My new '63 Falcon

I’m using Ford Aerostar benches that I got for cheap.  Stripping them down, modifying the base and painting.  I bought some vinyl that matches the front seats and I’m going to attempt to sew those up myself



Been feeling like the back tires are a little too small.  These are 235/60 15 all around.  I just got some 275/60s for the back.  Will post some more pics when I get them mounted

Looks Great! Please keep the pics coming. They’re inspirational!!!

Looking Great !!!!!!!!!!!
Some Major work you have done to Save another Early
My pant jobs are always(tired of messing with it) Good Enough for me. Jobs

I bought some of the military Hummer seat belts a couple years ago when they were dirt cheap.  Just now getting around to installing them.  3/16 x 1 1/2 flat stock, same as for the bumper brackets so I just bought a 20’ stick.  Anyways, here’s how I attached them








I also cleaned up the heater.  Love the way these things look, just a utilitarian box right in the middle of the floor!



I’m really liking the Ace hardware brand premium rattle can paint.  Dries incredibly quick and I keep a few colors and glosses on hand for these little detail jobs





Made a little jig for my press, good for bending metal instead of putting it in the vise and grabbing a mini sledge

I used the flat stock and a bit of angle to attach to the factory Camaro bumper brackets.  There’s some off angles so I kind of C-clamped it together before welding.  The bumper is a ‘69 Camaro rear bumper.  It really seems like it was made for this application, plus they’re cheap

Very Nice!

Thanks Vanny.  I don’t have back up lights on my ‘63 but wanted to do something discreet.  Bought these little LED lights from Amazon and put two in existing holes on the bumper and two in the body flange.  Wired up to a switch under the steering wheel.  I’m happy with the light output

Those throw off a lot of light Hip E...You won't have any trouble seeing what's behind you. Can you see well with the mirrors when backing up? I was thinking about maybe looking into a backup camera in the future...

I’ve got those peep mirrors and they’re not great for visibility, look cool tho. Since I’ve got the window van I’ll mostly just be looking over my shoulders. I bought a NOS set of gen 2 mirrors but just couldn’t bring myself to drill into that paint job. I think a backup camera is a great idea

Yeah, then you could keep the cool looking peeps and not have to drill holes!

Time for an engine swap.  Removed the old 170 and pulled the 302 out of the free donor Lincoln.  Did it all solo which was a bit challenging.  Cleaned and painted, converted from EFI to carburetor and put on some shiny stuff.









Decided to complicate things by putting the new motor lower and further rearward than stock hoping for a lower center of gravity for this lunchbox.  Mounting brackets are a combination of universal ones and custom drop stuff on the “frame” rails.  I’ll need to snap some pics of that still.



Probably installed and removed the motor and trans like 10 times trying to figure out the placement, sketchy to say the least

sweet. great work especially comparing : page 1 to page 5

Thanks Dix

Here’s some pics of the wider wheels and tires.  I had put on 235/60/15 on 7” wide rims front and back.  I’m shooting for more of a 70’s vibe so in the rear I stepped up to an 8” wide rim with 275/60/15.  She’s not movable at the moment so I can’t get a good side pic but this will help if you’re wondering how far they stick out

Speaking of the donor Lincoln, I utilized the motor, a 5.0 roller cam with low miles, the AOD overdrive transmission and the rear end which is a 8.8 with posi traction and disc brakes.  The rear end was I believe around 3/4” wider than the stock Econoline and I just had to weld on new spring perches and shock mounts.  It even has a rear sway bar that I’m still thinking about how to attach.  I took the whole van to a local suspension shop and had them measure, shorten and balance the Lincoln drive shaft.  Here’s a little glamour shot of her on the trailer.  They’re just so quirky it always puts a smile on my face.

Love those wide wheels! They definitely give it that 70’s feel! Does the air cleaner fit under the dog house or do you have to make it a little taller? Thanks for the pics and updates….many of us look forward to viewing them!!!

Hi Vanny.  Here’s the secret sauce for mega air cleaner clearance, drop that motor like it’s hot!  I really wanted the exhaust manifolds under the floor to cut down on doghouse heat.  I grabbed some pics of the mounting plates for the motor and trans.  3/16” plate, seems strong enough for my needs.

Wow! That’s Awesome! The engineering is beyond my comprehension but it sure looks Great! Thanks for the detailed pics…love people who are gutsy enough to go for it!!!

Haha, don’t accuse me of doing any engineering, I’m just a guy with some cardboard and a sharpie!  You might have noticed in the photos that I decided side pipes are in order.  Here’s some pics how I did it but I think I would have used nut zerts going into the structure instead of self tappers if I was to do it again.  I have since bought a kit and they’re cheap on Amazon and pretty handy.

I’m also converting over to an electric fan and using the Volvo one with the relay that’s pretty common.  Made a shroud to support it but I’ve still got to make new brackets as the radiator needs to move a few inches forward.  Swapping over to the larger Mustang gas tank too but only part way thru as my welder is giving me some trouble.