A real good tip that can be used on many older vehicle door cards etc etc. Thx Alvin
@servicetechnician32648 сағат бұрын
Hello Alvin. A real nice fix on the door panel. I used the same technique on the headliner roof panels on my 66 Landau. Thanks again for the tips. George B
@sizzle07311 сағат бұрын
Hiya Alvin!! Well I’ll be dipped! I’m the putz who has to either chisel with a putty knife or pocket knife to get the remnants off my clamping tools. That’s a real good tip! And the fiber glass resin is also a fantastic idea! Thanks for the tip my friend!! And as always, I look forward to your next video.
@walterjoncas1212 сағат бұрын
Nice tip Alvin. And inexpensive repair - fix.But then "Fix" is in the shops name. Walt
@donbeaubien2372Күн бұрын
Glad I don't have the vac lock, do you have a video for sequential taillights on a '65?
@Kid-BaxterКүн бұрын
I know I’m late to the party but genus! Thank you
@J_R_ShopКүн бұрын
Thank you!
@Exit45Restorations2 күн бұрын
I like how the crouse control works on these cars. Not an easy task but you got it working
@J_R_ShopКүн бұрын
These were quite the set up, lots of components that make it all work, and according to the comments from people that used to work on these, they didn't work for very long without constant maintenance. 🥴
@jolear3 күн бұрын
You are absolutely the man. Everything you said was true. Made this job do able for the average home mechanic. Thank you.
@J_R_ShopКүн бұрын
I'm happy it was useful! 😃 Thank you for watching!
@MrPBiagioni3 күн бұрын
You skipped a key part and that's installing the shift lever in the proper position I wish you showed that in your video I'm having issues trying to get mine right.
@J_R_ShopКүн бұрын
Well, it only goes in one way. Sometimes you have to move it out of park, to get it to seat all the way in, that's why you always chock your wheels.
@mason4053 күн бұрын
What size bolts are they? Looking for replacements for my 65 galaxie 352
@dougabbott82614 күн бұрын
Well done. Thanks for showing us .
@J_R_ShopКүн бұрын
Thank you Doug, and thanks for watching! ☺️
@SierraJohn4 күн бұрын
Nice job. You must have the only working T-Bird cruise control in existence.
@J_R_ShopКүн бұрын
Lol...you may be right about that John,!
@jeffsmith8464 күн бұрын
Genius at work. The only 65 thunderbird cruise control that has worked since 1968. Lol. Good job.
@J_R_Shop4 күн бұрын
Lol, I think you're right Jeff! Thank you. 😎
@servicetechnician32644 күн бұрын
Hello Alvin. That is so cool! George B
@J_R_Shop4 күн бұрын
Hey George, I figured I had better do a road test video. 😎
@tbirdsteve19 күн бұрын
Just a brilliant video. Well done and thank you!
@J_R_Shop8 күн бұрын
Thank you very much, and thank you for watching my channel. 😊
I'm a Jonny come lately but have been catching up on the convertible bird, and want to say you are amazing to watch with your capabilities. My love for convertibles is not as strong as yours. I might have bailed when the carpet came out but when your in it you can't quit . Be happy to see you drive it. I rebuilt a motor for my 64 bird, white exterior, red interior and loved it. When I got to the rocker arms I I put in new shafts and replaced a few of the rockers bushings along with new lifters. I ran a wire through the pushrods to remove old residue from oil. When the motor came to life there was no pecking or ticking. My bird was a hardtop. The car prior to the bird was a 62 galaxy 500 xl convertible with bucket seats and center console w power steering, no air which I would have enjoyed. Are you going to add air to yours? Your metal work is amazing.
@J_R_Shop12 күн бұрын
Thank you Johnny! Yes, my convertible was in bad condition, since it was all ready to go through the crusher when I found it, I figured, anything I do to it would be better than crushing it... even if I parted it out, at least others would benefit. I haven't been planning to put it in an A/C, we only get about two months of temperatures each year, that Ac would even be used.
@xshadowx07x15 күн бұрын
Awesome video, about to replace mine and didn't want to drop the drive shaft. Thank you
@J_R_Shop15 күн бұрын
You're welcome, good luck with the starter replacement.
@xshadowx07x3 күн бұрын
Just changed it out today and it only took about 45 minutes just as you said it came out nice and easy. Thanks again great video.
@jmileshc15 күн бұрын
I'm chuckling a little watching this as I relive a very similar & frustrating time with that b*$£%y spring. Thank you for sharing.
@J_R_Shop15 күн бұрын
Lol...yes, a little curing may have been involved!
@Exit45Restorations16 күн бұрын
I didn't know these had a different ignition system on these. I have the more traditional system on mine. Good information for those who have this system.
