'62 Ford Falcon - xJamesx

Dodger 359 wrote: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.

...

Rust Demons, rust buckets, projects, headaches, nightmares,  we all do it for different reasons, love, budget, inspiration, challenge, some of us like to tinker, piddle, rehab, build..my son in law says its cathartic, a $5 word for relief, soothing, venting or relaxing..My wife says you do what you want to do..You make time for what you want..its true...Many would have parted mine out as well, At the time it was all I could afford and I was giddy to have it,...I wanted to save mine and I did

Go xjamesx!

Yeah, Fred.  I'll let you know if I need anything else.  I appreciate it.

Ok, here is a little progress on this last weekend.  I did more digging into the rear rust a little more and trying to get it all cut out and ready to repair.  


and then a little more cutting, grinding and priming it up....



Vic (Old Skool)  just emailed me last week so the rear valance and disc brakes will be on their way here shortly.  Can't wait to start getting this sheet metal back in place and it being rust/rot free!! All the other panels are waiting and primed in my garage.

Oh and look what else arrived....


This old girl is going to be on the road by summer!!! (fingers crossed)

What kind of primer is that on the bare metal?

cali2chitown wrote:What kind of primer is that on the bare metal?

It's just Rust-o-leum Self Etching Primer. $3/can. Applies pretty easily but I'll let you know how it holds up before I paint over it (which will be a long while).

Don't you have to seal self etching before you paint it though?

Looking great James

Moving Right Along.. Looks GREAT.!!!.  ..Not many people can tackle a job to that extent.. I know I couldn't..  .

Lookin' good! I need to start thinking wiring harness, How did you decide what to use?

cali2chitown wrote:Don't you have to seal self etching before you paint it though?

To be honest, I didn't read the instructions. I needed a primer and that was the first one I saw but also figured that I'd paint it again with another layer of heavier paint or even POR-15 so wasn't too worried about it.

And and as far as the wiring harness, 66mnecotruck, I read through a lot of threads on wiring harnesses on this site and there were great tips but there was one member in particular (can't remember his name) who knew a ton about wiring who recommended Kwikwire and the price was in my budget as well. It looks like a great product but I'll post pics and a further review in early April when I get it done.

Thanks everyone!!

WOW, looks like were saving another ! great job !

Enjoy reading your post. I have rear valence and floor pan rust in that same area and your pics are helpful. Please post all the pics you can on this repair.

Ok, so the rust repair on the rear section is on hold while I wait on a rear valance from Vic. After that comes the disc brake upgrade (and everything else in the brake system). Another fine upgrade that I'll be receiving from Vic soon. He's a big help with getting this old girl on the road, as well as all the info and help from everyone on this board.

I am just about done rewiring the van as well. I used a Kwikwire kit and it is a relatively easy rewire with this particular kit. I decided to upgrade the generator to an GM alternator that Donivan recommended and eliminate the external voltage regulator. So far, so good. I had to fab up this alternator bracket and it works great. Here's a few pics....


Also, a new radiator is getting ordered so she should be running within the next week or so. I'll keep updating you guys (and gals) as I move forward.

Good job on your fab work, James. Your moving right along.
Awesome !

Great to hear you're getting so close James! Congrats on all the excellent upgrades as well. You'll be on the road before you know it!

Excellent work James. Keep those pics coming. She'll be on the road before you know it.

Great work....keep us posted on the progress

Looking good, cant wait to see it in the flesh one of these days.

Great work! Love the photos.

So the wiring is still not 100% done but super close (except tail lights which will be later). I got my ignition system wired and it seems to be correct so far. If you remember I had issues with that before and was the main reason I rewired the van. I installed the new (Mustang) radiator and will full up all the fluids and try to start her up on Sunday.
At the same time, I spent a little time refreshing and repainting the dash gauge panel. Looks pretty good for not a lot of effort.


I also was fitting up the aftermarket panels to start buttoning up this corner of the van. These panels came with the van and they need a decent amount of work to get them to fit properly. I know this is common knowledge on this site but thought I would confirm it again. Oh well, no other options and I want this thing on the road. More cutting and grinding before the welding starts.



Then the disc brake upgrade (Vic said a soon arrival!!) and get the doors bolted on. Obviously I still have tons of work to do after that but I want to enjoy her on the road a little before more fall/winter body work and rust repair.

Looking mighty fine keep us posted.

Summer only lasts 2 weeks in Maine, better get that panel in before they start salting the roads next month  . Seriously though, it's looking like you'll have a driver in no time. You cant eat it all in one bite my friend. Keep on chewing, you'll finish eventually.

She is ALIVE!!!!! Finally got her running and she purrs pretty well.  I figured out a few glitches I had after rewiring the van and all the fixes/maintenance on the drivetrain paid off.  So glad to check this off the list. I didn't know how to post a video so here's a still of the momentous occasion.

I am now back on bodywork duty since I received the rear valance from Vic.  The rust is slowly getting cut out and replaced.  I'll keep you updated but here's a recent pic.

Congrats on a great "Leap" forward!

Good to hear James .  Always cool when you wake one up from a long sleep 

Parts van acquired!!! This old rust bucket was 25mins from my house and was too good to pass up. It's got a 240 in it with auto tyranny, a 9" rear and most of the body panels I need to fix my rot.


I might even use the side door framework to make mine an 8 door window van.
I do NOT know what will be left over when I'm done but I'll post it up for sale when I'm ready. I can tell you that I'm leaning towards not using the auto tranny or those mirrors.




Oh and I don't end the bumpers either but the rear has a small dent on top.




This will be a busy winter to get my '62 complete (enough) to be on the road and looking good.