As I’ve been predicting for a number of years, the shortage of OEM replacement parts for the 2002-2005 Thunderbird has now reached the ‘Crisis’ stage. Worse yet, the parts that are out of production and which have been ‘obsoleted’ by Ford, include some of the most important ones … parts required to keep the Thunderbird running!
This includes parts such as the PCM (Powertrain Control Module), FEM (Front Electronic Module) and the REM (Rear Electronic Module). As if the shortage of these parts wasn’t enough, many Ford dealers mislead Thunderbird owners by advising them that a specific part is on ‘back order.’ This is a common practice not only with Ford, but also with other new car and truck manufacturers. Rather than tell a customer that the part will never become available again, the ‘back order’ status gives owners hope that the part they need is only weeks away. The truth is that the majority of parts listed as ‘backordered’ will NEVER be manufactured again in the future. Ford doesn’t intentionally mislead Thunderbird owners, and in theory, discontinued parts could become available again at some future date, but only if there is a sufficient number of orders to make it economically viable for outsource supplier or vendor to do a new production run. The truth is that the number of backordered parts rarely meets the minimum threshold required. We are actively working with Ford to address this parts shortage issue and will provide updates to Thunderbird owners going forward.
On a more positive note, Powersport Thunderbird Specialties, Inc. has recently completed another important manufacturing relationship for an entirely New 2024 Ford Thunderbird. This offering allows you to ‘Create’ your own custom 2024 Thunderbird, choosing the options and special features you want. Far beyond just a choice of exterior colors and interior color and trim combinations, this new program actually allows you to create a unique new body style, incorporating the exterior design elements and options you want, making our new Thunderbird a ‘one-of-a-kind’ custom Show Car!
As the ‘Retrobird’ ages, we’ll continue to develop new products as well as source needed OEM replacement parts. If you’re searching for a hard-to-find part, enter the part description into the ‘Search’ bar on our home page, or contact us by e-mail using the ‘Contact Us’ form.
We’ll continue to keep your 2002-2005 Thunderbird running and outfitted with the latest new products!
Powersport Thunderbird Specialties has the World’s Largest Selection of Accessories, OEM Parts and Collectibles exclusively for the 2002-2005 Thunderbird … nearly 400 unique items to choose from!
Philip Wegener, Founder
Powersport Thunderbird Specialties, Inc.
mytbird.com
