Announcement

**K.P.** · Jul 18, 2004, 10:34 AM

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

You may have hit on a couple of nerves, there, Michael!
Interesting question!

I think the "Early Bird" owners may feel a bit of elite-ism in regard to the New Birds (2002 and on). If I had one, I might feel the same way, becuase they ARE the first, and the ones from which the '02-> are based on. THEY are the original.

Similarly, there are groups of New Bird owners (and Early Bird owners, as well?) who may feel that the Birds from the '60's. '70's , 80's and 90's aren't true Birds because the style and design changed so much from the original. And New Bird owners may feel more of a kinship with the "Early Bird".

It will be interesting to see what this poll unfolds.
I'm not really sure how to vote.
Add some options between the 1st and 2cd.

**MichaelM** · Jul 18, 2004, 10:38 AM

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

KarylP,
Do you have some suggestions for other options. I should have thought some more about the possible answers, the point about the 60s,70s,80s, & 90s birds would have been good, going from 2 to 4 seats and all.
Mike

PS. I tried to change the poll options and couldn't figure out how to do it (or if it can be done)

**BLUNBIRD** · Jul 18, 2004, 10:54 AM

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

I have been told that here in our area the classic owners (55-57) consider the new Thunderbird as a threat to their established recognition as THE Thunderbird to remember. New bird owners do not feel very welcome at car club meetings or meets.

**K.P.** · Jul 18, 2004, 11:01 AM

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

It can probably be done Michael, but I don't know how.

Maybe you could add an option like "The Only Real TBird Is A PCR"

I know exactly how I'd vote then!

**taflocks** · Jul 18, 2004, 11:21 AM

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

i rather dislike my old 55 bird and have only driven it 150 miles since 1986.... the 2002 is so much better and easier to drive.

**JerryP** · Jul 18, 2004, 12:01 PM

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

Since I am not an owner of a 'classic' Thunderbird, I will not vote. I think, however, that both birds have assets which are equally alluring. I would love to have an older bird, but in my case, it would probably mean sacrificing one of the newer cars.

Currently, I would not trade my '02 for an older model. If things work out where I can purchase both, then I would enjoy them equally as much. I hope that most classic bird owners would feel the same. For most of us, it becomes a economical choice.

I know some older bird owners that would love to have the newer model also, and then there are many that do own both models.

**CaptainKen** · Jul 18, 2004, 12:08 PM

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

Stupid Question!

No disrepect to you, MichaelM, just to the the person who would ask that.

**MichaelM** · Jul 18, 2004, 12:23 PM

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

Ummm.... That would be me.

No offense taken......, No really........, I'm OK........, Nothings wrong........., I can take it......, it was just a question...........,why don't they like me........, Those aren't tears........., something in my eye. :worried:

Just kidding...gosh

Looks like stupid question just may win.

**JimC** · Jul 18, 2004, 01:52 PM

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

Michael

I won't vote on this as it looks like it is aimed at the 50's owners. I will though say that in "my" opinion the 55-57's are the best from a classic point of view. I don't own one but if I get a chance (financial as has been said), I would most certianly get one.

I have never considerd the '4 seaters' as "TBirds", just "Thunderbirds". I do put the 02-05 (maybe 06) in the TBird class! I love my 02 and will make it last as long as I can.

The interesting thing though is that prior to my getting my Bird, I never realy noticed the 'Thunderbirds', especialy the 80s & 90s versions. But since having my "TBird", joining this group, and attending a couple of events; I have begun to notice all years of Thunderbirds. I can spot one in a crowd of cars almost anywhere. I guess finaly owning one, has made me more aware of the rest of the crowd.

I still only consider the 2-seaters as TBirds, but am gaining an appreciation for all Thunderbirds.

**ThunderBubba** · Jul 18, 2004, 03:05 PM

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

Michael;

Here's my two cents worth on your question.

I have seen both sides of the issue and from the middle too. I have experienced the cold shoulder from the "baby bird" owners towards those of us who own the new Bird. And also when I owned my 1966 Bird there was that same attitude. The various Bird Clubs carry this out in their attitudes also. To the point that there are Clubs that are 55' thru 57' ONLY and all other Bird owners are not welcome to join. This has eased a bit towards the new Bird owners since they are two seaters and have re-kindled the origional spirit of the "Baby Birds". But they are still viewed as second class citizens in those clubs.

I have seen the 58' through 66' Bird owner give that same treatment to us new Bird owners. AND I have seen some people on this site take that same predjudicial attitude towards classic Bird owners.

My personal belief is that ALL Bird owners should be able to get along together, but sadly this does not happen in reality.

I will also add that it seems the new Bird owners have a better idea of how to throw a great get-together. The classic owners only seem to want to judge one another's cars and sit in hot parking lots or fields and yell at those folks looking at their cars not to touch them. It's not my idea of a good time to trailer your car to an event and then just let it sit in the parking lot.

I am in the process of restoring a 55' Bird myself. And you can bet it will never be entered in a judging event. It will be restored to be driven on a regular basis.

I guess the bottom line is in the words of the immortal Rodney King --

"Can't we all just get along?"

**Mark501** · Jul 18, 2004, 03:15 PM

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

The 1955-1957 Thunderbirds were the beginning.

The new Thunderbirds are the real deal. They did a good job on the car in terms of capturing the "Spirit of the Thunderbird" as set forth from the start. Yes, there are some parts on the car that are not American, there is "Parts Bin Sharing" but that does not cheapen the standard that was set with the "Early Birds" as far as I am concerned.

501

**theherd** · Jul 18, 2004, 03:33 PM

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

[QUOTE=ThunderBubba]

My personal belief is that ALL Bird owners should be able to get along together, but sadly this does not happen in reality.

I love ya man!!!!

**SKIPIFE** · Jul 18, 2004, 03:57 PM

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

I think the newer ones have a technological advantage over all the older ones ( my 49 merc had about 232CI, but was only 110 HP, we get 280HP) but then that is a matter of perspective to, I guess, I could not tune this car, but I could tune my 61 or 78.
I also think this question addresses a social issue more then a "mine is better then yours" issue.
I ride motorcycles to (BSA, HD, and Kawasaki) and just consider the source when there are negative comments made about any one brand, I just leave when its all about what you have; after all, its the ride, not the vehicle your on or in.
BTW: I did not vote as I never had one of the original T-Birds.
I work in the Aircrew training (life saving) business and we say the only stupid or dumb question is the one that was not asked...

**K.P.** · Jul 18, 2004, 04:20 PM

Re: Tell me how you really feel...

Originally posted by MichaelM

Ummm.... That would be me.

No offense taken......, No really........, I'm OK........, Nothings wrong........., I can take it......, it was just a question...........,why don't they like me........, Those aren't tears........., something in my eye. :worried:

Just kidding...gosh

Looks like stupid question just may win.

Michael, I think the "stupid question" Captain Ken was referring to was the guy who made the comments to you in your initial post on this.

I've wondered the same thing as you. In our local Classic TBird Club, we seem to be accepted somewhat (at least I THINK so!) , but a lot of the members that have a "new " TBird also have an early Bird. I have heard Blunbird make that comment before about the local clubs there not really liking the new TBirds (or owners.) a good discussion starter.

The newer Thunderbirds are not true T-Birds	0.78%	1 vote
All Thunderbirds are Classics	41.41%	53 votes
I don't care	25.00%	32 votes
This is a stupid question	32.81%	42 votes

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