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Looks like my 2005 Cashmere is only getting about 14 MPG in the city. Does this seem about right?

Could be if you're not putting many miles on the car each time it's started up. My driving is mixed and I haven't checked recently what kind of gas mileage I get for local and highway driving combined. I just know I have to fill up sooner with that type of driving over just long distance freeway driving. With just freeway driving, I probably average about 25mpg and have gotten as high as 28mpg.

Can anyone tell me how many 2003 T-birds were painted the Whisper White ?

2460
all production #s are on the color pages on my website.

Newbee question. I am looking for a 2005 T-bird, 50th Anniversary Special Addition. From what I have read is that the 6 & 7th digits of the Vin number should be 69 to a 50th anniversary. What I see though are alot of cars that say they are 50th, but show a code of 60. Do I have my facts correct and should ignore the vins with a 60 in the 6 & 7 position. Thanks

yes, ignor the ones with the 60 in that spot - all 2005 tbirds are anniversary models. The one you're looking for is "Cashmere" in color - with the 69 in the vin# - check my website for that special edition page. soft top is a light tan, interior is light colored in creams and browns.

MY VIN IS 1FAHP60A95Y103412, CAN YOU GIVE ME THE BREAKDOWN OF THIS NUMBER.

Dot,
If 7 Inca Gold came with the white hardtop, how many of the remaining 75 came with the Inca Gold hardtop?
Ron

Ron,
55 came with Inca Gold hardtops.

Dot

Have you found out if anything ford is going to do about the COP problems we all seem to be having and where can I write or call to complain????

Brett,
Discussions about the subject are on Thunderbirdnest.com as stated in my coil on plug post. At this time we have heard nothing other than the letter in the earlier post. (by the way, there has been no discussion on my blog post about that issue).
The letter only covers the 03. 02, 04 and 05 owners need to complain to their dealer, call customer service, or write to customer service (phone #/address in your owners manual). The complaints need to be made, the problem needs to heard at Ford.
There is speculation that Ford is not covering the 04s or 05s yet as there are still 04s and 05s covered by the basic warranty. That does not explain the lack of 02s getting the coverage. All you can do is complain and push your dealer to inquire at Ford about the progress to getting all years covered (or at least your car covered) as it also affects the Lincoln LS of earlier years up to at least the 2006. Check the LS forums for their discussions on the subject.

I was wondering if anyone could direct me in finding a hardtop stand and top cover for my 04 PCR
Thanks
Gordon Anderson
Alpahretta, GA

Gordon,
Try watching ebay - they do come up occasionnaly there.
Or you might try http://removabletops.com for a carrier or http://www.thunderbirdconcepts.com for a top cover.

I have a 2002 Bird and recently noticed that it's impossible to rev the engine beyond 3000 rpm. in park. As soon as the engine hits 3000 rpms, it cuts out and no matter what you do it will not rev higher. What I would like to know is this a normal safety cut out to protect the engine or do I have a problem? Has anyone else ever noticed this?

TIA,
Bruce...

It's a normal safety feature to protect the engine. It will occur in reverse too.

Can the hydraulic cooling fan (HCF) in a 2002 Thunderbird be safely replaced with an aftermarket electric fan? The HCF replacement looks like it will cost about $870 and may be a continuing problem (see TSB #012111). Also, is Ford willing to help pay for the HCF replacement? Our car only has 23,000 miles on it. Thanks.

Martin, I do not know the answer to that question. The fan is probably tied into the computer control for the car. Whether Ford would be willing to help pay for the HCF replacement is up to Ford and their warranty coverage. It's something you'll have to take up with Ford and I doubt they'll cover an 02 unless you have an extended warranty from them that covers that item.
If you have a good relationship with your Ford dealer's service dept, it's possible that they can cut you some slack just to keep your good will towards their dealership.

Quickdraw Could you give info on a 2002 bird 1FAHP60A32Y126194? thanks,Tony

Can you tell me what the light on the top center of the dashboard (way forward near the windshield glass) is for? Mine just started flashing red for a while after starting and finally went off.

Tom, The light at the top center of your dash is your alarm light - tells you when the alarm is set. flashing usually means it's been set. It may have been a computer glitch that caused it or you hit the lock key on the remote? though I wouldn't think that would set it off.

Sorry to hear that Tony. Quickdraw is not furnishing stats at this time, here.

Hello:

Please provide similar build numbers for my 2004 Thunderbird vin # 1FAHP60A34Y107891

Thank you

John Slattery

Sorry, John, quickdraw is no longer posting stats here.

Can you tell me how I would go about getting a copy of the original window sticker for my 2002 Thunderbird? Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

Jerry, Your best chance of getting one is thru the original selling dealer. Even then, it may not be possible as any dealer that will get them, usually only do it for their good customers. Now, to find your original selling dealer if you didn't buy your car new, may be a little tricky.

My co-worker has been contemplating buying a used T-bird, maybe 04 or 5. I am doing some research for him and the question is, can he put a hardtop on a bird if it did not come factory with the hardtop. Will it go on and strap down as is or are there brackets that can be put on or...? The question arises because he's seen them with both tops and some with just the rag top. Thanks in advance for your help.
Michael

Michael,
Any 02-05 hardtop will fit any 02-05 thunderbird. Nothing to do except learn how to install and latch it down. He will need a specialized tool for the job so he should ask for that tool when he buys a hardtop.

