Due to a large tax bill I have to sell my '61 T-Bird that I have poured my heart and soul into for the past year. She has a 390 and a Cruiso, and an open 9" rear. She's been my daily driver for a year now and has been very dependable. Virtually all of the parts listed below are upgrades or "feel-good" modifications, otherwise she's been rock-solid. Here's a list of some stuff I've done:
- Battery
- Battery cables
- HL switch
- Head gasket set
- Cylinder heads – decked both block and exhaust surfaces and resurfaced exh. manifolds, CobraJet intake valves, hardened seats
- Complete interior – seat foam, seat covers, carpet, dash pad, door panels, floor mats, one window motor, seat belts, speedo cable
- Brakes – new front drums, shoes, springs, self-adjusters in front, soft lines, wheel cylinders, master cylinder and booster
- AM/FM cassette, 2 speakers, will include 12-disc changer for add'l cost
- Mufflers
- Engine - Pertronix Ignitor II and Flamethrower II coil, Accel 8mm wires, Duraspark cap conversion, Autolite platinum plugs, Holley 600cfm 4160 carb w/electric choke
- 60A alternator conversion
- Radiator recored w/in last month, installed electric fan with adjustable thermostat
- New rear leaf springs with all new bushings and u-bolts
- Washer assembly – pump, hoses, bag and lines
- All new hoses, belts, heater hoses
- 3.25 gears and all new 3rd member bearings (not wheel bearings)
- Can get you a brand new set of headers if you want!

She does still need some work. The front end is noisy, and I'm not sure if it's a ball joint or a shaft bushing gone bad. That was to be my next purchase but it's not going to happen. Has a cyclic vibration over about 65 mph, I think the driveshaft needs balanced. Could use tires. Body is pretty ugly but if you're willing to put some time into it, there's no structural rust (but there are some cosmetic bad spots).
Pass. power seat quit working not long ago, but driver's works fine. Has AC but needs charge. Rear power windows need motors, but fronts work great.
I have put over $5000 in her since I bought her last May. Make me an offer, but please be gentle. I am not desperate to sell.
Call 406-761-3942 with questions. It has been extremely cold here lately, so this week when it warms up I will wash her and take lots of pictures. Call or email dfm51@hotmail.com and I will send them to you.
Thanks!
Darel Matthews

'61 T-Bird hardtop
'97 Cummins Ram
'98 Jeep TJ
'67 IH Scout 800