Saving Granddad's Falcon

[dhbfaster]

For reference...here are some more pics of the dipsticks and the fitting on the block.

Img 87 shows new vs old. Old has the Ford logo and old is 8" instead of 10".

IMg 909 and 908 are a couple different views of the fitting on the block for it. (Which is really all I need.)

Meanwhile...I ran into omg 888...ug., this is the generator bracket...already restored! It has to be in my Garage somewhere hidden by the Falcon part gypsies!

[dhbfaster]

For the fuel pump installation fit up...do I just need to turn the crankshaft until it fits flush? (Then bolt the fuel pump down.)
The book just says " make sure the rocker arm is riding on the cam shaft eccentric"

[PhilC]

Don - I replied to your email, but upon looking at your pics I'm pretty sure I have at least one of those license plate brackets.

As to the dipstick, I don't think it matters. Here's why. Your original dipstick is much shorter than the new one (eyeballing your ruler pic ~ 2.5"). The original dipstick was matched to the short "fitting" (actually dipstick tube) in your block. The new dipstick is longer than original, but matched to the dipstick tube supplied with it.

If you want it to look original, you could shorten the new dipstick tube to the length of the original tube and use your old dipstick, OR, use the new dipstick and tube as is.

[Luva65wagon]

Don,

After I got over my 2-day flu I did get out and look in my shed for generator and licence-plate brackets. I have neither out there, though I do have two more bins up in my loft to go through, which may happen tonight. Seeing pics that Dennis posted of the license bracket I do seem to recall having something similar to that, somewhere. Where it went, who knows. If I find it in those last bins, I'll let you know.

I did find that exact bracket you show in the baggie, but it isn't clear from that post from you whether it was that part you need, or the U-bracket that holds the generator to the block. That one I had one of when I got my Ranchero, but probably let that go to someone else a long time ago with all the other unneeded parts I pulled from the car.

[dhbfaster]

Roger,
Bummer on the flu bug! Never good.
I ended up buying a generator bracket Friday night from a guy on Facebook that said he had one (not the U bracket, but the slider bracket.) It should arrive today or tomorrow...so if it's in fact correct I'll be set, so don't spend any more time looking. I have the U bracket.

Meanwhile, Phil (per below) says he might have the lic plate bracket, but I haven't heard from him to confirm yet.

Question on the carb - and apologies if I've asked this one before...for the brass fittings on the metal lines between the carb and the fuel pump- should these have any type of sealer on there?

Thanks as always...

[Luva65wagon]

Most of all the fittings are inverted flare - with the exception of the vacuum tube from the distributor to the carburetor. That has a ferule-like fitting that tightens around the line and into the fittings on the carb and vacuum advance. I rarely find those locally and usualy try to reuse them if I make a new line. But all brake lines and fuels lines are inverted flare (3/16" on the brakes, 5/16" on the fuel) and these fittings do not require sealant. Fittings that go into pipe threads, which there will be one at the fuel pump and one at the carburetor, are tapered pipe threads and will need a good pipe thread sealant.

After many years or assembling fuel-related plumbing parts I use a Loctite-based pipe-thread sealant 100% of the time. Teflon tape is rarely, if ever, used. The company I work for (FloScan Instrument Co) makes fuel monitoring systems... where leaks and/or vacuum-induced suction leaks (where air being sucked in creates bubbles) is not a good thing. Use of Teflon tape is, in fact, cause for voiding a warranty. Excess use of pipe thread sealant is too, in fact.

[dhbfaster]

Roger...thanks. After further investigation, looks like I've got some of the Permatex stuff for that in my garage.

My Cigar lighter....a pic of mine is attached. this is what was on the car as far back as I can remember. It doesn't have the crusty old creme colored knob that are like all the other control knobs...does anyone know if this is OEM? or is it just an aftermarket version?
When I ordered new knobs, I ordered a new cigar lighter knob, but it turns out it's a plastic creme colored one. The new knob is made to screw in, so if I want to use the new one, I'll need to find something for it to screw into.

Thanks!!

Roger...that generator bracket did show up today. Facebook can really be a good resource.

[dhbfaster]

In the pic is the heater control. See the black angled tube fitting piece that t's off of it? it looks like a hose should hook up to it. Anyone know what this is? Is it supposed to hook up to anything?

[Jeff W]

In the pic is the heater control. See the black angled tube fitting piece that t's off of it? it looks like a hose should hook up to it. Anyone know what this is? Is it supposed to hook up to anything?

That is AWESOME! The extremely rare vacuum powered heater control box!

Actually that piece was broken in the past and someone very inventive (maybe Grandpa) used a plastic hose fitting and epoxied it to help hold the metal wrap.

I haven't found that piece reproduced and ended up with a similar repair (not quite as impressive) on mine. Without that repair, the entire metal wrap woudl move in and out with the inner cable and not operate the metal divert doors.

I say use "as is" and keep your eyes open for a replacement.

[Luva65wagon]

McGyver lives!

I've struggled fixing a few of these and I agree, this is a unique "fix." They have repopped them before, but any of those I've seen are worse than the originals.

The real problem with these is that you have a very stiff cable used to adjust a flapper that you are trying to twist to operate a switch. That interface to the switch part somehow seems to be less robust compared to a solid pull cable.

[dhbfaster]

Too funny. You had me going for a few on your first sentence there Jeff!

That's originally what I thought...it looked like something for a vacuum hose, but I couldn't find anything moving inside it. And... A cable out the other end?? We re-epoxied it and it seems pretty solid. Granddad taught me about epoxy!

My Granddad was pretty Maguiver like...he could fix anything! He made one of those large Heath kit tv's that we all used to watch tv on in their den. I was pretty impressed by that back then. Of course I also learned a lot respect for solutions people originally from south of the border...and it could be that too!

Any thoughts on that cigar lighter?

[Luva65wagon]

Interestingly, not long after the Falcon ended its run (in the US), heater boxes did move to vacuum controls. You just had an early prototype!



I sent at least one cigar lighter to Nathan, I think, but I may have another you can screw the new knob to. It may not be functional though. Those are getting hard to find. I'll look tonight in my spare parts bin to see if I have anything you can use and you can keep an eye out for an NOS unit so you can light your cigars.

[dhbfaster]

Roger, Did you find that cigar lighter?
(I figure after this car is done...I'm going to deserve one!)
I also found this one online..but have no ideal if it will fit the housing I have.
Looks like the knob should fit though.
It's kind of pricey too...any thoughts?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-1961-196...tVFweG&vxp=mtr

[Luva65wagon]

Sorry Don. I've been slacking.

I did find the one I had. Not as nice as that NOS one with the chrome ring though. Mine is used and don't know if it works (doubt it will), but it is free to you to fill the hole, if you want it.

[Luva65wagon]

Falcon parts says my dipstick must have been changed...I'm thinking that's a pretty quick comment.

I doubt that it changed. I've see others short like yours was. I have a couple 200 blocks I will measure too, just for grins.