CLASS RACER FORUM - Harold Hayes Tribute Thunderbird by Team Woodfin

This story begins in 2001 when Harold Hayes and his Son, Lester Hayes began work on a stocker project.

Harold is well known in Division 4. His reputation is by the book, firm in his resolve, yet fair and reasonable in working with racers. He is respected and recognized as a tech inspector/director who knows the rules and helps racers stay within the rules.

The stocker began as a complete 1988 Thunderbird. A good, clean, “core” from the local Ford dealers used car lot. After the initial teardown and cleanup work it went to the paint shop for a good looking Ford metallic blue paint.

Then it traveled to Dennis Hurst shop in Nacogdoches, TX for roll bar, frame connectors, and suspension mounting point’s reinforcement.

Once back in Harold’s hands the mechanical buildup began. The job went along as expected for a while but a series of life changing events derailed the project. The Thunderbird was boxed up and stored with plans that work would resume later.

Unfortunately, one life event was followed by another and the car remained in storage.
In the last few years Harold has suffered health problems so it looked like the Thunderbird would never see a drag strip.

I have known Harold since about 1975. And of course, knew about and was following the stocker buildup. I ago knew the work performed so far was good and that the car had potential.

On a hunch, I found Lester on Facebook. I sent a note asking about the Thunderbird and Lester said, “that is a good car, someone needs to finish it.”

So, fast forward to today and Team Woodfin has taken on the job of completing the Thunderbird.

At this moment the future of the buildup is wide open. We have a very nice core but no power train, only stock suspension, interior is in boxes, tires only hold air a few mins. Today I rigged up my lawn tractor to pull it out of the trailer with 3 flat tires. By the time I get all three aired up the first one is flat again.

With this explanation the project begins. We are open to feedback and will document the complete happening just like the Super 10.

Stay tuned and photos soon.