1960 Convertible Fully Restored - Barn Find

[b-man]

Hey there everybody. New guy here!

It's always insane coming across real band finds. But here I am. And here we go ...

A guy I've known for a few years now has aged and dealt with some serious health issues. So he is auctioning off a 400+ acre farm property here in CT. Separate from the auction he will be private selling some classic cars. My love for classic cars runs deep, so I offered to get them roadworthy and cleaned up so that he can properly sell them to a good home.

One of the classics is the 1960 Thunderbird convertible pictured here. I took the cover off with him the other day after a 9+ year slumber. The car was 'fully restored' at one point and is in fantastic condition. The mice did not get to it from what I've seen so far.

I checked the cylinders, fluids and all of the other basics then put a fresh battery in it the other day. It turns over beautifully but had no spark. I'm chasing down the common offenders of course and should have it fired up today. Driving - TBD.

Anyway, if you have any info or advice on a 60 convertible as I get started, I would appreciate it. I had a 68 Lincoln Continental years ago. It was a hard top though and I recall all of the nightmares I read about the convertibles!!

Thanks

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[64ZCODE]

Very exciting! Keep us posted as you bring this car back to life.

 

[mark costello]

change the coil, you'll love the classic ride

 

[b-man]

@mark costello in fact I did buy a new coil as ammo from the parts cannon, haha! New coil, points, condenser and battery is the current inventory from my local O'Reilly's. I wish I would have picked up a fuel pump too, again just in case. But I remember the Lincoln 3-port fuel pumps were hard to come by, and best to rebuild the old ones. I'm not sure if that's a thing with the Thunderbirds.

@64ZCODE , yes sir! Will report back

MORE PHOTOS:

1960 Convertible Barn Find

• b-man
• Yesterday at 12:18 PM
• 4

Photos of my buddy's 1960 convertible. It had been fully restored, then stored for an extended...

 

[b-man]

Holy cow I got stumped tonight. I just couldn't get any spark to the plugs. Tried all the tricks but had to walk away. It's such a simple system dang it!!!!

I got a really weak spark at the points with the key on for a bit. But then the spark went away. Nothing. I'm getting 12V at the coil when the points are open. And about 7V when they are closed. So the coil.and wire resistor seem to be doing the thing unless I'm missing something.

I put a new coil, points and condenser in. But swapped the old ones back in when I didn't see any change..And I threw a jump pack on the battery just in case it was a little low. Nada

So I'm missing something. But I will get it. I'm going to try and run 12V directly to the coil tomorrow. Didn't have any wire with me tonight.

And I put a battery in the 41 International K1 too. It turned over. But as with the Thunderbird - NO SPARK!!!! Must be some.aort of farm curse, haha.

Having fun. And can't wait to glide down the road in the Thunderbird. With the top down!

 

[T-BirdTom]

Here's something to listen to when you get the Bird ready for flight!

Keep at it, it will fire.
Tom