Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

General => General Fox T-Bird/Cougar Discussion => Topic started by: rodsterh on August 21, 2009, 11:59:02 AM

Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on August 21, 2009, 11:59:02 AM
Anyone here interested in the 'concours' part of the hobby? I know it's not for everyone but it does help dospoogeent how the cars came from the factory.

I have an interest in the 83-84 Tbirds since the were the first Aero-birds built and so different from the previous body style.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: 83-88T-Bird Guy on August 21, 2009, 12:18:13 PM
Good idea. I have been seeing some really nice original 83-88 T-Birds on flea-bay lately that I would love to have.

Be nice to have one all original to study how it was in "the day"
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: thunderjet302 on August 21, 2009, 12:21:00 PM
I'm working on mine for the VTCI convention next year. I'm in the modified category because of the engine mods. Everything else on my T-bird is stock though besides the engine. I have the build sheet for mine but I have no clue as to what most of it means :hick:

I'm the second owner of my 88 T-bird though. My dad's cousin owned it for 14 years before I got it. I have all the sales dospoogeentation (except the window sticker:mad:) and services reciepts from the last 21 years.

I'd like to figure out how the 83-88 T-birds were factory equipped, stamped, painted, ect but I'd need a few minty factory stock ones to study ;)
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on August 21, 2009, 02:55:30 PM
Quote
Be nice to have one all original to study how it was in "the day"

I'd like to figure out how the 83-88 T-birds were factory equipped, stamped, painted,


I agree with you both. Going forward, the task of dospoogeenting 83-88's would probably be monumental so it would make sense to break it down. 83-84, 85-86, and 87-88 might make sense since the cars in the those years are pretty much similar.

The fact that cars are built at different plants, and those plants operated differently only complicates things. It appears the Lorain OH cars had a buck tag on the radiator support but the Atlanta cars didn't. Perhaps they used build sheets? Could you post a picture of your build sheet?

I know of 3 original 83's and one 84 so I think I can provide some info for 83-84.

If there is enough interest would it make sense to have new topics here on the forum to cover the subject?
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: blknredcougar on August 21, 2009, 03:01:54 PM
count me in IF your doing COUGARS
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on August 21, 2009, 03:05:41 PM
Quote from: 83-88T-Bird Guy;287470
Good idea. I have been seeing some really nice original 83-88 T-Birds on flea-bay lately that I would love to have.

Be nice to have one all original to study how it was in "the day"


You won't get much more in "the day" than this!  Enjoy. :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sK9a7hYHNoA

and something a bit faster

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uD1CgIqDw44
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: thunderjet302 on August 21, 2009, 03:08:22 PM
Quote from: rodsterh;287534
I agree with you both. Going forward, the task of dospoogeenting 83-88's would probably be monumental so it would make sense to break it down. 83-84, 85-86, and 87-88 might make sense since the cars in the those years are pretty much similar.

The fact that cars are built at different plants, and those plants operated differently only complicates things. It appears the Lorain OH cars had a buck tag on the radiator support but the Atlanta cars didn't. Perhaps they used build sheets? Could you post a picture of your build sheet?

I know of 3 original 83's and one 84 so I think I can provide some info for 83-84.

If there is enough interest would it make sense to have new topics here on the forum to cover the subject?


I can scan mine if you want. It is missing some parts but is 90-95% intact. I pulled it out from under my front passenger seat when I had the front seats recovered 2 years ago.

Also my buck tag is long gone. At some point a service tech or mechanic broke it off and just the bolt and a nub remained.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on August 21, 2009, 03:11:19 PM
Sure, that would be great. Make sure to include the year and where the car was made. Do you have a build date?
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on August 21, 2009, 03:14:39 PM
Quote from: blknredcougar;287538
count me in IF your doing COUGARS


Anyone know if Cougars and TBirds were built on the same line?
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: thunderjet302 on August 21, 2009, 03:30:01 PM
Quote from: rodsterh;287548
Anyone know if Cougars and TBirds were built on the same line?


Yes they were built side by side on the same lines.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: thunderjet302 on August 21, 2009, 03:30:38 PM
Quote from: rodsterh;287547
Sure, that would be great. Make sure to include the year and where the car was made. Do you have a build date?


Yep. It's an 88 LX built in Sep. 87.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: EricCoolCats on August 21, 2009, 04:13:37 PM
Almost all of the 1983-88 Cougars and T-Birds were built in Lorain, OH (H in the VIN). For at least part of 1985 Ford also concurrently built the Thunderbird/Cougar lines in Atlanta, GA (A in the VIN). After 1985, production shifted exclusively to Lorain to allow Atlanta to build the Taurus/Sable in 1986.

The Atlanta VINs are not the same as the Lorain VINs. In other words, you could have H101234 and A101234, just as an example, at the end of two cars' VIN numbers. It gets weird but that's how Ford assigned VINs. Just FYI.

I have original 1984 and 1986 dospoogeentation for my current cars (Ford 999 report, built sheets, buck tags) if it will help. Probably the biggest area for collaboration will be for the original radios. Each radio type has a code on the built sheet, and that's the only place where you'll find that info. If you know what original radio was in your car then we can figure out a database for those. There will be some other areas (fabrics, outside trim, etc.) where we just have to put our heads together and deduce things. AFAIK nobody has really tried to decode the build sheets objectively for our cars. I'll help all I can.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: hcor on August 21, 2009, 05:04:03 PM
I don't have any dospoogeentation on hand but know a little about these cars, I bought an 86 Bird brand new with 7 miles on it but sold it in 2000 with 177450 miles. It's replacement is in the driveway now, lol.


 John
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: daminc on August 21, 2009, 05:16:35 PM
I got mine and I'm afraid to remove it.
(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee79/daminc/cougar%20build%20sheet/IMG_3581.jpg)
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: 87DailyDriver on August 21, 2009, 08:30:41 PM
I wish to help, have a very original 1987 5.0 sport coupe. Bought from the original family. Where can I look for the build sheet? Under the rear seat or the front passengar seat? The car is 90 - 95% original.

Just let me know
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: irv on August 21, 2009, 08:54:45 PM
pulled everything out of my interior just to find
the build sheet .never found it .also checked the
trunk. what do you want to see? paint dobs,spring
tags.original hoses, key tags window sticker? my car has pretty much
everything from day one. mine also had some one break off the buck
tag years ago though
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: daminc on August 21, 2009, 10:29:45 PM
now that you mention spring tags. for all the rust on my car, most of the tags were still on it. I did save what I could as far as tags. everything on my car was still original when it got put away.
let me know what were looking for, I'll help.
(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee79/daminc/front%20end/IMG_5074.jpg)
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on August 21, 2009, 10:46:22 PM
Quote from: EricCoolCats;287559
Almost all of the 1983-88 Cougars and T-Birds were built in Lorain, OH (H in the VIN). For at least part of 1985 Ford also concurrently built the Thunderbird/Cougar lines in Atlanta, GA (A in the VIN). After 1985, production shifted exclusively to Lorain to allow Atlanta to build the Taurus/Sable in 1986.

The Atlanta VINs are not the same as the Lorain VINs. In other words, you could have H101234 and A101234, just as an example, at the end of two cars' VIN numbers. It gets weird but that's how Ford assigned VINs. Just FYI.

I have original 1984 and 1986 dospoogeentation for my current cars (Ford 999 report, built sheets, buck tags) if it will help. Probably the biggest area for collaboration will be for the original radios. Each radio type has a code on the built sheet, and that's the only place where you'll find that info. If you know what original radio was in your car then we can figure out a database for those. There will be some other areas (fabrics, outside trim, etc.) where we just have to put our heads together and deduce things. AFAIK nobody has really tried to decode the build sheets objectively for our cars. I'll help all I can.


Interesting info..thanks!

I've seen quite a few 1983-1985 "A" Atlanta VIN cars so I wonder what the ratio of Atlanta cars is to Lorain cars?

I have one of each (83's TBirds) and the Lorain car has a buck tag and build sheet under the seat, and the Atlanta car does not. Where was your 84 built? Did you find a build sheet or have a buck tag?

I also found some paint stamps on the Lorain car but not the Atlanta car. I know in the Mustang world Ford operated differently in different plants so I'm sure that holds true for Thunderbirds/Cougars too.

Another weird thing to remember about the VIN is the consecutive unit number does not necessarily relate to a production date.

I have not looked at my build sheet yet so I 'm not sure if it lists a build date but I find it odd the data plate on the door jamb only has a month and year, no date.

Any info any one has to offer, including pictures and dospoogeentation, would be helpful.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on August 21, 2009, 10:54:32 PM
Quote from: daminc;287628
now that you mention spring tags. for all the rust on my car, most of the tags were still on it. I did save what I could as far as tags. everything on my car was still original when it got put away.
let me know what were looking for, I'll help.


Those spring tags sure seem durable! I don't know what kind of material they used but they sure seem to last.

My suggestion to anyone who is interested in this kind of stuff would be to take pictures, including close ups and keep a file of everything you find.

When sharing the info, make sure to specify the year, build date and assembly plant.

Patterns will probably emerge at some point and it will probably relate to the codes on the build sheet.

Don't know if these cars will ever be the 'big buck collector cars" but if you have a good car, lots of dospoogeentation is always useful.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on August 21, 2009, 10:58:51 PM
Quote from: daminc;287578
I got mine and I'm afraid to remove it.



Great picture of the build sheet!  I think the key to removal will be to unhook the springs which should make it much easier to remove (in one, or two pieces) :D

I have the same task ahead and experimented on another seat first. Odd place to put the build sheet....

Let us know if you get it out.

Rod
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: EricCoolCats on August 21, 2009, 11:21:34 PM
Quote from: rodsterh
Interesting info..thanks!

I've seen quite a few 1983-1985 "A" Atlanta VIN cars so I wonder what the ratio of Atlanta cars is to Lorain cars?

I have one of each (83's TBirds) and the Lorain car has a buck tag and build sheet under the seat, and the Atlanta car does not. Where was your 84 built? Did you find a build sheet or have a buck tag?

I also found some paint stamps on the Lorain car but not the Atlanta car. I know in the Mustang world Ford operated differently in different plants so I'm sure that holds true for Thunderbirds/Cougars too.

Another weird thing to remember about the VIN is the consecutive unit number does not necessarily relate to a production date.

I have not looked at my build sheet yet so I 'm not sure if it lists a build date but I find it odd the data plate on the door jamb only has a month and year, no date.

Any info any one has to offer, including pictures and dospoogeentation, would be helpful.

