'62 Ford Falcon - xJamesx

Just got the van home through snow and sleet and thought I'd start a thread here since I got a decent amount of work to get it where I want it to be.
Here's the scoop: It has a pretty good amount of rust on the lower 12-18" (and a few spots higher) and the engine turns by hand but doesn't run since the previous owner removed the ignition system. I will refresh that with a thorough once over and maybe replace the clutch. The van has sat for at least 2 years. Over all it seems pretty original and includes a rear seat and all the interior panels inside. Original bumpers as well.
It came with near every panel I need to replace so all I need to do is get the welder ready to go. I plan on the van being a great usable hauling machine and a fun vehicle to cruise in with the wife. I am also going to install disc brakes in the front. Other then that, just another fun project. The doors all have some rot but the fronts need the most work so I will scout to possibly just replace those.
I got a small list started of parts I need including new mirrors (west coast style), battery cover, potential front doors, etc. I will start a thread in "E Parts Wanted" for my exact list as it comes to be.
Ok, here's some pics. Thanks for looking.

a couple pics of her in her new home.


random shots

Nice score. It doesn't look to bad. Definitely seen worse.

That looks really nice xjamesx. Looks fairly straight. As long as your roof rails are clean the rest should be easy.

Looks like a great start for your new project,in your new home. James

Thanks guys. Yeah, the roof is PERFECT and no rust in the drip rails. Overall, it is super clean except the lower sections of rockers and sheet metal. Someone Ziebarted underneath years ago and that is still super clean but then they parked it in a weedy field out here and the rockers got destroyed with rust.
and thanks Vanish, the garage is a work in progress but I built the biggest I could afford and I'm finishing it (siding, wiring, car lift) this spring.

Looks like you have all the parts there too... Nice van

Sweet van. Glad you rescued her from the weed field.

When you said the roof was perfect, I thought you were talking about the garage (nice garage).That's what I was checking out.
Glad ya picked up another van & glad your back on here.
Lookin forward to your posts/progress.

sweet another makes it back on the road!

Long live econolines!

Ok, so I have been a little busy trying to get the old girl on the road, after it's many years in someone's garage. New plugs, wires, rotor, cap, coil, starter solenoid, valve cover gasket, oil change, rear diff. flush. and getting ready to flush cooling system and tranny. Also cleaning up tons of wiring issues (see post in E Van section).
In other depts., I got new front doors to replace rotted ones and a new wiper motor. While at the JY, I scored a great condition dash pad as well. While my van never came with one, I thought I'd add it unless someone wants it and makes an offer before I tackle that job.
After the wiring is fixed and it gets running, I just have to address the brakes and rear leaf spring perch. Hopefully this summer, she'll hit the road if my work will give me more time to work on her.


Thanks for looking!!!

Glad you found a yard with some of the parts you need,and find some time to work on your new van,even if its a Ford(just kidding LOL My 1st van(anything at 18) was a 64 E panel)

Nice score James! Just keep picking away at her and you'll have her on the road before you know it!!

Nice van.. I just got mine a couple of weeks ago with basically the same issues. Little at a time.

OK, so we finished rebuilding the rear spring perch that was rotted out badly on the old Falcon today. The idea is to save this old girl who was left in a field for too long and rusted pretty bad. I think a lot of people would have parted her out but I saw some life left, and had the will to weld her back together. The repair was done in a more utilitarian way, without a ton of concern for looking stock. Anyway, here is a before pic from underneath:

and here is a couple shots of the final product:



I still need to replace the rear corner and the wheel well panel (and damn near every other rocker on the van) but for now, its a big structural repair done and one step closer to being on the road.
I'm hoping to get the rear valance and disc brakes from Vic (Old Skool) pretty soon and I'll be even closer. Oh and did I mention I still have to rewire it? No sweat. She'll see the road this summer.

James .. You Have Been Hard at work on that Van !!!! Looks Good !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep the Pictures Coming ......

Wow thats some serious dedication and commitment, great work!

James, thanks for taking the time to save another one from the Crusher! People on this site just love to see someone take the time to bring another Vintage Van back to Life!!!

I love the photos, but also what the photos of this type of repair means; the love of these vintage vans.  Great work and keep the love coming.

Looks good James. Keep at it, it's only metal (rust). And if you're having doubts about the rust, you just need to check out the Thames restore going on in these forums. Kev brought one back from the grave and it's turning out Real Nice. After seeing his van, He has inspired many of us to tackle our own rust demons.

Nice work

Thanks, guys. The majority of this project here was my buddy Andy's fab skills, but now it's up to me to fire up the cut-off wheel and welder and start working on the panels now. Lots of work ahead but the fire is under my ass to get her on the road by summer.

It's great to have talented friends.

Glad to see your making progress. I was in Oxford last Tuesday to pick up a 67 Cad seat. Still too much snow for mw but I will start travelling between RI and Maine in April. Let me  know if you need anything else.
Fred