@J_R_Shop15 күн бұрын
Hey Matt, I've been trying to document all of these odd-ball options on this old T-Bird before I sell it, it may come in handy for someone in the future.
@Exit45Restorations15 күн бұрын
@J_R_Shop good idea. Someone will need it I'm sure
@78schoolboy17 күн бұрын
I put rolair rubber feet on my stand and balanced the arbor and wheels doesn't need the rubber feet now lol
@joernone19 күн бұрын
Alvin, Very good explaination, my friend. At some point, if I live long enough, I hope to install a complete modern solid state ignition setup in Pearline. But first I have to plow through my antique radio and speaker backlog. We're making progress. Regards, John
@J_R_Shop17 күн бұрын
Hey John, I know you are knowledgeable with the components that make up this system, you would have ran into them went restoring vintage radios, and this setup is very basic compared to a radio, this is just a switching device. I've got to watch your latest video on speaker repair...the rear one in this old bird is torn and scratchy sounding.
@vintagethunderbirdrepair942619 күн бұрын
Hey Alvin, great video. Yes the coil is different for those cars. The negative terminal on the coil is grounded to the engine as opposed to a conventional coil where the negative goes to the distributor. Looking on your wiring diagram, you can see that the wire to the distributor comes from the amplifier. These are much more common on the 1964. I don't care for them, there are no parts available for them and it just complicated things. I don't think there is any performance difference either. I agree with Mike Johansson, take the amplifier apart and test those components, see if they are any good. Thanks.
@J_R_Shop17 күн бұрын
Hi Nick, thanks for confirming that the coils are different, and I'm pretty sure a guy could replace the whole system with an Arduino! Lol Since the engine is running very well, I don't think I want to start taking the amp apart right now.
@servicetechnician326419 күн бұрын
Hello Alvin. Thanks for showing and explaining that option. It'll help those that have that system in their car. Wonder why your fuse was blown. George B
@J_R_Shop17 күн бұрын
Hey George, you're welcome...the fuse connection was bad, the fuse was fine.
@rustyrobinson802719 күн бұрын
Thanks for the info 👍🇺🇸
@J_R_Shop17 күн бұрын
You are very welcome!
@mikejohansson671120 күн бұрын
Hey Alvin, thanks for the video strangely my '65 did not have this option as it had just about every thing else. I had a shot distributor in it and I just changed it out for a conventional points version. But I may change it one day. Anyway, in the diagram of the amplifier those caps of 40 and 2 MFD are probably bad after all these years. I work on old Tube radios from the '30's and those values of 40 mfd are quite common. Ever wonder why old radios have a terrible hum? the capacitors have gone bad and they leak internally. Change them out and no more 60 cycle hum. It would be neat to see the inside of one of those amps and to test the caps. Any way I enjoyed your video! God bless.
@J_R_Shop17 күн бұрын
Hi Mike, the caps may have failed, however the engine is running smooth, so I don't want monkey around with it went its working well. The no start issue was just a poor connection at the fuse, she fired right back up after I cleaned it. 😊
@sizzle07320 күн бұрын
Great Scott Alvin!!! Is there any way of just swapping out all that junk for an HEI distributor system? Now I gotta go look to see if my son has that style, greeeeaaat. Lol Thanks for the heads up and the tuition of it all!
@J_R_Shop17 күн бұрын
Lol, Oh yeah, there are lots of option available to do a "Perma-Tuned" delete, and if this system were to die on me, I would switch it over to something more modern, like an HEI distributor, Pertronix setup.
@charlesdalton98520 күн бұрын
Like others have written, I had no idea this existed, thank you for teaching me. I have to mention - excellent camera work and descriptions. Again, many thanks ~ Chuck
@J_R_Shop17 күн бұрын
Thank you Chuck, I've been working with a new editing program, it's been a learning that's for sure, not very refined yet, and it takes longer to do the editing. than doing the work for the video. Lol
@kayeninetwo358520 күн бұрын
Wow, so this was an option then? My car ('65 Landau) has none of this stuff ( amplifier, circuit/transistor box by battery, etc.) so I presume it wasn't on my car to begin with. Someone (prev. owner) changed my system out to Pertronix, so I guess it's possible they removed all that stuff. If the perma-tuned ignition was offered as an option, I wonder how much it cost and how it was marketed to customers? It seems like kind of a tech-y option for 1965. I guess the "perma-tuned" name implies the customer would need less tune ups, but I wonder if that's true. Still needed points and you still needed to change plugs and rotors. Thanks for the detailed info on obscure vintage Thunderbird esoterica!
@J_R_Shop17 күн бұрын
It did seem to reduce the need for those all too often "tune-ups", but I think with transistor rapidly getting smaller and cheaper, Ford was able to reduce the system as a whole into the Dura-Spark setup.
