Project 'Chicken Nugget" - 65 Ford Falcon Hardtop

[LowFast]

1965 Falcon Futura Hardtop (originally a 6 cylinder car but had a v8 conversion at some point) ProTouring Machine

Project goal is to build a fun driver with good power and decent handling, not a show car or a race car but something that can hold its own at an autocross or sitting pretty at a show. I will attempt to hold Function over form but I am sure some compromises will be made. Overall goal is to get this thing complete in 2 years and for less than $30k.

I am still in the overall planning stages of the build but here are my current thoughts. In order to not waste money on projects I like to plan, plan, plan and then once I have 99% of the details worked out I start the build.

Chassis
Will keep the stock unibody but will beef up the stock rockers, add subframe connectors and torque boxes and link the two together to add some rigidity. Also will add a 6 point cage designed around streetability and maintaining use of the back seat (if this is possible)

Suspension:

TCI Mustang/Cougar IFS modified to work with Falcon framerails and to set the static ride height low (shooting for 6")
Thinking Wilwood or Bear Track-4 front brakes but budget will come into play.
TCI rear Falcon specific triangulated 4-link bolted up to a narrowed explorer 8.8 with 3.73 gears, trac-lok and upgraded stock 11" disks. (I would like to also upgrade the rear brakes but this is not critical since the rear came with decent disks) Rear framerails will be replaced and moved inward to allow for more rubber out back.

Wheels/Tires
I am looking for something classic that will not date the build in 5 years, not a fan of the TTIIs, right now wheel design is up in the air, I would love to Run the NewGen Lites but they are probably out of the budget. Right now for sizing I am thinking 17x8 or 18x8 up front and 18x10-12 out back.

Powertrain
Not set in stone, I would love to run a modular DOHC or the new 5.0 but again budget will come into play, right now I am leaning toward a mild 400+hp 351 and TKO or built T-5. UPDATE - Using a 3v 4.6 ford v8 and TR3560 Trans combo.

Interior
Simple, comfortable with some race inspiration.

Exterior/Paint/Body
Body is in great shape, really the reason I bought the car, it has already been taken down to bare metal and as currently sits is primered and only a skim coat and good sanding away from paint. The floor pans however are crap and will be replaced as part of the beefing up of the rockers and framerails.
Thinking of all sorts of color combinations but have it narrowed to three, White and flat black with black or gold wheels, Grey and Black with black wheels or Brown and black with gold wheels. I will work out some photoshopping and possibly even commission a rendering before making my final decision. I want something different but that, like the wheels, will not look horribly dated in a few years.

I plan to do all of the work myself (with the help of a few friends) including engine and paint.

And for those who will ask, the name "Chicken Nugget" was christened by my son, at 3 it is his current favorite food. My wife and I were discussing giving it a name and in the discussion chicken (Falcon = Bird) came up, my son over heard and, as always on his mind, blurted out chicken nugget, and so it is. Although young he is really into tools, power equipment and cars so I am sure he will be "lending a hand" quite often as the project progresses.

Pictures to follow.

[LowFast]

I considered modifying the body based on this rendering but as ususally renderings can make even a bad idea look good. I mocked up some fibergalss flares from my friends 67 mustang, stood back and quickly said "no".

[johnny68]

cool build Bryce is going to have a bunch of company on this sight right on
john

[LowFast]

In order to re-coupe some of my original purchase price I sold off all the parts not needed. This included the rebuilt 289, 3spd tranny, 8" rear end, sweet 14" wheels and full front and rear suspension. Craigs list is my friend. I still have the bumpers and original buckets which need to go, so if anyone is interested. :twothumbs

Also have a comparison pic between the original 8" and the new explorer 8.8 which I plan to narrow a few inches to allow for a deep dish rim out back.

[LowFast]

After having all of the suspension pulled I was able to grab the wheels off of my Suby and throw them up under the Falcon to help visualize the ride height. Although not the exact size I plan to use they gave me a good go by. These are 18x8.5 with 235/40s. I am thinking the 18" might look alittle too big up front which is why I am considering moving down to a 17" rim up front. Let me know what you think. This is not the rim style I plan to use although you have the love the weight, 18lbs for a 18x8.5 rim is not shabby.

This is set at about a 7" ride height. I would like to go down about one more inch front and back but that would be difficult to do with this diameter tire.

[LowFast]

Here is a picture of the quick front end mock-up. I pan to use a 65 Mustang front bumper and valance. I will cut the "wings" off of the bumper for a straight, non-wrap around, look. The front valance will need to be sectioned and material added to make it the correct width for the falcon, I also plan to open up the middle for airflow and possibly add a lower/chin spoiler.

[slocobra]

Not sure if you planned on it or not, but think about putting 9" housing ends on your 8.8 to eliminate the c-clips since your shortening it anyhow. Sent you a pm BTW

[LowFast]

Not sure if you planned on it or not, but think about putting 9" housing ends on your 8.8 to eliminate the c-clips since your shortening it anyhow. Sent you a pm BTW

PM replied. I have thought about but was not sure what all is involved, plus I think it would then require new rear brakes. Any links to an article or "how to" on this?

[slocobra]

I heard the strange ends will work with the 8.8 brakes, I will see what I can dig up. I had a 8.8 shortened for mine, but scrapped it and switched to a 9" when I decided to go 3 link instead of tri-4 link.


oh and the advantage of no leaky C-clip eliminators

[nastyn8]

Good idea scrapping the flares, i never liked seeing the rear wheel wells opened up on these cars.

[MichaelUser]

PM replied. I have thought about but was not sure what all is involved, plus I think it would then require new rear brakes. Any links to an article or "how to" on this?

Wait try it the other way around. Put the exploder brakes on the 9" housing...

[LowFast]

Nope, using the 8.8, it is plenty strong to support a 500hp engine and is lighter than the 9" not to mention I picked up the whole assembly off a low milage explorer for $200.

[Bryce]

This will be cool!

[Gandalf]

Funniest damn name I've seen on here - will be an awesome car!

[LowFast]

Just a quick update, ordered all of the front and rear suspension and brakes from TCI a couple of weeks ago. Expect the parts to ship anytime now. Also have been putting some effort into determining the wheels and colorscheme.

Thinking of going with this type of scheme, a Porsche bright white with "White Gold" wheels (White gold centers and brushed lip) and single offset racing stripe. Still debating on flat blacking the hood or not.

http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A2KJke4C241NFUgAT_ajzbkF/SIG=131e4g2sn/EXP=1301171074/**http%3a//speedmerchantsmotorsports.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/gt3rs-0g_640.jpg

I saw one of these a few weeks ago at Cars and Coffee and it looked terrific in person, the gold is subtle but really pops on the clean Porsche white. Your thoughs?

[drflex]

i have some new 17x8 and 18x10 boyd magnetos with nitto 555's245's front 295's rear. that i bought for my mustang but going bigger now if your interested lmk.

[LowFast]

Recieved notice from TCI and the shipping company the suspension has finally shipped (took some time waiting ont he Wilwood calipers.) Shipping is expected to arrive on Friday, May 13th. Hope to get some free time from working on my truck this weekend to break open the packages, inventory, and shoot a few pics. :jump:

[LowFast]

The TCI Santa (Jason) sent me a few gifts!

46716

46717

First order of business will be adapting the mustang IFS crossmemeber to the Falcon Framerails and setting the ride height, alittle trim here and there should do it.

[rustomatic]

Hey, just a few thoughts on the engine choices, if you haven't yet made one: There's nothing wrong with the OLD 5.0. I'm currently messing with a 1963.5 Futura (the 2-door with the best roof line ever) that I started on last October, which came with the awesome 260/Fordomatic 2-speeed. I only drove it, slowly, a couple times with that crap. Well, move ahead to this year, with an early-90s 5.0 and T-5 (with Mustang Steve clutch cable/pedal setup--awesome!), and the car feels like an athlete! Granted, the suspension is also highly updated, but the motor and trans, with so little weight in the car, feel awesome, in every gear. Remember at all times that light weight is on your side, and that if Colin Chapman (think Lotus) said it's the best route to speed, you should believe! Avoid pickup truck frames and modular motors.

That said, I have a 2002 cop car with the mod motor. It is impressive, in that I've actually gotten a couple 30 mpg trips out of it in CA and OR/NV; it is smooth and sneakily powerful, but it's a heavy pig, as is the car. In a Falcon, it would only screw up your weight balance; it would not add power any better than a lighter motor. I'd sooner put in a Chevy 350 than a modular 4.6/5.0/etc.

It's just a guy's two cents. Enjoy harnessing the suspension bits, and bleeding from sharp, old sheetmetal! I'll look forward to more, as I live in Mustang hell (but buy parts from local Mustang dealers, and the Falcon place)...

[cobragt]

Check out this one! http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1932392582270&set=o.5855908738&type=1&theater

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1932397342389&set=oa.10150196105673739&type=1&theater

[LowFast]

Rustomatic, I hear you brother, weight is the enemy. I have considered going with fiberglass hood, fenders and I have already dropped the heavy front and rear stock Falcon bumpers. While the Ford 4.6 3v or 4v add alittle weight I will only be using the aluminum block versions so the difference between that and a 351 is not that great. (I refuse to use a stock 302 block for fear of splitting it if I decide to turn up the wick at a later date and the Dart blocks are too pricey) I also prefer the revy nature of the ohc engines, the gas milage is a bonus. Your cop car is an iron block, 2v 4.6, basically the worst the Modular family has to offer. A well tuned mildly modified 3 or 4 valve should net me about 360rwhp which should scoot my sub 3000lb falcon along pretty well, if the need arises another 100hp is only a supercharger away.

[onestopcustoms]

wow this falcon is looking beautiful...

[LowFast]

wow this falcon is looking beautiful...