Well, you have to remember that I live a little over an hour away from the Lorain, OH plant so I tend to see nothing but Ohio-built cars. Atlanta cars are very rare here. But not just for that reason, I still believe Atlanta cars are pretty uncommon. My guess is about a 15- or 20-to-1 ratio. Obviously you're going to find more in the southern U.S. than anywhere else. And visually they look the same, so there's really no way to check until you see the VIN plate. Hard to do on the freeway LOL.

I never did get the full story about why there were two plants building our cars during one model year, although according to the books that I have, the most aero-Fox Cougars and T-Birds were built in 1985. With two plants building them, that's not really hard to do! Apparently there was a lot of demand for them. That was a little before my serious interest in these cars, unfortunately, so I don't know much about that.

For the record, my '84 is Lorain built and I have both the build sheet and the buck tag for it. Same with the '86. Build sheets were in the passenger seat frames as in Jerry's photo.

Some people have reported finding build sheets under the rear seat cushion or behind the rear seat panels. An old, old Ford custom was to place them on top of the gas tank although I don't think that happened with our cars. I suppose it's even possible to find the build sheet underneath the carpeting, for the adventurous.

For the build date, there are a few places on the car where you might find something dated, especially with the 1983-84 cars: rear quarters inside the trunk lid lip; top of the cowl, under the hood; side apr0ns in the engine bay; sometimes on the K-member. I've found that those dates are generally within a month or two of each other. This indicates how fresh the parts were and gives a good, general timeframe that usually coincides with the door tag build date. I think the reason why a specific date isn't found may be because Ford scheduled the cars to be built during a particular week sometime. Back then they weren't as optimized with their computers as far as scheduling builds. Today, with modern techniques, more computerization, and robotics, it's probably standard practice to narrow down a car's build date. Back then, not so much.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: Watchdevil on August 21, 2009, 11:24:17 PM
My step-mother was the original owner of mine. She bought it new in 1984 in Sumter, SC and kept it all this time. It's definitely a Lorain car because it has the "H" Vin code. I do have the original window sticker, the owners manual, bill of sale and a virgin front license plate bracket complete with screws that has never been used. It was $13816.00 new. The buck tag is on the radiator support, however the build sheet disinigrated under the seat into a million brown pieces and it had to be cleaned out from the springs.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on August 22, 2009, 01:24:11 AM
Quote
Well, you have to remember that I live a little over an hour away from the Lorain, OH plant so I tend to see nothing but Ohio-built cars. Atlanta cars are very rare here. But not just for that reason, I still believe Atlanta cars are pretty uncommon. My guess is about a 15- or 20-to-1 ratio. Obviously you're going to find more in the southern U.S. than anywhere else. And visually they look the same, so there's really no way to check until you see the VIN plate. Hard to do on the freeway LOL.


http://www.tbirdregistry.com/ has a small sampling of cars and it seems to be about 2 out of 3 cars are Lorain, but the database size is so small who knows how close it might be. Of course Ford probably has the numbers somewhere!

Quote
I never did get the full story about why there were two plants building our cars during one model year, although according to the books that I have, the most aero-Fox Cougars and T-Birds were built in 1985. With two plants building them, that's not really hard to do! Apparently there was a lot of demand for them. That was a little before my serious interest in these cars, unfortunately, so I don't know much about that.


No surprise 85 was a big year. Remember Bill Elliot, Bob Glidden and all the coverage the Aero birds and Cougars were getting by that time?  I also remember very well how much excitement there was for the new body style and the push Ford had going on for these cars. I really think Ford did their homework on design and quality.

Quote
For the record, my '84 is Lorain built and I have both the build sheet and the buck tag for it. Same with the '86. Build sheets were in the passenger seat frames as in Jerry's photo.


Some people have reported finding build sheets under the rear seat cushion or behind the rear seat panels. An old, old Ford custom was to place them on top of the gas tank although I don't think that happened with our cars. I suppose it's even possible to find the build sheet underneath the carpeting, for the adventurous.


Same for my Lorain car but nothing for my Atlanta car and I have it apart, carpet out, etc. Maybe a build sheet is still hiding somewhere but I didn't find it yet.


Quote
For the build date, there are a few places on the car where you might find something dated, especially with the 1983-84 cars: rear quarters inside the trunk lid lip; top of the cowl, under the hood; side apr0ns in the engine bay; sometimes on the K-member. I've found that those dates are generally within a month or two of each other. This indicates how fresh the parts were and gives a good, general timeframe that usually coincides with the door tag build date. I think the reason why a specific date isn't found may be because Ford scheduled the cars to be built during a particular week sometime. Back then they weren't as optimized with their computers as far as scheduling builds. Today, with modern techniques, more computerization, and robotics, it's probably standard practice to narrow down a car's build date. Back then, not so much.


Actually, my 65 and 68 Mustang have a build date (month and day) so I'm not sure why Ford went to month/year on the 83 to ?? cars.  As you said, many parts are still date stamped, usually a 2-3 week window before the actual build date.  I need to check these on my cars.

For starters, I'll be curious to see if anyone else with an Atlanta car has a buck tag and/or build sheet.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: BCA on August 22, 2009, 10:51:24 AM
The build sheet for my car, or I should say what was left of it, was on top of the gas tank. I found it when I dropped the tank to change the fuel pump. There was a piece of tape and one very small corner of it left. There was just enough of the printing on that corner that you could tell it was the build sheet but it was useless other than that.

I have 99% complete build sheet that I recently acquired from another member here that is from a 1986 XR-7 and he said it was also found on top of the gas tank so they did still put them on top of the tanks at on at least some of the cars.

As far as build dates go, there was a build date that was “ink stamped” on the car when it went down the line. I have found that most ’85-’86 cars have it on the driver side shock tower and that most ’87-’88 cars have it on the radiator support. It is a yellow number with the month and day. Most likely though it will only still be there if the engine compartment was never thoroughly cleaned as it doesn’t take much effort to wipe it away if any kind of cleaner/degreaser was used.

Here are a couple of examples. The first is from an ’85 XR-7 that was built on June 25th (6 25).

The second is from an ’88 Turbo Coupe built on June 28th (0628).

Note that the date stamp on the ’85 car has a single digit for the month of June “6” and the there is a space in between the month and day.
Where on the '88 car it is a two digit for the same month "06" and there is no space between the month and day.

Brent
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on August 22, 2009, 11:16:28 AM
Quote from: BCA;287706
As far as build dates go, there was a build date that was “ink stamped” on the car when it went down the line. I have found that most ’85-’86 cars have it on the driver side shock tower and that most ’87-’88 cars have it on the radiator support.

Brent

The '88s also havre the date on the buck tag...


The '87 Sport I junked had the build sheet inside the left rear interior trim panel... I dunno if I kept it, I'll let you know if I still have it...

As far as production, I'm guessing Lorain was also building vehicles other than Birds & Cougs prior to '86... I know they built Econolines, but that was a totally different line... Anyway what I'm saying was there wasn't any great difference in amount of cars produced from year to year... Actually there were almost as many built per year after all production shifted to Lorain... Remember they are only going to build what they can sell...

From NATO

Turbo Coupes:
1983: 12,566 of 121,999 Total Thunderbird production
1984: 14,744 of 170,551 Total Thunderbird production
1985: 20,804 of 151,852 Total Thunderbird production
1986: 21,315 of 163,965 Total Thunderbird production
1987: 23,833 of 128,123 Total Thunderbird production
1988: 35,271 of 139,411 Total Thunderbird production
TOTAL TC's: 128,533

Turbo Cougars:
1984: 6,171 of 131,190 Total Cougar production
1985: 7,860 of 117,274 Total Cougar production
1986: 6,504 of 135,904 Total Cougar production
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: ZondaC12 on August 22, 2009, 11:51:07 AM
Quote from: BCA;287706

As far as build dates go, there was a build date that was “ink stamped” on the car when it went down the line. I have found that most ’85-’86 cars have it on the driver side shock tower and that most ’87-’88 cars have it on the radiator support. It is a yellow number with the month and day. Most likely though it will only still be there if the engine compartment was never thoroughly cleaned as it doesn’t take much effort to wipe it away if any kind of cleaner/degreaser was used.
 
 
 
Brent

Actually...mine has this same thing, on the shock tower. I cant remember if it's on the radiator support or not, but its definitely on the tower in that same exact spot. I was so excited to see it once I figured out what it was.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: FLSTCI71 on August 22, 2009, 10:30:06 PM
My son and I do 87/88 TCs, so we may be able to help with those. We've got original Ford "87 & 88 Color Trim Selections" books and all "87 & 88 TSBs". I am sure some weird combos may have slipped by, but we know what was supposed to be built and how it was supposed to be serviced....
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: hwy73 on August 23, 2009, 01:31:17 AM
This is the window sticker for my car, an 88 XR-7 built at Lorain in November 1987.
The build sheet was found under the rear seat cushion.
And the buck tag.
Title: Build Date ???
Post by: hwy73 on August 23, 2009, 01:48:10 AM
Does the buck tag show an 11/30 build date?
 
The back of the window sticker shows 11/20/87
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: hwy73 on August 23, 2009, 01:58:54 AM
Warranty I D Card and Wheel Lock registration card
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: Watchdevil on August 23, 2009, 01:05:18 PM
Quote from: daminc;287578
I got mine and I'm afraid to remove it.
(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee79/daminc/cougar%20build%20sheet/IMG_3581.jpg)


Mine was under the passenger seat like that except it was literally reminants of brown paper stuck in the springs that could not possibly be saved. Chunks of the paper kept falling out.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: thunderjet302 on August 24, 2009, 08:57:43 PM
Quote from: BCA;287706
The build sheet for my car, or I should say what was left of it, was on top of the gas tank. I found it when I dropped the tank to change the fuel pump. There was a piece of tape and one very small corner of it left. There was just enough of the printing on that corner that you could tell it was the build sheet but it was useless other than that.

I have 99% complete build sheet that I recently acquired from another member here that is from a 1986 XR-7 and he said it was also found on top of the gas tank so they did still put them on top of the tanks at on at least some of the cars.

As far as build dates go, there was a build date that was “ink stamped” on the car when it went down the line. I have found that most ’85-’86 cars have it on the driver side shock tower and that most ’87-’88 cars have it on the radiator support. It is a yellow number with the month and day. Most likely though it will only still be there if the engine compartment was never thoroughly cleaned as it doesn’t take much effort to wipe it away if any kind of cleaner/degreaser was used.

Here are a couple of examples. The first is from an ’85 XR-7 that was built on June 25th (6 25).

The second is from an ’88 Turbo Coupe built on June 28th (0628).

Note that the date stamp on the ’85 car has a single digit for the month of June “6” and the there is a space in between the month and day.
Where on the '88 car it is a two digit for the same month "06" and there is no space between the month and day.

