What I Learned

[5bird7]

Re: What I Learned

You have to wonder how guys like Dennis Carpenter made it .............

very easy, they bid on the right to reproduce and/or take over inventory from what Ford had left back around the year 2000... and won.

It has been a struggle over the years to get replacement parts for the 55-57 T-birds and Fords of the 50's and 60's. The national clubs & vendors had a great deal to do with getting parts re-manufactured. Some vendors had to do their own building and re-manufacturing for some limited production parts.

[Brad]

Re: What I Learned

The company producing these much needed replacement parts will certainly have a great customer base. Much needed service and no doubt someone would step in to fill the vacuum. I have a growing list of things needed.

What are the top 5 parts that you need and are unable to get?

[Peterfurlan]

Re: What I Learned

Never heard of Dennis Carpenter so I did a little research. After seeing what he has done my thinking would be that if producing parts for the retro bird would be profitable
his company would be doing so. Someone please tell me what exactly are these much
needed parts that so many of us need. I have had my 02 now for eight years no parts
required. No one is going to manufacture ten of these twenty of those. So if your one
of the unfortunate owners with a problem your at the mercy of whats available now. I
really don't see anyone making any body panels in the near future.

[Guest]

Re: What I Learned

In my opinion, the Top 5 'hardest to find' and most often needed parts would include:

1. Doors; Driver & Passenger side (these things get damaged frequently and salvage yard purchases are problematic based on personal experience)

2. Interior Trim Metal pieces: Glove Box Trim, Door panel trim. - These parts are easily dented, dinged and scratched and are very visible.

3. Door 'Bezels' - This is the black plastic insert that holds the power window and door switches - long out of production, easily chipped, scratched or damaged

4. Interior door handle assembly - both Driver and Passenger side. It's usually just the handle itself that has chipped or peeling chrome. The handle alone cannot be purchased separately, and the last complete assembly was sold late last year.

5. OEM Floor mats with Thunderbird Logo - Ford discontinued these over a year ago and no one is allowed to manufacture them any longer. This applies to Ford vehicles newer than the model year 2000.

There are a lot more parts that could go on this list, but the above five are a start.

Please, other TBN members, by all means add your own 'wish/need' list to to these.

[Rondor]

Re: What I Learned

I was always of the impression that a manufacture's patent expired after so many years.
If Ford still holds all rights to Thunderbird parts back to 50's then we really have a problem.

[Peterfurlan]

Re: What I Learned

Not sure but its not a patent but a copyright or trademark. Any lawyers out there?

[Rondor]

Re: What I Learned

Not sure but its not a patent but a copyright or trademark. Any lawyers out there?

Agree; but same principle. They may now be permanent, but I would be surprised if so.

[JerriLampon]

Re: What I Learned

The enticement for Ford to have parts available is that "Thunderbird" is a heritage car for them past, present, and (whatever) future cars.

How does Corvette do it?

[Rondor]

Re: What I Learned

How does Corvette do it?[/QUOTE]

Probably because of the higher production #'s and interchangeable parts with other G M cars.

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