Winter Road Trip in a 1986 Thunderbird with iBestTravel
Ride along with iBestTravel’s David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan on a thrilling road trip as they seek their next gearhead adventure!
A Unique Adventure Awaits
It’s the middle of winter and you’ve got a blown 1986 Thunderbird with a 3-gallon gas tank and a welded-up diff—what do you do? Hit the road from Rapid City, South Dakota, to Minnesota, of course! For David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan, this is business as usual. In their first crossover episode, they are determined to test the limits of the “T-Bizzle” on an icy journey to pick up their newest project car.
Meet the T-Bizzle
The 1986 Ford Thunderbird, referred to as the “T-Bizzle,” is a car that Mike Finnegan built to compete in an 8th-mile grudge match against Cleetus MacFarland’s “The Draguar.” Although nearly stock, it does feature some impressive modifications, such as a Holley 4-barrel and a 6-71 Blower Shop supercharger. However, its overall structure remains largely unchanged, including the factory Ford 302, stock 4-speed automatic transmission, and rear-end. Additionally, the car boasts custom modifications including welded spider gears for awesome, smoky burnouts. The minimal 3-gallon fuel capacity adds an extra layer of challenge to their road trip experience.
Kicking Off the Journey
Before they can embark on their journey, Freiburger and Finnegan have a bucket-list item to check off—the opportunity to perform a burnout in front of Mount Rushmore. After they complete this iconic stunt, it’s time to prepare the Thunderbird for winter conditions.
Modifications for the Road
It’s essential that the boys equip the Thunderbird for their road trip, which includes replacing a bent wheel and rigging up a new fuel system. With Mike taking the lead on modifications, they swap the original 3-gallon fuel cell for a 14-gallon plastic boat tank. Did you know that a supercharged 302ci V8 can yield around 3 mpg? To enhance driving comfort in the frigid temperatures, they even create a makeshift heating system by strapping a generator to the trunk, running an extension cord inside, and plugging in a space heater.
The Thrill of the Drive
As they set off on their winter journey with the T-Bizzle, Freiburger and Finnegan know they are in for an adventure filled with unpredictable challenges and creative solutions. From battling the elements to tackling the quirks of their project car, this road trip promises to be an unforgettable experience for car enthusiasts.
