BODY: Rotisserie frame off- jams are done to a high standard. Vehicle was completely de-trimmed, disassembled and painted apart. No evidence of tape lines in jams or anywhere on vehicle. Bottoms of door shells are visibly solid. Lip area where skin wraps shell is very clean; see photos. Magnetic adhesion with bubble magnet was tested around all lower surface areas, and nothing was noted other than a skim coat of filler used sparingly around exterior body to flatten panels. Body is as straight or straighter than the period in which it was designed. Fitment of door glass to top when closing needs attention.
EXTERIOR: was completely stripped restoration process. Car is believed to be correct “Torch Red” exterior with “Snow Shoe White” top, code RE. Base coat/clear coat in application. All trim was pulled prior to repaint. Reflective quality is very nice. Large bold print can be read in the reflection from 15-18 inches away. Reflection in upper panels mimics reflection in lower panels. Vehicle is well color sanded and buffed throughout all surfaces. Some visible flaws noted, very nice for driver quality car.
FRAME: was painted correct Chassis Black. No apparent damage on either end of vehicle. No jacking damage noted. Triangular gussets hanging off outside of frame rails all appear solid and stable, with no issues noted (A-). Floors appear restored and painted body color. Floor supports, reinforcement, and inner rocker structure are all sound and stable.
GAS TANK: appears to have been removed from vehicle and restored. All fuel lines, brake lines, etc. appear to have been replaced during restoration. Exhaust is routed correctly through frame and up through bumper exits. Overall, a very showable underbody, needing only cosmetic touch ups from sitting 10 years.
CHROME: is in excellent shape. Both bumpers were removed and re-plated and/or replaced with aftermarket units. Nearly all exterior chrome and trim components were replaced during restoration process. New windshield and seal, with original side and rear lites. Left door glass is in excellent condition other than has a small crack down low in right corner, approximately 2 ½ inches long; see photo. Slight usage scratches in rear and opera lites. No visible delamination noted.
INTERIOR: has been fully restored. Seat has been re-covered in correct red and white two-tone material. New Thunderbird floor mats were added over new loop-style carpet. Steering wheel appears to have been restored (A-). Horn chrome and clear stems are in good survivor shape, with mild patina and age noted (B-). Dash pad, dash face, inc.fish scale, door panels, kick panels, pedal, etc. were all restored/replaced. New 4-way power seat switch is currently hanging out of door and needs to be reattached. Switch itself appears new. Power window switch appears new, though window movement binds and both need attention.. Canvas cover behind seat appears new. New Headliner has wrinkles that still need to be steamed out, but is presentable as-is. (presentation B-)
CHROME WHEELS: New reproduction Kelsey Hayes correct spoke wheels, (A-)
FRONT SUSPENSION: Was completely taken apart. All steel components were sand blasted and repainted Chassis Black. All new bushings installed in control arms. New shocks, replacement springs, new tie rod ends, restored sleeves, restored spindle arms, (B+).
EXHAUST: is a full stainless replacement system. Stock manifolds were coated, and show only minor age or cosmetic rust.
REAR END: Housing was restored. Gear ratio unknown. Backing plates are dry and free of any leaks, newer springs and shocks.
TRANSMISSION: Manual 3-speed appears to have been rebuilt. Transmission appears to shift without issue. Clutch feels good. I’d like to see more free-play at top of pedal.
Brake system appears to be fully rebuilt. restored power brake booster unit, master cylinder, Lines beneath all appear to be replaced. Per executor of estate, her father did rebuild both front and rear brakes. Car stops nice and straight with good pedal height.
ENGINE: Per VIN code “P”, 292 motor in place. . Engine components appear to have been completely taken apart. No overspray noted on intake bolts, exhaust manifold bolts, generator bolts, etc. No oil leakage noted above or beneath motor. Some lifter churning can be heard. Exhaust smells of varnish when running, fuel is old. Recommend pulling valve cover, re-lashing valves and hunting down vacuum leak. More in depth mechanical analysis needed to verify all potential issues.
Engine was removed from bay when vehicle was restored. Firewall and inner fenders have all been cleaned, sanded, and repainted, and show very nicely. All hardware was removed, including heater box assembly. All wiring, suspension, all bolts on firewall, clips, etc. are very clean and look new. Original Motorcraft replacement belts and period correct clamps/hoses add to nice “showable quality” detail of engine compartment, needs minimal detail or touch up grom sitting around.
Trunk is in excellent condition; fully restored with a new mat present. Does not appear to have a jack or spare at this time.
SUMMARY: A long term, nice driver quality level of work has occurred. Vehicle is a fully restored frame-off unit that is about 90% ready to go. Headlights, tail lights, and brake lights all function as designed. Turn signals operate inside and out, with exception of right front blinker light. License plate light works. Courtesy light is inoperable. Horn functions. Vacuum wipers operate (slowly). Heater control cables slide freely, and blower operates as designed. Radio operates, but “buzzes”; Power windows operate, but very weakly, with a two-hand effort. Clock is inoperable. Engine seems to operate well with no noticeable knocks, although some “lifter churning” is present and can be heard. Per executors, their father spent a long time restoring this vehicle, and suffered a stroke the year it was finished. He passed before ever logging any real miles on it. Per sellers, vehicle has less than 200 or 300 miles since full restoration. Several small tasks were apparently left undone. Ideally, gas tank needs to be dropped and flushed, as gas that burned smelled like old varnish. This would likely improve the performance of the vehicle. Power window tracks should be taken apart, cleaned, and adjusted, and or repaired as power windows bind and operate very slowly. Power seat switch is new, and power seat works in all four directions, but seat switch is not secured to door and needs to be addressed. Car is a removable hardtop car, with no convertible top installed. Fitment of glass to top will need addressing. Spare and jack appear to be missing, but may well in fact be in garage somewhere. Lifter adjustment and vacuum leak or carb work should be addressed first. Crack in left glass is barely noticeable, but should be replaced.