Brent


Now I know what I washed away with engine degreaser:hick: . What ever little bit of that stamp that was left is covered by the 2 re-paints I've done of the engine bay. Now I need to figure out what day the car was made and reproduce that stamp some how.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on August 26, 2009, 08:34:48 AM
Quote from: BCA;287706
The build sheet for my car, or I should say what was left of it, was on top of the gas tank.......
Brent


Interesting, (just like Corvettes) :hick:  I'm sure if there was a build sheet on top of the gas tank, it's long gone by now on most of our cars.


Quote from: BCA;287706

Here are a couple of examples. The first is from an ’85 XR-7 that was built on June 25th (6 25).

The second is from an ’88 Turbo Coupe built on June 28th (0628).


Brent


I found the ink stamp on the DS shock tower on my 83 TBird built in Lorain and also what looks to be an inspectors stamp on the rear where the license plate fits. Anyone else find a stamp here?

Were your two example built at the same plant?

Thanks to everyone for all the good info. Keep it coming but remember to specify the year and where the car was built.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on August 26, 2009, 09:14:36 AM
Quote from: hwy73;287836
This is the window sticker for my car, an 88 XR-7 built at Lorain in November 1987.
The build sheet was found under the rear seat cushion.
And the buck tag.



Nice examples of original dospoogeentation!!! Do you still have the car?
Title: Ink stamps
Post by: rodsterh on August 26, 2009, 09:17:30 AM
Anyone have an Atlanta car with ink stamps?  I'm trying to figure out if Atlanta didn't use them or mine on my 83TC are missing, cleaned off, or just hard to find.

It's amazing how easy they are to find when you know where to look!

I didn't find any at the usual spots.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: Loaded87IROC on August 26, 2009, 10:42:51 AM
I have found 2 build sheets on top of gas tanks in Cougars now.  On my other Cougar (86 GS)it was under the passenger seat just like the one pictured and was shredded by the springs.  The first was an 86 XR7 with 50k on it I used for parts.  It was complete and all original when I got it.  Here is a scan of that build sheet (before I sent to Brent)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/Loaded87IROC/XR7buildsheet.jpg)

The other was on top of the gas tank of my 84 Cougar.  It has 40k on it and is also all original.  Here is the build sheet and a pic of the date stamping.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/Loaded87IROC/84Cougarbuildsheet.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/Loaded87IROC/IMG_1498.jpg)
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: irv on August 26, 2009, 02:39:16 PM
i have the same for mcguard too
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: irv on August 26, 2009, 02:48:09 PM
couple of dates.car was delivered to the customer
on june 10-1988. was dealer traded from a dealer in
valparaiso, in.only difference from the other sticker above
is a power antenna.they paid 17238.32 incl tax,
rustproofing and fabric protection.--irv
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: irv on August 27, 2009, 10:16:32 AM
pic of the key tags. anyone have a picture of the 88
cassette demo tape. ive got a bunch of the old ones
but not sure which is correct. none have an E8 #.
anyone have oics of other interior hanging tags and
the radio overlay that was supposed to be removed
by the customer. had a new 89 mustang GT that i
saved all the interior stuff and window sticker.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: thunderjet302 on August 27, 2009, 03:31:51 PM
Can someone measure how tall the build date stamp numbers are? I'd like to reproduce mine but I need to know how big thay are. They look to be about 1/4" tall but I want to make sure.

Also does any one have an idea as to where all the paint dots and marks were that the factory applied? It would be kinda neat to know where they were and what color they used for each location.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: irv on August 27, 2009, 05:34:40 PM
guess you will have to take a road trip and look at my cougar
on the hoist.this what you mean?
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: Loaded87IROC on August 27, 2009, 07:40:16 PM
I measured the date stamping on my 84 and it was just a hair taller than .25 inch
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: FLSTCI71 on August 27, 2009, 07:56:16 PM
Quote from: irv;288541
guess you will have to take a road trip and look at my cougar
on the hoist.this what you mean?

Um, it probably is. So, does that car have 12 miles on it or is it 13? Geez, is it clean and original enough under there??
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: irv on August 27, 2009, 09:24:52 PM
56000. the whole bottom was rustproofed when new.this
is what i found when i took it off.its like a time capsule
almost.it came from grand rapids mi. and lived with the first owner
for 20 years.the only surface or any rust is on the axle tubes.
it could be yours.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: thunderjet302 on August 28, 2009, 12:05:02 AM
Quote from: irv;288541
guess you will have to take a road trip and look at my cougar
on the hoist.this what you mean?


That and the under hood paint marks. Thanks:D

Quote from: Loaded87IROC;288569
I measured the date stamping on my 84 and it was just a hair taller than .25 inch


That's what I needed. Thanks :D
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on August 29, 2009, 10:54:33 PM
Nice photos of original factory markings!  My car was undercoated too so I suspect I'll find something similar when I clean mine off.

I made a junkyard run but unfortunately there just wasn't much 83-87 stuff there. Something like 3 86's and 2 87's. All had the yellow date stamp on the shock tower except one which was on the radiator support. All had buck tags too. Not many good parts left on any of the cars either.

Originally my date stamp was covered with undercoating but one time I cleaned the engine compartment with engine degreaser, the undercoating melted off (wish I remembered what brand I used!) and left behind the date stamp. I believe the yellow paint is pretty tough so unless you rub way too much, cleaning that area shouldn't be a problem. My stamp is not perfect so I suspect some stamps were missed or sloppy.

I'll be curious to see if anyone else finds an inspector stamp near the rear license plate.

Keep the info coming!!
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: daminc on August 29, 2009, 11:20:20 PM
Gees Irv, every time I see that car, I want to buy it. But it would start to rust after about a week in Buffalo. I couldn't do that to another one.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: irv on August 31, 2009, 11:10:06 AM
put it in a bag w/moisture absorber like i do!
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on September 02, 2009, 11:13:51 PM
Quote from: TurboCoupe50;287710

From NATO

Turbo Coupes:
1983: 12,566 of 121,999 Total Thunderbird production


12,566?  So where are they hiding today? :hick:

Any idea what the build date is on the earliest 83's? When did production begin?

Quote from: TurboCoupe50;287710

From NATO


Turbo Cougars:
1984: 6,171 of 131,190 Total Cougar production
1985: 7,860 of 117,274 Total Cougar production
1986: 6,504 of 135,904 Total Cougar production


No wonder you don't see many of these!
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: Dave D on September 16, 2009, 07:55:10 AM
I own a 1986 turbo thunderbird, I am the original owner, car is in great shape.  Dave
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on September 16, 2009, 02:11:24 PM
Very nice! :)

Feel free to share more pictures and info.

How many miles are currently on it?  Did you intend on it being a 'keeper' from the day you bought it?

Also, if you are a member of the ITC, I'd like to know how they feel about the later Birds. I considered joining but felt they were geared more toward the older cars.

Welcome!
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: mcford on September 16, 2009, 07:56:10 PM
AND its a black one!  GORGEOUS T/C DAVE!!!
Title: 1986 turbo
Post by: Dave D on September 17, 2009, 07:49:22 AM
It has 82,000 miles.  When I purchased the car I had a thought in the back of my mind that I would like to keep it, I got and saved all the brochures, price sticker and always made an effort to keep the car original. When I still could I purchased items on the car that were wearing - clutch pedal, break pedals, leather gear shift  ect...
I've been a member of ITC for several years and I would agree it is more geared towards the older birds but still I enjoy being part of it and would recommend joining, I've tried to join NATO but they are re-organizing so I have to wait.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: irv on September 17, 2009, 08:14:13 AM
we would like to see  your original dealer items and more
pictures of the car.sure looks nice. i always liked the
look of the tc's.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: Watchdevil on September 17, 2009, 10:50:41 AM
Quote from: rodsterh;291437
Very nice! :)

Feel free to share more pictures and info.

How many miles are currently on it?  Did you intend on it being a 'keeper' from the day you bought it?

Also, if you are a member of the ITC, I'd like to know how they feel about the later Birds. I considered joining but felt they were geared more toward the older cars.

Welcome!


The newer vintage cars cannot be ignored anymore. They stand out as a respresentation of important vintage design and evolution. Plus they are still obtainable. Enough time has gone by that they look unique and stand out against what is newer and common design. They are on the dawn of becoming a respected classic like any other much older vintage car.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on September 18, 2009, 09:45:17 AM
I agree..but I think it will be a long time before they really become  popular to mainstream car folks. The big interest now seems to be in musclecars and cubic inches. Our 4 cyl turbo cars don't register on the radar. Maybe that will change now that 'Eco-boost' is the big thing!

Knowing that some day in the future our cars will be respected classics, I think it's a great time for collecting and sharing info on original cars as we are doing here.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: zbird on September 18, 2009, 11:22:18 AM
Quote from: Dave D;291497
It has 82,000 miles.  When I purchased the car I had a thought in the back of my mind that I would like to keep it, I got and saved all the brochures, price sticker and always made an effort to keep the car original. When I still could I purchased items on the car that were wearing - clutch pedal, break pedals, leather gear shift  ect...
I've been a member of ITC for several years and I would agree it is more geared towards the older birds but still I enjoy being part of it and would recommend joining, I've tried to join NATO but they are re-organizing so I have to wait.



NATO is READY NOW!!! Just got the E-mail so you can now join.:burnout:
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: zbird on September 18, 2009, 11:27:47 AM
We have the ORIGINAL ECOBOOST cars (T/C & XR7 Turbos)!!!!!!
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: Dave D on September 18, 2009, 09:02:38 PM
I went to the NATO site and got this message - NATO is temporally not accepting memberships or renewals.


Dave
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: JeremyT on September 19, 2009, 01:44:49 AM
Quote from: Dave D;291711
I went to the NATO site and got this message - NATO is temporally not accepting memberships or renewals.


Dave


NATO hasn't updated all of their webpages after a minor redesign. Here's the new link:
http://natomemapp.rustecat.com/

As you may notice it's not being hosted by NATO itself, which looks a bit tacky and suspicious to users who may not know the "connection" - not sure if it's permanent or not, but Pete posted that link on the NATO forum the other day.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on September 28, 2009, 08:21:32 PM
Quote from: irv;291499
we would like to see  your original dealer items and more
pictures of the car.sure looks nice. i always liked the
look of the tc's.