My '03 T-bird [32k miles] has an annoying brake noise. When on a bumpy road I get a clattering [metal on metal] noise from the left front. I've had the caliper, mounting hardware, and stabilizer bar bushings replaced. After each fix it is quiet for a while but then the noise returns. The braking performance is normal. Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Hi David,
That's one I don't have an answer for. I wonder if you would go to a Ford or Lincoln dealer that has experience with either the Thunderbird or the Lincoln LS and see if there's a TSB on that noise. Dealers can be costly and may not be able to help you either so it's a toss up on that one. You also might post your problem on the Thunderbirdnest.com forums and see if anyone else has experienced this on any other Ford car they have if not on a t-bird.

Here`s a Question I bet has not ever been asked ! I have a 2005 cashmere edition Bird, I don`t care for the painted grill ! Does anyone happen to know if the grill is chrome under the paint ?? If so, I would like to have the paint removed to show the chrome, rather than purchase a new grill. What do you folks think is the best way to go ??

Here`s a Question I bet has not ever been asked ! I have a 2005 cashmere edition Bird, I don`t care for the painted grill ! Does anyone happen to know if the grill is chrome under the paint ?? If so, I would like to have the paint removed to show the chrome, rather than purchase a new grill. What do you folks think is the best way to go ??

Michael, the grill is not chrome under the paint - it's black plastic. Watch ebay or check out local swapmeets. You never know when a grill might turn up, or check with your dealer or another dealer online about getting a new one. Some online Ford dealers offer substantial savings on parts.

I have a 2004 Pacific Coast roadster. The Silver Finish on the hubcaps ( Surrounding the bird emblem has a slightly cloudy discolored cast to them!?! Being very finicky about my baby , this bothers me ! I am the second owner of the car, so I do not know if the first owner used some harsh cleaner that made this happen or if it just natural ageing ? I have so far tried only water to remove the cloudyness that did not work! I do not want to use the wrong cleaner or polish that might make it Worse!! Does any T-BIRD Fan have any advise on how to solve the Problem ?? thanks!!

Mike,
No answer to that one. It does sound like the previous owner used something on the paint to cloud it over like that. Do you see any of that cloudiness on the paint on the wheels themselves?

Wife bought a 2003 Tbird. Had it checked by reputable mechanic and all checked out fine. Just finished having it repainted - awesome job Jerry's Custom Collision in Gresham, Oregon (Thanks Jerry). Was driving out to the dealer to pick up the license plates. Started having misfiring under load. Has SST. Check engine light came on (flashing). Let off and drove easy - light went out. Could this be a C.O.P. problem or just bad fuel or anyone have any other idea? Has 40k miles and I drove it for a week before paint and did put it through its paces with no negative issues? Or could this be a fuel issue with the spring change over from the ethanol additive they change in the spring? Will take it to shop but just looking for ideas/thoughts. Thanks all

STeve, C.O.P. issue is my first thought but there can be other causes if that's ruled out. You can have either Ford or an independent mechanic check out any codes that may have been set when the wrench light came on.
Has your fuel filter been changed? or the air cleaner?

I have a 2005 blue Tbird. My engine cover has the Lincoln logo. The lincoln LS and Tbird has the same 3.9. Did the plant run short on Thunderbird logo's?

David, tell me a little more. are you the first owner?
It's highly unlikely that occurred at the factory as Ford would have had stock on hand for replacements if necessary. It more than likely took place at a Lincoln dealership if original owner took the car went in to one for service work and the original was ruined in the process. The original has the Thunderbird emblem & a V8 on it.

I have a 2003 Whisper White premium hardtop. I would like to add an auxilary iPod connection and bluetooth connection to the factory stereo system (I live and commute in Los Angeles, so I need all the in car entertainment I can get). I noticed Ford sells a bluetooth integration system for the Lincoln LS. Will that work on my Thunderbird? I am also considering changing out the factory system. Any suggestions? Has anyone had any luck adding iPod and bluetooth to the factory system? Has anyone changed to an aftermarket stereo? Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

HI David,
I'm not much help to you there. However, you might want to check out this thread on Thunderbirdnest.com:
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16625 You'll need to sign it to view it if you're not a member already. As for the Lincoln LS system, I don't know, it might be but check in with a Lincoln dealer and ask or check in with a Lincoln LS forum such as http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/

Dot, I bloged awhile back about cloudiness on the center of my hubcaps of my 2004 PCR. I was Clay barring my T-Bird for the first time , and thought " Why Not !?! " The clay bar removed the cloudiness completely !! Thought I would Pass the advice on to others ! Thanks Mike

Thank you, Dot. I did a few searches on both those forums and found a lot of helpful information. I am now leaning toward replacing the entire factory radio. I will let you know how it goes.

David, Will like to hear how you fare on replacing your radio.

