Once Chip took delivery of the Thunderbird, he molded new front and rear fascias and built new front and rear grille inserts. Next, the roof was cut off and a new wrap around windshield added. A partial tonneau cover and stylized roll bar loops complement the distressed leather interior of the two-seater. Eibach lowering springs reduced the ride height and one-off wheels were designed, cut and installed. The front headlights were replaced with those of a Volkswagen Beetle.
The build of the vehicle, now known as Speedbird, was documented on the Discovery Channel’s automotive documentary Rides, which aired repeatedly on the TLC network in 2003. After the unveiling at SEMA, Ford Motor Company named Speedbird their “Best of Show”.
Build Specifications
Owner: Chip Foose
Vehicle: 2002 Ford Thunderbird
Chassis
Frame / Manufacturer: Stock Ford
Wheelbase: 107.2″
Rearend / Ratio: Stock
Rear Suspension: Stock, lowered w/ Eibach Springs
Rear Brakes: Baer
Rear Shocks: Stock
Front Suspension: Stock, lowered w/ Eibach Springs
Front Brakes: Baer
Front Shocks: Stock
Master Cylinder: Stock
Steering: Stock
Front Wheel Make, Size: Foose custom wheel, 20″
Rear Wheel Make, Size: Foose custom wheel, 20″
Front Tire Make, Size: Pirelli
Rear Tire Make, Size: Pirelli
Gas Tank: Stock
Engine
Make: Stock
Displacement: Stock
Transmission
Make: Stock
Shifter: Stock
Body
Body Style / Material: 2002 Ford Thunderbird Roadster / Steel and epoxy front and rear fascias
Body Manufacturer: Ford
Body Mods: Custom front and rear fascias, custom grille inserts, side vents and custom trim
Hood: Reshaped with new scoop
Grille: Custom grille inserts by Foose Design
Bodywork: Chip Foose, Tim Fitzpatrick
Paint type / Color: BASF Glasurit / “Chipewter”
Painter: Foose Design
Headlights / Taillights: Reshaped Volkswagen Beetle / Stock
Bumpers: N/A
Interior
Dashboard: Stock
Insert / Gauges: Stock
Stereo / Speakers: Stock
Air Conditioning: Stock
Wiring: Stock
Steering wheel: Stock
Steering column: Stock
Seats: Custom Cobra Seats
Upholsterer: Foose Design
Material / Color: Leather / Black with Burnt Orange inserts
Carpet: Stock
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