@mcrick893120 күн бұрын
I have a 66 tbird an replaced points an condenser with electronic ignition $125. pentex i think its called works good 5yrs now, can us coil or buy a pentex coil i used the one in the car,. screws right in
@kayeninetwo358520 күн бұрын
Do you mean Pertronix? That's what my '65 has. Some cars have pertronix systems that can use a non-pertronix coil, but you have to check the ohms resistance on the coil to make sure it's compatible. Can't remember the details, but the info is available online, as I recall.
@kayeninetwo358520 күн бұрын
Great that you got the cruise cntrl working. It's fun to get this stuff functioning again, when it can happen. My car doesn't have cruise, but I'm sure your video was helpful to many people.
@J_R_Shop17 күн бұрын
Thank you, these old cruise control units weren't very reliable, and it was nice to get it working again... however, I'm not expecting it to be very useful without constant maintenance. 🥺
@SierraJohn20 күн бұрын
Thanks for explaining that--I never understood it. In my 1966 electrical assembly manual, the page with the transistorized ignition system has a stamp on it that says "CANCELLED." Apparently, they discontinued it. I enjoy your videos.
@J_R_Shop17 күн бұрын
Your welcome John, it was an early version of the electronic ignition...but a little bulky.
@walterjoncas1220 күн бұрын
Thanks again for your wonderful videos. Our 64 ThunderBird was completed about seven or eight months ago. I have taken it as far as I can. Not much left to do. Voltage regulator for the gauges, power steering leak (minor). Left rear quarter wind needs a good take apart and cleaning. Maybe a pinion seal, althought its dry now. Driving it appeared to help it. And thats it. We had a very generous offer for it out of the blue. Lynne and I chewed on it for a week or so and agreed to let it move on to the next custodian. We have had it for six years. The first three most of the work was done on it. We have been using it and it is a pleasure to drive. She shines like a diamond inside and out. But each day it gets a bit more difficut for me to maintain it. I dont want it to slip backwards. It is going to a new home. She only has 37,000 documented miles on her. I know the new owners will take good care of her. I will still be around keeping an eye on you and Nick.
@J_R_Shop17 күн бұрын
Thank you Walt! I'm happy your 64 is going to a good home. 😊
@jeffsmith84620 күн бұрын
Perhaps the only Flair bird in existence still using the original Perma Tune. I can assume that the only real advantage of the perm tune is that there is very little current passing through the points and therefore the points would last tens of thousands of miles. I had a California 64 hardtop that was DSO 84 and was a big wig car sent to Los Angeles district for use by one of the people there. The first owner bought it from Ford at one year old and kept it for over 40 years. When I got it I unplugged the amplifier module and the car still ran great. Someone had converted the distributor to normal points and condenser somewhere along the line. Anyway, congratulations on getting it working even if it was just a dirty contact at the fuse.
@J_R_Shop17 күн бұрын
Thank you Jeff, I agree with you...the only real advantage was maintenance on the ignition system.
@MattsRageFitGarage20 күн бұрын
Is there really a noticeable performance difference between the perma tuned transistorized ignition system and the regular points and condenser ignition? I remember reading this was originally used on the medium duty or heavy duty trucks then they made their way into the high performance cars in 63 or so.
@J_R_Shop20 күн бұрын
I don't think it makes a big difference performance wise, but it does save maintenance on the points, they last longer.
@JRobert11111119 күн бұрын
@@J_R_Shop If Ford had just made the dwell easy to adjust like GM cars (with the access door on dist. cap), then changing points is no big deal. Fords are a royal pain to dial in the dwell; not just a gap and start.
@leescales521621 күн бұрын
Great job! I just drug home a 65 Bird a couple of weeks ago, I haven't started working on it, and I'm not sure exactly what features it has yet. I do have nightmares from working on cruise control on Fords, Lincolns and Mercury's back in the early 70's. Subscribed.
@J_R_Shop20 күн бұрын
Congratulations on your Thunderbird purchase! I could see, that having to make these cruise control units work reliably, would be a nightmare. 🥺 Thank you for subscribing!
@TheArkDoc26 күн бұрын
Epic. You are quite talented.
@J_R_Shop26 күн бұрын
Thank you! Its a slow process. Lol
@TheArkDoc26 күн бұрын
Will be doing this on my 64 convertible this summer. Neither rear window works The passenger side rear "sorta" worked and was very slow last fall, but now, nothing. Thanks for the walk-through. I was very wary before watching this.
@TheArkDoc26 күн бұрын
I have a 64 Convertible with inoperable sail windows. The car has been mostly restored, but the rear driver's window stopped working about three years ago and the passenger stopped last year. I have been dreading getting to them, but you have saved me so much time by documenting the procedure. It's not as frightening as it seamed. Fortunately, the top and wiring was completely replaced before I bought it, so my "surgery" won't be as extensive as yours.
