Local mechanic is doing the engine build. Wouldn't want me doing it so I support the local economy. There's a couple of places in Yakima where the block will go for machining and balancing. The mechanic told me yesterday there were a couple of machine shops on the "west side" he would trust but didn't mention where they were.
Scott Zimmerman
'65 Falcon Futura 2 door hardtop, 289 V8
Scott, hows that engine coming along?
Don Bartlett
Federal Way, WA
61 Four Door Sedan
144-6, 3 on the tree
Funny you should ask. I'm on vacation in London with the family right now but on my return next week I'm going to stop by the shop and see where things are at. He was supposed to be ordering the Scat parts 3-4 weeks ago. He said not to expect the car back before October is depressing on two fronts. It's October and I'm not sure how many break in miles I'll be able to do.
I'll be ordering headers when I get back and will drop those by the shop when I get them. Decided to stay with the stock heads (I know aluminum would breathe better) but I'm trying to "control some costs" to appease my wife. And, I'm not looking for a drag car, just something I can drive regularly in nice weather.
Scott Zimmerman
'65 Falcon Futura 2 door hardtop, 289 V8
One beauty of our cars as hobbies...no deadlines that aren’t really self imposed. (Jeff told me that and he was absolutely right.)The only thing I never wanted to hear from my wife was “are you ever going to do anything with at piece of junk” and I never did. On top of that...as far as cost control- One of the beauties of a falcon is they are already one of the least expensive classics out there. Next time cost control comes up, “just be glad I didn’t get the Corvette honey”
Don’t worry, you’ll find a dry day or two this winter to break it in, then Spring will come and you’ll wonder how you will have it ready in time for summer!
Don Bartlett
Federal Way, WA
61 Four Door Sedan
144-6, 3 on the tree
See, I am still checking in. Interesting reading this post. Money? I couldn't use your tactic Don because I already had the 65 vette and sold that. The money I spent on my Falcon was some of the best money I ever spent. I got back all my money and had a ball.
I had the pleasure of doing things I had never done. I took a piece of junk and changed it into a best of show winner and all it took was money and a heck of a lot of work.
Dreamers in Everett saw my car and said to build that car would cost $75,000. But when you do it all yourself, the costs are for parts. Lots of parts. You can count your time as money, but I guarantee, you won't get that money back. The car was started so I could do things that I didn't know how to do and I learned a lot. Body work, welding, painting, fiberglass, color buff and sanding (yuck). Repairing everything that will and does go wrong. Electrical (double yuck). And through it all, I made some really neat friends that I will always remember. They gave time, advice and help. Friends. That may be the best thing I got out of the car. Thanks to you all and I plan on staying close to this club.
There is one thing I learned during the process. Take your time and when you want to do a certain task, wait until you have the money to do that task. I didn't have the money when kids were at home. Had to wait until I retired. Compromise is a way of saying you lose. Keep the faith Scott and best of luck with your beautiful car.
Larry Smith
1964 Futura
347 stroker
Yep, I agree with all that Larry. Loved all of it, and it ended up bringing the family closer together- and all the great friends and community from the club too, and it really got my mind off work. Scott...I do agree, better to go slower and do it the way you really want it. Otherwise...you might end up doing it twice.
I didn’t have to wait until I was retired, but did wait until I could afford it - at least at a certain pace- I had all my other cars paid for so I just thought of it as a car payment.
Larry, when I get back and finish the radio and the windows Ill have to drive over and we’ll go for a spin. It feels like every time I drive it it’s breaking in a little more and running better and better.
Don Bartlett
Federal Way, WA
61 Four Door Sedan
144-6, 3 on the tree
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