Looking beautiful, not quite yet. But I am progressing, have the boxing plates for the mounting of the front suspnsion. Now time to do allitle modding for the crossmember to get it to the intended ride height. I will post up some more pics once I get the crossmsmber in.

[rustomatic]

I've just finally done a bit of research on the aluminum modulars, and they're not bad at all as weight goes; I was quite surprised. I even saw a cool pic on here of someone who'd carbureted one, which did away with all the lame plastic on top. This one of my problems with late model stuff: I detest plastic! That said, I'm looking forward to pics of your suspension stuff getting together...


Rustomatic, I hear you brother, weight is the enemy. I have considered going with fiberglass hood, fenders and I have already dropped the heavy front and rear stock Falcon bumpers. While the Ford 4.6 3v or 4v add alittle weight I will only be using the aluminum block versions so the difference between that and a 351 is not that great. (I refuse to use a stock 302 block for fear of splitting it if I decide to turn up the wick at a later date and the Dart blocks are too pricey) I also prefer the revy nature of the ohc engines, the gas milage is a bonus. Your cop car is an iron block, 2v 4.6, basically the worst the Modular family has to offer. A well tuned mildly modified 3 or 4 valve should net me about 360rwhp which should scoot my sub 3000lb falcon along pretty well, if the need arises another 100hp is only a supercharger away.

[chunger]

I've just finally done a bit of research on the aluminum modulars, and they're not bad at all as weight goes; I was quite surprised. I even saw a cool pic on here of someone who'd carbureted one, which did away with all the lame plastic on top. This one of my problems with late model stuff: I detest plastic!

Get ready for it. AFR is coming out with a whole line on plastic intakes...

[LowFast]

I've just finally done a bit of research on the aluminum modulars, and they're not bad at all as weight goes; I was quite surprised. I even saw a cool pic on here of someone who'd carbureted one, which did away with all the lame plastic on top. This one of my problems with late model stuff: I detest plastic! That said, I'm looking forward to pics of your suspension stuff getting together...

I hear ya, nothing like the look of a good aluminum intake. The always available solution, although not cheap, is a fabricated manifold, pure sexy. Check out JPC's intake for the 3v modular.

[LowFast]

Picked up an engine!!! Pictures to follow.

[RicerwannaB]

I dont think the 18 looks to big up front. Im loving the project tho, Cant wait to see some progress!

[LowFast]

More progress to report: Have the TCI front set-up welded in and will be bolting up all the bits today for use in wheel mock-up. Few pictures of the progress.

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In a nutshell in order to fit the Mustang IFS to a Falcon required cutting 3/4" off each side of the crossmember mounting points to compensate for the Falcon frame. The falcon frame has 3/4 less kick-up and 1 1/2" less width than the Mustang. For the top mounts this meant adding on 3/4 of an inch to maintain the proper geometry.

[LowFast]

Here are a few pictures of the Crossmember welded in and the suspension bits hung for intial mock-up. I decided to located the crossmember 1/4" back in the chassis to better center the front wheels and allow from more turning clearance. I may still need to do some sheetmetal work to the fender for clearance depending on the exact wheel/tire combo I decide on. Also a picture of my expert staff.

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Please excuse the welds, they are not as perfect as some of the skill demonstrated on the forum. I also still have some cleanup to do on the welds at the ends of the boxing plates. They got good penetration but just had the feed set too fast so they ended up with excess material. When I get ready for paint I plan to give the front frame a once over to "clean" things up.

[LowFast]

I pick-up up a takeout engine and tranny from a 2006 Mustang GT. For those who are not familiar, it is an all aluminum 4.6 with the 3-valve head. Puts out around 320hp in stock form but I also picked up a set of stage two ported heads and stage II comp cams with upgraded valve springs. Once together and tuned should be able to lay down around 380rwhp and spin it out to 7000rpm. Not sure if I will keep the TR3650 or find a TKO500/T56, really it will be a budget decision for later down the road.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/217/071711download138.jpg/)

[Chadly B]

Finally checked this thread out, cool stuff......and I have to say, the Subaru wheels looked extremely cool.....I'll be subscribing.....

[56pickup]

I pick-up up a takeout engine and tranny from a 2006 Mustang GT. For those who are not familiar, it is an all aluminum 4.6 with the 3-valve head. Puts out around 320hp in stock form but I also picked up a set of stage two ported heads and stage II comp cams with upgraded valve springs. Once together and tuned should be able to lay down around 380rwhp and spin it out to 7000rpm. Not sure if I will keep the TR3650 or find a TKO500/T56, really it will be a budget decision for later down the road.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/217/071711download138.jpg/)

Great choice in engine! The comp stage 2's will sound great! Very cool project btw and love the name!

[Bryce]

Nice porgress!

[63comet]

Great job so far. I'm going to follow this build, I am currently working on a 63.5 comet s22 hardtop.(almost the same car). I'd like to go with a 17 x 8 front and 18 x 10 rear, I'm interested to see how you handle the rear/minitub or whatever you plan. Keep up the great work

[Bryce]

Great job so far. I'm going to follow this build, I am currently working on a 63.5 comet s22 hardtop.(almost the same car). I'd like to go with a 17 x 8 front and 18 x 10 rear, I'm interested to see how you handle the rear/minitub or whatever you plan. Keep up the great work

You can fit that wheel in the front with a 245 tire (less than 10" section width) if you modify your UCA around the ball joint. In the back you can fit a 9.5" wheel with a 275 tire (less than 11" section width) if you have a perfectly centered axle housing and a rear suspension that centers the rearend with no lateral movement, watts link instead of a panhard.

[LowFast]

Plan on either a mini or "major" tub depending on the rear wheel. Right now I am swaying to going all out and with new rear frame rails and stuff a 335 tire out back. I should know the in-and-out of it here pretty quick. With wrapping up the front suspesnion it will be time to move out back.

[63comet]

You can fit that wheel in the front with a 245 tire (less than 10" section width) if you modify your UCA around the ball joint. In the back you can fit a 9.5" wheel with a 275 tire (less than 11" section width) if you have a perfectly centered axle housing and a rear suspension that centers the rearend with no lateral movement, watts link instead of a panhard.


Plan on either a mini or "major" tub depending on the rear wheel. Right now I am swaying to going all out and with new rear frame rails and stuff a 335 tire out back. I should know the in-and-out of it here pretty quick. With wrapping up the front suspesnion it will be time to move out back.

Thanks for the useful info. Ive already started the minitub. a 335 tire would look badass. Its great to see some people building these smaller fords and mercurys

[LowFast]

Quick update. Finalizing the wheels and hope to have them ordered in the next week or so. Going with the Team III LTIII wheels (look like old pan sports) in 18x8 up front and 18x11 out back. I also started laying out the rear 4-link and should start that install this weekend. Hopefully this thing will be a roller before the new year and I can get to work on installing the engine/tranny combo. Also if you know anyone who needs a set of original 64/65 Falcon bucket seats send them my way, I will make them a killer deal to get them out of my garage.

[joeko23]

great progress!

[Bryce]

Quick update. Finalizing the wheels and hope to have them ordered in the next week or so. Going with the Team III LTIII wheels (look like old pan sports) in 18x8 up front and 18x11 out back. I also started laying out the rear 4-link and should start that install this weekend. Hopefully this thing will be a roller before the new year and I can get to work on installing the engine/tranny combo. Also if you know anyone who needs a set of original 64/65 Falcon bucket seats send them my way, I will make them a killer deal to get them out of my garage.


Why not the driverz inc minilites?

I think the bucket seats are worth a lot of money, get on TFFN.net and see if you can sell them.

[LowFast]

Why not the driverz inc minilites?

I think the bucket seats are worth a lot of money, get on TFFN.net and see if you can sell them.

The NewGens are sweet but just too far out of my price range for this build. I already splurged on the 13" 6-piston Wilwoods so have to keep other parts in check. Plus I think the step lip design of the LTIII will look more classic on the Falcon.

Right now I am debating between keeping the lip polished and going with a light gold/bronze center or just going all satin black for a "means business" look. I am waiting to hear back on the wheels to make sure they can build them with the required BS. Since my track is wider with the TCI IFS (and will be riding nice and low) wheel backspace has been an issue to gain the needed fender clearance. I am good rolling straight, it is the damn turning than is causing clearance issues, to bad I went Pro-Tour and not Pro-Street, then I would not have to worry about turning. :razz:

[LowFast]

Made some progress on the back end of the car this weekend. Cleaned up the explorer axle removing all of the mounting brackets and getting it ready to be narrowed. Still have to tear it down.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/714/101711download001.jpg/)


Also started mocking up the TCI 4-link. Right now I have the lower arms temporarily moved inboard to evaluate the wheel clearance. I will also try them outboard of the frame rail and see if that pushes me into clearance issues with the 315 rear tires. Team III is validating the custom offset I need and once they give the go-ahead I will order up the wheels. I have been scouting any other wheel options before I pull the trigger but there is nothing in my price range that I prefer over the LTIII's.

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Here is a quick picture of the wheels if you are not familar with them.

http://www.royrezentesdesign.com/clientspace/t3w/T3W2843_WebSiteRedesign/staging6/production_wheels/lt/images/lt_cast_1812_sc.jpg

[LowFast]

Wheels Arrived!!

Team III - ET III's

18x8 front - Weigh 25lbs each

18x11 rear - Weigh 29lbs each

Verified with a scale.

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Now time for tires and get them powedercoated either with gold center and brushed lip or all satin black, going to be a hard choice. Plan to paint the car a bright white with flat black accents. I really need to get a rendering to know what would look best.

[LowFast]

Tires arrived, Kumho Ecsta XS 245/35 front and 315/30 rear. Plan to take them to the shop this weekend to get them mounted up!

