First time posting, thank you all in advance! This first post will be longer than most, as there is a lot of back story up until current day. My grandmother gave my father a 1960 Ford Falcon many years ago as a daily driver. He took his girlfriend (now wife) on many dates in this car, and drove countless kids from his youth groups. He used to tell the kids a certain knob on the dash activated the "turbo", but in reality it was just the headlight switch, and him smashing the gas pedal. The kids and families dubbed it "The Blue Flame", despite its I6 and 3 on the tree. My father used with vehicle regularly up until he parked it in 1984. It is still currently sinking into the ground out in forest of Redwood trees. (Which came in handy when we tried to source a brake component) I grew up hearing about "The Flame" and wished I could have be around to experience that with him. So, the next best thing was to find another "Flame". Roughly 7 years ago my father retired from teaching public school, and I figured he would have some spare time and would enjoy a project. I was able to find a 1962 Falcon withing towing distance. A family mechanic got the engine going, and the brakes functioning, but there were countless other things that needed to be done before it was truly road worthy. Body was too straight to pass up on! Being that I could not drive the car to his house in time for his party, I gave him several clues to what his gift was. The first gift was a bumper sticker that i had duplicated from his original car. Under that, was the original license plate that I pried off the car. Under that, was the title to the new car and new set of keys. After little explaining and some time processing, he got the message. Few days after that, I took him to the shop so he could see it in person. In the last few years many boxes were checked off, but moving homes and financial hurdles got in the way. Just a few days ago we towed the Flame to my house, which has more room/tools to work, and hope to make some big progress soon! We're currently learning how to install the windshield. Taking it out was the easy part! ( We have plenty of questions, and are happy to share what we have already!!) -Aaron
Yeah, within our budget. For starters, its deep in the hills (old family property), so we would need a tractor to clear the way and I don't think a tow truck could make it out there even after that.
At least make a trip up now and then and lug down some parts, no use letting it all go back to the ground
Did that! The new car was missing all components of the right rear brake drum. I couldn't find one of the levers anywhere, so we went out and dug the wheel out of the ground!
Great story, I hope that you all enjoy the experience! Welcome to the HAMB and don't forget that we Love pictures.
Model Series = Falcon 2 Door Sedan Engine = 170 Cu. In. 6 cylinder Body Type = Falcon 2 Door Sedan Exterior Color = Medium Blue Metallic (Viking Blue) Upholstery Color = Light Blue Crush Vinyl and Light Blue Point Pattern Fabric Date Born = 26December 1961 Transmission = Manual Transmission Assembly Plant = San Jose
Many years ago, I had a girlfriend who had the same car, only in green. I thought it was a heap, but she loved it and did her own wrenching. After 46 years, I can't help but wonder if she still has it.
If it were my car, I would get the entire front clip from the 1960 car and try to fit it since it looks so much better. It may require tweaking the rad support but that is the sort of things we do.
Great story! I’ll follow along. I had a 63.5 Falcon Futura. I have a soft spot for these early birds.
My 1960 is a San Jose car, too. These respond nicely to any distributor that is not a Load-O-Matic, and a Weber 32/36. Adding both will feel like you doubled the horsepower.
Current task, source a proper gas pedal/linkage. Does anyone have any recommendations? Does not have to be OE. i got a "stock replacement", but its plastic junk and feels clunky. Any other alternatives someone could recommend?
I probably have the pedal. I will check tomorrow. The rest is just a rod and some clips. I am 90% certain that I have the pedal. I also have a Davis Unified Ignition distributor that fits a 144/170, and a Weber 32/36.
If you need the plastic part of the pedal, there are good quality reproductions: https://www.falconparts.com/ford-falcon-auto-parts/pc/1960-1965-GAS-PEDALS-ALL-MODELS-70p352.htm I have one in my car. Yes, it is plastic, but so was the stock one. If you are not already familiar with this site, check it out. Likewise, if you do not already know, the are located at: 3429 Freedom Park Drive #19 N. Highlands, CA 95660 Depending on where in Roseville you are, they are no more than 10-miles from you!
Yes, we have taken many trips down there already! Worked out in our favor being so close by. That is where our current pedal is from. The one we took out (from being cracked) seemed to be more like rubber than plastic. Thanks for looking though!
I'm sure that it ran when parked! Love Falcons, love six cylinder cars. I hope your Dad enjoys it and you guys have some great times together. My Dad's been gone for 15 years, I miss him, but we got really close in the final years.
The Jalopy Journal