@J_R_Shop26 күн бұрын
The hardest part of the process is removing the seat bottom and trim, the rest is pretty easy.
@servicetechnician326427 күн бұрын
Hello Alvin. Awesome video! The detailed information on how it works will be a great help for those that have this option. George B
@J_R_Shop26 күн бұрын
Thank you George! We did a test drive a couple of days ago, and it works...a little touchy on the control wheel, but it works. My wife videoed it, but the wind noise was pretty bad, we will do another recording with the windows up next time.
@Tachdout28 күн бұрын
I really need a more detailed video cause I'm over here struggling
@Tachdout18 күн бұрын
I ended up figuring it out that day , I had the torsion bars positioned on the wrong side
@joshuamoody294129 күн бұрын
bought the same for my 71 f250. Couldnt see myself paying a lot for the original that doesnt do much and couldnt see myself paying alot for the fancy vintage looking one all youtubers use.
@J_R_Shop28 күн бұрын
That's why I went with this one, it works well enough for me. 🙂
@Exit45RestorationsАй бұрын
I do like a good troubleshooting session. I'm glad it wasn't anything serious and you could get it woring with just the new baffle. I don't have cruise on mine so I get to skip this one. Great video
@J_R_ShopАй бұрын
Thank you Matt! The bellows has reproduced...that was a surprise, and not pricey either!
@joernoneАй бұрын
Alvin, That was very educational, my friend. Pearline doesn't have cruise control, but it was still good to see how the old ones worked. Good show. Regards, John
@J_R_ShopАй бұрын
Thank you John! It was a good learning on how it all works. I've been looking over the Perma-Tuned ignition, and think I would like to do a video on the components that make it work, it's another one of those early Ford experiments...so why not document it for others to see. 😊
@ericwashington1100Ай бұрын
Any recommendations on where I can get a brake booster for a 65 TBird?
@J_R_ShopАй бұрын
If you're in the USA, I would try Bird Nest. In Canada, I have used Blue Oval for a lot of my parts. You will need to send in your old one for a core exchange, and I believe they will want the core before they send out the rebuilt unit.
@J_R_ShopАй бұрын
You could also try Larry's Thunderbird in Corona, California...I've been to their walk in store front, and had good service, they also ship.
@ericwashington1100Ай бұрын
@@J_R_Shop thanks
@vintagethunderbirdrepair9426Ай бұрын
Hey Alvin, excellent video. I cant believe you got that to work. Ive only ever seen one other work on a 1965 Thunderbird, and that was one I restored back in the mid 90's when they were not quite as old and decrepit as they are today. Ive seen hundreds of these on cars and not one worked. My 66 even had cruise on it but I removed it because its a pain in the ass that I didn't want to deal with. I think your very lucky that the cruise components on your car seem to be in fairly good condition. The fact that the speedometer cables were not broken or seized was a miracle in itself. I was hoping to see you remove and disassemble the sensor pump. Birds Nest used to have the oil for those, maybe they still do??? I think they also have the cruise only speedometer cables new. When testing the one I restored, I was never able to get the speed to stay constant when driving down the road. Once we set the cruise speed, it would either continue to speed up or slow down. Its been so long ago that I don't remember the details exactly, I just remember that it did that. It will be interesting to see what results you get once you test drive the car. Ill be looking forward to that video. Mike Johansson is correct, I always tell people to not waste their time fixing them since there are, for the most part, no parts available and they probably wont get them working. Maybe I was wrong for doing that. If I had convinced you not to fix yours, maybe we would not have gotten this great video. My bad. Your video is very informative and interesting and hopefully it will motivate someone to fix their cruise. It would be nice if the parts were available but there are not enough cars with the option to warrant the investment. FYI, 1964-65 Thunderbirds have the same cruise control components. 1966 is different. Also, at 23:00 in the video when you start the car, see your steering wheel turn to the right? And then every time you raised the idle it turned to the right again. Your power steering gear box is bad. Thanks Alvin.
@J_R_ShopАй бұрын
Hey Nick! A highway test will be the tell tale for this speed control, I'm hopeful, but not going to be disappointed if it doesn't work. Knowing how it all works, and how fine the measurements of the metering valve need to be, I can see why you couldn't get a constant speed, just the slightest amount of change will effect the operation and speed of the car, and I don't think you were wrong in your advice, it was how you feel about it, based on experience. Yes, the steering gear box is pulling to the right, good eye Nick! Ever since I watched your video on the steering gear box, I've been think about this one, and that I should fix it. I do have a spare one I could rebuild and install...likely a good thing to do for the next owner. Thank you! 😊
@dougabbott8261Ай бұрын
A nice option that was probably rare . Great job on trouble shooting it , Thx.
