Register now to get rid of these ads!

Projects Hotrob's fiasco of a "Model A Coupe" build thread

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Hotrob, Oct 3, 2009.

  1. Hotrob
    Joined: Mar 23, 2005
    Posts: 589

    Hotrob
    Member
    from DFW, TX

    O.K, O.K., here is some Falcon stuff.
    I finally finished up the floors. Then I installed the engine and transmission. It is an overbored 302 with Windsor JR iron heads from World Products (www.worldcastings.com). I have used the Winsor heads before and they make alot of power in the 302.
    I installed a Crane cam with about 550 lift.

    I used Doug's Headers. I must say I was very impressed with the quality and fit. It is nearly impossible to get headers to fit in an early Falcon. You can see below how tight it is between the shock towers.
    I did have to grind just a little off of the steering box, it was just too close for comfort. It did not touch, but it was CLOSE!!!

    I also was impressed with the transmission mount I got from WWW.Falconparts.com.
    Nice fit and a heavy duty piece.
    Check out the pics
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Hotrob
    Joined: Mar 23, 2005
    Posts: 589

    Hotrob
    Member
    from DFW, TX

    I read an arcticle somewhere about using a late model "3G" alternator for a "one wire" installation using a Ford alternator.
    essentially 90's ford v6 cars use an alternator that bolts up to early v8 mounts, and is internally regulated so it can be wired such that the only hook up is a single charge wire to the battery, or hot side of the solenoid. The Alternator was $80 on ebay.
    Then I picked up an aluminum waterpump. I like this because I can plug the heater outlet and I can cleanly bypass the heater. There is no funky looped heater hose this way.
     

    Attached Files:

  3. Hotrob
    Joined: Mar 23, 2005
    Posts: 589

    Hotrob
    Member
    from DFW, TX

    I was checking craigslist as i do every few days, and found an add for 64-65 falcon fenders.
    They were listed as standards with no trim holes and in great shape for $125, or $20 for the pair!
    For those who are in the know, these fenders are not repopped. OEM used is the only thing out there.

    They were at www.bellsspeedshop.com. The guys there were super cool and had tons of Falcon parts, new and used.

    The fenders were in really good shape, especially the passenger side. Unfortunately the passenger side was not as important as the drivers side. That side was not quite as nice. There was some poor bodywork covered by bondo but still much nicer than what I have.

    Nice buy at $200 a pair.
     

    Attached Files:

  4. Mark H
    Joined: May 18, 2009
    Posts: 1,461

    Mark H
    Member
    from Scotland

    Looks like the Falcon's coming along great,Rob.Great tip re the alternator.May come in handy for my 289.Thanks.
    Mark.
     
  5. Hotrob
    Joined: Mar 23, 2005
    Posts: 589

    Hotrob
    Member
    from DFW, TX

    Mark
    I can send you a diagram of how its wired, but it is easily found on the www if you search "3G alternator" or "ford one wire", something of that nature.
    I am also told that it is imperrative that an inline fuse is installed and that 10g wire be used for the output.

    I am not personally experienced, however my research shows that it is becoming a common conversion for early mustang and Bronco owners and that it works well.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Rob
     
  6. Mark H
    Joined: May 18, 2009
    Posts: 1,461

    Mark H
    Member
    from Scotland

    Thans Rob,I'll check it out.
    Mark.
     
  7. groove
    Joined: Jan 13, 2008
    Posts: 74

    groove
    Member
    from kelowna BC

    Just wanted to say great thread. Your photos and descriptions are top notch!
    g
     
  8. Hotrob
    Joined: Mar 23, 2005
    Posts: 589

    Hotrob
    Member
    from DFW, TX

    I just got a few pics of the coupe's progress from Tim at irrational metalworks. As you all know I took it to his shop for a little bit of metal work that was beyond my present skill set.

    It does not look radically different than it did before, but I assure you alot of work has been done that makes alot of difference in the end.

    Here he has completed the rear quarter patches and the wheelwells.

    Next is the subrail notches to clear the rear axle and spring.
     

    Attached Files:

  9. Hotrob
    Joined: Mar 23, 2005
    Posts: 589

    Hotrob
    Member
    from DFW, TX

    Oh and you can also see where the firewall was patched. It was pulled out and torn where the grill shell rods attach, as they typically are.
     
  10. Mark H
    Joined: May 18, 2009
    Posts: 1,461

    Mark H
    Member
    from Scotland

    Looking great Rob!Looks like they're doing a fantastic job on the body.Car sits nice too.
    Mark
     
  11. Hotrob
    Joined: Mar 23, 2005
    Posts: 589

    Hotrob
    Member
    from DFW, TX

    THanks Mark. I am really happy with how the car sits. Not too high, and not too low. THe angle in the last few pics is weird but the wheelwell in the body follows the contour of the rear tire really nicely.
    I hope to have it back in the garage in a couple weeks and we will fire up the engine for the first time.

     
  12. VAPHEAD
    Joined: May 13, 2002
    Posts: 3,257

    VAPHEAD
    BANNED

  13. solid
    Joined: May 20, 2007
    Posts: 1,459

    solid
    Member

    Both cars are looking good.
     
  14. fiftyv8
    Joined: Mar 11, 2007
    Posts: 5,401

    fiftyv8
    Member
    from CO & WA

    I hope you thought about using tensile rod to make your U bolts.
     
  15. Hotrob
    Joined: Mar 23, 2005
    Posts: 589

    Hotrob
    Member
    from DFW, TX

    Thanks Solid, Its cool how similar our Birds are turning out. I have a straight axle for mine, but I am kinda digging the coil spring spacers.

