Heya all,

I have a weird question for all of you out there. I have the chance to pick up a 79 Thunderbird for next to nothing. Don't know if it runs. Know it needs quite a bit of body work, new tires, new interior components, but it has been in my family for quite a while and I think I could get it really cheap if not free. I was thinking about getting it and starting to customize it. Mag rims, bucket seats, seat covers, sunroof, and maybe even rebuild a 351 to swap out the 302 that is in it. All the glass is in good shape. Just thinking about making something that I could actually take to cruise nights and car shows. Nothing that I would actually win awards with, but something that me and my girlfriend could take to shows and sit with my Mom & Dad and enjoy the culture. What are your opinions out there, and do you think that for what I'm looking to do I should even consider it?
Thx,
Freebird

Freebird:

Regarding you picking up a 1979 Ford Thunderbird, here are a few thoughts from someone who drives a 79 Bird every day of the year (I live in Florida).
First, I wouldn't put much $ into a car with rust issues. Too expensive to repair, and too hard to repair correctly. There are many 1979 Birds out there for sale without rust that are inexpensive. The 1977-1979 Birds are not in demand, so you can pretty much get what you want for bottom dollar prices.

Second, the 1977-1979 Birds don't look so hot in mag wheels/etc.. They are too luxury oriented and too big for the "Mag Look." These cars look their best while in factory presentation: stock wheels, tires, paint, etc. If you want to see pics of my 79 Bird in factory dress, just e-mail me and I'll send you a few.

Third, these cars are relatively easy to repair, though some of the parts are hard to find (Wheel well mouldings, hood ornaments, factory wheels, etc.). Most things you can do for yourself and that's the fun part of about it. Best wishes, Tim Cole; tcole1@tampabay.rr.com

I agree and disagree with Tim....
I do agree to avoid the rusty cars, there are still too many good onesout there to be had. If it is cheap enough, get it for parts.
I disagree that they cannot look good as a street machine. A nice set of wheels and tires set these cars off, little enhancements make them look mean as ****, and they can fir a big tire under the stock rear quarters....