Dismantling a Danbury Mint 1962 Thunderbird Sports Roadster Part 2

Continuing on with blowing apart a Thunderbird Sports Roadster...

Dismantling the chassis isn't very difficult.  Everything is either screwed or glued together.

The “down” top is held in by two pins.  I use a small punch or a finishing nail and a hammer to tap the pin out.  Only one side needs to be removed to get the down top out.

The faux folded top is glued to the panel and can be easily pried off with a screwdriver.

The rear seat back is glued at the bottom and can be gently pulled free.

The rear seat bottom is glued on both sides and can be pried up with a screwdriver.

The front seat backs are removed by gently prying the pivot points of the seat backs from the holes located on the seat bases.

Here's how they look up close.

Remove the bottom seat cushions from their bases by gently prying with a screwdriver to break the glue bonds.

Once the seat cushions are out the seat bases can be removed with a screwdriver

Moving on to the engine compartment...

To remove the engine assembly, first remove the battery and other stuff attached to the chassis. Pry with a small screwdriver or utility knife to break the glue bond with the battery, washer bag, etc.

Turning the chassis over, remove the two small Philip head screws that hold the engine in place. 

Break the glue bond under the radiator and then…

…pry on each side of the radiator to break the glue bonds there. 

Break the glue bonds at the shock towers with a utility knife.  The cowl (or firewall) is not glued in and will come out easily.  I leave the radiator and all the hoses and wiring attached, there’s no need to disconnect them.

Pry up the interior floor pan from the chassis to reveal a screw that holds the dash and console in place. Remove the screw and the floor pan can be removed from the chassis.  The dashboard/steering wheel assembly will remain in place and is removed once the engine is out.  Next, pry the transmission from the crossmember with a screwdriver and the engine assembly can be removed.

The dashboard/steering shaft/ pinion gear assembly can be removed from the steering rack by careful fenagling. The yellow arrow is where the steering shaft rests. The pinion gear sits on the steering rack below that. Sorry, I didn’t get a picture of its removal. 

So, here we are, all disassembled and nearly ready for new interior and exterior paint colors.  Hmmm... I wonder what they will be?!  Stay tuned for Part 3!