[LowFast]

Had the tires mounted at Discount Tire this morning, bolted on the fronts and shoved, literally, the backs under the fender. The rears barely fit at ride height so it is going to take some more hacking and complete removal of the rear wheel wells, not to mention sectioning the rear frame, to make these badboys fit. These pictures are a ride height, to my surprise all my measuring and mock-ups worked because the fronts can turn lock to lock with no clearance issues. POW!

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[torino420]

Love this build, looks awesome. Great work!

[1BadT-bird]

Nice build!!

[65wildstang]

Love the tire & wheel combo. Great build also. Your going to enjoy the mod motor once complete. Keep up the good work.

[DJ Mabe]

Please don't powder coat those wheels. I think they will look fantastic the way the are with the white car. Great looking build! I've always like the 64 and 65 Falcon's.

[LowFast]

Please don't powder coat those wheels. I think they will look fantastic the way the are with the white car. Great looking build! I've always like the 64 and 65 Falcon's.

I have decided to just gold tint the centers and call it a day, something along the lines of the Anvil Mustang wheels. I have a call in to Steve Strope to try and get the color code he used as the gold/bronze looks perfect in my opinion.

[LowFast]

Finished framerails and triangulated 4-link mock-up. Have to pull rear to fully weld all mounts. Rear Wiwoods and Moser Axles on order. Hope to have this thing sitting on all four wheels by mid February. WooHoo!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/577/012912download064.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/3/012912download065.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/11/012912download066.jpg/)

[Jetfixr320]

I'm thinking about doing a TCI 4 link in my Falcon also. I've got a Explorer 8.8" narrowed as you mentioned using another passenger side axle.
I also mini-tubbed it by moving the wheeltub to the frame rail, and moved my leaf springs in with a relocation kit from Crites Restorations.

How far in did you move the lower control arms from the stock position?
And did you leave the upper control arm position in the stock position as TCI intended?
Also, did you bring the upper shock mounting point in the same amount?

I'm just planning on a a 17x10 rear wheel, not sure on tire size yet. I did pick up a set of take off 285 or 295s from a corvette. Not sure which, as I'm not at home right now.

Thanks,
Steve

[LowFast]

Just placed the lower links on the other side of the frame rail, so I would think just mount them where the Crites relo-kit placed them ( I do not know the specifics of this kit and how it relocates the front mount.) Leave the uppers as designed by TCI, I also had to move the brackets for the lower links (duh!) and then the upper mounts for the coilovers to keep them at the stock designed angle. This intruded on the placement fo the swaybar so I will have to go to a splined unit in the rear to have clearance. I got it all mounted up this weekedn with the wheels, everything clears just as I calculated (always a good feeling, reassured my basic math skills.) I have som pictures that I will try and get uploaded. I cleared my 315's just fine so a 295 should be no issue.

[Jetfixr320]

Very cool! Thanks for the reply.

My leaf spring is centered up with the frame rail right now with the Crites kit. So, I wont be in as far as you are.

Love the build, The Falcons are aining numbers. LOL

Steve

[LowFast]

Very cool! Thanks for the reply.

My leaf spring is centered up with the frame rail right now with the Crites kit. So, I wont be in as far as you are.

Love the build, The Falcons are aining numbers. LOL

Steve

That might work, but it will change the front mounting height of the lower arm if it is under the frame instead of beside it. TCI should be able tell you if that will cause any issues with the geometry.

[onestopcustoms]

oh man, congrats to you as you have become my hero lol... Now that i'm older (33) i'm starting to help my pops fix his old 65 falcon sedan... this is exactly what I want to do with it, the newer mustang 4.6, stick shift, already has a 8.5 or 9 from a granada... I have saved your build so I will definitely be checking this page often to see the awesome progress...

Nacho

[Jetfixr320]

The relocation kit places the front leaf spring mounting point at the same height as stock. We had to cut the frame out and weld in the new box.
It shouldn't be a problem.

[LowFast]

oh man, congrats to you as you have become my hero lol... Now that i'm older (33) i'm starting to help my pops fix his old 65 falcon sedan... this is exactly what I want to do with it, the newer mustang 4.6, stick shift, already has a 8.5 or 9 from a granada... I have saved your build so I will definitely be checking this page often to see the awesome progress...

Nacho

I am also 33 but don't think of myself as "older," Thanks for the kind words.

[LowFast]

Rear Brakes arrived! :cheers: Went with the new Wilwood 2 Piston 12" Floating Caliper Kit with drilled/slotted zinc rotors and red calipers to match the fronts. Hope to make some progress over the weekend getting them installed. Then I can finally set the thing down on the ground.

Also picked up a remote mount breather kit for the rear housing, has a nice billet mount to connect to the TCI 4-link cradle

[64Comet]

Very cool build. I almost went with that wheel choice as well. Love the look. Theres a similar build on tffn. My next step is paint and body and was considering the gold tint for my wheels as well. I like the gold tint, reminds me of old european race cars for some reason.

[LowFast]

I rebuilt the narrowed rear and painted it up to look all nice and pretty. Only kicker is that I will have to tear it back down to isntall the Wilwood parking assembly, oops. :hammer:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/140/march62012download012.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/804/march62012download011.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/256/march62012download010.jpg/)

[LowFast]

Work had me out of town and then life has just been kicking my butt lately so no time to get the rear brakes on. I did unpackage them to make sure all the bits are there and also realized I have to pull the axles back out to slide ont he parking brake assembly. Here are a couple of pictures of the brakes. They are the new two piston floating caliper kit from Wilwood, 12" zinc plated drilled and slotted to match fronts.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/804/march62012download015.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/829/march62012download016.jpg/)

Maybe this weekend I will be able to get these on and actually set the car down on all four wheels, first time since it went up into the air a year ago. :bananna2:

[Jetfixr320]

You could always take this time to order a nice machined aluminuf differential cover. :-)

Looks great man!

I placed a order for my TCI 4 link kit two weeks ago. Thanks! LOL!

Steve

[LowFast]

Thought about the diff cover, but it is more of a dress item than performance in my case (won't be running massive power) so I figured the $150 was better spent elsewhere. It is an easy swap out later if needed.

[fordsbyjay]

That is a very sweet Falcon. I am subscribing.

[LowFast]

That is a very sweet Falcon.

Thanks!

[Dalamar]

Sweet build! Great wheels, the err look especially beefy with the dish.

[LowFast]

I was able to get the Wilwood kit installed late last week. Really nice kit for the rear, especially for a floating caliper. The amazing thing is that this kit is made for the big bearing Ford rear and yet it bolted up to my explorer rear without modifications, like the kit was designed for it. This kit has full parking brake function and uses the 12" rotor with the two piston D154 GM caliper. It matches the fronts perfectly although they do get lost in the deep dish of my rear wheels. Over all I am thrilled with the kit and can't wait to get this thing out on the road and test out the full Wilwood package.:smoke:

Here are a few pictures of the kit installation.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/198/march102012001.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/694/march102012006.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/42/march102012008.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/684/march102012009.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/821/march102012011.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/546/march102012013.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/831/march102012016.jpg/)

[LowFast]

Huge moment for me.... FINALLY HAVE IT SITTING ON ALL FOUR WHEELS!!!! First time it has been back on the ground since a year and a half ago when I rolled it into the garage to begin the tear down. The pictures do not do it justice, in my small gagrage I could not get a really good angle to show how low and wide it looks. I love it!! Also love how fat the rear tire looks under the small body of the Falcon. In final form the front will be about another half to inch lower, the rear is sitting perfect.

Next up I will get it up on the cribbing and build subframe connectors and other reinforcement for the chassis. I noticed just how much of a wet noodle the chassis is when setting it down on the ground, man does it flex around. Then I will move on to replacing the floor pans and shoehorning in the 3v 4.6 and TR3650.

I have to shout out a special thanks to Jason and TCI for the trick suspension and the awesome customer support, I decided to modify just about every part they sent me, in hind sight I should have had them just send me everything as an unwelded kit. I ended up cutting most things apart and then reconfiguring it to fit the car and accomodate the wide tires.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/37/march102012032.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/851/march102012023.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/851/march102012042.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/17/march102012040.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/826/march102012047.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/17/march102012037.jpg/)

[craigs73]

looks killer.....makes me want to go get this

http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/2877909011.html :machine:

[LowFast]

Hold out for a hardtop, sleeker body style.

[Jetfixr320]

Craigs73, That looks to be pretty clean for a Midwest car. Maybe not as sleak as a HardTop. But still nice.

LowFast, looks great man. Can't wait to kit my kit now. I got the 8" style coilover mounts with mine. I'm using a 8.8 right now. My car is in storage at this time.
What is the diameter of the Explorer 8.8 axle tubes?

Thanks,
Steve

[LowFast]

LowFast, looks great man. Can't wait to kit my kit now. I got the 8" style coilover mounts with mine. I'm using a 8.8 right now. My car is in storage at this time.
What is the diameter of the Explorer 8.8 axle tubes?

Thanks,
Steve

Officially I think it is supposed to be 3.25" Mine was at 3.3" using a pair of calipers to measure. You will have to modify the 8" mounts to work on the 8.8 axle. Unfortunately TCI does not make a bracket big enough to slide on to an explorer 8.8. The good news is that the explorer has some beefly tubes and axles, more so than the mustang 8.8, that can handle just about anything you throw at them.

[Jetfixr320]

Ok, Thanks for checking that.

Steve

[CruizinKev]

WOW looks great! love the wheels!!

[femurphy77]

Lowfast, love those wheels!!! I've been looking for some minilite clones for awhile in an 18x12 and the ET3s are the answer to my problem. The car is looking great!

