The car began to have problems with heating as soon as we drove it home. The temperature gauge almost hit the high mark and it blew a freeze plug. We bought an expansion plug and it blew it as well. So far it has blown the freeze plug 4 times.
It has a tendency to cut off during slow speeds which causes me to drive with one foot on the gas and one foot on the brake.
We had the exhaust tested and it showed that we had either a cracked head or a head gasket leak.
We have only had the car for three days. The first day it did well. The second day we began fixing the car. The third day it broke down and smoked really bad. It now sits in my front yard and we are steadily tearing the engine down to locate the problem areas.
Needs a new water pump.
The body is in great shape except from one rust hole above the trunk.
I bought my 1986 Thunderbird to replace my 1987 Ford Aero-star Van since the transmission went out. The body is in great shape and looks sharp. It is sporty, and with my personal touches it will soon look even tougher.
Besides having to park the car right after I bought it, the car seems to have won me over already. I hope that the car will win my trust after we breathe life back into it.
OK, I wrote the previous comments on this car. We replaced the heads and it still heats bad so I assume it is the radiator because that is all that is really left.
The car still cuts off on me. I am praying FORD recalls the ignition system in the car. If I bump the steering wheel, tilt it too hard, or turn too sharp, it cuts off. I am afraid I will die in this car.
Today, water spat back into the floorboard of my seat and went all over my foot. Acid reflux in a car?
Either way, if anyone has any info on the recalls FORD has or about this car, PLEASE respond.
I think I got the rotten apple of the bunch...
My 86 Bird does the same thing. It's the heater core. It's an expensive repair, but it'll save you from buying new shoes!
To anyone reading this review.
If your car does what is described in OPs previous comment, disconnect the battery immediately or your car may catch on fire!
Replace your ignition switch post haste; it's well documented on various Ford based forums.
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