Oh Dave D......you know we would love some more pictures!!:D

I'll start. Here's an original 1983 Thunderbird Heritage dealership cardboard display.  Check out the TRX wheels and whitewalls!  Love that old skool look!!! :hick:
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: Black88LS on September 29, 2009, 02:55:12 AM
Quote from: daminc;287578
I got mine and I'm afraid to remove it.
(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee79/daminc/cougar%20build%20sheet/IMG_3581.jpg)


mine is in the same place underneath the pass side seat
Title: photos of my 86 turbo coupe
Post by: Dave D on September 30, 2009, 11:49:29 AM
Oh Rod, here are some more photos...........
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: mcford on September 30, 2009, 05:30:13 PM
ok, someone toss me a towel please....
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on October 28, 2009, 10:15:49 AM
Interesting find on my 83 5.0L Heritage. While looking for factory markings I noticed the fan shroud is a E4 part number. I've owned the car from new and the shroud is original. Manufacture date of the car is 04/83.

Can all you 83 owners run out and check the part number on your fan shroud? :D
Title: Another factory marking
Post by: rodsterh on October 28, 2009, 10:26:37 AM
83 Heritage>>

Looks like another factory marking on the top of the strut mount. Anyone else ever see this?

Notice the undercoating. I had the car undercoated when I bought it (which probably helped it last this long) and one time I cleaned the engine bay I used a degreaser that melted away the undercoating leaving behind nice original paint. Sure wish I still had some of that degreaser! One of my future projects is to remove all of the remaining undercoating under the hood.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: Kitz Kat on October 28, 2009, 04:13:25 PM
Hey Rod, where was that car when I was at your place? How's everything? Still in the Alburtis area?
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: jcassity on October 29, 2009, 10:58:32 PM
Quote from: Dave D;293205
Oh Rod, here are some more photos...........


yo,, is that "huntingdon IN?"

if so,Ill be there in a week or so.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: Dave D on November 04, 2009, 07:18:47 PM
no, It's in PA,  Dave
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: shorangerbird on November 09, 2009, 11:58:14 AM
Quote from: rodsterh;296735
Interesting find on my 83 5.0L Heritage. While looking for factory markings I noticed the fan shroud is a E4 part number. I've owned the car from new and the shroud is original. Manufacture date of the car is 04/83.
Can all you 83 owners run out and check the part number on your fan shroud? :D


-well. technically that is not a part #.  that is a service engineering number.  that is what is used internally at Ford for service part levels, meaning the evolution of the part, or how many changes it has had.  todays parts sees most of its evolutionary changes shown with the suffix part of the number, but back then it was not uncommon for them to change the prefix of the part number.  so just because the # seems to be an '84 #, doesnt mean it was meant for the '84 cars.  if you cross that engineering part #  to a Ford service part #(which is the number on the box when you buy a part from Ford) the number is a E4SZ-8146-A. now just going by what i have infront of me to use(i have more boxed away in my garage.;)), E4SZ-8146-A is the part number shown to be used as the service part upon the last issue (1992) of the 1980-89 Ford parts catalog, and its showing that E4SE-8146-BA was the engineering number.  now thats not saying there wasnt a shroud with an E3 engineering made and used on '83 cars, because they could have redesigned/made a running change to it as production was going and implemented it on the line as they were being built, because if ur build date is 4/83, remember they started production of them in the latter part of '82 , so production had been ongoing for prolly 6-8 months. a change would not be uncommon.  the thing to do would be to find earlier production date cars with that engine combo and see if there is another  engineering # on them, and for me to find some of the earlier books/microfische from where the '83 model years were added to the system to see if another # was offered. but from all i have in front of me now, shows that reguardless if it was an '83, it should have that particular shroud on those cars. maybe that will help muddy the waters for u......:hick:
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: t3skidoo on November 09, 2009, 05:52:40 PM
Regarding dospoogeentation, would Ford parts be an appropriate thing to dospoogeent, eg parts, boxes, other dospoogeentation and such?

Does anyone have a list of things they want or need WRT info (this is mostly aimed at Eric, who seems to be the 2-legged Encyclopedia T-Bird/Cougar-ia)?
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on November 28, 2009, 08:21:17 PM
Quote from: Kitz Kat;296769
Hey Rod, where was that car when I was at your place? How's everything? Still in the Alburtis area?


Tucked safely away! :hick:  Keeping busy, still around, just don't have a lot of time to play with the cars lately.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on November 28, 2009, 08:38:36 PM
Quote from: shorangerbird;298210
-well. technically that is not a part #.  that is a service engineering number.  that is what is used internally at Ford for service part levels, meaning the evolution of the part, or how many changes it has had.  todays parts sees most of its evolutionary changes shown with the suffix part of the number, but back then it was not uncommon for them to change the prefix of the part number.  so just because the # seems to be an '84 #, doesnt mean it was meant for the '84 cars.  if you cross that engineering part #  to a Ford service part #(which is the number on the box when you buy a part from Ford) the number is a E4SZ-8146-A. now just going by what i have infront of me to use(i have more boxed away in my garage.;)), E4SZ-8146-A is the part number shown to be used as the service part upon the last issue (1992) of the 1980-89 Ford parts catalog, and its showing that E4SE-8146-BA was the engineering number.  now thats not saying there wasnt a shroud with an E3 engineering made and used on '83 cars, because they could have redesigned/made a running change to it as production was going and implemented it on the line as they were being built, because if ur build date is 4/83, remember they started production of them in the latter part of '82 , so production had been ongoing for prolly 6-8 months. a change would not be uncommon.  the thing to do would be to find earlier production date cars with that engine combo and see if there is another  engineering # on them, and for me to find some of the earlier books/microfische from where the '83 model years were added to the system to see if another # was offered. but from all i have in front of me now, shows that reguardless if it was an '83, it should have that particular shroud on those cars. maybe that will help muddy the waters for u......:hick:



Yea, I jumped the gun a bit when I saw the E4. I now see it is an engineering #.  You provided lots of good info, thanks.

It still seems unusual to me to find a factory original part with a later # than the year of the car. I would expect to see E0, E1, E2 and maybe even some D8,9 parts but not E4 or newer on a 1983???

I understand service parts could easily have a later number since the original part might be superseded and if a repair is made the latest part is used.

I'll be curious to see if I ever come across a fan shroud with a E3.

Any other 83 owners out there?? Check your fan shroud. :D
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on November 28, 2009, 08:41:53 PM
Quote from: t3skidoo;298242
Regarding dospoogeentation, would Ford parts be an appropriate thing to dospoogeent, eg parts, boxes, other dospoogeentation and such?

Does anyone have a list of things they want or need WRT info (this is mostly aimed at Eric, who seems to be the 2-legged Encyclopedia T-Bird/Cougar-ia)?


Anything we can dospoogeent now will be of help later. As time goes on, it gets harder to find sources to dospoogeent.

I would have loved to have digital camera many years ago while wandering through the junkyards.
Title: Engine bay VIN decals
Post by: rodsterh on February 07, 2010, 04:22:09 PM
Quote from: jcassity;309298
I do not see a vin sticker like we all have / had on the inner part of the fender well along the engine bay shot.



Quote from: rodsterh;309526
I'm not sure they appeared on the early cars? I think they showed up around 1987.

Anyone have an early car with the vin decal?


Quote from: jandmmustangs;309536
The 86 I have as a parts car has those stickers...


I copied this topic here since it was good reference info but it was in the Marketplace section.

Any cars earlier than 86 w/ the decals?
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: hcor on February 07, 2010, 10:08:46 PM
None of my 86's have those decals, including the one Iordered and bought new in June of 86. I remember it being more of an 87+ thing for parts theft. maybe some real late 86's had them but mine being built in June would have been one of the latest ones .
  Just my .02
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on February 09, 2010, 09:55:37 PM
Quote from: mcb82gt;309619
Im not sure when they showed up, but I dont remember seeing them on my 85,83 or 81



jandmmustangs, could you get pictures and the VIN of the 86 with the decal.

Possibly a late 86 thing?
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: hwy73 on March 22, 2010, 04:50:04 PM
This arrived in the mail today.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: CougarGal on March 22, 2010, 11:24:47 PM
Quote from: hwy73;315336
This arrived in the mail today.


How did you get this?  I was able to get a reproduction of the original window sticker from my 72 Firebird Formula from the Pontiac Historical Society of PMD.  Is there something similar to that at Ford that I could contact for a window sticker reproduction or other dospoogeentation?  I'm the second owner of my '86 Cougar and have most of the original paperwork but not the window sticker ;-(    (I'm not sure about the build sheet.  The passenger side seat's never been removed)
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: Loaded87IROC on March 22, 2010, 11:31:49 PM
The build sheet may not be under the passenger seat.  In one of my 86 Cougars it was there (all shredded up by the springs) but in my 84 and my 86 XR7 it was on top of the gas tank.  You might look there if you are looking for it.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: CougarGal on March 22, 2010, 11:54:17 PM
Quote from: Loaded87IROC;315371
The build sheet may not be under the passenger seat.  In one of my 86 Cougars it was there (all shredded up by the springs) but in my 84 and my 86 XR7 it was on top of the gas tank.  You might look there if you are looking for it.


If it was on top of the gas tank, I fear it's long gone.  I've had to have the fuel pump replaced twice since I've had the car ;-(
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: hwy73 on March 23, 2010, 09:48:51 AM
Quote from: CougarGal;315370
How did you get this? I was able to get a reproduction of the original window sticker from my 72 Firebird Formula from the Pontiac Historical Society of PMD. Is there something similar to that at Ford that I could contact for a window sticker reproduction or other dospoogeentation? I'm the second owner of my '86 Cougar and have most of the original paperwork but not the window sticker ;-( (I'm not sure about the build sheet. The passenger side seat's never been removed)

 
https://secure.ford.com/footer/contact-ford/contact-us-email?contactMainTopic=VehicleServiceIssues
 
I robbed this from another site:
 
999 Report
 
You can get your Ford 999 report for you vintage Ford or Mercury through Ford's E-mail system. This is similar to a "Marti Report" with the same basic info, only FREE! It may take some time to get it, though.
 
Go to ownerconnection.com, scroll toward the bottom of the site, click "Contact Ford". Next page under corporate info click "Email Ford". Next page for topic scroll to "General vehicle questions". In the comment Questions box ask for the 999 report or vehicle options report for your classic Ford/Mercury. Enter the requested info, no comma in the odometer reading and enter your VIN # .
You will receive an email from Ford in a couple days stating they have your request. Then someone will call from Ford's customer service office in a couple days and tell you the time of expected wait and verify your address. They told me 4-6 weeks, mine arrived in 4.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: CougarGal on March 23, 2010, 10:16:14 AM
THANKS for the info.  I've just submitting all my info to Ford!
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: Dave D on March 23, 2010, 08:32:43 PM
Thank you, I also just submitted my info, I'll take a photo of what I get and post it here.  Dave
Title: Production timetables - engines
Post by: rodsterh on August 14, 2010, 11:40:35 PM
I just picked up a copy of Motor Trend from Feb 1983 and it contains some good 83 TBird info.