[LowFast]

I love them, the quality is awesome, but be aware the 18x11's in a two piece were a pretty penny. Took three barrels to get the offset that I wanted, ended up about $650 bones each, ouch. But all that being said I love them and would do it again, they give a perfect old school trans-am look.

[Z06killinSBF]

This is a good looking car in person. Nice work!

[LowFast]

Thanks, it was good to meet you and best of luck on your rear-tubbing.

[LowFast]

Well, it has been awhile since I have had updates. My time has been spent getting our house ready to put up for rent and planning our upcoming relocation from Texas to Wisconsin. However I have recently gotten back to work on the car. I built mounts for the lower rear links and used them as the jump point for the subframe connectors. I have a couple of the lateral braces installed which tie the subframe connectors back to the outside framerails of the unibody. Also have the engine prepped for its intial installation into the car. Once we know it fits and I get everything worked out I will pull it to detail it, add a few performance parts, and make it look all pretty.

Intake stripped off engine and ready to go.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/534/153bb.jpg/)

Firewall rough cut for the initial install.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/850/152te.jpg/)


Few pictures of Subframe connectors
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/41/151jik.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/196/150ur.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/688/149zq.jpg/)

The plan is to get the engine installed over this weekend. More pics of it resting in its new home hopefully to follow in a few days, wish me luck! It's a wide engine to fit into a small space.

[Jetfixr320]

Can't wait to see how it looks in there.
Chassis should be pretty stiff with the bracing.

Steve

[Z06killinSBF]

If you need help let me know. Looks good.

[LowFast]

Thanks, I think we have it covered. My dad and brother in-law are going to help out. Fingers crossed all goes smooth and it slips right in.

[fordsbyjay]

Way to cut that stuff up. Was it pretty rusted?

[LowFast]

Floor pans were a layered mess of rivited random sheets to the rusted stockers. Luckily the rockers were in good shape except for a few small areas that will require a patch. I have new pans to go in once the subframe and links are all installed. It pained me to cut the firewall, it was still perfect metal, but the big 3650 bell housing needs its room, so out it came.

[LowFast]

Took about two hours to get the engine sitting in its new home. Now off to mow the lawn. :smoke: Will post pictures this evening. The 3v looks great, really fills the engine bay of the Falcon!

[56pickup]

That 3v is going to look awesome in there! Project is coming along really nice! where in Wisconsin are you moving to?

[LowFast]

Madison

[LowFast]

Well here are some pictures of the rag-tag crew who helped me get this thing shoe horned in. Big thanks to my dad, father-in-law and brother-in-law for the extra hands, whit, and unsolicited advice.:smoke:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/707/013xbs.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/99/014yh.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/545/015jc.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/43/030lnd.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/209/028wq.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/850/025ad.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/341/018dm.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/138/017zit.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/407/021yeq.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/801/020qf.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/135/019beb.jpg/)

[fordsbyjay]

That looks awesome.

[56pickup]

3V looks great in there! I am from the milwaukee area

[GrabberGT]

That looks great. With the space requirements being so high for the Coyote, the 3-valve is at the top of my mod motor list for my car.

[rustomatic]

It looks bionic--nice work! I did a similar thing with the frame support on my Falcon. I used 2x2 for the longitudinal sections (welded into each fore and aft frame rail, then plated underneath with .120 sheet), and 2x3 (all 120 wall) for the lateral chunks (outriggers) around the front and rear of the doors. The outriggers served two nice purposes: one was for landing roll bars, and the other was for some nice new jacking points underneath (rather than crappy sheetmetal). I also made a weird, pie-cut bridge over my trans tunnel behind the seats--this lands on top of the rear outriggers. It's very easy to jack up the whole car with one jack at either outrigger point now... Sorry for the TMI--keep up the great work!

[Sales-TCI-Eng]

I am loving the progress Jonathan. This car is shaping up to be quite a monster. I may have some header options in the coming months so if you can prolong that end of things please do so.

-J

[LowFast]

If the headers will fit the Ford 3v 4.6 I am all ears! I really want to run long tubes but the JBA's I bought are miles from fitting, especially if I want to have a steering shaft.:smoke: You know me, I am willing to be a test fitter guinea pig, let me know. There appears to be room, just have to get "creative" with the routing of the primaries.

[Sales-TCI-Eng]

If the headers will fit the Ford 3v 4.6 I am all ears! I really want to run long tubes but the JBA's I bought are miles from fitting, especially if I want to have a steering shaft.:smoke: You know me, I am willing to be a test fitter guinea pig, let me know. There appears to be room, just have to get "creative" with the routing of the primaries.

I'll see what I can do and keep you posted.

-J

[3rdgeneration]

You might have mentioned it throughout your thread, but a cursory review did not produce the answer. What bolt pattern are your wheels? I am assuming 5x4.5 but I did not know for sure. Thanks!

[LowFast]

You might have mentioned it throughout your thread, but a cursory review did not produce the answer. What bolt pattern are your wheels? I am assuming 5x4.5 but I did not know for sure. Thanks!

Yes, mustang bolt pattern, 5x4.5.

[85coupe50]

Looks like you have made a lot of progress... I just need to get my fairlane home and get to working on it. All these Fords getting worked over here are really inspiring me.

[LowFast]

Looks like you have made a lot of progress... I just need to get my fairlane home and get to working on it. All these Fords getting worked over here are really inspiring me.


Glad to see another Ford on board, while I admire all the Chevy builds and the quality that goes into them my heart will always prefer a well done Ford, especially those that are less commonly done up PT style.

[LowFast]

We are now up in Madison, Wisconsin and getting settled. I thought we would be avoiding the Texas heat but it seems we brought it up here with us. I snapped a few pictures of the Falcon in its new home, this house has a 3 car garage so more room to work an manuver esepcially in the winter months. I will get the pictures uploaded as soon as I can find the cord for the camera, gotta love moving! Anyone know if any fellow PTers up in the Madison area? We don't really know anyone up here and it would be good to meet some locals with shared interests.

[3rdgeneration]

I am in the beginning stages of putting the TCI front and rear on my 61 Falcon. I love your wheel choice, but was more curious to the final specs of the front wheel. Do you mind sharing the final specs of your front wheels (backspacing/offset)? Also, did you modify the upper control arm from TCI? Thanks for your help.

[lsx80monte]

Thats really nice how that engine fits. And I luv those wheels. One question, whats in Wisconson if you dont mind me asking? Im actually moving back to Texas from Florida in a month, myself. The economy in texas is my reason, oh yeah and the cars! Ive lived in Carrollton and Euless.

[LowFast]

I am in the beginning stages of putting the TCI front and rear on my 61 Falcon. I love your wheel choice, but was more curious to the final specs of the front wheel. Do you mind sharing the final specs of your front wheels (backspacing/offset)? Also, did you modify the upper control arm from TCI? Thanks for your help.


I used the Mustang/Cougar ProTouring kit and modded the crossmember and mounts to fit the Falcon Framerails. If you are going with the Falcon specific kit you will not have these issues. Also because I went with the ProToruing kit it bumped the track width alittle more than an inch which made the backspacing and wheel selection more difficult. If you are running the standard kit TCI should be able to hook you up with the backspacing for your situation. If you used my back space the wheels would be sucked too far in and probably have rubbing issues.

[LowFast]

Thats really nice how that engine fits. And I luv those wheels. One question, whats in Wisconson if you dont mind me asking? Im actually moving back to Texas from Florida in a month, myself. The economy in texas is my reason, oh yeah and the cars! Ive lived in Carrollton and Euless.

Moved up here for a short stint for my wife, she is completing a medical fellowship at the University of Wisconsin. The hope is that we are back in Texas in a couple of years, but job availability will dictate when the time comes.

[3rdgeneration]

Thanks for the information.

[56pickup]

I am in milwaukee if you ever get over in the area let me know!

[LowFast]

I am in milwaukee if you ever get over in the area let me know!

Will do, the Mecham auction is supposed to be here somewhere in Wisconsin in the first part of August and I might go check that out.

[LowFast]

Well this weekend I took the dive and cut the hood to start fabbing up a scoop to accomodate the height of the 4.6 engine (the engine required a minimum of a 1.5" extra room.) I am going with sort of a 68 Shelby KR inspired wide scoop with a bit of a Falcon twist. I have to go pick up some sheet metal this afternoon and then get to fabbing up the sides, front and back and weld/blend it all in to the stock hood. So far I am very pleased with the look of the mock-up, it is rought but you get the idea.

The first couple of shots are before the cut with some cardboard as a general mock-up. I decided ona 2.5" tall scoop.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/707/img00160201208121412.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/534/img00159201208121412.jpg/)

These two are with the hood cut and propped up on blocks with alittle cardboard to sort of flesh it out.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/822/img00162201208121619.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/16/img00163201208121620.jpg/)

Let me know your thoughts and suggestions.

[zombiekiller]

Well this weekend I took the dive and cut the hood to start fabbing up a scoop to accomodate the height of the 4.6 engine (the engine required a minimum of a 1.5" extra room.) I am going with sort of a 68 Shelby KR inspired wide scoop with a bit of a Falcon twist. I have to go pick up some sheet metal this afternoon and then get to fabbing up the sides, front and back and weld/blend it all in to the stock hood. So far I am very pleased with the look of the mock-up, it is rought but you get the idea.

The first couple of shots are before the cut with some cardboard as a general mock-up. I decided ona 2.5" tall scoop.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/707/img00160201208121412.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/534/img00159201208121412.jpg/)

These two are with the hood cut and propped up on blocks with alittle cardboard to sort of flesh it out.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/822/img00162201208121619.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/16/img00163201208121620.jpg/)

Let me know your thoughts and suggestions.

Maybe look into finding an aftermarket fairlane gta setup? The snout scoops and push them back a little to get you height?