@J_R_ShopАй бұрын
Thank you Doug...it is a cool feature, working or not work, and it was fun to learn how it all works. 😊
@mikejohansson6711Ай бұрын
Sweet! My '65 also has the cruse control and since Vintage Thunderbirds said that they were not that good and unreliable, I just took mine out of the car and I have all the parts. I did find that the speedometer is two pieces. my upper one was broken. But after watching this video and since I am redoing all the vacuum lines on mine I just might reinstall it. Please post an update after you test it on the road! Thanks, and God bless.
@J_R_ShopАй бұрын
To be honest, I agree with Nick on the unreliability of these speed control setups. Mechanically, the components would all have to be in excellent working condition all of the time, and that isn't likely to be the case most of the time, but it's a cool feature just the same, I feel reinstalling it is worth the effort for you...working or not. 🙂
@SierraJohnАй бұрын
Nice job. Every speed control unit I've ever seen has been broken. Never saw one working before. I like that you cover some of the unique features like this one or that remote trunk release. Hope to see more.
@J_R_ShopАй бұрын
I gather from the comments that these speed control units didn't work so well, but I'll give it try on the highway, and see what we get. 😎 This car has one more not so common feature...the "Perma-Tuned" ignition that I've been wanting to do a video on, It appears to be complete in this T-Bird, I don't think it will be a deep technical video, but more of what each component does, but first I need to get my head around on how it works. Lol
@jeffsmith846Ай бұрын
Simply amazing. The things that they did before electronics took over. I had a 66 with speed control but back then the bellows was not reproduced so I never tried to make it work. I hope you do a video of it on the road someday.
@J_R_ShopАй бұрын
There are a lot of components that all have to work together in order to make these work, and having them all still installed on the car is rare in itself, lets hope it works on the highway! I do plan on doing a short road test video, fingers crossed that it at least sort of works. Lol
Пікірлер
A real good tip that can be used on many older vehicle door cards etc etc. Thx Alvin
Hello Alvin. A real nice fix on the door panel. I used the same technique on the headliner roof panels on my 66 Landau. Thanks again for the tips. George B
Hiya Alvin!! Well I’ll be dipped! I’m the putz who has to either chisel with a putty knife or pocket knife to get the remnants off my clamping tools. That’s a real good tip! And the fiber glass resin is also a fantastic idea! Thanks for the tip my friend!! And as always, I look forward to your next video.
Nice tip Alvin. And inexpensive repair - fix.But then "Fix" is in the shops name. Walt
Glad I don't have the vac lock, do you have a video for sequential taillights on a '65?
I know I’m late to the party but genus! Thank you
Thank you!
I like how the crouse control works on these cars. Not an easy task but you got it working
These were quite the set up, lots of components that make it all work, and according to the comments from people that used to work on these, they didn't work for very long without constant maintenance. 🥴
You are absolutely the man. Everything you said was true. Made this job do able for the average home mechanic. Thank you.
I'm happy it was useful! 😃 Thank you for watching!
You skipped a key part and that's installing the shift lever in the proper position I wish you showed that in your video I'm having issues trying to get mine right.
Well, it only goes in one way. Sometimes you have to move it out of park, to get it to seat all the way in, that's why you always chock your wheels.
What size bolts are they? Looking for replacements for my 65 galaxie 352
Well done. Thanks for showing us .
Thank you Doug, and thanks for watching! ☺️
Nice job. You must have the only working T-Bird cruise control in existence.
Lol...you may be right about that John,!
Genius at work. The only 65 thunderbird cruise control that has worked since 1968. Lol. Good job.
Lol, I think you're right Jeff! Thank you. 😎
Hello Alvin. That is so cool! George B
Hey George, I figured I had better do a road test video. 😎
Just a brilliant video. Well done and thank you!
Thank you very much, and thank you for watching my channel. 😊
That cement etch sds says. 10.0 -30.0 % Phosphoric acid {Orthophosphoric acid} Isopropyl alcohol {sec-Propyl alcohol; IPA; 2-Propanol} 67-63-0 0.1 -1.0 % 68439-46-3 0.1 -1.0 % Alcohols, C9-11, ethoxyl
I'm a Jonny come lately but have been catching up on the convertible bird, and want to say you are amazing to watch with your capabilities. My love for convertibles is not as strong as yours. I might have bailed when the carpet came out but when your in it you can't quit . Be happy to see you drive it. I rebuilt a motor for my 64 bird, white exterior, red interior and loved it. When I got to the rocker arms I I put in new shafts and replaced a few of the rockers bushings along with new lifters. I ran a wire through the pushrods to remove old residue from oil. When the motor came to life there was no pecking or ticking. My bird was a hardtop. The car prior to the bird was a 62 galaxy 500 xl convertible with bucket seats and center console w power steering, no air which I would have enjoyed. Are you going to add air to yours? Your metal work is amazing.