According to one article, the first 83's only came with the V6 and were to be available Feb 1983. The 5.0L V8 would be available March and the 2.3 Turbo would follow in May.

If anyone finds a car with a build date early than listed, please post it here.

My 83 TC has a 05/83 date code on the door tag, an early car according to the MT article.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: Scott D on August 15, 2010, 01:03:09 AM
Quote from: hwy73;315412
.......You will receive an email from Ford in a couple days stating they have your request. Then someone will call from Ford's customer service office in a couple days and tell you the time of expected wait and verify your address. They told me 4-6 weeks, mine arrived in 4.


Thank you, sir. I just sent a request for my 'underbird :headbang:
Title: 1983 Turbo Coupe press release kit
Post by: rodsterh on October 10, 2011, 08:47:38 PM
It's been awhile since anyone has posted original dospoogeentation so I thought I'd share something I came across today in my files. It's a folder with nice graphics on the cover and inside is a 3 page press release with 2 factory B&W photos. There must have been a bunch of these mailed out to dealerships but it's the only one I've ever seen.

If anyone is interested :) I can post pictures of the contents.

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-r-9QJfgNn6I/TpOQD4vX_eI/AAAAAAAADBM/mOrCRaF_XQc/s800/TC%252520Media%252520FrtCov.jpg)

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8x9HfoJxquI/TpOR0dLrOII/AAAAAAAADBc/JxarXBP2K0Q/s800/TC%252520Media%252520RearCov.jpg)
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: thunderjet302 on December 22, 2011, 04:45:59 PM
Edit: added more pictures.

I'm going to post up all the factory inspection marks and decals that are on my T-bird. I'm hoping that others will do the same so we can find out what these cars looked like when they were at the dealers almost a quarter century ago.

1988 Thunderbird LX. Factory 5.0 V8.

So starting on the chassis.

The only paint marks left are two pink boxes on the lower rear control arms. The marks are on the outside of each arm.
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa33/thunderjet302/tbird%20decals%20and%20marks/DSCN2276.jpg)

The front sway bar has a yellow paint mark on the center front. The bar is shiny as I was cleaning it with simple green so the yellow stood out better.
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa33/thunderjet302/tbird%20decals%20and%20marks/DSCN2289.jpg)

Trunk.

This car was originally equipped with wire wheel covers. The decal containing the instructions for removing them is on the underside of the trunk lid, on the driver's side.
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa33/thunderjet302/tbird%20decals%20and%20marks/DSCN2278.jpg)

Gas filler door.

On the gas filler door my T-bird has 3 markings. The first is a decal saying "unleaded fuel only". There is a blue grease pencil mark that looks like /12 as well as a yellow grease pencil mark.
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa33/thunderjet302/tbird%20decals%20and%20marks/DSCN2279.jpg)

Driver door jamb.

The drivers side door jam has a vehicle information decal as well as a "calibration code" decal.
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa33/thunderjet302/tbird%20decals%20and%20marks/DSCN2281.jpg)

Passenger side door jamb.

The passenger side door jamb has a decal with information on tire sizes and inflation pressures.
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa33/thunderjet302/tbird%20decals%20and%20marks/DSCN2282.jpg)

Glove box.

The glove box has a decal with a fuse box diagram.
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa33/thunderjet302/tbird%20decals%20and%20marks/DSCN2283.jpg)

Under hood.

The radiator support has decals for the air conditioner, accessory drive belt diagram, and coolant information.
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa33/thunderjet302/tbird%20decals%20and%20marks/DSCN2285.jpg)

The radiator fan shroud has a decal with emission control information and a vacuum hose diagram.
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa33/thunderjet302/tbird%20decals%20and%20marks/DSCN2286.jpg)

The air filter box has a decal for Motorcraft parts.
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa33/thunderjet302/tbird%20decals%20and%20marks/DSCN2288.jpg)

The power steering pump has a light green decal on the back of the pump. It has some sort of code on it.
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa33/thunderjet302/tbird%20decals%20and%20marks/DSCN2287.jpg)

The top transmission cooler line appears to have a red paint mark on it.
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa33/thunderjet302/tbird%20decals%20and%20marks/DSCN2290.jpg)

The transmission dipstick has a yellow paint mark on the top (which looks white in the picture) and the dipstick tube has a white paint dot.
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa33/thunderjet302/tbird%20decals%20and%20marks/DSCN2293.jpg)

I'm looking forward to seeing what marks other people find on their T-birds and Cougars.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on December 24, 2011, 11:07:12 AM
Quote from: thunderjet302;376072
I'm going to post up all the factory inspection marks and decals that are on my T-bird. I'm hoping that others will do the same so we can find out what these cars looked like when they were at the dealers almost a quarter century ago.

1988 Thunderbird LX. Factory 5.0 V8.



Great pictures, thanks for sharing.

The marks on the fuel door are interesting.  Wonder if they are on other 88's?  Are you the original owner?
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: thunderjet302 on December 24, 2011, 11:10:03 AM
Second owner. The marks look factory to me.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: 50tbrd88 on December 24, 2011, 05:07:38 PM
I'm pretty sure my '88 has the same marks on the inside of the fuel door.  I will have to check it out.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: fourplaymotorsports on December 24, 2011, 09:36:04 PM
Heres a thunderbird dealer brochure for 83 that I found in a junkyard car, full color, lists all the options and colors available(http://[IMG]http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx152/mmiman02/PC230550.jpg)[/IMG](http://[IMG]http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx152/mmiman02/PC230549.jpg)[/IMG]
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: thunderjet302 on January 06, 2012, 06:08:42 PM
I found out that my car was built on 09/22 in 1987. Since I'm crazy about cleaning I removed the date stamp (by accident) on the radiator support when I detailed the engine bay. I decided to have a stamp made up so I could reproduce the date stamp. I think it turned out pretty good :D. I also have a clearer picture of the paint marks on the transmission dipstick tube.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: EricCoolCats on January 06, 2012, 07:29:17 PM
Ouch. NICE.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: thunderjet302 on January 07, 2012, 10:58:28 AM
It was only $5 bucks so not bad. I found a local guy who car pretty much make any rubber stamp you want. No one sells yellow ink however so I had to use water based paint to stamp the number.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on January 08, 2012, 09:28:01 AM
Looks good man.......most folks use the model paints when doing the stamps.  You could try that if you detail the stamping off again. :D
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: thunderjet302 on January 08, 2012, 10:56:12 PM
I used water based Testors model paint. Hopefully it lasts.
Title: The New Aero Bird
Post by: rodsterh on February 11, 2012, 12:19:22 PM
Easy to forget just how radical the 83 Thunderbird was when it was introduced.

X
Title: 1983 TBird Introduction
Post by: rodsterh on May 13, 2012, 11:29:52 AM
According to this Ford commercial, the new Aerobirds were first available February 17, 1983.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ytPXxAClhE&feature=relmfu
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: MY83T on May 14, 2012, 12:16:15 AM
My cars born date is 6/4/83
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: Trinom on May 18, 2012, 04:18:22 PM
Quote from: rodsterh;389815
According to this Ford commercial, the new Aerobirds were first available February 17, 1983.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ytPXxAClhE&feature=relmfu
This commercial is also perfect
[video=youtube;ZoqFIumotf8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoqFIumotf8[/video]
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: MY83T on May 18, 2012, 09:03:36 PM
Quote from: rodsterh;296735
Interesting find on my 83 5.0L Heritage. While looking for factory markings I noticed the fan shroud is a E4 part number. I've owned the car from new and the shroud is original. Manufacture date of the car is 04/83.

Can all you 83 owners run out and check the part number on your fan shroud? :D


 Sorry this took me so long to do.....they are the same.
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg169/my70gt/davids%20thunderbird%20pics/DSC_1951.jpg)
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: MY83T on May 18, 2012, 09:08:38 PM
My factory date code......6/4/83 corresponds to my build sheet and Ford report, as well.  I also included the wheel lock sticker from McGuard from the trunk, the spare tire instructions, and the hidden location of the keyless entry code.  Buck tag, build sheet and Ford report all here in one place.

(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg169/my70gt/davids%20thunderbird%20pics/DSC_1956.jpg)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg169/my70gt/davids%20thunderbird%20pics/DSC_1955.jpg)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg169/my70gt/davids%20thunderbird%20pics/DSC_1954.jpg)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg169/my70gt/davids%20thunderbird%20pics/DSC_1951.jpg)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg169/my70gt/davids%20thunderbird%20pics/DSC_1948.jpg)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg169/my70gt/davids%20thunderbird%20pics/DSC_1945.jpg)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg169/my70gt/davids%20thunderbird%20pics/DSC_1943.jpg)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg169/my70gt/davids%20thunderbird%20pics/buildsheett-bird.jpg)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg169/my70gt/FORD999REPORT.jpg)
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: EricCoolCats on May 18, 2012, 09:21:40 PM
The '84 part number might be because the 5.0 kinda sorta delayed the production of the '83 models. Originally the 5.0 was supposed to be a running option but I believe they were available from Feb. 26th. Ford might have just switched the fan shroud part number from E3 to E4 as a result. Not positive but it makes a lot of sense.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: MY83T on September 09, 2012, 01:27:22 AM
a few more items for the archives:

(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg169/my70gt/davids%20thunderbird%20pics/DSC_9727.jpg)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg169/my70gt/davids%20thunderbird%20pics/DSC_9720.jpg)
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on February 19, 2013, 08:06:32 AM
Not dospoogeentation...but just came across these the other day.  A pair of NOS front floormats I ordered when I bought my car.  Even back then I knew I would be keeping the car until it was an antique and able to take it to car shows! :hick:
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: Pacerized on February 19, 2013, 11:05:07 AM
Quote from: rodsterh;409666
Not dospoogeentation...but just came across these the other day.  A pair of NOS front floormats I ordered when I bought my car.  Even back then I knew I would be keeping the car until it was an antique and able to take it to car shows! :hick:

My first new car was and 88 Cougar xr7. I wish I'd had the forsight to save things like dospoogeentation, I don't even have a picture of it. I didn't have the finances to keep the car around as a 2cd. car back then. At least I was able to find the same car.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on March 21, 2013, 09:59:25 AM
Quote from: MY83T;397796
a few more items for the archives:

(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg169/my70gt/davids%20thunderbird%20pics/DSC_9727.jpg)


I'm suspecting not all cars got these. If your car has one, feel free to post a picture, the year of your car, where it was built and the build date from the door tag.

