1964 Falcon gasser

I am rebuilding a 1964 Falcon my dad had when I was a kid, 406fe, 4spd. It used to have a econoline front end but someone over the years stole the front end. I need to get with someone who has done the swap and see how it is done (I have access to a complete van), or should I go with the speedway kit. I like the look of the econoline axle as it has drop. Thanks

 

I have a Chevy van axle in my 61Falcon G***er and while i love a dropped I-beam, it does make it harder to get the front end up to the al***ude you desire because any lift you accomplish with spring hanging, shackles, blocks, or spring arch is going to be undone by 4 inches of axle drop.

Plus to me, the straight tube axle seems to look better on later model g***ers like Falcons, and the i beams seem to look better on older hot rods and roadsters (my opinion).

Having said all that, i'm still working on mine to get it dialed in, but i'd be willing to bet that the speedway (or other company) complete kit would HAVE to be easier and make it more of a smooth build (whether smooth=satisfying is a matter of opinion, lol)

-rick

 

Cool! Do you have any pics of it's previous life?

The only caution that I will give you on the Speedway kit is get the one with the Ford spindles. You'll have more options on arms, brakes, etc. I got mine with the Chevy (49-53) and am having a chit of a time finding a steering arm that I can use for the upper mount cross steer.

Good luck.

Mike

 

Here is a pic before he sold it when I was 5-6 years old. I am now 31, the cool thing dad can help me with the rebuild now.

 

i'll bet that's one running sumbum with a 406 - does it have 3x2s or 2x4s?

 

Here is a pic of when I got it out of the barn recently. It is hard to beleive I found it after 27 years, Still has the same paint on it!!!

 

It had 2x4's, ran 10.20 in early 1980's

 

I have a 1963 Falcon hardtop g***er that came with an Econoline axle. I got rid of the axle because it had been cut in the middle and welded back together. It was a good job of welding, but I didn't feel safe with it. It also was very heavy. I got a new tube axle from MAS. You can get different widths from them, as well as straight or dropped. The axle and springs weighed alot less than the Econoline. Speedway, I think, has the same set up, but I think you can only get the straight axle in one width. Could be different now, it's been a couple years. It's very simple to mount, just weld the brackets to the bottom of the frame rails, should be no problem. I originaly used a Vega steering box set up for cross steer, but it was too small. I changed over to saginaw 525 box and that solved my steering problems. I agree with using Ford spindles, you'll have more choices of after market brakes and such. I would also buy spindles with the king pins already fitted. Machine shops charge alot of money to fit king pins. It looks like a great project...Good Luck---Coop

 

Thanks, I am excited about the project. I will keep yall posted

 

forget MAS. been out of business for years.

 

yeah my budy had a 64 with a 427 he ran back in the day , i remember him telling me he had the econoline axle narrowed at a weld shop they vd both ends after narrowing it , put them in a foundry untin cherry red threw them in a fixture then started welding them back up ! ran that axle for years but seems like a lot of work nowadays if you can pick up a tube axle the right width ! i do like the look of an econoline axle though ! cool project

 

check this thread

Guy made his own , and nice work it is !

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=546927&highlight=speedway+axle

 

For the upper steering arm issue, a tri five chevy arm fits perfectly.

I used a speedway axle in my car and was fairly simple to install and you can order it in different lengths 46", 48".....etc.

 

These pictures may be helpful to you. This one used to belong to a friend of mine:

 

Try having a word with Dale (teddisnoke) on here he's just done a comet and I have his old Dart awb with an A100 beam under it

 

I would say go with a new tube axle!

 

Are the 53/56 F100 axles to wide ?

 

Thanks for all the comments and replies. I can't wait to get this project started and let yall know how it turns out. This forum is filled with knowledge filled hot rodders. Thanks