Thank you Johnny! Yes, my convertible was in bad condition, since it was all ready to go through the crusher when I found it, I figured, anything I do to it would be better than crushing it... even if I parted it out, at least others would benefit. I haven't been planning to put it in an A/C, we only get about two months of temperatures each year, that Ac would even be used.
Awesome video, about to replace mine and didn't want to drop the drive shaft. Thank you
You're welcome, good luck with the starter replacement.
Just changed it out today and it only took about 45 minutes just as you said it came out nice and easy. Thanks again great video.
I'm chuckling a little watching this as I relive a very similar & frustrating time with that b*$£%y spring. Thank you for sharing.
Lol...yes, a little curing may have been involved!
I didn't know these had a different ignition system on these. I have the more traditional system on mine. Good information for those who have this system.
Hey Matt, I've been trying to document all of these odd-ball options on this old T-Bird before I sell it, it may come in handy for someone in the future.
@J_R_Shop good idea. Someone will need it I'm sure
I put rolair rubber feet on my stand and balanced the arbor and wheels doesn't need the rubber feet now lol
Alvin, Very good explaination, my friend. At some point, if I live long enough, I hope to install a complete modern solid state ignition setup in Pearline. But first I have to plow through my antique radio and speaker backlog. We're making progress. Regards, John
Hey John, I know you are knowledgeable with the components that make up this system, you would have ran into them went restoring vintage radios, and this setup is very basic compared to a radio, this is just a switching device. I've got to watch your latest video on speaker repair...the rear one in this old bird is torn and scratchy sounding.
Hey Alvin, great video. Yes the coil is different for those cars. The negative terminal on the coil is grounded to the engine as opposed to a conventional coil where the negative goes to the distributor. Looking on your wiring diagram, you can see that the wire to the distributor comes from the amplifier. These are much more common on the 1964. I don't care for them, there are no parts available for them and it just complicated things. I don't think there is any performance difference either. I agree with Mike Johansson, take the amplifier apart and test those components, see if they are any good. Thanks.
Hi Nick, thanks for confirming that the coils are different, and I'm pretty sure a guy could replace the whole system with an Arduino! Lol Since the engine is running very well, I don't think I want to start taking the amp apart right now.
Hello Alvin. Thanks for showing and explaining that option. It'll help those that have that system in their car. Wonder why your fuse was blown. George B
Hey George, you're welcome...the fuse connection was bad, the fuse was fine.
Thanks for the info 👍🇺🇸
You are very welcome!
Hey Alvin, thanks for the video strangely my '65 did not have this option as it had just about every thing else. I had a shot distributor in it and I just changed it out for a conventional points version. But I may change it one day. Anyway, in the diagram of the amplifier those caps of 40 and 2 MFD are probably bad after all these years. I work on old Tube radios from the '30's and those values of 40 mfd are quite common. Ever wonder why old radios have a terrible hum? the capacitors have gone bad and they leak internally. Change them out and no more 60 cycle hum. It would be neat to see the inside of one of those amps and to test the caps. Any way I enjoyed your video! God bless.
Hi Mike, the caps may have failed, however the engine is running smooth, so I don't want monkey around with it went its working well. The no start issue was just a poor connection at the fuse, she fired right back up after I cleaned it. 😊
Great Scott Alvin!!! Is there any way of just swapping out all that junk for an HEI distributor system? Now I gotta go look to see if my son has that style, greeeeaaat. Lol Thanks for the heads up and the tuition of it all!
Lol, Oh yeah, there are lots of option available to do a "Perma-Tuned" delete, and if this system were to die on me, I would switch it over to something more modern, like an HEI distributor, Pertronix setup.
Like others have written, I had no idea this existed, thank you for teaching me. I have to mention - excellent camera work and descriptions. Again, many thanks ~ Chuck
Thank you Chuck, I've been working with a new editing program, it's been a learning that's for sure, not very refined yet, and it takes longer to do the editing. than doing the work for the video. Lol
Wow, so this was an option then? My car ('65 Landau) has none of this stuff ( amplifier, circuit/transistor box by battery, etc.) so I presume it wasn't on my car to begin with. Someone (prev. owner) changed my system out to Pertronix, so I guess it's possible they removed all that stuff. If the perma-tuned ignition was offered as an option, I wonder how much it cost and how it was marketed to customers? It seems like kind of a tech-y option for 1965. I guess the "perma-tuned" name implies the customer would need less tune ups, but I wonder if that's true. Still needed points and you still needed to change plugs and rotors. Thanks for the detailed info on obscure vintage Thunderbird esoterica!
It did seem to reduce the need for those all too often "tune-ups", but I think with transistor rapidly getting smaller and cheaper, Ford was able to reduce the system as a whole into the Dura-Spark setup.