Thanks Dot,
Ended up taking it to Courtesy Ford in East Portland (walking distance to my office!!) They were very careful with the fresh paint and it WAS COP. One bad one. Plus, the mechanic was thorough enough that the cylinder next was show some fluctuation and changed that one as well. Dealer was not aware of the Factory warranty on this issue and quoted a price. Produced the letter (thanks for having it online) and they immediately apologized and took care of everything.

Just a note, for those with COP issues, the Service Manager at Courtesy Ford made a comment that they have seen alot of COP with trucks? I hope pressure can continue to be put on the factory to stand behind these issues and fix them. We got lucky we bought an 03.

Has anyone removed the whole ragtop assembly to gain interior space? I sure can't find a single reference online even after many searches. What would be involved? How much usable space could be gained? What would all the pros and cons be? reversible? Would a perfect top bring good money on parts market? Weight savings? We could REALLY use any extra usable storage space on this car! My wife is a teacher and she has a heck of time sometimes cramming in everything she needs to haul but she just loves the car! But she never has removed the hard top so of course has never even seen the rag top! Not even one time! Several years ago I bought her this '02 T Bird (was the only year it came in turquoise with the matching two tone interior) It had been her dream since a child to have that color Tbird so when the retro came out she burned with lust for it. It just bothers me that there might be easily opened up storage space that she would love to have if I only I could find out! I guess I should twist her arm into pulling the hard top for a week or so and then I could put the rag top up and see better what is involved? Thanks in advance for any help! Doug

Hi Doug,
I don't know of anyone who has removed the softtop to gain the extra storage space. Many remove the hardtop and never put it back on because they like being able to use the car as it was designed to be used.

The softtop is lined and is useable year around even in cold weather. When it is up, the well is also lined & can be used for light weight items but one must remember to remove them before lowering the top as the top can be seriously damaged (break the glass window)

The softtop can be removed, frame and all. You'll also find the well liner needs to be removed as it was not designed to hold weight, just to keep things from falling down into nooks & crannies in the well. I'm not sure what is below it and what might have to be covered up or if a box could be made to make it a good storage spot.

Keep in mind that if you should decide that you have to resell the car, most buyers will want that softtop in place, along with the motor to operate it so it would be wise to just store the softtop & frame if you remove it.

As for an aftermarket for the softtop. There is a minimal one right now as the original softtops are holding up quite well, just not old enough to need replacing.

Hi,

I purchased a 2002 Blue premium with all the extras and the blue top and accents

I was wondering how many blue ones were acuatlly produced and with these options
included? is there any way to find out that information.

mine was the second or third to arrive at the dealership (I ordered the day they
opened up orders and the dealership owner and one other person beat me in to
order :) )

can you help me with any information? I would think this will be a prime
collectors car in the future - I have only been able to find one on the net with
the same options and less that 4k miles --- Alice

Alice,
There were 4246 made with blue hardtop and full blue accent interior. There were 852 with blue hardtop and partial blue accent interior. Check my website interior page for the difference between those two interiors.

ps - I got your email request but no email address to send to so responding to you here and hope you find this post

can you help with production numbers for my car. 1FAHP60A04Y103605. Delivered to where and how many like it....thanks

Hi Bill,

Not all of those questions at this time. If you tell me what color and what color interior yours is and if it has a hardtop, what color, I can give you how many made like it.

Does any one know how to remove the port window chorme from the haed top.

You might ask the question on Thunderbirdnest.com or do a search on that site as a few members there have had to do that.

Do you know who makes black ink interior touch up paint?
I have a minor scratch where the soft top pin scraped the window frame black finish and one of the control buttons on the steering wheel the finish has rubbed off. The local Ford dealer does not carry interior touch up paint and neither does the auto paint store.
Thanks.
Lynn.

Lynn,

There are a couple of Ford dealers listed on my aftermarket accessory page that have internet stores. You might also check with powersportcars.com

HI everyone, I own a 007 and I have noticed that the tail lights on all the others 007 I've seen are all red, on my car they have a chrome-imitation cover. Is this feature something "rare" or was it used on some others models?

Luis, The chrome trim you find on your taillights is an aftermarket item made by QAA and sold either by them or thru Thunderbird Concepts. They will fit any of the retrobirds.

I have a sky blue 2003 - great car but the transmission has gone south. Anyone with this experience?

Suggest that you visit Thunderbirdnest and ask there. There have been transmission problems with the 03s but you'll need to relate your symptoms to the others there. If you're getting the E code which commonly happened with the 03s, there should be plenty of info there on what the dealers had to do while the cars were under warranty. Hope you have an extended warranty on yours?

5bird7, Just a note to let you know every time I browse your blog I find something new. However, do you know of anyone that supplies a "euro-style" removable trunk luggage rack for the retrobird. Sometimes my wife and I want to cary more than "2 golf bags" as stated in the factory brochure. Thanks again for all you help, hardwork and dedication to the new bird.

Bruce,'03 evening black

Hi Bruce,
Right now, Philip Wegner of Powersportcars.com is working on getting one manufactured. However, he says it may take 3 to 6 months before he has any ready for sale. That is the closest anyone's come to having or even making one for the retrobirds that I know of.