Octastar on Thunderbird?

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

So my junkyard findings have been frustratingly slim recently. Plenty new MN12 came in, but they're all in really poor condition.

Meanwhile, a very nice Mark VIII just hit a local yard, with a nice set of the chrome "Octastar" wheel. Such as this:



Has anyone ever mounted these on a Thunderbird? Would love to see photos.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Well, false alarm.

I looked at the car. The wheels looked very good. Unfortunately, the center caps had numerous busted tabs.

So I talked myself out of this one.

 

[XR7-4.6]

The Lincoln logo would drive me nuts. I say that with experience having had the tweed SC seats with the Thunderbird logo in my Cougar lol

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

The Lincoln logo would drive me nuts.

Ha!

Generally I would be of the same opinion. Just always loved these wheels.

 

[Zep5.0]

If the hub caps stayed on I'd run them. I think they would look great with the green paint

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

they would look great with the green paint

Agreed. But they'd also require a new set of tires. Just not up for it.

 

[jco1385]

Those wheels are popular with the FN10 crowd. Maybe gauge interest on the FB groups.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

...but shipping wheels?

 

[XR7-4.6]

Ha!

Generally I would be of the same opinion. Just always loved these wheels.

I do as well, a lot of people love the LSC spirals but I personally don’t like directional wheels. I’ll say this though Octostars would be a better fit on a Cougar than Tbird, they kind of look like an upsized classier version of the 93-95 snowflake wheel

 

[Derphound01]

...but shipping wheels?

Not that hard. Shrink wrap them and go.

 

[Ericv8thunderbird]

@1997ThunderbirdLXV6 have you happen to come across the front seat belt casings at the seats and the floor? I can take a pic if it helps to know what I’m talking about.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Pic would help, but I'm guessing you mean this?

 

[Big Scott]

I told a kid at the local Advance AP with a ratty Cougar that I had a set of six pristine Octostars (4 with Michelin's and 2 with MT's) for him. He was rolling on belts and thought I was selling them. I said just come pick them up no charge.

 

[Ericv8thunderbird]

Pic would help, but I'm guessing you mean this?

View attachment 8230

Yes! And the ones attached to the drivers seat. I’m looking for both sides in any color.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

@Big Scott
That looks great!

Yes! And the ones attached to the drivers seat. I’m looking for both sides in any color.

Next time I'll be there I'll let you know. Note that the ones on the Mark are straight whereas the MN12 ones have a double-curve shape. I'm using modified Mark ones in my car because I feel the MN12 ones produce unwanted slack in the belt.

 

[Vicinity]

I told a kid at the local Advance AP with a ratty Cougar that I had a set of six pristine Octostars (4 with Michelin's and 2 with MT's) for him. He was rolling on belts and thought I was selling them. I said just come pick them up no charge.

View attachment 8241

Good lad! Love to hear stories of car folk giving to their 'kin'

 

[Ericv8thunderbird]

@Big Scott
That looks great!



Next time I'll be there I'll let you know. Note that the ones on the Mark are straight whereas the MN12 ones have a double-curve shape. I'm using modified Mark ones in my car because I feel the MN12 ones produce unwanted slack in the belt.

These will actually be going into my Turbo Coupe, I read on the forums that the Mustang ones work with modifications, but I compared my 94’s to my TC and they’re exactly the same. I’d be happy if you could find the MN12 ones.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Yes! And the ones attached to the drivers seat. I’m looking for both sides in any color.

What part exactly that's attached to the seat?

 

[Ericv8thunderbird]

What part exactly that's attached to the seat?

The receiver for the seatbelt, I only need the plastics and not the whole belt.

 

[Derphound01]

I told a kid at the local Advance AP with a ratty Cougar that I had a set of six pristine Octostars (4 with Michelin's and 2 with MT's) for him. He was rolling on belts and thought I was selling them. I said just come pick them up no charge.

View attachment 8241

I think they look great on the Cougar, especially the 96-97. Don't think they match the Thunderbird body at all though.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

The receiver for the seatbelt, I only need the plastics and not the whole belt.

All of those pieces are very hard to get off if the seat doesn't have power.

 

[XR7-4.6]

All of those pieces are very hard to get off if the seat doesn't have power.

It’s the same on both sides so if you find two cars with manual passenger seats(likely) one would work on the driver side

 

[Ericv8thunderbird]

All of those pieces are very hard to get off if the seat doesn't have power.

If the seat one is a hassle for you, don’t worry about it. I can deal with those ones in my car for now.

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

If the seat one is a hassle for you, don’t worry about it. I can deal with those ones in my car for now.

Are you sure they're the same? Doesn't the older body style have metal buckles?

 

[XR7-4.6]

Are you sure they're the same? Doesn't the older body style have metal buckles?

89-93s don’t use them at all(in the US*) those have the lap belt retractor where they go

 

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

But these are for a Turbo Coupe, i.e., pre-89, correct, @Ericv8thunderbird ?

 

[Ericv8thunderbird]

Are you sure they're the same? Doesn't the older body style have metal buckles?

Yes, metal buckles but the sleeves are the same.

But these are for a Turbo Coupe, i.e., pre-89, correct, @Ericv8thunderbird ?

Yes, for my 88 Turbo coupe