I have a 66 tbird an replaced points an condenser with electronic ignition $125. pentex i think its called works good 5yrs now, can us coil or buy a pentex coil i used the one in the car,. screws right in
Do you mean Pertronix? That's what my '65 has. Some cars have pertronix systems that can use a non-pertronix coil, but you have to check the ohms resistance on the coil to make sure it's compatible. Can't remember the details, but the info is available online, as I recall.
Great that you got the cruise cntrl working. It's fun to get this stuff functioning again, when it can happen. My car doesn't have cruise, but I'm sure your video was helpful to many people.
Thank you, these old cruise control units weren't very reliable, and it was nice to get it working again... however, I'm not expecting it to be very useful without constant maintenance. 🥺
Thanks for explaining that--I never understood it. In my 1966 electrical assembly manual, the page with the transistorized ignition system has a stamp on it that says "CANCELLED." Apparently, they discontinued it. I enjoy your videos.
Your welcome John, it was an early version of the electronic ignition...but a little bulky.
Thanks again for your wonderful videos. Our 64 ThunderBird was completed about seven or eight months ago. I have taken it as far as I can. Not much left to do. Voltage regulator for the gauges, power steering leak (minor). Left rear quarter wind needs a good take apart and cleaning. Maybe a pinion seal, althought its dry now. Driving it appeared to help it. And thats it. We had a very generous offer for it out of the blue. Lynne and I chewed on it for a week or so and agreed to let it move on to the next custodian. We have had it for six years. The first three most of the work was done on it. We have been using it and it is a pleasure to drive. She shines like a diamond inside and out. But each day it gets a bit more difficut for me to maintain it. I dont want it to slip backwards. It is going to a new home. She only has 37,000 documented miles on her. I know the new owners will take good care of her. I will still be around keeping an eye on you and Nick.
Thank you Walt! I'm happy your 64 is going to a good home. 😊
Perhaps the only Flair bird in existence still using the original Perma Tune. I can assume that the only real advantage of the perm tune is that there is very little current passing through the points and therefore the points would last tens of thousands of miles. I had a California 64 hardtop that was DSO 84 and was a big wig car sent to Los Angeles district for use by one of the people there. The first owner bought it from Ford at one year old and kept it for over 40 years. When I got it I unplugged the amplifier module and the car still ran great. Someone had converted the distributor to normal points and condenser somewhere along the line. Anyway, congratulations on getting it working even if it was just a dirty contact at the fuse.
Thank you Jeff, I agree with you...the only real advantage was maintenance on the ignition system.
Is there really a noticeable performance difference between the perma tuned transistorized ignition system and the regular points and condenser ignition? I remember reading this was originally used on the medium duty or heavy duty trucks then they made their way into the high performance cars in 63 or so.
I don't think it makes a big difference performance wise, but it does save maintenance on the points, they last longer.
@@J_R_Shop If Ford had just made the dwell easy to adjust like GM cars (with the access door on dist. cap), then changing points is no big deal. Fords are a royal pain to dial in the dwell; not just a gap and start.
Great job! I just drug home a 65 Bird a couple of weeks ago, I haven't started working on it, and I'm not sure exactly what features it has yet. I do have nightmares from working on cruise control on Fords, Lincolns and Mercury's back in the early 70's. Subscribed.
Congratulations on your Thunderbird purchase! I could see, that having to make these cruise control units work reliably, would be a nightmare. 🥺 Thank you for subscribing!
Epic. You are quite talented.
Thank you! Its a slow process. Lol
Will be doing this on my 64 convertible this summer. Neither rear window works The passenger side rear "sorta" worked and was very slow last fall, but now, nothing. Thanks for the walk-through. I was very wary before watching this.
I have a 64 Convertible with inoperable sail windows. The car has been mostly restored, but the rear driver's window stopped working about three years ago and the passenger stopped last year. I have been dreading getting to them, but you have saved me so much time by documenting the procedure. It's not as frightening as it seamed. Fortunately, the top and wiring was completely replaced before I bought it, so my "surgery" won't be as extensive as yours.
The hardest part of the process is removing the seat bottom and trim, the rest is pretty easy.
Hello Alvin. Awesome video! The detailed information on how it works will be a great help for those that have this option. George B
Thank you George! We did a test drive a couple of days ago, and it works...a little touchy on the control wheel, but it works. My wife videoed it, but the wind noise was pretty bad, we will do another recording with the windows up next time.
I really need a more detailed video cause I'm over here struggling
I ended up figuring it out that day , I had the torsion bars positioned on the wrong side
bought the same for my 71 f250. Couldnt see myself paying a lot for the original that doesnt do much and couldnt see myself paying alot for the fancy vintage looking one all youtubers use.