[LowFast]

Couple of issues with the GTA hood. It will not keep the falcon style line up the middle of the hood and I would have to cut up an original steel hood. I do not want a fiberglass hood and definitely don't want glass bonded to steel. I have not found reproduction steel GTA hoods that I could use to cut up. I think this is going to work out, if not I can always find another Falcon hood and start over or go a completely new route. Only going to cost me some time and about $30 in sheet metal. Thanks for the suggestion though, no ideas are bad ideas.

[65falkone]

I cut my falcon hood recently too...it is hard to make that first cut!

With mine I used a Cougar eliminator scoop and it did what I was looking for - "ram air into air-cleaner" type of flow path.

Looking forward to seeing what you final outcome is.

[63comet]

I think that scoop will look great! Nice work so far

[LowFast]

Few shots of the status of the hood. Was able to get the side panels fabricated and tacked in place as well as the leading front edge of the scoop (used 1/4 round stock to create a visually thicker edge.) Not sure what I plan to do on the back side, probably clean it up (also with a 1/4 round edge) and then leave it open as a vent. It has a Mopar-esque look to it but I dig it, helps add some agression to the cars front end.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/850/052ur.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/801/053eix.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/39/055ttg.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/849/054qn.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/268/056qy.jpg/)

[Hotwhilz]

That hood is tits, liking the fact that it is not a flat top scoop, definitly sets it off! Congrats!

[LowFast]

More work done on the hood, for the unskilled guy like myself, metal work takes a ton of time. :smoke: Great respect for the shops that turn out art, mine is not art but it is getting where I want it. Also picked up a Fluidine Radiator 06 Mustang fitment, it is a beefy unit and should have no issue colling my little 4.6, even with a blower. It will take some work to get it to fit, but what doesn't.

Changes on the hood from my last post. Took the "peak" out of the center of front of the raised section and rounded it off for a better transistion. Also added the curved center support and the "buttresses" on the outer edges to help blend the raised oprtion into the lower. I got some inspiration from a GT350 clone I saw last week at a car GTG. Also extended the rear to overlap the cowl, there is still a nice 1" "vent" slot across the rear. Still have some clean-up and other work to do, but I am pleased with the look. Adds some needed agression to the car yet still works with the stock lines.

Let me know what you think.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/32/090512download017.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/823/090512download018.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/411/090512download019.jpg/)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/820/090512download020.jpg/)
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[LowFast]

Been working on the front end bodywork a bit. I have cut down the 65 Mustang front bumper (lopped off the side winglets) and sectioned/widened the lower valance to fit the width of the Falcon, oddly enough the front end of the Falcon is 3" wider than the 65 mustang. I will get up some pics. Also finished the new lower radiator core support/front beam. Funny that Ford used the exact same profile on the Falcon and the mustang so the bumper fits the bodylines perfectly, including the peak in the center.

[77tony]

Been working on the front end bodywork a bit. I have cut down the 65 Mustang front bumper (lopped off the side winglets) and sectioned/widened the lower valance to fit the width of the Falcon, oddly enough the front end of the Falcon is 3" wider than the 65 mustang. I will get up some pics. Also finished the new lower radiator core support/front beam. Funny that Ford used the exact same profile on the Falcon and the mustang so the bumper fits the bodylines perfectly, including the peak in the center.

Intake air won't have a chance ! Hood scoop is kickin. T

[Z06killinSBF]

Should look nice!

[linkstar69]

Great falcon, hood looks cool.

[LowFast]

Thanks guys. even after having it fabbed up for a few weeks I am still digging the hood, I think it will look mean when the car is back down on the ground. I was able to score a 64 grill in great condition for $75, those of you who know Falcon parts know that is a smok'n deal. It is down in Dallas so next time the in-laws drive up to Wisconsin I will have them bring it along.

[migg400]

6625266253Congrats on the new move!! Your build makes me wish that I would have kept my 62. I bought it for my wife, but our newest addition to the family over ruled....
Here is a quick pic of it..

[blade]

New guy here, I checked out your build and had to register to tell you that you are doing a great job! I have a 64 sprint convertible, I think falcons are one of the best looking cars ford built.

[LowFast]

Thanks for the kind words. Post up some pics of your Falcon, or better yet start a build thread.

[3rdgeneration]

Do you mind sharing what kit number or specifically what bracket number your rear kit is. I ordered a kit for the big bearing new style for my 98 explorer and it does not fit and willwood did not have a part number for me

[LowFast]

Do you mind sharing what kit number or specifically what bracket number your rear kit is. I ordered a kit for the big bearing new style for my 98 explorer and it does not fit and willwood did not have a part number for me

No problem,

Wilwood D154 Pro Series Rear Parking Brake Kit With 12.19" Diameter Vented Rotor (2.50 Offset) - Big Bearing Ford, New Style - Part Number 140-12209

Wilwood told me it would not fit, so in typical me fashion I ignored them, measured the hell out of it, and went on blind faith. Kit bolted up no problem, however you do not use the Bearing Retainer Plate (not needed on an 8.8, or you could grind down the ridge if you felt it was needed), just omit it and bolt it all up! Perfect fit, if Wilwood was smart they would just omit/modify this plate and open up an option for people who need this type of rear kit.

Please note, you have to remove the axles to install the Bracket/Parking Brake Assembly.

If you need more detail or would like a scan of the diagram let me know.

[3rdgeneration]

Thanks, yeah I went ahead and milled the inner diameter of the plate an additional .060" and it fit just fine. You are right, wilwood should adjust the kit for the explorer rearend. I think there is enough hobbyists utilizing the explorer rearend for projects to make it worth while. I appreciate your help on this matter.

[LowFast]

Thanks, yeah I went ahead and milled the inner diameter of the plate an additional .060" and it fit just fine. You are right, wilwood should adjust the kit for the explorer rearend. I think there is enough hobbyists utilizing the explorer rearend for projects to make it worth while. I appreciate your help on this matter.

What are your thoughts on the plates, I just left them off as they are not needed as a retainer on the 8.8 and they did not seem to provide greater strength of rigidity but now you have me thinking. Do I need to mill then down and install or just leave them off?

[LowFast]

Well it has been a bit since I last gave an update. Our second son was born on September 19th so we have been busy to say the least. Over the Thanksgiving holiday I did make it out into the garage (it is starting to get a wee bit cold here in Wisconsin for a Texas boy) and was able to make some progress on the front bumper/valance. It is bumper/valance repo combo for a 65 mustang. I cut off the little "wings" on the ends of the bumper to better fit the Falcon profile. I also widened the front valance about 2" per side to align the valance with the Falcon front fenders. It is all starting to shape up and I like the look more than the original "heavy" stock bumper. It is sort of a compromise between a Shelby Valance and the stock set-up. Right now I am playing with how to treat the center lower intake, not sure if I just leave it a big "open mouth" or try to do something else with it. I also have to clean up all of the patch panels as they are currently just tacked in place. Anyway, let me know your thoughts. BTW, the bumper will not be chrome, it will be stripped and painted as part of the overall color scheme for the car, I am not a big fan of chrome.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/546/112812download001.jpg/)
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/13/112812download010.jpg/)

[Doodler]

I know a guy with the shelby bumper on the front of his 65 Falcon. Looks really nice and I always wondered how it would look with the mustang bumpers on there too. Looks pretty cool!

I'm at the stage of needing to cut my hood, but like you said, making that first cut is not easy to do! haha!

[3rdgeneration]

Sorry for the delay in responding to the brake bracket question. I did not get the kit with the parking brake so I believe our bracketry is different. I did not realize this into further looking at your brackets from your imageshack photos and other pictures online. If I did not mill the bracket out further, then I would not have had anything to attach the bracket that holds the caliper. Yours appears to have the bracketry secured with the parking brake attachment. So for you, absolutely no need for the bracket, but for those ordering the kit with no parking brake, if they want it to fit an 8.8 then it will need to be milled .060".

Congratulations on the new baby! I have a 4yo and 17month old, so I understand the difficulty with making it to the garage.

[evilucy65]

I'm really digging that front valance/bumper. I'm trying to get one of my buddies that does carbon fiber to make me some bumpers and possibly a hood. Congrats on the family addition

[LowFast]

I'm really digging that front valance/bumper. I'm trying to get one of my buddies that does carbon fiber to make me some bumpers and possibly a hood. Congrats on the family addition

Some Carbon parts for the Falcon would be cool, our options are pretty limited at the moment but the more of us who build them the greater the potential market.

[Bryce]

Im interested in seeing the mustang valance and bumper come together. I like my shelby valance.

[CliffsBlueCamaro]

Hey - great build!

Sorry if I missed it, but what is the back spacing on your front wheels?

[LowFast]

Have to go back and check but I think they were 6.5" on an 8" rim, which is why the wheels needed to be custom built. I had to go extreme on the BS because the TCI front clip widend the track .5"+ per side, good for handling, bad for wheel selection.

[Falcon Electric Project]

Quick update. Finalizing the wheels and hope to have them ordered in the next week or so. Going with the Team III LTIII wheels (look like old pan sports) in 18x8 up front and 18x11 out back. I also started laying out the rear 4-link and should start that install this weekend. Hopefully this thing will be a roller before the new year and I can get to work on installing the engine/tranny combo. Also if you know anyone who needs a set of original 64/65 Falcon bucket seats send them my way, I will make them a killer deal to get them out of my garage.

I'd be interested in the bucket seats for the 65 Falcon. Just what I need to start my interior restoration - Do you still have them?

[Falcon Electric Project]

What condition are the seats\? Do they have the slider frames?

[ramlinman]

any updates?

[LowFast]

Yes, just need to get them posted. Between the crappy winter we have had this year, work travel and a new baby things have slowed a bit. I did finish up most of the front bumper molding in the Mustang unit. Currently working on the crossmember for the 3650 Tranny, the remote shifter is a pain in the butt. I promise to dig up some pics and get them posted.

