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

[gearhed1971]

right turn, Clyde
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHeRaAy3cWQ

[milner351]

Folks it is with a heavy heart that I must admit to myself and the world that this car is not going to make drag week this year.

Like lots of guys have said its the details that kill time. I spent more time grinding on the driver motor mount to get the steering ujoint to clear it without rubbing, then realized the steering column had no gasket, then I didn't have a pin out for the steering column wiring, then the valve covers I was planning on running didn't clear the poly locks on the comp rollers - so it will have to be the edelbrock script valve covers - which require long allen head bolts that I had to get. I still have to modify the passenger side header to clear the AOD trans, build the exhaust, the list goes on.

On top of all this - I literally can not feel anything but pins and needs in my right hand, I can't cut or strip wires right handed, gripping anything tightly hurts. Ibuprofin barely takes the edge off. I did find a brace that helps me sleep but I still toss and turn with the nerves in my arm feeling like they're on fire.

I will be at drag week, just in another vehicle. Between my copilot and I we have several options that are viable. It won't be the '54 belair - and I hope it won't be the diesel truck - but that's plan C since no matter what is on the trailer, that truck will get us there.

Thanks for the motivation.... I truly appreciate it.

[Beagle]

I hear you John, I hear you. Good news you are still coming, and dammmmmmit, close man. Don't wipe yourself out. I am damn close to pulling the plug on mine, just found out the part I thought I ordered was not what I thought I ordered, I need a pan for the 351 too. It's crushing, but hell, you'll be there, that's the important part. I feel your pain more than I can say, but still, it's gonna be a helluva time even if you don't get to take the one you want.

[BBR]

Get on craigslist, buy a beater, throw some nitrous on it and try your best to blow it up all week!!!!!

[SuperBuickGuy]

at least you get to go.... and next year, it'll be done and dialed in (rather then done, put on a trailer, then used as an anchor while a Durango when racing)

[TheSilverBuick]

Bummer. Yeah the details will stack up fast. Look forward to seeing you in a week John.

[Silver68RT]

Folks it is with a heavy heart that I must admit to myself and the world that this car is not going to make drag week this year.

Sorry to hear that John. I'm amazed by how much work you got done, and you came so close. I hope the problem with your hand goes away with a little rest and you can enjoy drag week in your plan B ride.

[Russell]

Get on craigslist, buy a beater, throw some nitrous on it and try your best to blow it up all week!!!!!

Two of the things I enjoy most, spending someone elses money, and stirring the pot alitte

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/cto/3246418601.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/3245263915.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/3212714543.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/3242577029.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/3242175660.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/cto/3241647215.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/3239358026.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/cto/3229026336.html

Just to name a few!

Sorry to hear you are not going to finish the car before drag week. There is always the Mile at the end of the month!

[TheSilverBuick]

Sorry to hear you are not going to make drag week. There is always the Mile at the end of the month!

John's making it, just not the Falcon.

[R442]

It's sucks the Falcon wont be done in time. It's amazing how far you have come with it. I have been following from the beginning. On the up side youre still going on Drag Week. I one of those people who's going next year, I've been that guy for several years but theres still hope. As mentioned above rest up, enjoy Drag Week, and come back and finish the Falcon.

[Teddyzee]

Enjoy the trip!!

[milner351]

Thanks guys - there's still work to do to the tow truck, and the back up car - but it's all realistically do able in time. We are going to install the AEM air fuel meter on Matt's car so we can keep tabs on the tune.

I did set the 302 into the falcon engine mounts - it sure leaves a lot of room to work with the Mustang 2 front end and the shock towers gone, I can set the headers in from the top!

[milner351]

Two of the things I enjoy most, spending someone elses money, and stirring the pot alitte

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/cto/3246418601.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/3245263915.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/3212714543.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/3242577029.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/3242175660.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/cto/3241647215.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/3239358026.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/cto/3229026336.html

Just to name a few!

Sorry to hear you are not going to finish the car before drag week. There is always the Mile at the end of the month!

Buying another car is not in the cards - I'm already looking at a credit card balance I don't like, and my wife would kill me.... Matt's car is going to be fun. He's got about 4000 miles on it including the first few stops of power tour this year - so dare I say - it's proven reliable.

[BBR]

Then take a camera, kick back and take it all in like I did last year!

[milner351]

We will still be tuning on Matt's car - but hopefully no thrashes like the Falcon would have required to keep it on the road.
It's a 400 pontiac with fresh heads, cam, lifters, springs in May. TH350, and 3.55 posi. Should be in the 13s/14s and fun. He's got drag radials on the back so we won't be swapping tires.

I am going to bring my digital video/still camera.

A group of us must gather around a speaker phone on the 10th and sing "happy anniversary" to my wife.