See 40 more larger pictures here: Grump's 1965 Thunderbird Pictures
1965 Thunderbird HT-390ci, PS, PB, AT. Drivable. Many extras.
See the pics: Grump's 1965 Thunderbird Pictures
Asking: $3550.00 or your best offer (530)283-5467
This car was bought from the original owner. She allowed the car to be used by her son, who was in law school at the time, and then by a family friend, who registered the car as his own for many years. The car was returned to the original owner and driven rarely. I estimate the mileage at less than 200,000 original miles.
The seats and other interior surfaces are in very good shape except for the dash and the drivers side door panel. I bought floor mats to protect the original carpet. The steering wheel is cracked and needs replacement.
The body is 41 years old, so there is rust. I do not know the extent of the rust, but you can see some of it in the pictures. In many places it is surface rust that will sand or grind out. I imagine a complete restoration/customizing of the car would require some panels to be replaced. The car can be made to look very attractive without this kind of extensive work.
The paint was done in the late 90s and is not a high quality paint job. The peeling on the roof in the pictures began a couple of years ago. I think the paint job was done at one of those cheap "get 'em in and get 'em out" places, but the car has been complimented many times over the years I've owned it.
This is a drivable car, but I would recommend you flat bed it to your destination. It has not been driven very much in the last several years and it may have developed problems with rubber hoses and other parts that deteriorate. The brake pedal return isn't working very well. It burns oil, but I used to drive it to and from Reno from Quincy (80 miles one way) quite a lot -- I would always have to add a quart or 2 of oil on those trips, depending on how much I cruised around.
Some of the work I have done includes replacing the stock carb with an Edelbrock 750cfm, a nice water pump, Pertronix ignition and coil, new quality spark plug wires and a K&N air filter. I have had the car worked on by professional mechanics because I'm not good at it. I have tried to maintain it as well as I can.
I had big plans for the car, but I have become disabled and have had to make other plans that do not include the Tbird. I have put off parting with it for a couple of years now, so don't think you're gonna offer low because you think I'm anxious to get rid of it. Make a serious offer and I will consider it.
My plans for this car prompted me to buy several things for it. There is a crank for a 428, some new door rubber and chrome trim for the windows, chrome plated valve covers and other assorted goodies (I can't remember everything). I also have a good 390 block I will gladly throw in if you have the means to cart it away (I had it cleaned and checked for cracks and already started to smooth the passages, but that was a few years ago). That's the same block used for a 428.
If you have interest in the car, but need more information or a few more specific pictures, I would be happy to oblige any serious requests. You can reach me at home (530-283-5467) or on my cell (530-518-0023). As stated above, the asking price is $3550.00 or best offer. I will accept no personal or business checks, money orders, cashiers checks or credit cards. Cash only, no exceptions. The car is not registered or insured at this time. The local DMV is only a couple blocks away and we can clear up any issues you might have there during business hours. A California Highway Patrol officer is my neighbor, if you need any references. He'll be happy to see me move the car. ;)
Thank you,
Jim McClain - aka Grump
Quincy, California
(530) 283-5467 - home
(530) 518-0023 - cell