I don't recall seeing any early (83-84) Turbo Coupes with them?
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 21, 2013, 01:45:33 PM
Quote from: rodsterh;411563
I'm suspecting not all cars got these. If your car has one, feel free to post a picture, the year of your car, where it was built and the build date from the door tag.

I don't recall seeing any early (83-84) Turbo Coupes with them?


Mine is missing the buck tag. All that's left is the bolt holding it and a nub. Many of these cars are missing it. They're easy to break off when doing any work behind the grill, like changing headlamps or removing the coolant overflow bottle for cleaning. On the Mn-12s the buck tag is not hanging over the radiator support so they all have them.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on March 21, 2013, 08:48:53 PM
I agree, they would be easier to be broken off than the Mustangs but not all the TBirds got them in the first place. I'm wondering if just the early Atlanta cars didn't get them?  Hopefully people will chime in with some info. My 83 TC never had a buck tag as is evident from the lack of a hole on the radiator support and no tag anywhere else.

What year is your car and where was it built?
Title: Header panel markings
Post by: rodsterh on March 21, 2013, 10:19:35 PM
Here's an interesting one. Found what looks like could be a hand written date code? inspection mark? on the DS rear of the header panel. If you look between the radiator support and the header panel, on the outermost headlight bucket, that's where I found it. It's on both of my 83's and I've owned my Heritage all these years and never noticed it before!

Let me know if anyone else find something similar and maybe we can figure out what it is.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: BCA on March 22, 2013, 10:58:17 AM
Quote from: rodsterh;411563
I'm suspecting not all cars got these. If your car has one, feel free to post a picture, the year of your car, where it was built and the build date from the door tag.

I don't recall seeing any early (83-84) Turbo Coupes with them?

 
All of them would have had them since the buck tag was a required part of the assembly line process. It is possible that some early cars didn’t have them fastened to the radiator support via the sheet metal screw method that we are familiar with. Such as with the case of your ’83 TC and that they were possibly temporarily put on the chassis during that time or at that particular plant.

Here are pics of an 1983 base T-bird, an ’84 XR-7,  an ’83 Heritage with them in the usual place.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on March 22, 2013, 11:51:18 AM
I'm not sure the metal buck tag was required. It's possible some plants used something else such as paper build sheets. Not all Ford plants followed the same procedure.

My wild guess is Atlanta did not use metal buck tags but Lorain did.

Hopefully we can gather some information to figure this out.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: Big B on March 23, 2013, 07:04:22 PM
My 88 TC had the tag bolted to the core support originally, before I removed it. I've had the entire interior out, as well as the the dash pulled fully out, and no build sheet to be found anywhere unfortunately, which sucks because I have factory build sheets for every other one of my cars. No marks on the header panel either, other than the standard date codes that are stamped in yellow on every panel.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: daminc on March 23, 2013, 07:49:28 PM
I think I posted all my stuff somewhere before
this stuff came with the car when it rolled out of the dealers parking lot.
its still in the map pocket in the passenger side door where it was kept since day 1
(http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy121/daminc-pics/puttin%20it%20back%20together/IMG_0211.jpg)

Still have the tag on the car. one of the few things that actually survived.
(http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/b463/daminc-pics2/putting%20it%20back%20together/IMG_0655.jpg)
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: Loaded87IROC on March 23, 2013, 09:23:27 PM
Quote from: Big B;411671
My 88 TC had the tag bolted to the core support originally, before I removed it. I've had the entire interior out, as well as the the dash pulled fully out, and no build sheet to be found anywhere unfortunately, which sucks because I have factory build sheets for every other one of my cars. No marks on the header panel either, other than the standard date codes that are stamped in yellow on every panel.

I had an 84 and an 86 that had the build sheet on top of the gas tank.  You might look there if you haven't dropped the tank before.  My current 86 had it under the passenger seat between the foam and wire but it was shredded.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: MY83T on March 23, 2013, 09:49:39 PM
my 83 build sheet was under the passenger seat foam also.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: daminc on March 23, 2013, 09:55:37 PM
anyone have one of these?
(http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/b463/daminc-pics2/85%20Vert%20Bodywork/IMG_0820.jpg)

(http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/b463/daminc-pics2/85%20Vert%20Bodywork/IMG_0822.jpg)
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on March 24, 2013, 10:26:56 AM
Quote from: MY83T;411685
my 83 build sheet was under the passenger seat foam also.

 
So is mine, it is awaiting retrieval this summer. :D

Quote from: daminc;411687
anyone have one of these?


Sure do! :hick: 

Found it in the interior but can't recall where.

Do you have a buck tag on your car?  I'd be interested if '62' matches the rotation # on your tag if you have one.

Mine does not match the rotation code on my buck tag so it may have just ended up in my car as 'trash'.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: Big B on March 24, 2013, 09:03:26 PM
Quote from: Loaded87IROC;411683
I had an 84 and an 86 that had the build sheet on top of the gas tank.  You might look there if you haven't dropped the tank before.  My current 86 had it under the passenger seat between the foam and wire but it was shredded.

Ok, thx for the info. Looked under the springs of the passenger side seat this morning, no dice. I've never had the tank out yet, but I will for sure look there when I finally do pull it out, probably been ruined by moisture now though, if it is there.



Quote from: daminc;411678
I think I posted all my stuff somewhere before
this stuff came with the car when it rolled out of the dealers parking lot.
its still in the map pocket in the passenger side door where it was kept since day 1
(http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy121/daminc-pics/puttin%20it%20back%20together/IMG_0211.jpg)

I was lucky enough to get that entire book/paper set with my TC as well, since I bought it from the original owner (old lady in her 70's), everything was still in the glovebox. The little black book with the T-Bird emblem on the cover is nice, the flocking on mine is still cherry as well.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 24, 2013, 09:23:54 PM
Quote from: Big B;411671
My 88 TC had the tag bolted to the core support originally, before I removed it. I've had the entire interior out, as well as the the dash pulled fully out, and no build sheet to be found anywhere unfortunately, which sucks because I have factory build sheets for every other one of my cars. No marks on the header panel either, other than the standard date codes that are stamped in yellow on every panel.

Hmm that's odd. I found mine under the passenger front seat. Perhaps it just disintegrated? Maybe the worker at Ford chucked it in the trash, which sucks.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on March 26, 2013, 08:57:58 AM
I'm thinking the build sheet under the seat may have been placed there by the seat vendor? Doubt line workers would have the time to place it consistently in the same place, under the seat springs?

I've heard on other Fords, build sheets that would have been used by line workers, could be found anywhere they felt like tossing them. More than likely there is some kind of pattern depending on the workers routine. One car had a pile of build sheets in it so that guy must have collected a bunch before deciding to trash them in one car! :hick:

Keep in mind, assembly line work is very boring so some of the odd things we see on the cars could be the result of a 'creative' worker. :D

It would be great to talk to someone who was actually on the line as our cars were being built. Keep your eyes open for that person and if you find them ask a lot of questions!
Title: Nameplate
Post by: rodsterh on March 26, 2013, 09:55:00 AM
Here's a copy of the original paperwork showing the recommended placement of the nameplate.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lW4V0xyJGLk/UVGnsc9UKGI/AAAAAAAAEFU/8bSeQ_n0Ebc/s400/83%2520TBird%2520Nameplate%2520info%2520%25281%2529.jpg)
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: Big B on March 26, 2013, 10:04:49 PM
Quote from: rodsterh;411878
It would be great to talk to someone who was actually on the line as our cars were being built. Keep your eyes open for that person and if you find them ask a lot of questions!

I occasionally meet old ford assembly line workers at car shows here in Charlotte. Last one I met here did 12V STS at Wixom, 30 years ago. I probably spent over 2 hours picking that guys brain, and learned quite a bit from him. So you can bet if I ever meet any of the people who built our Birds/Cats/Marks, I will be breaking out my cam for interview time, should they be down, that is.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: thunderjet302 on March 29, 2013, 01:05:15 PM
Quote from: rodsterh;411878
I'm thinking the build sheet under the seat may have been placed there by the seat vendor? Doubt line workers would have the time to place it consistently in the same place, under the seat springs?

I've heard on other Fords, build sheets that would have been used by line workers, could be found anywhere they felt like tossing them. More than likely there is some kind of pattern depending on the workers routine. One car had a pile of build sheets in it so that guy must have collected a bunch before deciding to trash them in one car! :hick:

Keep in mind, assembly line work is very boring so some of the odd things we see on the cars could be the result of a 'creative' worker. :D

It would be great to talk to someone who was actually on the line as our cars were being built. Keep your eyes open for that person and if you find them ask a lot of questions!

 
I've always wondered how the guy on the assembly line had time to stick the build sheet under the passenger seat springs. I know that there wasn't a build sheet ontop of the gas tank as I had it off to replace a fuel pump. Perhaps there could be a build sheet behind the quarter trim panels in the rear of one of these cars?
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: EricCoolCats on March 29, 2013, 01:36:50 PM
That's what I'm thinking too. People have reported finding the build sheets here:

- Underside of the passenger seat
- Underneath the rear seat bottom
- Inside one of the rear quarter panels
- Underneath the trunk carpeting
- On top of the fuel tank (usually 2.3 turbo cars, but not always)

I don't know of many other places where a build sheet could hide...
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: Big B on March 30, 2013, 09:46:17 AM
I've found them under the PS seat springs, and under the rear seat bottom of my other two 80's Fords, but nothing in the Turbo Coupe. I've also found them inside the dash of other 80's era Ford's, sitting on top of the heater/ac plenum box, or wrapped around some wiring. The build sheet for my '93 Lightning was behind the Speedo Cluster for some reason, lol. It really does seem kind of random where they placed them sometimes. Only place I haven't looked in the Turbo Coupe is on top of the fuel tank, will check there next though.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on March 31, 2013, 10:34:28 AM
Or maybe there is none. ?? I haven't found one for my 83 TC built in Atlanta (although I don't remember if I looked under the PS seat and know I didn't look at the gas tank) so maybe that plant didn't stuff the build sheets in the cars?

My 83 Heritage, built in Lorain, has one crumbling away under the PS seat but never found one anywhere in the interior but I never had it apart much. I did replace the gas tank else but no signs of it there.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: thunderjet302 on April 01, 2013, 05:54:27 PM
It's possible that the cars built in Atlanta just had the build sheets stuffed in the trash. I still want to know why the Lorain built cars have the build sheet under the passenger seat. It's kind of a hard place to put the thing.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: FirstBird on April 01, 2013, 06:24:42 PM
I found 3 build sheets in my car. One under the back seat, one under my passenger seat and the other in my dash while i was putting my tripminder in.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on April 01, 2013, 07:03:26 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;412348
It's possible that the cars built in Atlanta just had the build sheets stuffed in the trash. I still want to know why the Lorain built cars have the build sheet under the passenger seat. It's kind of a hard place to put the thing.