[ramlinman]

can't wait

[LowFast]

Finally a few updates:

Over the winter I modded the 65 Mustang valance/bumper to fit the Falcon. This required stretching the bumper 1.5" per side to align with the Falcon fenders. I cut the wings off of the bumper and will need to narrow it about 1" per side to align perfectly with the Falcon body line in the fender. I also cut an opening below the bumper in the valance for better airflow to the soon to be mounted Fluidyne Radiator.

Here are a few pictures during different mock-ups and in the process of welding it up.


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[LowFast]

I picked up a reproduction 70 Boss 302 front spoiler. The width is just about perfect but this is the widest of any of the early mustangs so it will have to do. I fabbed a few custom clips to hold the ends. What do you think? Once on the ground I think it will really add some aggression to the front end. I still need to final weld and grind the bumper, but at least it is all starting to come together.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/716/052513download355.jpg/)
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/713/052513download353.jpg/)

Funny how with alittle modding you can get parts from multiple years of mustang to work well together, and on a Falcon none the less :rolleyes:

Now that Wisconsin has finally warmed up I plan to try to spend more time on the car. Next task will be replacing the floor pans, mount the new radiator, and then begin the process of replacing the floor pans. I looked under the car today and unfortunately there is just no way I will be able to get the exhaust past the 4-link at ride height, so time to figure out if I go with side exit exhaust or just dump it before the axle.

[Jetfixr320]

I just have turn downs right now. But, was thinking about cutting the floor above the axle and making some recesses for the exhaust to run through to get by the axle. What are your thoughts on that?

[LowFast]

How loud are the turn-downs? Why the reason to change?

I know with my set-up the crossbar for the 4-link is the major impediment, it would require reworking the bar if I wanted any chance of fitting the exhaust out the back. I really want a rear exit, but will have to take a closer look and do some meauring and allot of "figuring."

[Z06killinSBF]

I hate turn downs (have the temp rigged on mine). They sound great from outside the car but suck from inside. I'd run them out from under it somehow, maybe Spintech oval tube will work.

This is how I would do mine if I did side exit

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

One note on bumper: I would create a "cap" to finish the bumper to the body.

[LowFast]

One note on bumper: I would create a "cap" to finish the bumper to the body.

Not sure I follow, there is a cap between the chrome bumper and the front of the car, it is the Falcon piece modded and welded to the mustang piece. It might be hard to see in the pics because it is black. Once the grill is installed everything will be pretty buttoned up.

[Z06killinSBF]

Cap the end of the mustang bumper, bring the end around to the fender to close off the bumper

http://imageshack.us/a/img716/6299/052513download355.jpg

[LowFast]

Cap the end of the mustang bumper, bring the end around to the fender to close off the bumper

http://imageshack.us/a/img716/6299/052513download355.jpg

Ok, now I see what you are refering to. Yes, I actually am going to narrow the bumper roughly an inch per side to get rid of the overhang and thus eliminate the are you are refering to. I thought about "capping" it but there is no real elegant way to do this. There is a body line on the Falcon that aligns perfectly with the piont on the bumper, thus if I narrow the bumper it should all align and look pretty close to as if ford did it from the factory, or at least that is the plan.

Good eye on picking up this detail.

[Z06killinSBF]

Ahh yes that will look good. I thought you already had it completely narrowed. Carry on!

[windsor]

Loving the bumper.

[kmdracer]

Nice work so far! Love the mods to the front valance/bumper. Also like the gun pic in the imageshack album, lol

[LowFast]

Thanks, my initial ideas for the bumper are finally shaping up. Yep, that is my Ruger Scout, .308 Hog gun.

[Jetfixr320]

How loud are the turn-downs? Why the reason to change?

I know with my set-up the crossbar for the 4-link is the major impediment, it would require reworking the bar if I wanted any chance of fitting the exhaust out the back. I really want a rear exit, but will have to take a closer look and do some meauring and allot of "figuring."

They are a little loud, and that's just been while moving the car around in the drive. I would rather them exit from underneath.

[LowFast]

Good to know, well I will just have to figure out how to either get them around the rear suspension or go with a side exit.

[LowFast]

Few progress update pictures. The front end is starting to come together, I dig the Boss front spoiler. Most of my effort is currently going to the floor pans and fabbing a new trans tunnel, as soon as I am far enough along and it looks good enough not to be ashamed of I will snap a few pictures.

let me know what you think and if there is anything you would change on the front end. Right now it is just slighly more than tacked together so if I make any changes, now is the time to do it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/703/o54t.jpg/)
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[craigs73]

i wouldnt change a thing.... i think it looks bad azz........ this is one of my favorite builds on here and im a chevy guy lol....

[LowFast]

Thanks for the kind words.

[Z06killinSBF]

Double stack 4x6 square headlights, other than that I guess it looks good.

[LowFast]

Double stack 4x6 square headlights, other than that I guess it looks good.


I will get out in the garage and start fabb'n :hammer::hammer:

[windsor]

Double stack 4x6 square headlights, other than that I guess it looks good.

:confused:

[Z06killinSBF]

:confused:

Ha, I'm just messing with him. It might come from wheel jealousy.

[fordsbyjay]

I really like the front spoiler and the valence. Looking good...

[LowFast]

Thanks for the compliments. Not sure if I mentioned it before but the front bumper will be cut down about 1" each side so that it will align with the body and not stick out past the fender. Goal for this weekend . . . more work ont he floor pans and trans tunnel.

[67speedfreak]

Your project is looking great ! Love the fab work on the hood and bumper !

[LowFast]

Appreciated.

I planned to use this long weekend to really make some headway. Friday afternoon I ran out of welding gas and figured I would go first thing Saturday morning to restock. No bueno, Madison does not have a big selection of places to pick up 75/25, and my go to, AirGas, is not open on weekends. So I was a bit ticked that I now have a whole weekend free to work and no way to weld. Murphy's law I guess. I did get the front frame rails clearanced to fit the monster Fluidyne radiator, I need to snap a few pics tomorrow to post up.

[LowFast]

Here are a few pictures of my new MGW shifter vs the stocker. This thing is so pretty I hate to cover it with the trans tunnel. I was trying to figure out a way to leave it exposed inside the car but there is just no way to make it work unless I just leave a hole in the trans tunnel.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/21/r20n.jpg/)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/825/ffly.jpg/)



Also a few pictures of "clearancing" the frame for the radiator to sit lower. The large Fluidyne S197 Mustang Radiator is wider than the framerails so I cut out a section and then used some 3/32 plate to brace it back up. In the end the only thing this part of the frame supports is the bumper so no structural issues by making these adjustments.

Before the cuts the radiator sat way to high, after the cuts is now sits nice and low, leaving room for a removable upper rad support.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/855/qu2e.jpg/)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/51/hj36.jpg/)

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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/19/yewl.jpg/)

Still have to clean it up and weld the bottom, just got lazy and did not want to crawl under the car. I hate welding overhead while laying on the garage floor. I now understand why people go the rotiserie route.

[Munssey]

Looking good. You'll appreciate that big radiator later when sitting in a line of traffic or sitting in staging on a warm day. You'll be the one guy running icy cool =)

Keep up the good progress, sir.

[LowFast]

Thanks. I have 90% of the trans tunnel complete, really happy how it is turning out. I will try to get a few pics.

[3rdgeneration]

"Double stack 4x6 square headlights, other than that I guess it looks good", quote from z06killinsbf

Square headlights on a Falcon? I don't know if this is satirical in nature, but either way it is funny. LowFast your build is looking fantastic and one of the reasons I ever log on to this website is to check the status of your build. Great job and keep the round headlights for crying out loud.

[LowFast]

Thanks. And yes Z06 and I tend to rib eachother, however he owes me as I provided one of the rear axles for his car.

[Z06killinSBF]

Lowfast, hit me up next time you come back down and ill buy you a beer!

I still think the "Family Cruiser" look headlights would be a hit...

[LowFast]

Will do man. In all seroiusness we are hoping to move back to Dallas in July of 2014 and end our little vacation up north. I am tired of having to explain to all the libs up here the reason I own firearms.

[modmotor46]

LowFast, sweet Falcon build!!! Really like the direction of this car! That hood is too cool...no...more like Bad Ass!!!

[LowFast]

Thanks!

[Munssey]

LowFast, sweet Falcon build!!! Really like the direction of this car! That hood is too cool...no...more like Bad Ass!!!
I gotta agree, I like the hood. ALMOST as much as I like the mini-lites. Those are just STELLAR. I have a feeling we're going to see a lot of variations on those wheels at SEMA this year.

Speaking of SEMA, hurry up and get this Falcon together so someone snatches it up to sit in a SEMA booth so we can get some representation in the big show!

[LowFast]

I gotta agree, I like the hood. ALMOST as much as I like the mini-lites. Those are just STELLAR. I have a feeling we're going to see a lot of variations on those wheels at SEMA this year.

Speaking of SEMA, hurry up and get this Falcon together so someone snatches it up to sit in a SEMA booth so we can get some representation in the big show!

Not sure my home build would be considered SEMA worthy, but I appreciate the compliment.

I have been traveling allot with work lately so progress has stalled. Hopefully can get back on it in the next week or so. I also need to post pics of the trans tunnel and installed shifter set-up.

[Blues man]

Your falcon is going to bad ass, I just joined the forum looking for someone doing the same thing I have been dreaming. Cant wait to see more progress. I just started tearing down mine and would like to do something similar but use a wrecked coyote mustang for a engine snd trans donor. I am curious how you will do the exhaust and the master cylinder. Your doing a great job and your falcon will be one of the best ive seen, thanks for the inspiration. And please post some more pictures!!

