1961 Ford Thunderbird trunk and rear seats

WATERBOARD

MEMBER
1961 FORD THUNDERBIRD
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
63,121 MILES

How can I get the trunk open? The back emblem is not swing open to expose the lock. How does the back seat get removed? What should I do to the engine before I try and start it? The car has been in a garage since 1975 and has not been started since 1985.

1 Reply

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

To get to the trunk thing to open, spray some penetrating oil on the top edges. The heat it a little with a propane torch being careful to not melt the plastic if it's on there. Then take a small piece of wood with a hammer and tap it very lightly. If you have a an 8 oz hammer that would be better. It should open then but be careful with it. As far a s trying to start it, see if will turn over by hand first. Thentake the plugs out and put some oil in the cylinders. Turn it over a few times. Disconnect the fuel line from the ful pump and use fresh gas to connect to the fuel pump. This will be ok for just a start up and not running very long. If you planon rnning this engine for a long time thenchange coolant, oil and filters remove fuel tankand get cleaned out as well as fuel lines, and all rubber hoses.