1965 Ford Thunderbird problems
The Ford Thunderbird (colloquially called the T-Bird) is a personal luxury car manufactured and marketed by Ford Motor Company from model years 1955 to 2005 (with a 1997–2002 hiatus), across 11 generations. Introduced as a two-seat convertible, the Thunderbird was offered variously as a four-seat hardtop coupe, four-seat convertible, five-seat convertible and hardtop, four-door pillared hardtop sedan, six-passenger hardtop coupe, and five-passenger pillared coupe, with the final generation designed again as a two-seat convertible.
Ford targeted the two-seat Thunderbird as an upscale model, but the 1958 model year design introduced a rear seat and arguably marked the expansion of a market segment eventually known as personal luxury cars, positioned to emphasize comfort and convenience over handling and high-speed performance.
Overview
The Thunderbird entered production for the 1955 model year as a sporty two-seat convertible. Unlike the Chevrolet Corvette, it was not marketed as a sports car. Ford positioned the Thunderbird as an upscale model and it is credited in developing a new market segment, the personal luxury car. For 1958, the Thunderbird was redesigned with a second row of seats. Succeeding generations became larger until the line was downsized in 1977, again in 1980, and once again in 1983. Sales were good until the 1990s when large two-door coupes became unpopular. Thunderbird production ended in 1997, then briefly resumed as a two-passenger, marketed from 2002 to 2005.
From its introduction in 1955 to its final phaseout in 2005, Ford produced over 4.4 million Thunderbirds.
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Common 1965 Ford Thunderbird problems
The 1965 Ford Thunderbird is a classic car with several common problems that owners have reported. These issues are primarily related to the car's age, storage conditions, and neglect, which can lead to various mechanical and cosmetic problems.
- Mechanical Issues: Mechanical problems are common in cars of this age, and the 1965 Thunderbird is no exception. The car's engine, transmission, steering, brakes, and other mechanical components may require attention due to wear and tear. For example, the 390ci V8 engine in the 1965 Thunderbird may need a rebuild, especially if the car has not been driven or maintained regularly. Additionally, the car's three-speed automatic transmission and power steering and brakes may require attention due to age and neglect.
- Electrical Issues: Electrical problems are also common in classic cars like the 1965 Thunderbird. The car's wiring, ignition system, and electrical components may require attention due to age and neglect. For example, the car's original radio may need to be replaced with a more modern unit, or the power window motors may need to be repaired or replaced.
- Cosmetic Issues: Cosmetic issues are also common in the 1965 Ford Thunderbird. The car's paint, chrome, interior, and other cosmetic components may require attention due to age and neglect. For example, the car's paint may fade or chip, the chrome may tarnish, and the interior may become worn or damaged.
- Tire Issues: The 1965 Ford Thunderbird's tires may also be a problem, particularly if the car has been sitting for an extended period. The tires may dry rot, crack, or lose air pressure, which can lead to handling and safety issues. It is essential to inspect the car's tires and replace them if necessary.
In summary, the 1965 Ford Thunderbird is a classic car with several common problems that owners have reported. These issues are primarily related to the car's age, storage conditions, and neglect, which can lead to various mechanical and cosmetic problems. It is essential to thoroughly inspect any 1965 Thunderbird for these issues before purchasing and to budget for any necessary repairs or maintenance.
What year is the most desirable Thunderbird?
The 1963 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster M-Code is a rare classic car and one of the most sought-after Thunderbird versions.
What engine does a 1965 Thunderbird have?
Specifications for Ford Thunderbird Hardtop 6.4 V8 Cruise-O-Matic, 304hp, 1965.
What is the most valuable year Thunderbird?
A: The highest recorded sale was $495,000 for a 1957 FORD THUNDERBIRD CONVERTIBLE on Jan 27 2023.
What was the top speed of the 1965 Ford Thunderbird?
The standard 390 cu. in. 315 bhp engine needed nearly 11 seconds to push the heavy T-bird to 60 mph (96 km/h), although with enough room a top speed of about 120 mph (200 km/h) was obtainable.
What engine does a 1965 Thunderbird have?
Specifications for Ford Thunderbird Hardtop 6.4 V8 Cruise-O-Matic, 304hp, 1965.
How fast is 1965 Thunderbird?
The Thunderbird's sporty image had by that time become only an image. The standard 390 cu. in. 315 bhp engine needed nearly 11 seconds to push the heavy T-bird to 60 mph (96 km/h), although with enough room a top speed of about 120 mph (200 km/h) was obtainable.
What transmission is in a 1965 Ford Thunderbird?
The transmission used on early build 390 V8 equipped T-Birds was the Cruise-O-Matic MX, however late build 390 and all 428 V8 equipped T-Birds had the new C6 3 speed automatic installed.
What year is the most valuable Thunderbird?
Marilyn Monroe's 1956 Ford Thunderbird Sold for $490,000
That's not far from the most valuable Thunderbird ever sold: the first 'Bird to roll off the production line in 1954 sold for $660,000 at a Barrett-Jackson auction in 2009. Of course Marilyn Monroe drove a Ford Thunderbird. It makes perfect sense.
1965 Ford Thunderbird car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Thunderbird problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1965 Ford Thunderbird vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1965 Ford Thunderbird complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1965 Ford Thunderbird.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-03
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW CAUSING THE FENDER SKIRT TO COME OFF AND STRIKE A FOLLOWING VEHICLE (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT).(NO MAKE/MODEL OF THE TIRE PROVIDED) *MJS
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1965 Ford Thunderbird problems:
1965 Thunderbird Rust issues? - Vintage Thunderbird Club ...
Sep 7, 2020 ... ... Ford sedan, for example.) Also, when the rear interior trim panels (below the rear side windows)are removed, you can see how much rust there ...
Need buying tips for 1966 Thunderbird - Vintage Thunderbird Club ...
May 24, 2013 ... Both are known problem areas. 2) Check to see how sloppy the ... 1965 T-bird Convertible...DONE! 1959 Ford Retractable...owned 38 years 2005 ...
1965 Tbird Shifter Issues - Vintage Thunderbird Club International
Mar 30, 2019 ... 1965 Tbird Shifter Issues. This area is for ... common issue with the car. I ... We are here to help. Stewie in OZ. 1964 Ford Thunderbird Landau
Advice on buying a 65 Thunderbird - Vintage Thunderbird Club ...
Aug 3, 2019 ... That would also suggest further rust issues which wouldn't be limited to only the one spot on any car. I see the rear interior trim has been ...
1965 ford thunderbird - tbirdforum.com
Flair Birds [1964-1966]>1965 ford thunderbird ... what are some of the problem areas of these cars.? ... Nice looking Bird but as with any used car it's a good idea ...
Other years of Ford Thunderbird
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