92 Thunderbird, suggestions please!

[TMarcumUSN]

I am currently serving in the US Navy and bought a 1992 Thunderbird off a deployed shipmate.

It is supercharged, methanol injected, some other stuff.

It makes noise whenever I turn. Any advice?
How do I get the A/C recharged?
And anyone give me advice on how to kind of "rebuild it"

It's in good mech shape I just want to make it better.

Also cost of paint jobs/interior stuff, etc?

New to cars- thank you.

[JR Tigerstar]

Welcome to Automotive Forums.

I presume you have a Super Coupe (supercharged V6) Thunderbird.

Check out Super Coupe Club of America.
They should be able to answer all your questions.

I hope you like working on cars.

[97Bird]

Again, welcome to the forum TMarcumUSN! Does the car make a squealing noise when you turn the steering wheel even when not moving? This could be a power steering pump problem or even be low on power steering fluid. Since you are a newbie to cars, I suggest taking the car to a shop to have the a/c charged. That way the system can be evacuated and then refilled the correct way and they can check for leaks also. Thank you for your dedication and service to our country!!

[Scrapper]

oboy my niece has one same year had it for about six months and she had a knock it was the rispin on the piston so we put another 3800 in it and already having problems. sorry to say the 3800 are junk and have weak trannys. but there like a tarus they have problems with power sterring pumps.does it make a whining noise if so check your power sterring fluid like one of the guys told you to do.and again thanks for protecting our country. if wasn't so old i'd join up with the army again. keep your head up on doing your time. and sorry to say you might want to get another car.

[Frat-man-du]

Is this T-Bird a Super Coupe (stock Supercharged) or does it have an add on super charger?

3.8s of this vintage did have some issues - head gaskets are top of my list.

Anyway like the others above - issue is hopefully as simple as low power steering fluid, needs a new serpentine belt or as complex a bad suspension component - you don't mention what the noise is - squeal or clunk - can you be specific?

A/c is R-12 if I remember and it will have to be done by a professional with access to the older freon. I am mixed about converting to R-134. Both are expensive and if originality is a concern the R-12 is the way to go, if cheaper and longevity is your game then R-134 conversion is for you.

Rebuild the engine? A/C ?

Paint - paint is cheap the labor is what is costly. Do what you can your self - removing molding, headlights, door handles, trim, etc. A good basic paint job - base coat/clear coat will run around 2-3K depending on body work. Shop around, ask friends and don't be scared of dealers. I have seen some killer paint for reasonable cost at a Lincoln shop a couple of years ago.

Thanks for stopping by and welcome to the Automotive Hobby!