1978 Ford Thunderbird 351 Cleveland

Summary:

The car is a comfortable ride and big

Faults:

Since I purchased the car, not much has gone wrong with it. The vehicle has very low mileage. The exhaust might need some repair. I haven't done much to it as of yet. The body has no rust and the engine runs rough because of the lack of use.

General Comments:

The vehicle uses a lot of gas. The car has a sloppy steering The engine is quiet and runs a rough. The interior is in good condition with no bad wear and tear.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th November, 2007

1978 Ford Thunderbird 2 door V8

Summary:

Fun to drive, but not economical

Faults:

The parking break sticks, and also randomly engages, usually when the normal brake is fully depressed.

Rear axle went out of alignment.

Rear seat has worn badly. Landau roof is cracked and peeling. Lots of rust.

General Comments:

This car is the generic batmobile! (its black) It is awesome to drive, the extended hood adds to the sensation that the car will take off any second. The car is wide, so often I feel like I'm going to take out mailboxes along the road, but that adds to the enjoyment.

Overall, It's a cool car to drive, but not very economical. Gas mileage is bad and the engine has problems getting up and going in the cold weather.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th March, 2004

1978 Ford Thunderbird 351W

Summary:

Fantastic Classic Car!

Faults:

Replaced brake system from master cylinder back.

Replaced springs/shocks. Shocks now air adjust.

Replaced voltage Coil/Plugs/Wires.

General Comments:

This fine auto sat for a long time in a garage before I took custody for $1,000. There is no rust. For that reason, moving parts required replacing...wheels/tires/brakes/bearings.

The motor has now been completely cleaned up and beautiful, the interior is perfect without work required, and am just finishing up on the cosmetics before a respray.

My only problem is that she stumbles on acceleration and I just can't figure it out. I'm told it's an easy fix, but no one will tell me what that is! hoonrj@csg10.navy.mil.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 30th September, 2003

29th Oct 2003, 20:52

My 1978 Diamond Jubilee stumbled from the start. It was extremely rough around 55 to 60 mph. I got great gas mileage, with the 2 barrel carb on the 400 CID engine. I played with it for at least 15 years off and on. The cure came in about 10 years ago when the complete carb was replaced. This was a new carb, not a rebuilt. It runs great now. Nothing else was changed at that time, so I believe that to be have been the cure.

CpAllinger@Fuse.Net.

1978 Ford Thunderbird Town Landau 400 CID

Summary:

Thunderbird collector's dream

Faults:

After having all of the belt's and hoses replaced, the car left me stranded. AAA towed it to a repair facility which ran a diagnostic test that detected nothing but a sticking choke.

When trying to to recharge the A/C, I was told the hoses are leaking and in order to replace them along with the drier it would cost $490.00. If I wanted freon added it would be 48oz at almost $5.00 per ounce.

General Comments:

The car is very comfortable and the interior is spacious. I love roof-line and exterior styling.

The doors are heavy and must be slammed hard to get the "door ajar" light to go out. The trunk lid, also has to be slammed shut.

Everything is original on this car and the only thing not working is the power door locks. The quartz clock with day and date is still keeping perfect time after 25 years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th March, 2003

11th May 2003, 13:37

I also have a 1978 thunderbird and the clock is still going strong also.

6th Nov 2005, 11:39

So is mine, a 79 classic silver T-bird, it keeps perfect time!

13th Apr 2022, 01:43

I'm glad the clock works well. I'm thinking about buying one, so I can check that off the list since I'm picky with clocks!

14th Apr 2022, 12:40

Right. ONE review posted nearly 20 years ago means any Tbird you find now will have a working clock.

14th Apr 2022, 17:11

Why wouldn’t it? The clock was 25 years old at the time of the review and was still working. Seems like it was made well.