Still wondering if the vendor that made the seats didn't put it there or possibly someone in 'receiving' at the assembly plant put it there as they were gathering the parts and staging them to be sent down the line? Someone the worked at Ford knows, we just have to find that person. I also know buildsheets under seats isn't unique to our cars, older Fords and even a 70 Chevy truck I have had one under the seat.

Quote from: FirstBird;412352
I found 3 build sheets in my car. One under the back seat, one under my passenger seat and the other in my dash while i was putting my tripminder in.

Wow, good find. What year car and what assembly plant? Did all of the build sheets match?
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: FirstBird on June 11, 2013, 06:40:26 PM
Quote from: rodsterh;412360


Wow, good find. What year car and what assembly plant? Did all of the build sheets match?

 
Yeah all 3 of them matched, or looked like they did did not really want to pull the one from the passenger seat as it was real brittle.
As i was under the car a few days ago I found this tucked under the bumper and fiber support.

(http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l622/87tbird/20130611_144402_zps30e64fcc.jpg) (http://s1127.photobucket.com/user/87tbird/media/20130611_144402_zps30e64fcc.jpg.html)
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: Dave D on June 14, 2013, 12:06:31 PM
I am an original owner of an ALL original 1986 turbo coupe
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: thunderjet302 on June 14, 2013, 12:27:18 PM
This is not from a Thunderbird/Cougar but from my Mark VII. I found these "defect" sheets under the insulation below the rear seat. Has anyone found something similar on a Fox Thunderbird/Cougar?

(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa33/thunderjet302/Mark%20VII/File1_zps646a0494.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/thunderjet302/media/Mark%20VII/File1_zps646a0494.jpg.html)

(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa33/thunderjet302/Mark%20VII/File_zpse191a2e4.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/thunderjet302/media/Mark%20VII/File_zpse191a2e4.jpg.html)
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on June 16, 2013, 08:49:21 PM
Quote from: Dave D;417048
I am an original owner of an ALL original 1986 turbo coupe

 
Would love to see some pictures of it and any info/dospoogeentation  you can share about it would be great!


Quote from: thunderjet302;417049
This is not from a Thunderbird/Cougar but from my Mark VII. I found these "defect" sheets under the insulation below the rear seat. Has anyone found something similar on a Fox Thunderbird/Cougar?


I found one in my Fox Mustang. It was in the spare tire well. The areas that had defects were repaired but not very well.  Not exactly Quality is Job 1...  :hick:

How well were your repairs made?  I would think they would give special attention to a mark VII.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: thunderjet302 on June 17, 2013, 10:38:56 PM
Quote from: rodsterh;417185
I found one in my Fox Mustang. It was in the spare tire well. The areas that had defects were repaired but not very well.  Not exactly Quality is Job 1...  :hick:

How well were your repairs made?  I would think they would give special attention to a mark VII.

I have no idea. My Mark was painted at some point so I couldn't say. I will say who ever repainted the car did a py job.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on August 16, 2013, 12:27:13 AM
While looking under the car I remembered seeing this tag on the oil pan. Not sure what it means?
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on August 16, 2013, 12:34:06 AM
Also noticed this unusual oil pan gasket.  I'm thinking it was a rectangular gasket on a roll to speed up assembly?
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: thunderjet302 on August 16, 2013, 05:00:50 PM
Quote from: rodsterh;420124
While looking under the car I remembered seeing this tag on the oil pan. Not sure what it means?


I've never seen that tag on a later (86-88) SEFI 5.0. Perhaps it was just for the early build cars. In any case most of them have probably fallen off or are covered in oil by now.

Quote from: rodsterh;420126
Also noticed this unusual oil pan gasket.  I'm thinking it was a rectangular gasket on a roll to speed up assembly?


It looks like a regular corner gasket for a multi piece oil pan gasket with cork ends and rubber side rails. The one piece gaskets don't have that as they are molded rubber.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on December 01, 2013, 11:00:54 PM
Quote from: thunderjet302;412348
It's possible that the cars built in Atlanta just had the build sheets stuffed in the trash. I still want to know why the Lorain built cars have the build sheet under the passenger seat. It's kind of a hard place to put the thing.


I have since learned that Ford plants had 'cushion lines' where the seats were made and that is where the build sheets were installed. :D
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: birdman85 on February 06, 2014, 10:51:46 PM
I have an all original 85 Tbird so if anyone has originality issues/questions I may be able to help.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on February 06, 2014, 11:27:35 PM
Always nice to have a nice original car for reference!
Title: 83 TBird Brochure
Post by: rodsterh on July 02, 2014, 08:21:31 PM
After all these years I thought I saw all of the brochures for the 83 TBirds then this one appears. Never saw another one like it. No date on it but the latest quote is from June 83.

Love the quotes! :D

X

X

X
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: jrad235 on August 18, 2014, 11:53:23 PM
So I was talking to a guy at the racetrack this weekend, and he was driving an '83 Tbird Heritage. Now, I always thought those were 5.0 TBI/CFI Cars, but he said when he did the engine swap, the one he took out had a carburetor. Could you get a Heritage with a V6? I thought that was the only engine to have a real carburetor on it.

 Build date was 04/1983, vin as follows; 1FABP4631DA135457 Body code:63D Interior:DD R:6 Axle: Z TR: TVVJJ  Does any of that help?

The other guy there had an all original 1986 Turbo Coupe. Bone Stock. Says he bought it the year after it came out.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on August 19, 2014, 12:24:49 AM
The V6 was the standard engine in the Heritage and it was a 2V carb.  5.0L was an option.  VIN shows the car had the V6.

The bone stock 86 sounds nice!
Title: Asembly line video
Post by: rodsterh on October 23, 2014, 07:47:20 AM
These videos are so cool....  original cars being started for the first time, hood 'adjustment' :hick:, etc.

DISCLAIMER> As I understand, these videos are on a site which will license them but they are not to be uploaded to YouTube or they will be removed. I contacted them about licensing but did not understand the requirements. Perhaps someone here is familiar with licensing?


It takes some time to load after you hit PLAY so be patient.


Raw video of a TBird/Cougar line.....Enjoy! Especially the hood 'adjustment' procedure!

> http://www.globalimageworks.com/clip.php?id=18498
>
> http://www.globalimageworks.com/clip.php?id=18499
>
> http://www.globalimageworks.com/clip.php?id=18500
>
> http://www.globalimageworks.com/clip.php?id=18501
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: BCA on October 23, 2014, 02:18:07 PM
Very cool to watch.
Since it was from 1985, I was hoping to see a Medium Canyon Red XR-7 coming down the line. :)

Thanks for sharing.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on October 23, 2014, 09:21:15 PM
Quote from: BCA;439614
Very cool to watch.
Since it was from 1985, I was hoping to see a Medium Canyon Red XR-7 coming down the line. :)

Thanks for sharing.

Wouldn't that be cool to see your car coming down the line! :cool:  (Unless it's one that wouldn't start) :eek:
Title: Marti report
Post by: rodsterh on October 23, 2014, 09:23:19 PM
Thought I'd share the Marti reports I just received.

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oZX64BaTx2c/VEmlcmXIcGI/AAAAAAAAFdI/LfnGjACz8d8/s1200/83%2520Heritage%2520Marti.jpg)
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on October 23, 2014, 09:25:36 PM
83 TC

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5Ac1jpmVnmw/VH09cFS2MKI/AAAAAAAAFfo/cqwtUuTLnLo/s1200/83%2520TC%2520Marti.jpg)
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: Gary3072 on February 26, 2015, 04:00:13 AM
My 1988 Sport was originally my mom's, bought in January 1988. She handed it down to me in April 2013. I still have the original window sticker, manufacturing tag bolted over the radiator, and all manuals, dospoogeentation, etc... Not sure of the build date but i'll do my research (probably on the sticker). Original sticker price was $17,000+ with options, not including the rust proof coating for the undercarriage that was done a few months later. All stock (still) except for the exhaust  http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/album.php?albumid=161
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on February 26, 2015, 12:01:55 PM
Wow, the car looks clean! Mom must have taken good care of it, now it's your turn.  Neat to have an original owner car. Thanks for posting.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: BradMph on February 28, 2015, 10:03:50 AM
Those are really cool videos on the Ford lines. Notice how no one is smiling. As far as I hear, there were some unhappy folks there and don't like to talk about it much. Some bad injuries or something like that. Not clear on the exact reason.

You all have some really nice cars out there. Can definitely see the addiction about them in the detail taken to keep them looking good. Very cool everyone.

1985 factory stickers
X
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: Stealth on February 28, 2015, 10:47:31 AM
If I may add to all that has been said, there was controversy even in the day about what equipment constituted the Sport package. My '88 Sport was the last of the line, the ultimate iteration of the Fox bird. I c00ched it off the dealer's lot for $16k the day after I read in AutoWeek that the '89 would offer V6 or turbo V6 only. I think it is the real deal at least as far as 1988 specs. It has a leather covered console and stg. wheel that was different from the LX, 6 way power seats with leg bolster extensions, buttstuffog dash (85mph speedo from factory) and premium sound pkg (booster in trunk and equalizer above head unit). Automatic Climate Control. Engine is 5.0L roller block with forged pistons, small valve heads, small bore TB, cast iron manifolds and mild cam (not the HO). 8.8" trac-loc diff on 4-shock Mustang type mount, larger rear sway bar, huge tubular front sway bar, urethane suspension bushings, stiffer-than-LX springs, and distinctive 4-bolt aluminum wheels.
Over the years I have run several brands of high dollar gas struts. Upper strut mounts have been replaced with the XR-7 version which has locator pins to resist twisting forces. Nobody makes H rated tires in 225/75 R-14 any more so I run T/As and hope for the best. Could go to 15 or 16 inch wheels, but that would disrupt the fine degree of engineering that went into building a car suitable for spinning donuts in a gravel parking lot before jumping the curb with the tires spinning! It really was a well thought out package, the only mod I did right away was put a dimmer resistor in the Hi-beam indicator circuit. Out on a desert highway at night, it was too bright.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: BradMph on March 31, 2015, 10:12:38 PM
Images of Lorain, OH Ford Plant and more...

