62 Falcon - $5k challenge, how will it rise from the ranger's ashes?

[milner351]

Driver's side sub frame connector complete.

Passenger side rocker reinforcement / "jacking rail" fit and 80% welded.

I almost put a cross member in between the rear of the subframes, then realized I'd better wait until the exhaust and drive shaft are in place before I attempt that.... it would double as a rear driveshaft loop.

[TheSilverBuick]

That's getting some work done!

[STINEY]

Dang that car is CLEAN!

You sure you did not sneak it in from Arizon? Are there deserts in Indiana I am unaware of?

[milner351]

I think the key is the fact that this thing sat inside a garage until the last few months Matt had it. As I understand it - the previous owner had it in the family a long long time. The odometer reads 78,xxx I'm not sure - but given the overall condition - it's not a stretch to say that's actual mileage.

The only perforations in the body are the front bottom of the driver door, and a few spots between the passenger door and front of the rear wheel well.

The rear wheel wells have copious amounts of undercoating - that's going to smell good when I cut them open for the minitub.

[JOES66FURY]

In websters, the definition of EVIL should be followed by a photo of one of these...

[milner351]

I certainly got my money's worth out of that one - and it was one of the good ones from Grainer with twisted wires..... I picked a couple dozen out of my tshirt and carhart shorts before I took that pic.... they really start throwing wire when they get that worn.

For taking paint off engine compartments and other heavily contoured areas - you can't beat them.

[Teddyzee]

Looking good, you're going to have a solid driver.

[pintoboy77]

The fab work is looking great the hood looks like it lines up pretty good and the sub frame looks great too. When you go to do your mini tubs get in there with kerosene and a scraper and clean that undercoating out kerosene or stoddard solvent or mineral sprits all the same it will disolve the undercoating and make easy work of it messy,but easy. Looks good keep it up and the next thing you know all you will smell is burning rubber.

[milner351]

Thanks Greg - the first burning rubber I'll smell is from undercoating!

So far a scraper and heat gun have worked well to get the undercoating off - not my favorite thing to do when it's 90+ degrees out... I'm thankful for our current 70's.

I could have made the frame connectors move outward toward the rockers in the rear - I may wish I had done that when it's time to fit mufflers - but this works and only took a couple hours per side. I like the fact that the front sub frames go all the way up inside the front fram rails. This car should feel solid on the road.

[DirtyWhiteBoy]

WOW I'm digging this much more than the Ranger..........

But, all that shiny steel goodness brings back memories of some long nights.

There is a 63 Fairlane 2 door wagon about 70mi from me. (not sure they made those? but the ad says 2 door) I am terrified to go look at it. I really don't have time,room,money,sanity, etc. for another project tho!

[milner351]

Thanks for the encouragement DWB - I know you put a boatload of time into your wagon, I'm sorry the engine has given you fits.
Don't start another till you finish what you got - your wagon is wicked cool (once it's runing right) and that supersweet mopar coupe!
I have seen a few 2 door "sedan delivery" falcon wagons, but they are much more rare than the four door wagons.

[STINEY]

Don't start another till you finish what you got

[milner351]

Pot - meet Kettle!

[SuperBuickGuy]

Pot - meet Kettle!

ya know, your project is coming along so well, it's time to look for the next project - because you'd hate to be projectless when you're done with this one

[BBR]

No no no! Finish this one!!!! I wanna see it on Drag Week!!!