68 Thunderbird 429 58k, Whats it worth?

[Z3ds]

Hi fellow car enthusiasts! Somebody is offering this Thunderbird to me as a trade for my 85 Mercedes 300sd. The Thunderbird looks really nice and I really like it. It is all original other than the paint, windshield, fuel lines and brake lines. It starts, runs and stop good. No leaks. Interior really clean no cracks. Body pans are solid. The only problem is it has rusts on the rear rocker panels. Whats the car worth with rust like these? If I’ll get it fixed I think it would cost more than $2k? Thanks!

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[Excaliburss]

I love this model. Beautiful cars ! But the rust is the cancer.....If you start working with this you will be surprised how much more you will find and end up with a total restoration project. I can spot on the pictures even rust in the frame which can be a big problem and cost a lot to get back to its formal glory.

 

[Z3ds]

I love this model. Beautiful cars ! But the rust is the cancer.....If you start working with this you will be surprised how much more you will find and end up with a total restoration project. I can spot on the pictures even rust in the frame which can be a big problem and cost a lot to get back to its formal glory.

Thanks for the input. I have no experience with classic cars like this. Im now hooked. Lots of learning to do.

 

[Excaliburss]

Yes, now with 45 years of resto experience, I have really learned a lot and also paid for learning.....Nothing is impossible to get back to glory, but if you have to bring it to professionals to get it done, they will ask you a bag of bucks and its not worth it to go to a normal body shop, as they have no sense and feeling for a proper restoration.
I would recommend you a lot to get yourself a 68-Landau, but look out for a nicer one and maybe from a part in the US where rust is no object.

 

[Z3ds]

Yes, now with 45 years of resto experience, I have really learned a lot and also paid for learning.....Nothing is impossible to get back to glory, but if you have to bring it to professionals to get it done, they will ask you a bag of bucks and its not worth it to go to a normal body shop, as they have no sense and feeling for a proper restoration.
I would recommend you a lot to get yourself a 68-Landau, but look out for a nicer one and maybe from a part in the US where rust is no object.

You’re totally right thanks, I’ll take a pass on this one.

 

[Excaliburss]

I hope I didn't kill your interest for these beautiful cars !

 

[OneAmongOthers]

Everything can be fixed with time and most importantly... money. But if you are looking at getting into a project first pick one out that is close to your interests/budget and capabilities. Frame rot is the most expensive thing to fix as it usually means the car body has to be lifted off it. Though most of the time the only reason a frame is rotted is either due to it living in the rust belt and wasn't cared for at all or it was parked on an unpaved surface for far too long. There is still plenty of 61-69/70's ish Thunderbirds left, and all are still pretty low in price range going for anywhere around 2-6k depending on condition. Find the one you like the most. You still got plenty of options.

 

[Excaliburss]

I agree OAO ! But I doubt you would find a really good and low mileage 68-Landau for 6K.

 

[OneAmongOthers]

I agree OAO ! But I doubt you would find a really good and low mileage 68-Landau for 6K.

I see plenty for less. Right now where I live in PA a person in Delaware has a 65 Tbird with low mileage and new paint for 6k. Only problem is the tranny will need to be rebuilt. Otherwise the car is cherry. A lot of people keep the car pristine body and interior (most are garaged), but tend to get rid of them once something mechanical goes. And in my opinion (especially with these cars) Mechanical is the easiest part. It's the body work and interior resto that will kill your wallet trying to find parts or fix rust and rot.

 

[OneAmongOthers]

A lot of people simply cannot work on the mechanical. It's easy to keep the car from rotting away if you keep it washed and clean. Mechanical parts only last so long. Also most shops won't work on them or they charge A TON of money since most mechanics are not trained or even understand or know how to work on vehicles 50 years or older.

 

[Excaliburss]

Well, you probably know that I am located in Spain/Europe and all my sources are eBay and Craig list and a few others maybe. From dealers I see sky high prices. I guess you see offers from local people in your area on local newspapers and trader magazines. Whenever you come over a 67/68 in mint condition, please let me know. I would not mind to buy a second one for my collection.

 

[OneAmongOthers]

Well, you probably know that I am located in Spain/Europe and all my sources are eBay and Craig list and a few others maybe. From dealers I see sky high prices. I guess you see offers from local people in your area on local newspapers and trader magazines. Whenever you come over a 67/68 in mint condition, please let me know. I would not mind to buy a second one for my collection.

Depends on what you mean by mint condition. I myself see a good condition car as the body and interior being in great shape. If you're looking for something that looks like it rolled off the assembly line thats 50 years old.. Well then yeah you are going to pay a lot for it.

 

[Excaliburss]

Now we get to the point. As I have worked with restorations more the 45 years, I learned rather to pay a high price for a real good object, then working my ass off month/years and end up with more money spend and a lot of lost time ( but on the other end, I also love it.... 🙂
Even the 68 I have outside in my garage which is a one owner vehicle with original 14608 miles since new, I had to give TLC and do work on. I am after all this time more and more crazy to get everything as perfect as possible. And it is possible to find such cars. And you are right ---- you have to pay for it. But still have in mind, if you ever see one for sale that would fit in my thoughts, let me know.