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Thunderbird Club

#285,481
Got a couple of questions about 2015 Thunderbirds:

- Do the the Babicz bridges come stock with the shim installed, and can they be removed to lower the action?
- I cant find an instruction manual, but I assume the string height is adjusted by a cam in the bridge assembly - allen key adjusted from the back of the bridge I assume?

I can't find a good instruction manual or video on the topic, but have a 2015 in my sights and have always kinda wanted one, but the action is probably a 1/4 inch higher than I want it and the shim is an 8th and there looks to be a bit better than an 8th if what looks like a cam to me, actually is.
 
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#285,482
Bulltrout said:
Got a couple of questions about 2015 Thunderbirds:

- Do the the Babicz bridges come stock with the shim installed, and can they be removed to lower the action?
- I cant find an instruction manual, but I assume the string height is adjusted by a cam in the bridge assembly - allen key adjusted from the back of the bridge I assume?

I can't find a good instruction manual or video on the topic, but have a 2015 in my sights and have always kinda wanted one, but the action is probably a 1/4 inch higher than I want it and the shim is an 8th and there looks to be a bit better than an 8th if what looks like a cam to me, actually is.
Click to expand...
Marshall @MCF has the answers. I have the shim in and he lowered my strings to 2.5mm at the 9th fret and still room to lower. The bridge is standard.

IMG_7897.jpeg IMG_7898.jpeg
 
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#285,483
Stealth57 said:
Marshall @MCF has the answers. I have the shim in and he lowered my strings to 2.5mm at the 9th fret and still room to lower. The bridge is standard.

View attachment 5401272 View attachment 5401273
Click to expand...

Thanks you, that's helpful. The one I'm looking at also needs a neck adjustment, and if need be, the shim can probably be removed. Should be able to get a decently low action out of it, with a bit of adjustment.
 
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#285,485
Bulltrout said:
Got a couple of questions about 2015 Thunderbirds:

- Do the the Babicz bridges come stock with the shim installed, and can they be removed to lower the action?
- I cant find an instruction manual, but I assume the string height is adjusted by a cam in the bridge assembly - allen key adjusted from the back of the bridge I assume?

I can't find a good instruction manual or video on the topic, but have a 2015 in my sights and have always kinda wanted one, but the action is probably a 1/4 inch higher than I want it and the shim is an 8th and there looks to be a bit better than an 8th if what looks like a cam to me, actually is.
Click to expand...
Hi Bulltrout.

My ‘15 bought new in ‘15 came with the shim installed. I have not removed it. I have very low action set on mine, lower than Dave likes on his. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

I put one on my ‘13 NR without the shim and have it set for low action too. IIRC, @GBassNorth removed the shim on his ‘15. You can use it either way. The advantage to removing it is increased break angle over the saddles. It also allows for the adjustment screws to be completely recessed into the channel making it impossible to cut yourself on a screw if you windmill (I don’t). You need to experiment to find which works best for you and your specific setup.

I love the height adjustment options with the Babicz.

Babicz had a vid up for years showing how it worked. I can’t find it now either. I have no clue what happened to it.

Some vids:



Instructions:
 

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#285,488
SubHuman said:
When do you get your Corvette on the road? Hopefully soon so you can get Rambler all fixed!
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Corvette is already up and running as a daily driver as is the Fairlane.

just the rambler need the most attention right now.

Chucky Stiletti said:
real jewel you got there….is it the 6 or the 8? three on the tree?
Click to expand...

192 I6, I’m waiting to see if my personalized licenses plates get approved. 3TR33
 
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#285,489
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#285,492
WillyW said:
Corvette is already up and running as a daily driver as is the Fairlane.

just the rambler need the most attention right now.



192 I6, I’m waiting to see if my personalized licenses plates get approved. 3TR33
Click to expand...
Sweet on the Corvette! Yes that Rambler needs some TLC. Cables, rubber all that stuff needs treated and/or replaced on a car that old in the heat out there. Good luck and enjoy ‘Vette! Happy motoring!
 
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#285,497
MCF said:
They are what Maruszczyk usually installs in their semi-custom Tbird clone called the Phoenix. They are not inexpensive. Once you configure what you want, add import duties, you’re in Lull territory. But they are reportedly nice sounding pickups. I’ve never heard them or know anyone with one. Maybe Rob @Basvarken has some insight.
Maruszczyk Instruments - From Player To Player - Phoenix
Click to expand...

Not cheap, but nowhere near lull Territory. I just configured one for just under 3k after everything. Lulls are starting around 5700
 
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