    The further it moves along the more I am liking it. It was supposed to be a quick project so I would have something to drive while the coupe went together but it has turned out to be quite the build as well.



    fiftyv8, I don't know what the hell your talking about.
     
  16. Hotrob
    Joined: Mar 23, 2005
    Posts: 589

    Hotrob
    Member
    from DFW, TX

    Update.
    Here is a shot of the rear subrail notch on the left side. shots from the inside and out.

    Looking better than I imagined.
     

    Attached Files:

  17. Hotrob
    Joined: Mar 23, 2005
    Posts: 589

    Hotrob
    Member
    from DFW, TX

    Both wheelwells are notched and the body is back on the frame. The rear tire is now perfectly aligned in the wheelwell.
    Thanks Tim!
     

    Attached Files:

  18. Hotrob
    Joined: Mar 23, 2005
    Posts: 589

    Hotrob
    Member
    from DFW, TX

    I brought the coupe back home today. It is nice to have it back in the garage. Tim really helped with some of the more complex metalwork and now I can get back to the build.
    Here is a side by side of when I picked it up last year and as it sits today.
     

    Attached Files:

  19. 29Jay
    Joined: Aug 9, 2007
    Posts: 1,101

    29Jay
    Member
    from Ft Worth

    Rob, That is looking good! You can't go wrong with a metal artist working on your car. You and I could have done that, but not THAT clean and nice! I say, good use of build dollars! You will be hours and hours ahead when you start the body work.
     
  20. Hey this is Rocky meet in the ER yestrday. Going through the build..it's awesome!!! Hope you havnt painted it. It looks great already can't wait to meet it...I'll be calln..
     
  21. Tommy R
    Joined: May 18, 2004
    Posts: 717

    Tommy R
    Member

    Rob, as a relative newcomer to the hobby who is about to embark on a similar adventure, I just wanted to say thanks for posting up all your ups/down and highs/lows regarding your build. It's nice to see something built by a mere mortal who hasn't been building hot rods since they were an embryo. Don't get me wrong, those are great builds to watch, but yours is similar to what mine will be so I find it especially inspiring.

    I also had a long road trip to pick up my donor A coupe body (just this past weekend, in fact) and I'm now in the planning stages trying to prioritize what I need to buy and start working on first. Hopefully I'll soon have enough to start up a build thread of my own...

    Fantastic build and please keep the updates coming!

    Tommy
     
  22. kraka138
    Joined: Oct 3, 2007
    Posts: 293

    kraka138
    Member

    the coupe looks great man
     
  23. Hotrob
    Joined: Mar 23, 2005
    Posts: 589

    Hotrob
    Member
    from DFW, TX

    Tommy:
    I have been shocked at the number of posts and PM's that thank me for keeping it real and posting up the mistakes and fumbles as well as the triumphs. I know exactally what you mean about everyone and his brother claiming that they have been building hot rods since the early days. kinda reminds me of that thing where every guy I have ever met that was in the Navy was a SEAL! I mean really? We can't all be superstars, but we can all have a hell of alot of fun builing these cars and digging the scene.

    Rob

     
  24. Mark H
    Joined: May 18, 2009
    Posts: 1,461

    Mark H
    Member
    from Scotland

    Any up dates,Rob?I'm needing a fix!:D
     
  25. Tommy R
    Joined: May 18, 2004
    Posts: 717

    Tommy R
    Member

    I hear ya... There's a hell of a lot of talent on the HAMB and it's real easy to look at those builds and think, "I could never pull that off" and lose motivation. Granted, I get great ideas from those guys and I'm thankful that they post their builds and share their experiences with us. But it's nice to see an "average Joe" building his car, too. And I mean that in a complimentary way! I hope to be in that group soon myself...

    Tommy
     
  26. 29Jay
    Joined: Aug 9, 2007
    Posts: 1,101

    29Jay
    Member
    from Ft Worth

    So, Tommy, Your saying it is OK for me to post how I am "re"-pulling my motor and trans because I screwed up the linkage and burned up a clutch? Cuz that is the truth. I love reading Rob's posts because he is a very good story teller. I need to hit your shop some time soon too bud!
    Jay
     
  27. Tommy R
    Joined: May 18, 2004
    Posts: 717

    Tommy R
    Member

    Heck yeah, Jay! Sucks that it happened, but if you wrote about it, I'm sure I'd read it. :)

    So Rob, any updates in the build?

    Tommy
     
  28. HotRod33
    Joined: Oct 5, 2008
    Posts: 2,570

    HotRod33
    Member

    The coupe is looking great.... I like all the attention to details that you are doing....
     
  29. Hotrob
    Joined: Mar 23, 2005
    Posts: 589

    Hotrob
    Member
    from DFW, TX

    The hot Texas summer is here and my excuse that it is too cold in the garage has conveniently transformed into complaints regarding the sweltering heat. Not withstanding the intense heat and the various distractions of summer, I have been able to get a little progress going on the coupe.

    I am really having alot of reason for delay trying to figure out the body mounts. I will show you what I have so far.

    I also tacked in the Vega steering box and mount.

    THe body mounts are cut out of square tubing and shaped with a grinder. I added a diaganal piece of square tubing in the floor and then a gusset where I intend on bolting the body down to the frame at the fabricated mount. I have gone really slow so no real entertaining drama or mistakes to report.

    Check out the picks and then I will show you the wish bone modifications I did to get the caster right.

    The last shot is a ride in Jays 29 sedan.
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Jun 13, 2010

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.