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

[Bob Holmes]

Ok, that was a bit terse. But you don't.

You will need to inspect the cage, carefully. You may need to take it to a welder that you trust and ask them to inspect the welds. Ask for reciepts from the purchase of the cage. If it was a custom job, ask who did it. If its been certified ask for proof of the certification.

I know that on a roadrace car that's been inspected and certified for W2W, there has to be a log book, and the cage is stamped with a unique number.

[SuperBuickGuy]

jeezus you guys are picky. This is why I will let a chassis builder do mine.

given the choice, which would you prefer picky or dead ?


In CPR class they say you should only do CPR on those people who aren't dead. It seems so silly to say it that way - but it's true. Line up the bodies and 99.99999% of the people can pick out the difference between dead and mostly dead (nod to Princess Bride). It's the same with how a car is constructed. 99.9999% of the people can pick out the cars which are quality and which are not - line up a Yugo next to a Rolls Royce - people can tell the quality differences..... I agree with Bob - take along a weld inspector, drill motor to check for thickness, and a flashlight - However, the first rule is go with your gut - does it look safe? good, inspect it.... if it doesn't look safe, don't waste your time. You can line up the 'tells' of what isn't right, and some people overthink it.... you really don't need to..... did the cage that didn't keep the roof up on the Pdub thread look safe? no, it didn't - and when it popped through the floor, it proved it.... but I've yet to hear a person, who after seeing the before construction pictures, didn't have some serious reservations as to whether or not it was safe....

[Beagle]

What makes you think the chassis builder will get it right? Knowledge is your best bet.

they build certified 25.2 cages? I gotta trust somebody...

[milner351]

Truly appreciate all the input - while the glass is out and car is a shell - now is the time.

I have a tubing bender - if you can call the harbor freight bottle jack thing a tubing bender - I've only used it once with my friend who bought it and left it at my shop as a thank you for using my shop - we built a "desert truck" tire gate for his ranger pickup. As I recall - he filled the tube with sand before making the bends so the tubing wouldn't kink on the inside of the bend.

I also have a cage in the '69 that has to come out - perhaps I will inspect that one and take some measurements - perhaps it can be re purposed.

I do have sub frame connectors, and I did put an X across between the rear wheel wells behind the firewall I put in to separate the trunk (gas tank is trunk floor) from the interior.

In other news - Lee was three yesterday - and another semi major project has been completed:

[BBR]

John a bolt in harness bar is not NHRA legal. One I have has that style and I always kinda sweat tech. I leave it in all the time and the kids have no problem climbing in. In fact, I think they kind of like it.

[Beagle]

problem with strict tech below what, 11.49 now? There's lots of stuff that needs frequent attention... bolt in side bars are okay?

[pintoboy77]

Lee your first car is really sweet. Happy Birthday and enjoy the car. Nice job Dad and Uncle Matt.

[BBR]

problem with strict tech below what, 11.49 now? There's lots of stuff that needs frequent attention... bolt in side bars are okay?

Swing-outs are fine, just not bolt in harness bars for some reason.

I keep saying I am going to get mine updated, but never have gotten around to it.

[milner351]

Now to finish two bathroom vanity swaps (updating the house getting it ready to rent) and then hopefully move in February.
Then I should have some time to get back to the falcon - without the commute to the shop!
The hoist will have to wait for a building addition to be moved (new shop ceilings are 10 1/2ft)
Lots of paper work hurdles to jump through yet - nothing is certain in today's market.

[SuperBuickGuy]

Now to finish two bathroom vanity swaps (updating the house getting it ready to rent) and then hopefully move in February.
Then I should have some time to get back to the falcon - without the commute to the shop!
The hoist will have to wait for a building addition to be moved (new shop ceilings are 10 1/2ft)
Lots of paper work hurdles to jump through yet - nothing is certain in today's market.

Given my experiences as both a landlord and as a tenant's rights attorney - I'd never update anything... maybe a coat of paint if it really, really needs it

[milner351]

The trick is getting someone to pay us what we are going to ask for this place - that means it will have to be atleast presentable compared to
others on the market in a similar price range.

That means the original 60's vanities in the bathrooms (about 28" short) have to go.
We are leaving the robin's egg blue tile in one bathroom, and yellow in the other, hoping that since it's now "retro" and it's all solid, folks won't mind.

[SuperBuickGuy]

I sense a case of the whydontwejustitis coming on....

[Bob Holmes]

I sense a case of the whydontwejustitis coming on....

Say it ain't so...Say it ain't so.

[milner351]

Nope thanks to our frugality creativity and the blessing of the habitat restore - we're doing two "light remodels" for $700ish.
Two new toilets
Two unfinished oak vanities (one urethaned, one painted white)
one used corian sink top - sanded and buffed
one short piece of off the shelf formica counter
and a bit of sweat equity (we still have nephews living with us earning their keep)

[milner351]

James - what's the difference between a bolt in cross bar and a pinned in door bar?

Why not make some sort of solid pin connection in the cross bar just like the door bar connection? Am I missing something?