaskets, carburetor gaskets and a tune up. The air conditioner doesn’t have a belt, so you can assume you’ll have work there as well, but at least it had a system. In any case, it’s a running Thunderbird for less than $1,000 at the moment! That makes it worthwhile to me! What do you think?
At this point I think it will cost way more to restore to original than it would be worth however it may make a cool 60’s style panel painted custom.
Really surprised by the engine- it looks clean and un messed with. If as good as it looks, somebody with a bad drivetrain but otherwise good car could do great with this as a parts car.
Indeed. Not terribly far from being a good donor car. For some reason, even though a ’62 is cool enough, they just don’t fetch a lot of cash.
Ive been watching this car on CL for several days now. First at 2500, then 2200. Thats not the interesting part. He says he also has a MONACO edition Thunderbird which he would sell with this one for 3000 together. That Monaco edition is quite rare but not a single pic for it. Not sure what’s up.
Maybe not a money-maker, but it would be fun to get it back on the road…