That's why I went with this one, it works well enough for me. 🙂
I do like a good troubleshooting session. I'm glad it wasn't anything serious and you could get it woring with just the new baffle. I don't have cruise on mine so I get to skip this one. Great video
Thank you Matt! The bellows has reproduced...that was a surprise, and not pricey either!
Alvin, That was very educational, my friend. Pearline doesn't have cruise control, but it was still good to see how the old ones worked. Good show. Regards, John
Thank you John! It was a good learning on how it all works. I've been looking over the Perma-Tuned ignition, and think I would like to do a video on the components that make it work, it's another one of those early Ford experiments...so why not document it for others to see. 😊
Any recommendations on where I can get a brake booster for a 65 TBird?
If you're in the USA, I would try Bird Nest. In Canada, I have used Blue Oval for a lot of my parts. You will need to send in your old one for a core exchange, and I believe they will want the core before they send out the rebuilt unit.
You could also try Larry's Thunderbird in Corona, California...I've been to their walk in store front, and had good service, they also ship.
@@J_R_Shop thanks
Hey Alvin, excellent video. I cant believe you got that to work. Ive only ever seen one other work on a 1965 Thunderbird, and that was one I restored back in the mid 90's when they were not quite as old and decrepit as they are today. Ive seen hundreds of these on cars and not one worked. My 66 even had cruise on it but I removed it because its a pain in the ass that I didn't want to deal with. I think your very lucky that the cruise components on your car seem to be in fairly good condition. The fact that the speedometer cables were not broken or seized was a miracle in itself. I was hoping to see you remove and disassemble the sensor pump. Birds Nest used to have the oil for those, maybe they still do??? I think they also have the cruise only speedometer cables new. When testing the one I restored, I was never able to get the speed to stay constant when driving down the road. Once we set the cruise speed, it would either continue to speed up or slow down. Its been so long ago that I don't remember the details exactly, I just remember that it did that. It will be interesting to see what results you get once you test drive the car. Ill be looking forward to that video. Mike Johansson is correct, I always tell people to not waste their time fixing them since there are, for the most part, no parts available and they probably wont get them working. Maybe I was wrong for doing that. If I had convinced you not to fix yours, maybe we would not have gotten this great video. My bad. Your video is very informative and interesting and hopefully it will motivate someone to fix their cruise. It would be nice if the parts were available but there are not enough cars with the option to warrant the investment. FYI, 1964-65 Thunderbirds have the same cruise control components. 1966 is different. Also, at 23:00 in the video when you start the car, see your steering wheel turn to the right? And then every time you raised the idle it turned to the right again. Your power steering gear box is bad. Thanks Alvin.
Hey Nick! A highway test will be the tell tale for this speed control, I'm hopeful, but not going to be disappointed if it doesn't work. Knowing how it all works, and how fine the measurements of the metering valve need to be, I can see why you couldn't get a constant speed, just the slightest amount of change will effect the operation and speed of the car, and I don't think you were wrong in your advice, it was how you feel about it, based on experience. Yes, the steering gear box is pulling to the right, good eye Nick! Ever since I watched your video on the steering gear box, I've been think about this one, and that I should fix it. I do have a spare one I could rebuild and install...likely a good thing to do for the next owner. Thank you! 😊
A nice option that was probably rare . Great job on trouble shooting it , Thx.
Thank you Doug...it is a cool feature, working or not work, and it was fun to learn how it all works. 😊
Sweet! My '65 also has the cruse control and since Vintage Thunderbirds said that they were not that good and unreliable, I just took mine out of the car and I have all the parts. I did find that the speedometer is two pieces. my upper one was broken. But after watching this video and since I am redoing all the vacuum lines on mine I just might reinstall it. Please post an update after you test it on the road! Thanks, and God bless.
To be honest, I agree with Nick on the unreliability of these speed control setups. Mechanically, the components would all have to be in excellent working condition all of the time, and that isn't likely to be the case most of the time, but it's a cool feature just the same, I feel reinstalling it is worth the effort for you...working or not. 🙂
Nice job. Every speed control unit I've ever seen has been broken. Never saw one working before. I like that you cover some of the unique features like this one or that remote trunk release. Hope to see more.
I gather from the comments that these speed control units didn't work so well, but I'll give it try on the highway, and see what we get. 😎 This car has one more not so common feature...the "Perma-Tuned" ignition that I've been wanting to do a video on, It appears to be complete in this T-Bird, I don't think it will be a deep technical video, but more of what each component does, but first I need to get my head around on how it works. Lol
Simply amazing. The things that they did before electronics took over. I had a 66 with speed control but back then the bellows was not reproduced so I never tried to make it work. I hope you do a video of it on the road someday.
There are a lot of components that all have to work together in order to make these work, and having them all still installed on the car is rare in itself, lets hope it works on the highway! I do plan on doing a short road test video, fingers crossed that it at least sort of works. Lol