"Alternate" Falcon . . . Now building my 53 3100!

[big_dan]

So since my 65 Falcon will continue to show up in the background of my 53 project, and since a few of you asked about it, I figured I'd pay a pic or two.

Story first -

I bought it as a basket case; floors horrible, quarters crunched in, trim lost, etc.. I'd wanted one since Dad had one in the early 80's, so I jumped on this one. It was buildable, and had a title . . .

The plan changed multiple times. Originally, plan was got a top loader and a Cleveland, so I rounded up parts and went as far as building long tube headers that fit with the Cleveland and stock towers. But, in the end I punted that idea and decided I wanted less weight up front.

So, I replaced a bunch of sheetmetal, the entire floor, added a serious subframe and lowered the floor a bit for my 6'6" self, added a cage, custom dash, TKO500, hydraulic clutch, 9 in with truetrac, 4 link, custom fabbed front bumper and hood, full roller 331 built quite strong, e.t.c. . . .

My oldest son and I did every lick of work on it except actually shooting the paint. It has a fair amount of flake in it and my buddy could lay it down better without tiger striping it.

All in all, it was a blast, and this winter it'll get more cam, MSD Atomic EFI. and a few other tweaks.

So, without further ado, a few random pics.

Thanks for looking -

Dan

[big_dan]

A few more . .

[big_dan]

A couple more . . .

[big_dan]

Continuing along . . .

[big_dan]

And done. Those were just a few highlights, but it was a blast and continues to "evolve." And it hates Cha!!engers.

Dan

[mongocanfly]

nice!!
nlped has a nice 63 falcon build on this page

[nlped]

Dan!!! This one is a BEAUTY! I’m gonna need to see this one in person sometime.

I wish I was more competent at metal work, I’d love to put a bigger transmission tunnel in mine.

[oldman3]

Dan, Falcon looks great, thanks for posting...Jim

[Ol Blue K20]

Very good looking Falcon. More pics please!

[big_dan]

Ok, a few more. Didn't think the little bird would get much attention, but I'll oblige!

First 2 pics are just a little after I started it. With a 57 and the 65 my 2 car shop got crowded in a hurry. The 57 left a little while after, a rust free 2 door post project, to make room.

3rd pic was the first time I thought all my metal work was complete . .

4th pic custom floor going in to make room for the TKO and my legs.

Last pic is when we finally moved it to its new home after I built my 36x48 shop.

More later -

Dan

[big_dan]

And a few more from through the years.

First 2 are random fab stuff, making our own mini tub's abs fitting a fuel cell.

3rd is just random, another 57 I had for a while. I'm a sucker for 57 sedans. One day I'll build that patina'd 348/4 speed I'm itching to build.

Last 2 pics are from the year or 2 we worked on body work.

Again, more later -

Dan

[big_dan]

And a little more -

1st - Built a spray booth so I could shoot in the shop.

2nd/3rd pic - Shelby style fiberglass valance I almost used. Didn't like it, so went back to my original sheetmetal bumper i fabbed (pic#3).

4th - 57 9in housing, discs, truetrac, etc...

5th rear installed.

Thanks for looking - more to follow-

Dan

[big_dan]

A few more . . . . .

1st, sitting a little high, but love the 275's.

2nd-5th - Used the American Powertrain Hydramax hydraulic release bearing for mostly space considerations. Absolutely love it. Had to use offset dowels to get run out in spec; they specify less than 0.007 I think. A few shims, McLeod ceramic clutch. And my method for setting the pedal travel and bleeding the release bearing- bought a 4' AN3 hose and set it all up outside the car. Capped the lines, installed the engine and trans, and it took 5 seconds to bleed in ther car.

More again later- thanks for looking -

Dan

[big_dan]

Just a few more odds and ends. Tigged up my overflow tank from some SS stuff around the shop, then turned and knurled up a knob for it. Just to be a little different . . .

Dan

[big_dan]

And last for now, a shifter knob my oldest and I turned out of a block of 6061. Goal was to teach him a few of the finer points of layout, turning square to round, etc..

Thanks for looking-

Dan

[nlped]

Dan, this Falcon is amazing. I love mine, but I have to admit that I’m jealous of yours.

[mongocanfly]

Sweet work..!!

[oldman3]

Some great work Dan...Jim