3Y85Z141658 - Thunderbird Registry Number 31625

31625

VIN

3Y85Z141658

Year

1963

Codes

76A - I - 58 - 14B - 71 - 1 - 4

Comments

Greg Fisher says: This 1963 Thunderbird Convertible still retains it’s original factory paint colour (Champagne / metallic gold, colour panel letter – I) with a Corinthian White convertible top (Car overlay letter – M). The vehicle is fully road registered in Victoria, Australia (registration number BIRD 63). It is driven on a regular basis and is equally at home on the work commute (weather permitting), ferrying sons to basketball practice or heading off for a weekend away.
The vehicle is fitted with the following Thunderbird options: 
Electric Drivers Seat 
Swing-away Steering Wheel 
Power (Electric) Windows front and rear 
Thunderbird AM-FM radio 
Tinted windshield (still w an original AAA sticker)– Automobile Club of Southern California, recognising over 5 years membership) 
Windshield washers 
Air Conditioning 
White wall tires 
Wire wheels 
Rear Fender skirts (“spats”) and 
an aftermarket fibreglass sports roadster tonneau cover 
The last known US based owner was Mike Borja of Los Angeles. The vehicle was imported to Australia in May 1988, by Mr. B. Haley of Melbourne who is a foundation member of the Thunderbird Club of Australia (T.O.C.A). The Australian compliance R.H.D conversion was completed in March 1990, by Mr. Haley. 
The car was purchased from Mr Haley by Paul Sabine, a car dealer from Camberwell, Melbourne, Australia and was subsequently owned by Stuart North (the owner of Burwood Auto Salvage) East Burwood, Melbourne, Australia. Mr North had the vehicle stored with an extensive personal car collection until March, 2005. The current owners; Greg and Lisette Fisher of Melbourne, Australia purchased the car on the 21st of March 2005. 
Given the vehicle had been in storage for 16 years, an extensive service was undertaken on the vehicle in late March 2005 to ensure it’s roadworthiness. All hoses, belts & leads were replaced and all brake lines were replaced. The status of riveted brake linings was sound – apparently the practice of riveting of brake linings to brake shoes ceased in Australia in the late 1980’s. This find supported the prior owners comment that “the car had been stored for the past 16 years”. At the time of servicing, the whitewall tyres were discovered fitted in reverse ! After cautious cleaning of relays the convertible top worked reliably.
The original Thunderbird AM / FM radio was rebuilt and refitted in May 2005. 
All bonnet hinges and catches were "re-zinced" in May 2005 and the bonnet springs were repainted to original spec (black) and an original spec FoMoCo windscreen washer bag and pump was refitted.
New window switches for the LHR and RHF windows sourced and replaced and fuses for the console compartment light & flashing brake light were replaced. 
A new black leather interior trim kit including seats & door trims (Trim spec no 86) was imported from the U.S. and fitted in September 2005. This replaced the original factory Gold vinyl – trim spec no 58. At the same time new underfelt, new carpets, new window fuzz belts, and a new boot lining and spare wheel cover were imported from the U.S. The interior restoration was refitted by Mr Haley. The clock was refurbished and reinstalled at the same time as the interior.
A new bonnet emblem was fitted at Christmas 2005.
An original specification manifold (RHS) was fitted to replace a cracked RHS manifold in February 2006. The Air Cleaner & Valve Covers were repainted in original specification gold at the same time and original spec decals (Osborn) have been used in the engine bay. New (original spec) tie-rod ends and new Shackle Bushes for the rear springs were fitted also in February 2006.

Of interest the vehicle still has a UCLA parking sticker (in excellent condition) stuck to the left hand portion of the front fender. The sticker is a Gate 3 pass, expiring on 6-30-69 !
Whilst this car has been “downunder” for 17 years (at 2006) ; considering the cars reliability, the remaining friction material on the riveted brake linings, the condition of the original 1969 U.C.L.A. gate pass sticker , the condition of the original windscreen & the condition of the Southern Californian AAA windscreen sticker ; this car does not appear to have added too many U.S. or Australian miles to it’s less than 90,000 mileage in the last 20 odd years. Any information that might help unravel this Tbird’s U.S. history would be appreciated.

Name

Greg Fisher

Entered

3/28/2006

Engine

390 V-8

Status

Intact

Longevity/Location

Australia

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