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Messages - ISTLCRUZ

31
Suspension/Steering / RLCA.
I’m wanting to purchase RLCA (adjustable) for my 85 Tbird. CHE are a little less cost. What are the difference between these and Maximum Motorsport design. ? Anyone here running these with good results?
32
T-Bird/Cougar Parts & Cars WANTED / 30th anniversary Tbird keys
I know this is a long shot. I’m trying to locate the original blank keys sold with the 1985 , 30th anniversary Tbirds. Not the actual ignition keys but the collectible blanks. I have the jacket but would like the keys to add to the collection. I’ve tried EBay and FB. No luck so far. Any leads would be appreciated.
35
Body/Appearance/Interior / Re: Hood Hinges???
I’m thinking of replacing my hinges on my 85 with 87-88 style. Are they a simple bolt on install or is more required? Also Eric mentions springs from a Mark VII bolting onto existing hinges. Any more info on that?
  Ray
36
Body/Appearance/Interior / Re: Hood Hinges???
Quote from: EricCoolCats – on
Using the 1987-88 hinges on the convertible was an issue due to the fiberglass hood. The springs kept pushing the back of the hood upward when it was closed.

I tried mocking up the gas struts but kept running into a big problem: there's no place for them to "fold into" when you close the hood.
At least, that was the case with the ones I used (old Ford Probe hatchback struts that had lost their pressure). They kept hitting the strut towers.

Then I discovered the magic of the bolt-on Mark VII springs. Solved all the problems. It's low pressure enough to let a fiberglass hood stay flat when closed. But they're heavy duty enough to hold up a steel hood. They have coils that appear similar to GM-style ones, so replacements are readily available.

The only thing that is maybe an issue to someone else is that the hood doesn't go up as much when it's open. It's not real low, but it's not as high as when there was a prop rod. I'd estimate maybe 2" lower. Otherwise, it's the best solution I've seen so far.
38
User Rides / Re: 1983 Ford Thunderbird Heritage
That’s a very nice survivor! I think a set of 10 hole wheels would look great on it while keeping a factory appearance. LMR is reproducing them I believe. You could always keep/store the originals. Awesome car 👍
40
User Rides / Re: Starting fresh
What color are you going with for now? Another member on here used rattle can paint a few years back. I don’t remember who but after wet sanding , it actually turned out good.I think it was a anniversary Cougar but I could be wrong. Anyway can’t wait to see it in one color. Car has come a long way.
42
T-Bird/Cougar Parts & Cars WANTED / Re: Front tag mount
Quote from: EricCoolCats – on
Just FYI...factory ones for our cars are metal. If you want to use a plastic one, a plate holder from a Tempo/Topaz can be modified to fit (trim off the bottom tabs on the back). The mounting holes can differ, I've found, but no big deal. I'm running a Tempo one on the convertible, it's a nice subtle upgrade IMO.

Thanks Eric
 Oddly enough I checked EBay for a Tempo front tag mount thinking it was a long shot. There were a couple on there NOS.  I was surprised. I ordered 1 for 14$/shipped and will try it but may get the metal 1 if the other member locates it also .