kirknd4spd

You're not alone lol. I prefer the older stuff, and I'm only 25. I've got a 56 Chevy 3100 shortbed truck I need to start working on soon. Factory 265 V8, 3 speed column shift, should make a decent project. I'm keeping it mostly original, might end up an inch or two lower, with 15x8 steel wheels, and some whitewalls though.
My dream hot rod, though, is a Ford Model A tudor sedan, chopped and channeled, with a Buick Nailhead V8, 3 speed, and quick change rear end. Too bad I dont have the funds to build it, but I guess I can keep dreaming.

DougyFresh

I'm a sucker for a Falcon. Never owned one, but there was a 64 up the road for sale when i was 16. The couple wanted $800 for it with a clear title and enough parts to build another car minus the shell. I told them to give me a week and I would be back to get it. Sold my dirtbike, went back, and it was gone

It was a I6/automatic car. I had a buddy with a Ford station wagon that had a 429/c6 in it that he wanted $400 for. I sold my dirtbike for $1500... Can you tell what my plan was??


It seems as though the trend around here right now is 70's-80's trucks chopped down to resemble a "rat rod" (God I hate that term).

DougyFresh

I'm having a feeling that the XJ parts may be to wide for the Falcon. The front would really not be a problem, just cut it to width and sleeve it on the inside. For the rear, you might consider a fox body Mustang rearend with a 5 lug conversion.

KennyG

I've been doing some research on this, and oddly enough, the fox body rear's are wider than Explorer/Ranger rear which is the more common swap for Falcons. Nothing against the 8.8, I'm just thinking that I can get my hands on the XJ stuff for cheap, and readily available. On the other hand, the donor XJ (I talked to the guy, and getting the parts for the front end aren't a problem, but I still haven't laid eyes on the prize) looks like it's a Dana 35 rear unit... I don't think I'd wanna chance a 35 behind anything with *****. From what I've heard, they're marginal behind a fresh 4.0. I do have a GM 7.5 G-body rear end that dimensionally should work. I know that the 7.5 GM is "considered" a poor choice, but the General has been putting them in LS1 & LS2 powered Camaro's for years, and this one has an Eaton clutch posi case, and a T/A Performance girdle and has lived behind the blower motor already, so that may be my best option. I'm thinking I can redrill the XJ front axle hubs to a 5x4 3/4" bolt pattern and use matching Chevy wheels (I have several to choose from). I've spent the past few days (what little free time I can find) rearranging things in my garage and making room to work around my project. If everything goes as planned, the old Falcon should go "under the knife" starting next week. I think I have a game plan, with a clear vision of the objective... it's been a long time since I've undertaken such a big project, especially on my own, at home, in my own garage... but I'm really looking forward to the "thrill of the build"!

DougyFresh

I was driving down the road today and saw a 64 Ranchero. Started thinking about this thread and the Ranchero and I came to the conclusion that a 64 Ranchero that is converted to 4x4, but set up to look like a gasser (kinda tall, but raked to the back with like 255/70 all terrains all the way around) would make for one bad *** shop truck. Maybe even use an AWD transfer case instead of a part time...