[LowFast]

I promise to get some more progress pics posted. My wife has the camera with her and is out of town, but she should get home this afternoon. Thanks for the compliments. I never viewed my project as inspiring, frustrating sometimes maybe, but I am happy to see others are interested in the Falcons and turning them into serious protouring machines. I can say, and this is just my opinion, when you get a Falcon hardtop down with the right stance, visually, it crushes any Mustang I have seen.

[Z06killinSBF]

Hey, I copied your rear frame rails! Chock that up as inspiration.

[LowFast]

Hey, I copied your rear frame rails! Chock that up as inspiration.

Yeah, but you only have a mustang. :hand:

[Blues man]

Benn at it for a month and today I got it fully stripped and rollin around on some wood and trailer jacks. Hows yours coming along?

[Z06killinSBF]

Yeah, but you only have a mustang. :hand:
:drive2:

[LowFast]

So a couple of weeks ago I broke out the good old Eastwood bead roller. My wife and son got it for me almost 2 years ago and this is the first time I had a chance to use it. It is a little tricky but I am happy with my results for a newbie. It does give me ever greater appreciation for the guys who are artists with this craft.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/706/hwic.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Here are a few progress shots of the results.

Built a frame for the trans tunnel out of 1/2 square tube.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/546/5hmx.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Built a mounting plate for the TR3650 remote mount shifter. I am using an MGW unit, carzy awesome quality, too bad I have to cover it up.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/545/7zfy.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Started making panels

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/843/vu2u.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/18/opzj.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

I will get some more pics up shortly of the more finsihed product.

[LowFast]

There are pictures of how it sits now. I still need to complete the area up by the firewall which will take some creativity with the compound bends.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/853/rypf.jpg/)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/209/4olj.jpg/)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/844/rvp8.jpg/)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/38/tsxe.JPG/)

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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/198/xa9.JPG/)

Also added an access gromet to reach the hardest of the shifter installation bolts, trying to plan for future needed access.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/23/ehz3.jpg/)

Like I said, not perfect bead rolling, but it will be painted over with bed liner so I think it will be fine. No too bad for someone who has no idea what the heck they are doing.

[Z06killinSBF]

Looks great

[LowFast]

Thanks.

[Dave B]

Looks pretty good to me.

[fordsbyjay]

That looks great for the first time. What gauge steel are you using?

[LowFast]

Thanks, 20 gauge.

[Jetfixr320]

Very nice! You have some skills with the Bead roller!

[Doodler]

Looking really good! What do you plan on doing for the rear seat area?

[LowFast]

Looking really good! What do you plan on doing for the rear seat area?

Plan on buckets but not sure how to accomplish that. Might just have to take it to an upholstery shop and see what they could custom build. I have to keep the rear seats so there is room for my two boys.

[fordsbyjay]

Plan on buckets but not sure how to accomplish that. Might just have to take it to an upholstery shop and see what they could custom build. I have to keep the rear seats so there is room for my two boys.

Ooooh, I'll be watching for that. I want to do rear buckets as well. I set my procars back there and they are too long in the seat area without some type of recessing the seat into the back package tray there would be minimal leg room left.

[LowFast]

Ooooh, I'll be watching for that. I want to do rear buckets as well. I set my procars back there and they are too long in the seat area without some type of recessing the seat into the back package tray there would be minimal leg room left.

I have the exact issue. Which Procars do you have? I plan to go with the Smoothback Rally's in the Maroon color for the interior. I also thought about using them in the rear but they are just too deep for a car the size of a Falcon. My thought is a good upholstery shops should be able to come up with something that will compliment the front seats.

My interior materials will be pretty basic. Maroon vinyl seats and arm rests, black bed liner floors and anything else will be bead blasted aluminum including the dash and a strip down the center of the console and the door panels. Also thinking of building a custom "eyebrow" for over the gauges and forego the stock Falcon dash pad. I want it to be comfortable for long drives but have a race car look, easy to maintain materials.

[fordsbyjay]

I have the exact issue. Which Procars do you have? I plan to go with the Smoothback Rally's in the Maroon color for the interior. I also thought about using them in the rear but they are just too deep for a car the size of a Falcon. My thought is a good upholstery shops should be able to come up with something that will compliment the front seats.

My interior materials will be pretty basic. Maroon vinyl seats and arm rests, black bed liner floors and anything else will be bead blasted aluminum including the dash and a strip down the center of the console and the door panels. Also thinking of building a custom "eyebrow" for over the gauges and forego the stock Falcon dash pad. I want it to be comfortable for long drives but have a race car look, easy to maintain materials.


I have the Rally seats. They are nice but I am a big guy and they are little small for me. That's what got me thinking they would be great for the back seat. The front seats in a Challenger SRT8 are the nicest seats I have seen for bigger people.

http://procarbyscat.com/seats/Rally

[fordsbyjay]

Looking back at some pics I like how you did your radiator. I used a foxbody unit which must be not as tall as I only had to notch a small how in the frame rails to make room for a plug they had in the tank.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/S5032154-1.jpg (http://s36.photobucket.com/user/fordsbyjay/media/64%20Falcon/S5032154.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/S5032160-1.jpg (http://s36.photobucket.com/user/fordsbyjay/media/64%20Falcon/S5032160.jpg.html)

[LowFast]

I have the Rally seats. They are nice but I am a big guy and they are little small for me. That's what got me thinking they would be great for the back seat. The front seats in a Challenger SRT8 are the nicest seats I have seen for bigger people.

http://procarbyscat.com/seats/Rally

I am 6'3" 220lbs in the summer and hope to hit 240lbs this winter. I think the Procars will work but before I buy I want to find a dealer or someone local who has them installed to sit in them. Our Lexus IS has seats that are dimensionally just a bit smaller than the procars and I seem to fit fine in them.

Since I am running the 4.6 3v I figured it was safe to go with a radiator intended for that exact engine. The Fluidyne should have all the cooling capacity I will ever need, even if it did take a little extra "fitting" to make it work.

[fordsbyjay]

I'm 6' but my top 1/2 is a little longer than my bottom 1/2. lol. What I find in my 06 Mustang for ex. is my shoulder blades end up being squished a bit. It has been awhile since I test drove the Pro Cars but IIRC my shoulders were higher in the seat than I think they should be. My uncle has an SRT Challengers and those seats were very comfy for my size compared to the others mentioned. The procar seats are cheap compared to others so I wasn't expecting the world when I bought them.

[LowFast]

My guess is that the Challenger seats would look huge in a Falcon. They are not small and the Challenger is a much larger car than the Falcon. That is the delima, affordable period looking seats that have good support, fit bigger guys and are not too large for the car. Custom upholstered Recaros would do the trick but they would cost almost as much as my whole car.

[Z06killinSBF]

What about the TMI sport seat conversions?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/10/mump1303022Bsteppinoutsemashow20122Btmip-1.jpg

or Caviler seats?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[LowFast]

I looked at those, problem is that I believe you have to supply the frame, I looked on Ebay/Craigslist to get an idea of buying old frames and when you add up the frames plus the TMI covers/foam it is much more cost effective to gow ith the Procars. Now, if I already had seat frames I think the TMI sport covers are one of the best options out there. Unless I am wrong and you can buy the TMI's as a total assembled package?

[Z06killinSBF]

They only sell foam and covers. I'll make you a killer deal on some 66 seats!

[Jetfixr320]

Dodge Neon SRT4 seats in my Falcon. My Buddy has the same seats in his 66 Cuda, He is 6', and finds them comfortable.
No, they don't look period correct. But, I don't like low back seats.

[GrabberGT]

Im using Gen IV Camaro seats. Recovered to match my rear seat. They have adequate side bolstering and can be purchased for super cheap. I added the harness slots myself. Just had to weld a bar to the frame to support them. No biggie.

84164

[LowFast]

Im using Gen IV Camaro seats. Recovered to match my rear seat. They have adequate side bolstering and can be purchased for super cheap. I added the harness slots myself. Just had to weld a bar to the frame to support them. No biggie.

Those look nice, are the manual adjustment? Whatever I go wtih I plan on manual adjustment, no need for the added weight or complexity of power operated seats.

[GrabberGT]

They have manual OR power available. I had power but converted to manual for a lower seat position. I found these on craigslist and paid 50.00 for front and rear seats.

[Bryce]

looking good, nice progress.

[Munssey]

well...? Updates?

[injcted]

Cool project! Love to see more and more falcons pop up in here!!!! Great work

[LowFast]

Ordered my seats yesterday and now trying to decide on a Steering Column, Ididit or FR? Seats are Procar Rally Smooth Back in the Maroon Vinyl. Now that we are out of the cold winter it is time to get this thing moving forward. Also, if anyone has suggestions on steering wheels to go with the aftermarket columns. How do you avoid all types of adapters and stupid crap, just want a simple bolt on 3 or 4 spoke wheel in black leather about 14" diameter that will break the bank.

[Munssey]

Nice choice on the seats. I have the non-rally version of the low backs and pretty happy with how they fit the car.

[LowFast]

Here is a picture of the seats. Should look good with the interior and exterior. Plan to go white with satin black accents on exterior and black/satin aluminum on the interior. Seats and some door/dash trim will be in the maroon vinyl.

http://cdn.nexternal.com/sacstang/images/80-1000-56S2.jpg93499

[fordsbyjay]

Those look really nice. Is that color right from Scat? Special order? They only had black when I bought mine.

[LowFast]

Yes stock color, but most places do not carry them "in-stock" and they have to be direct shipped from Procar/Scat. I bought mine through Summit Racing, black would have shipped same day, the Maroon are a 2 week lead time. I had Procar send me samples of all the availalbe materials. It came down to the Maroon or Blue, the Maroon fit the look of my build the best, and the wife also prefered the color.

