1997 Thunderbird V6

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Well, let's see if there is any interest in a truly beautiful V6. The NY registration expires at the end of March, and I'm running out of modding ideas. It feels like a good time to let go.

You know most of this, but let me reiterate:

• '97 Thunderbird LX V6
• Located in Richmond, VA
• 59,XXX miles
• Pacific Green; Light Prairie Tan cloth
• Base model + alloy wheel/rear defroster package
• I am the 3rd owner, and I have owned it for two years
• Mods/maintenance over the course of ownership:
  • TRW upper and lower control arms (installed by shop; all other items below done by myself)
  • New fuel filter
  • Transmission fluid flush with Valvoline Mercon V; more recently full T/C and pan drain/fill with Valvoline MaxLife plus new Motorcraft filter
  • New air filter
  • New plugs, wires, and Motorcraft coil pack
  • New belt
  • New Continental Reliant tires
  • Replaced passenger side mirror
  • Front valence panel
  • Passenger side door weather seal
  • Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror
  • Faux suede trim
  • Genuine walnut wood trim
  • Genuine wood shift knob
  • Leatherette-wrapped armrest
  • Leather headrests with custom stitching front and rear, tilting in front
  • DRL with Zevo LEDs and relay
  • Zevo LED taillights and LED-friendly flasher
  • Cornering lights
  • Door panel and center console ambient lighting in green
  • Door courtesy lights plus interior LED bulbs
  • Center console cubby (repositioned 12V outlet)
  • Center console armrest support
  • Silencer removal with custom mesh rodent guard
  • New NTK front O2 sensors; left/front relocated to left/rear
  • New IAC valve
  • Chrome metal interior door release handles
  • Power driver lumbar support
  • Custom gauge cluster (white needles, silver bezel, white LED bulbs, always-on relay, bright with ignition, dimmable with headlights on)
  • Seat belt guides (Challenger OEM)
  • LED center brake light (Lucerne OEM)
  • Blackout exterior badges and refreshed blackout B-pillar trim (PlastiDip)
  • Polished headlights; chrome globes removed
  • Rear floor mats
  • Scosche magnetic phone mount (permanently installed)
  • Did I miss anything?
  • Mod/maintenance disclaimer: I am not a professional; all work has been done to the best of my ability.
• Known past/present issues over course of ownership:
  • There were two occurrences of code P0320 (see posts here and on the old site); no issues currently, though I am not certain what exactly fixed the issues
  • There were O2 codes which were ultimately resolved by replacing/relocating sensors
  • There is a slow coolant leak on top of the intake manifold which I believe is due to the lower intake manifold gasket; I top off coolant every 4-6 months or so (well before the low coolant light would come on); I have not seen any signs of coolant in the oil or vice-versa
• General condition:
  • Beautiful, but...
  • The paint has some dullness; however, the clearcoat appears intact all over
  • Various scratches as you'd expect given the age; one dent below the rear right side window; one dent near the right outside mirror mount
  • I do not see any unibody rust outside; I was told the first owner of ~23 years garaged the car; there also is a black spray type underbody coating
  • The springs have surface rust
  • Some very small rusty spots around the engine compartments
  • The interior is exceptionally clean; the headliner is fully intact; there are no smells
  • No door sagging
  • Ahhh, and no for-sale post would be complete without this statement: "Ice-cold A/C"!

Now about pricing...
Frankly, I'd rather just see if there is any interest. However, I seem to remember that there is a rule that requires me to post a price (?); or maybe that was on another site. So let's think this through: If I take it to Carmax for $2,000, they'll make maybe $1,000 at auction, and then the purchasing car dealer/credit broker will post it at $7,000...? So if we cut out all that, and I sell it privately, let me start with an asking price of $5,000. Hey, it's my baby after all.


In my opinion, this car is a lovely daily driver. I'd love to sell to someone who appreciates my mods, too.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

more pics

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

...

 

[White Lincoln]

Nice. Hope you get what you want for it and it goes to someone that will enjoy and take care of it.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Well, the registration did expire...and since there were no willing buyers, I decided to start over. Newly registered, it feels like a new car!

I will leave this ad up; it's a nice summary of work done, plus I'm still open to selling.

For the time being though, this will continue to be my daily driver. I will need new project ideas.

 

[supergordo]

How about an ejector seat and a rear oil slick device to get away from bad guys?

 

[theterminator93]

Buy the PRP and start tuning it. That will keep you busy for a few years.

 

[Vicinity]

How about an ejector seat and a rear oil slick device to get away from bad guys?

The stock trunk release can also launch some balloons or packing peanuts on bandits

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

How about an ejector seat and a rear oil slick device to get away from bad guys?

Funny thing, I still have that unused button that was for a short while my O/D switch. I was thinking about making that a garage door opener.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Buy the PRP and start tuning it. That will keep you busy for a few years.

Think slow driver. Seriously, I don't need this car to be faster. In true Motorweek fashion, I'm calling the V6's acceleration brisk.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

The stock trunk release can also launch some balloons or packing peanuts on bandits

Ha! But then how close it? In fact, I was considering adapting the trunk motor from a late model Town Car. They're fairly basic and attach to the hinge. But they have a second motor at the striker to pull the trunk down the last few inches; so not sure if the motor at the hinge alone would suffice.