X

LINK
https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&biw=1313&bih=831&site=imghp&q=lorain+oh+ford+plant+&tbm=isch&imgil=GNHfaZi9KJd2kM%253A%253BXJB6nbtfAvueqM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.61thriftpower.com%25252Florain.shtml&source=iu&pf=m&tbs=simg:CAESiwEaiAELEKjU2AQaBAgACAMMCxCwjKcIGl8KXQgDEiedBLYMoAScDZwErgSbBKEEbOsX4CrxOIE36Tn2NYQoujbrOc0r3igaMFWsxwQjPnyLa-sDMV0Fz1R80dXvksiRwSWeCwsn9Qyi0lby9wNecyT-ecPUJYmZaQwLEI6u_1ggaCgoICAESBD9VFXsM&fir=GNHfaZi9KJd2kM%253A%252CXJB6nbtfAvueqM%252C_&usg=__EyQI1JH2gVSu5mcuRdya3ZPiV6s%3D&ved=0CEIQyjc&ei=y1IbVfHyA8P8oQSxuYHYDg#tbm=isch&tbs=rimg%3ACRjR32mYvSiXIjiXFiba0T8-i8exy8sC-W3hl8Rvf_17GIMAUYBuWN3MaUAg_1LTipkwvTqBW1nEKN6j2mbRQieX1VlyoSCZcWJtrRPz6LEbk4MtfrFF3bKhIJx7HLywL5beER9KyZU9R4y8wqEgmXxG9_1_1sYgwBFxzVz001KfTioSCRRgG5Y3cxpQESpNj9Nth1QZKhIJCD8tOKmTC9MRQXOzTF8jx2MqEgmoFbWcQo3qPRHj8BgCzFqeKyoSCaZtFCJ5fVWXEXOU3PsXzREx&q=lorain%20oh%20ford%20plant%20&hl=en&imgdii=GNHfaZi9KJd2kM%3A%3Bl8Rvf_7GIMAnvM%3BGNHfaZi9KJd2kM%3A (http://"https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&biw=1313&bih=831&site=imghp&q=lorain+oh+ford+plant+&tbm=isch&imgil=GNHfaZi9KJd2kM%253A%253BXJB6nbtfAvueqM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.61thriftpower.com%25252Florain.shtml&source=iu&pf=m&tbs=simg:CAESiwEaiAELEKjU2AQaBAgACAMMCxCwjKcIGl8KXQgDEiedBLYMoAScDZwErgSbBKEEbOsX4CrxOIE36Tn2NYQoujbrOc0r3igaMFWsxwQjPnyLa-sDMV0Fz1R80dXvksiRwSWeCwsn9Qyi0lby9wNecyT-ecPUJYmZaQwLEI6u_1ggaCgoICAESBD9VFXsM&fir=GNHfaZi9KJd2kM%253A%252CXJB6nbtfAvueqM%252C_&usg=__EyQI1JH2gVSu5mcuRdya3ZPiV6s%3D&ved=0CEIQyjc&ei=y1IbVfHyA8P8oQSxuYHYDg#tbm=isch&tbs=rimg%3ACRjR32mYvSiXIjiXFiba0T8-i8exy8sC-W3hl8Rvf_17GIMAUYBuWN3MaUAg_1LTipkwvTqBW1nEKN6j2mbRQieX1VlyoSCZcWJtrRPz6LEbk4MtfrFF3bKhIJx7HLywL5beER9KyZU9R4y8wqEgmXxG9_1_1sYgwBFxzVz001KfTioSCRRgG5Y3cxpQESpNj9Nth1QZKhIJCD8tOKmTC9MRQXOzTF8jx2MqEgmoFbWcQo3qPRHj8BgCzFqeKyoSCaZtFCJ5fVWXEXOU3PsXzREx&q=lorain%20oh%20ford%20plant%20&hl=en&imgdii=GNHfaZi9KJd2kM%3A%3Bl8Rvf_7GIMAnvM%3BGNHfaZi9KJd2kM%3A")
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: FoxChassis on August 10, 2015, 01:02:48 PM
Quote from: rodsterh;420124
While looking under the car I remembered seeing this tag on the oil pan. Not sure what it means?


3K328AA

3 = 1983 model year
K = Thermactor emissions
328 = 5.0L V8 engine
AA = calibration and revision level AA
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on August 10, 2015, 03:08:07 PM
Thanks for solving that mystery!!! :)
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: Herbsbird on August 11, 2015, 02:08:27 PM
rodsterh, I see that you got a Marti report on your car. Do you mind telling the cost of the report? Herbsbird
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on August 11, 2015, 02:59:14 PM
Herbsbird,
Just checked the site and it looks like $46 for the deluxe. I believe that's what I paid, plus I paid the extra $4 to have a printed copy sent.
Rod
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: MY83T on August 11, 2015, 03:38:34 PM
FYI, they are making replacement door tags now as well for our cars.....
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: thunderjet302 on August 13, 2015, 01:12:03 PM
Adding my Marti report just for fun. I'm the second owner of my Thunderbird. My dad's cousin bought it new.X
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa33/thunderjet302/Thunderbird%20web/DSCN3927_zpsek9r2iau.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/thunderjet302/media/Thunderbird%20web/DSCN3927_zpsek9r2iau.jpg.html)
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa33/thunderjet302/Thunderbird%20web/DSCN3931_zpsqffwvdso.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/thunderjet302/media/Thunderbird%20web/DSCN3931_zpsqffwvdso.jpg.html)
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa33/thunderjet302/Thunderbird%20web/DSCN3429-Copy_zpsef70d7a2.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/thunderjet302/media/Thunderbird%20web/DSCN3429-Copy_zpsef70d7a2.jpg.html)
(http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa33/thunderjet302/Thunderbird%20web/rpmf_zpskhnpisid.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/thunderjet302/media/Thunderbird%20web/rpmf_zpskhnpisid.jpg.html)
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on August 13, 2015, 08:28:01 PM
Thanks for sharing, I enjoy checking out Marti reports. Your car is pretty unique being 1 of 106 with that paint/trim combo. Looks like the car sat during the winter before your dad's cousin bought it.

You should post a picture of your car here too so we can see the car the Marti belongs to.

Thanks!
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: thunderjet302 on August 14, 2015, 01:31:11 PM
Quote from: rodsterh;450599
Thanks for sharing, I enjoy checking out Marti reports. Your car is pretty unique being 1 of 106 with that paint/trim combo. Looks like the car sat during the winter before your dad's cousin bought it.

You should post a picture of your car here too so we can see the car the Marti belongs to.

Thanks!

Added pictures to the original post.

Oddly enough my dad's cousin didn't buy the car at Drew Ford. She purchased it new at Santa Monica Ford in Santa Monica, CA. The car must have been part of a dealer trade.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on August 15, 2015, 09:17:57 PM
Looks good!  Thanks for the picture to go with the Marti report.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on July 25, 2016, 09:55:34 AM
Great piece of early 83 TBird dospoogeentation from a set of seats being sold on ebay!

1FA = Ford vehicle manufactured in USA
B = active belts, no airbags
P = passenger car
46 = Thunderbird 2-dr sedan
3 = 3.8L V6 engine
0 = VIN check digit
D = 1983 model year
H = Lorain Assembly
100058 = 58th 1983 Ford scheduled for production at Lorain Assembly

0051 = trim & chassis assembly line rotations #0051
S = Thunderbird model line
63D = Thunderbird 2-door sedan
9D = Polar White exterior paint color
DD = cloth & vinyl seating, low-back bucket (1st D), Dark Red interior trim color (2nd D)
T = test vehicle order type

3 = 3.8L V6 engine
T = AOD transmission
A = automatic air conditioner
DJ520BA = 1983 model year (D), 49-state Thermactor emissions (J), 3.8L engine (520), calibration level B, revision level A
E3SP BA = auto trans (P) originally engineered for 1983 (E3) Thunderbird (S), release level BA
S = power seat
2 = low-back front buckets
D = Dark Red seat belts

W = interval windshield wipers
E = electric rear defroster
R = AM/FM stereo radio w/ cassette
X = premium sound system
V = light group
T = tinted glass

DA = regular duty battery
V462A = Van puppies axle plant (V), 28-spline 3.08 non-locking differential (462A)

19575R4 = P195/75R14 tires
W = white sidewalls
S = speed (cruise) control

X
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on August 19, 2016, 10:52:41 AM
For those of you considering replacing your old dew wipes, part of your maintenance routine for the new ones should be to care for them with some kind of rubber treatment.  We never know for sure if all of the car care products really help or if it's just marketing, but in this case, there seems to be proof.

These are the original dew wipes on my 83 TBird with 130,000+ miles, maintained with rubber treatment.

Unfortunately the dew wipes on my 83TC have the typical cracking so they will need replaced at some point.

X
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: thunderjet302 on August 20, 2016, 12:38:35 PM
I've been applying rubber protectant to the dew wipes on my 88 Thunderbird for years. They are pliable and pretty much like new still.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: William on October 12, 2018, 12:58:38 PM
Quote from: rodsterh;287464
Anyone here interested in the 'concours' part of the hobby? I know it's not for everyone but it does help dospoogeent how the cars came from the factory.

I have an interest in the 83-84 Tbirds since the were the first Aero-birds built and so different from the previous body style.


Hi, I'm also working on mine too. I have 88 T-bird. But I don;t have exact idea how to do that :( :(
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on October 12, 2018, 10:39:17 PM
There is no book on concours for our cars so the goal here was just to get folks with original cars to share details to help dospoogeent how they came from the factory.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: JohnMarshall on November 21, 2018, 08:31:32 AM
Here's some dospoogeentation on my 88.  I'm the 2nd owner and have had it for 8 years.  It's at 37,500 miles currently.XXX
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: 50RACER on November 21, 2018, 09:11:59 AM
Quote from: JohnMarshall;468085
Here's some dospoogeentation on my 88.  I'm the 2nd owner and have had it for 8 years.  It's at 37,500 miles currently.XXX
Wow! With the exception of the graphic equalizer option, it appears that your car is the twin of mine.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on December 15, 2018, 08:39:19 PM
Quote from: JohnMarshall;468085
Here's some dospoogeentation on my 88.  I'm the 2nd owner and have had it for 8 years.  It's at 37,500 miles currently.

Great paperwork and great car. 

Post some pictures of the car if you get a chance.
Title: 1984 TC 16,450 miles
Post by: rodsterh on February 01, 2019, 06:10:22 PM
This 84 TC with 16,450 miles crossed the block at Mespooge recently. No sale at $10K.  Looks like a beautiful car and some great dospoogeentation.  I wish the original owner was on here to discuss.

Highly optioned car and great color combo.  Only 176 with this combo.
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on February 01, 2019, 06:11:32 PM
More
Title: Original cars, owners, dospoogeentation
Post by: rodsterh on February 01, 2019, 06:12:21 PM
Last one.