1962 Ford Thunderbird

1962 Ford Thunderbird

This is my third T-Bird ( my first was a 1966 and I owned a 1985 as well) I bought this 62 Bird from the family of a deceased owner. That owner purchased it from a dealership in Wisconsin as a gift to himself in June 2005. Sadly he only drove it 150 miles before he passed away. It was then stored in a garage for 10 years until I bought it. It has been tuned up, new water pump, new brake booster, rebuilt carb. It runs and looks fantastic! It has electric everything, and A/C. The interior is excellent except for the dash which will eventually have to be replaced due to someone cutting a hole in it (why I have no idea!!) We named her Maxx and she is a joy to drive and own!

– Russell Saunders, WI

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Comments
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32 Responses to “1962 Ford Thunderbird”

  1. frank colontonio

    i have a hood 2doors, bumper,radio,generator and console for 62 tbird cheap 727 420 8722 Frank

    Reply
  2. JOE QUEEN

    Not trying to start an argument here, but as an owner of a 62 and a 66 Thunderbird, how can you acknowledge the pretender Ford called a Thunderbird in 85 to even be considered part of that distinctive and desirable marque.

    Reply
  3. Donald R Rodgers

    I have a 78 Corvette, Silver Anniversary model is there a corvette club in the Galveston/Houston area?

    Reply
  4. Roy Arnold

    Very nice T-Bird! I’m currently restoring/rescuing as ’62 Thunderbird. I have a long way to go!

    Reply
  5. Dave Sloboda

    That is a beautiful T bird. I also have 62 bird that I have had for the last 24 years . Had to do an engine swap and interior replacement but is still a great car . Hope you enjoy yours .

    Reply
  6. Byron Waldron

    just retired and bought 62 t bird going to restore to a driver not so much a show car

    Reply
  7. harold hyman

    What is the best way to replace the turn signal light on the top of the fender?(’64 BIRD)
    thanks – harold

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Harold,

      Ford made a special tool to unscrew the lock ring in front of the lens to replace the bulb.

      A snap ring pliers can be used also, being careful not to damage the grooves in the lock ring.

      Some even claim a Nickel will get the ring unscrewed as well.

      If all else fails they do reproduce the entire fender top light assembly.

      Wrench Safe,

      Mark
      Classic Car Restoration Club Video Membership

      We’d love to have you be a part of our community. We are convinced you will enjoy the benefits of becoming a member and having access to the best instructional how to videos and professional tips. We would like to offer you a special promotion for your first year membership.
      https://go.ClassicCarRestorationClub.com/C12613

      Reply
  8. michael reiner

    I live in southern California are there any clubs there can you find me one and a phone number too. thanks mike

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi Michael. Classic cars in Southern California are more than just a hobby, they’re a way of life. Although finding the right club for your interests can take a little research. Not every club is for everyone. Spend some time exploring clubs in your area that embrace those aspects you’re interested in.
      Whether it’s the year/make/model of car, or civic involvement, or number of shows, or driving events, or the style of car (classic car/street rod/etc). Are there regular club meetings? Etc…. Seek out a club that embraces what you’d like to get out of being a member. To find out about clubs in your area, attend a few car shows and ask local participants with cars similar to ones that interest you, or even do an online search and focus on clubs near your hometown.
      Finally consider joining more than one club in your area, and in time you’ll know which one is the best fit for you.
      Thanks
      Mark-CCRC

      Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Mario,

      Thanks for the question. Just so we can provide you with the right information, are you referring to the seal on manual lever shaft on an automatic transmission? Can you give me a little more information about your car (i.e.Year/Make/Model, Engine Size, Transmission type, etc.)

      Thanks!
      Mark CCRC Video Membership

      Reply
  9. Steven Ford

    I have a 1962 Thunderbird. I really like the car. I’m having a problem finding a trans pan with dip stick tube for it. The one on the car leaks bad out of the dip stick connection and I can’t tighten or loosen it

    Reply
    • Terry Zerwas

      O Ring will fix it I had the same issue with my 68 Mustang I pulled the pan 3 times until I found that the o ring was bad, never leaked since

      Reply
  10. keith

    I got a 62 bird in the manuAl it shows TWO HOLD DOWN SPRINGS ON EACH BRAKE SHOE IS THIS RIGHT WHEN I PULLED DRUMS THEIRS ONLY ONE

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Keith,

      Yes, each brake shoe should have two hold down springs. The lower one is generally in a slotted hole. Years ago some brake pad manufacturers would omit the slotted hole and the mechanic assembling the brakes would toss the lower spring/pin, as there was no hole for it. Most brake shoe manufacturers today are made to accept both springs and new brake spring kits are available for your great ride.

      Wrench Safe,
      Mark CCRC Video Membership

      We’d love to have you be a part of our community. We are convinced you will enjoy the benefits of becoming a member and having access to the best instructional how to videos and professional tips. We would like to offer you a special promotion for your first year membership.
      http://go.ClassicCarRestorationClub.com/C8826

      Reply
  11. John

    I have a 66 ford galaxie that needs a new dash. looking for help on installation

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      I hate to answer a question with a question… but I need a little more information for a proper response.

      When you say it needs a new dash, are you interested in replacing the instruments? dash pad? or the complete dash? Often the dash itself if not really a wear part as it sees no weather or abuse, that is except poorly mounted aftermarket radios.

      Wrench Safe!

      Reply
  12. John Rice

    I have a 62 t bird looking for a good home. 50000 miles one owner. 100% paperwork including the canceled check. No rust ever. One repaint 35 years ago. Same tank of gas, a miracle. Started 3 or 4 times a year, backed out of garage to run for half hour. Replaced tires to drive from Florida to Ma, original spare in ttrunk.Original everything mechanically. Downside is that dash developed a crack from sitting in heated, a.c. garage. Fact of life. All options, window sticker. Light tan on tan.

    Reply
  13. Mike Domingos

    Beautiful Tbird…congratulations on your good fortune in finding it. Got a 66 town landau Q-code 428 I’m in the process of restoring, hope she comes out 1/2 as nice as your 62!

    Reply
    • Jon Allen

      Hi, I just finished my 66 Landau. I bought it in 1978. It also has the 428. I’ve owned many 66’s over the years, back when you could by a driver for $150. I stripped them for parts for my rebuild. I have many sorted parts left over if your interested. I’m in the process of moving right now and just moved them to a 8’ x 30’ storage shed. Of course I put them in the back so it would take a while to get to them but I have a pretty good idea of what’s there. Let me know. Good luck with the project.

      Reply
  14. FLEETWOODBOB

    I KNOW YOU’RE ENJOYNG THIS CAR. I HAD A 1959 T-BIRD BACK IN THE DAY. IT WAS REAL CHICK-MAGNET. I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THE CAR AND THE ATTENTION THAT IT BROUGHT.

    Reply
  15. Gino Tortelli

    I took one look at the heading and the photo and realized that the editor must have been on vacation when this was published. At least the caption was correct. Pretty sad for a car restoration club to let something like this get by them.

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi, Gino. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We will look into this further.

      Reply