[fordsbyjay]

Damn i want those in my Falcon.

[mmosley]

It came down to the Maroon or Blue, the Maroon fit the look of my build the best, and the wife also prefered the color.

Looks more "burnt orange" in the picture than Maroon?

[LowFast]

Haha, I went to Tech so either way it is the wrong color. Truthfully the picture is somewhat misleading, I have the physical sample they sent and it is definitely an earthy maroon color.

[rustomatic]

Welding a quick release on to the end of your steering shaft will help in avoiding clunky crud. My advice stinks, though; I don't have a steering column, and I like things that come from Speedway...

[hndblt]

Nice Project! I am currently looking for a falcon up here in the North East but everything is junk. I am curious how well you have been able to stick to that 30K budget?

[mmosley]

Haha, I went to Tech so either way it is the wrong color. Truthfully the picture is somewhat misleading, I have the physical sample they sent and it is definitely an earthy maroon color.

I may have to do black. I would not mind a saddle tan leather interior. I recently saw a new Stingray in "Lime Rock Green" with a saddle tan leather interior and it was a beautiful combination.

Your wife didn't like "wreck 'em red"? No way I could do Maroon. I had a utexas.edu e-mail address for 13 years.

I did my undergraduate in Mechanical Engineering at UT Austin from '93-'97. Lived nearby after graduating, and went back in '03,'04 for my Masters in Mechanical Engineering. Worked as an Engineer in one of the research centers from '04-'06. If I had not taken a job up here in '06, I would have likely stayed on and gone into the PhD program. Here is the research center I worked at: http://www.utexas.edu/research/cem/facilities.html

[LowFast]

We will be moving back to Texas in July. My wife got a position at UTSW medical center, so although we are Tech grads we have some UT connections.

As for project budget. Right now all in I am sitting at $15k spent to date. My hope is I can wrap up the balance of the project and stay within the $30k total. The one challenge will be paint and body. If I do it myself I can clear the budget. Pay someone else, well we know that will kill the budget. I plan at this point to do all the work, even though I have no clue how to do body and paint. Figure maybe some of the more experienced DFW guys could give me some assistance for a few beers and BBQ.

[GrabberGT]

We will be moving back to Texas in July. My wife got a position at UTSW medical center, so although we are Tech grads we have some UT connections.

.

Thats great news... Bring water with you. We are REALLY dry this year.

[Munssey]

We will be moving back to Texas in July. My wife got a position at UTSW medical center, so although we are Tech grads we have some UT connections.

As for project budget. Right now all in I am sitting at $15k spent to date. My hope is I can wrap up the balance of the project and stay within the $30k total. The one challenge will be paint and body. If I do it myself I can clear the budget. Pay someone else, well we know that will kill the budget. I plan at this point to do all the work, even though I have no clue how to do body and paint. Figure maybe some of the more experienced DFW guys could give me some assistance for a few beers and BBQ.


Body and paint first... then beer and BBQ ;)

Sounds like an exciting move to DFW area. We have family in Springtown and Fort Worth. Love the area and great folks out there. Been seriously considering the move out there as well. The business costs would be MUCH less compared to the warm-fuzzy treatment of California for small businesses.

If you do your own primary blocking on the car and then hand it off for a paint shop to fine tune and then paint, you should be able to get it done for ~$6,000 - ~$8,000 depending on the quality of paint you go with and how crazy the paint job is.

Either way, get it going!

[mmosley]

We will be moving back to Texas in July. My wife got a position at UTSW medical center, so although we are Tech grads we have some UT connections.

As for project budget. Right now all in I am sitting at $15k spent to date. My hope is I can wrap up the balance of the project and stay within the $30k total. The one challenge will be paint and body. If I do it myself I can clear the budget. Pay someone else, well we know that will kill the budget. I plan at this point to do all the work, even though I have no clue how to do body and paint. Figure maybe some of the more experienced DFW guys could give me some assistance for a few beers and BBQ.

Do you know what area you plan to live in? UTSW, I would guess Grand Prairie, HEB, Arlington, Carrolton, Richardson... Do you know the area?

[Jetfixr320]

I have a Ididit column in my falcon. I will have to get a couple pictures of the wheel. It was from Summit.
Those seats look great!

[LowFast]

Do you know what area you plan to live in? UTSW, I would guess Grand Prairie, HEB, Arlington, Carrolton, Richardson... Do you know the area?

Yep, familiar with Dallas area lived there most of my life. Wisconsin was just a two year stop for my wife's fellowship. Most likely we will end up in Colleyville or Grapevine. Westill own our house in Dallas, it is a rental house right now, would move back there but DISD schools are not so hot, and private schools are $$. Probably be looking to sell it sometime in the next year if someone is looking for a house in Dallas proper, close to love field.

[LowFast]

I have a Ididit column in my falcon. I will have to get a couple pictures of the wheel. It was from Summit.
Those seats look great!

Which IDIDIT column did you use? Figure I have to go universal.

[Jetfixr320]

9374993748

It was the Ididit I bought from Rod&Custom when I bought the IFS. I'm not sure which model? The wheel is just a Grant, nothing special, but it works.
Ignore the Tie wraps on the Tach, we were running out of time getting the car on the road last fall before Dad returned to FL before the Temps dropped.

Will be replacing the gauges soon. :-)

[Z06killinSBF]

Man move to McKinney! Great schools here....

[LowFast]

Wish we could, all our Family is up in Allen and McKinney, but we need to be close to downtown for work and still need good schools. It looks like Colleyville fits those criteria without the "Keeping up with the Jones" of Southlake.

[airborne_ranger1998]

I have a 65 and wanting to do the same exact thing with the frame rails. How much did you narrow the rear end by. I think I measured the factory rearend at 52" housing to housing ends.

Thanks.

[BlueGhost93]

Awesome build! I love 63-65 falcons :D Im building a 64. Tomorrow ill have to read every post on here but scanning through it looks amazing. I myself want to use the TCP bolt in coil over kit that uses the stock towers. But have been thinking about a mustang 2 style as well... Hmmmm

[LowFast]

Thanks. Mine has been on hold with the move back to Texas but I fianlly recieved my new Procar seats and plan to get back onto the project here shortly. I wanted to at least get out to Good Guys last weekend to walk around but a travel issue with work had me stuck in Denver.

[TX_Twister]

Just read the whole post and I love the build! Im in the process of purchasing a 63 Sprint Hardtop as we speak and want to do a pro touring build on it so I can enjoy track days as well as spirited daily driving. you have given me a ton of ideas with your build so thanks! I cant wait to see the end result. Great choice of wheels BTW. fits the ride perfectly.

[LowFast]

Thanks for the kind words. At the rate I am currently moving you might finish your project before I finish mine.

[esrinfo]

cool project will follow the build! might enjoy my post under70 mach1 in suspension forum

[2dr_sedan]

Nice build!
I'm in to see it finished!

[Munssey]

Wish we could, all our Family is up in Allen and McKinney, but we need to be close to downtown for work and still need good schools. It looks like Colleyville fits those criteria without the "Keeping up with the Jones" of Southlake.

We like Southlake but saw a lot of parallels to the Orange County attitude back home this time around visiting. No thank you.

This year's visit we're liking Eagle Mountain Lake a lot more but that drive to the big cities would be a bit long.

[LowFast]

We like Southlake but saw a lot of parallels to the Orange County attitude back home this time around visiting. No thank you. This year's visit we're liking Eagle Mountain Lake a lot more but that drive to the big cities would be a bit long.We ended up buying a lot to build on in Grapevine, part of the slow progress on the Falcon is due to diverting funds for a down payment on the new house. We really like Grapevine, not nearly the "attitude" of Southlake.

[Munssey]

We ended up buying a lot to build on in Grapevine, part of the slow progress on the Falcon is due to diverting funds for a down payment on the new house. We really like Grapevine, not nearly the "attitude" of Southlake.

Birds of a feather! We've very in love with Grapevine as well but the inlaws keep comparing it to Southlake area. We're looking to either get 5+ acres with a mobile on it to tear down so we at least have utilities to the property or finding something that is 5 bedrooms with a sizable shop for the business on the property.

Our Falcon will go up for sale this year to get that down payment as well. Just have to knock out the new bumper builds on it before I can put the time into finishing it off and getting it on the chopping block. Ah, cars... business... family... homes... the fun things in life.

[Justin@EntropyRad]

More of this thing...those minilite wheels look amazing on there!

[Godbolt]

Any progress? Stumbled across this thread when checking out the "lets see some Falcons" posts. Very very cool.

[LowFast]

I wish, but nope still collecting dust in the garage. Our new house build (which is why the project is on a bit of a hold) is still slowly moving forward. It has been a long time, my 8 year old son is on my case to "start working on the Falcon again dad!" I think he wants to make sure it is ready by the time he is 16.

[Jetfixr320]

Are you still in WI or back in TX?

[LowFast]

Are you still in WI or back in TX?

Need to change my profile, we moved back to Texas in June 2014. Right now living in a rental in Grapevine (with only a builder size 2 car garage) but we are working to build our dream home over on the boarder of Grapevine and Colleyville. It will have a 4 car garage + a shop.

[Godbolt]

I wish, but nope still collecting dust in the garage. Our new house build (which is why the project is on a bit of a hold) is still slowly moving forward. It has been a long time, my 8 year old son is on my case to "start working on the Falcon again dad!" I think he wants to make sure it is ready by the time he is 16.

Life does have a habit of getting in the way. Great job so far and good luck with the house build. Just remember though, you can sleep in a car but you can't drive a house.

[LowFast]

I would have better luck getting my house to drive than getting my wife to sleep in the Falcon.

[Z06killinSBF]

Man let me know when you get started again, I need to check this thing out again. Haven't seen it since you were building the frame rails.