Just found this article from Hot Rod. Completely forgot I'd read it before when I went to look at that thunderbird. 500hp 500tq from a stroked 390FE. http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/engine/ccrp-0808-ford-390-fe/
Was able to get under the car finally. The previous owner mentioned a half-***es fix on the floor pans. Looks like they laid a flat sheet of metal and gl***es over it. So now it seems I'll need a whole floor instead of a couple patches. Anyone have a source for decent pans that won't run me $500+? The car came with a new outer rocker for the damaged side. The quarter panel was also pushed in and someone tried to close the gap with bondo. This is the gap with the donor door. And of course yesterday I finally get a response from a seller with an infinitely cleaner car I called almost a week ago.
There is a thread on here, "Falcons Done Right". Definitely worth a read and you may pick up some great ideas.
Sounds like the body is in typical $500 car condition...needing lots of work. If you can get a better car to start with, you'll be much time and money ahead, since you don't seem inclined to do this work yourself. Putting a blower on a Ford motor (with the front distributor) is a pain, it can be done, but most guys don't bother. Blowers are really common on Chevy motors. Just something to think about. If you want to get the respect of the period correct ***hats like me, put an FE in it (preferably a 427 or at least a 406)
Well I am probably the worse one on here to tell you what you should call it and just to get it out of the way "its a mud bogger with slicks". Well I'm glad we got that out of the way. Now teach yourself the skills or make friends with someone who will, call it whatever you want and just build it. Its more about fun than ***les anyway.
Before I bought the car I was thinking about buying a decent little welder and a vice-mounted bead roller to make my own floors and door panels. But that was if my bike sold for asking price. I may still try to swing it but we'll see. This won't be a quick project by any means. And Squirrel, I like the 390 idea. I found a build that would keep me more than happy with the performance. The roots would probably be way down the line, if at all.
Bikes like cars seldom bring what we hope for. Take your time its not a contest. try and spend your money wisely and whittle at it a little at a time. Maybe by the time you are ready to cruise your little kiddo can appreciate it. My girl doesn't remember her first bike or truck ride, I do but I am sure that she never will.
The Jalopy Journal
