One problem related to engine belts and pulleys has been reported for the 1997 Ford Thunderbird. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I smell gas when driving at high speed of 60 and above on freeway mostly. Once in a while I can smell it when driving at lower speeds of 25 -30mph. I used to think that I had spilled gas on the outside of car when it first started happening, but now a year later, I still smell gas and I do smoke in my car, but when I smell the gas, I will put the cigarette out. Is there some kind of recall on this problem, that can repair it. I have put $4000. 00 into restoring the car and I and putting another $800. 00 into it next week, November 2013, to replace all of the belts around the engine. I have already rebuilt the transmission for $1800. 00 at aamco, and put a $2200. 00 paint job on it, before I knew of the gas smell. I have also replaced alternator and battery. Am I fighting a losing battle with this car?.