I found a 65 Falon hardtop that I can pick up for next to nothing. It has no drivetrain, no front sheet metal, and normal rust in the quarters. I have not gone UNDER the car yet to explore for add'l corrosion. But it is DIRT cheap.

Although an "odd-body" project would be interesting, I don't want parts sourcing to become a problem. I'm looking for a father-son project, and an early Mustang would be ideal. In addition, finding a 65-69 coupe body with less rust would put me ahead of where I'd be starting with this Falcon. The car would be for my son to drive once he's old enough. What are your thoughts - get the kinda-rusty Falcon now or wait for a Mustang in better shape? Did I mention the Falcon is cheap?

 

You sold me - on the idea that this is more of a project than you want to take on. If you're interested in pursueing it, there are Falcon forums that may give you some insite on how hard it would be to find the missing sheet metal parts.

e.g.
http://www.ford-forums.com/ford-falcon/
http://www.fordmuscle.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=203

 

Wait for the mustang. How old is your son? Im sure he will appreciate the mustang a little more than a falcon when he is ready to drive. I know I would have.. You will be able to find a better,, maybe even functioning mustang if you wait..

 

If that's how you feel, then don't get the Falcon. Sure it may be dirt cheap, but no amount of money will ever make it a Mustang.

Also keep in mind that your son will appreciate working with you and whatever you get him (if you later give it to him) but I'd bet when he's 16,he'd rather have a mustang too.

I'd definately go with the car in better shape. The $$$ you savebecause it's rusty will probablycost you 2x that much to fix when it's all said and done.

Mentioning how cheap the Falcon is shows that you do care about budget. And I understand that you want a "project". But the truth is, it's cheaper in the long run to buy exactlywhat you want than it is to fix up one the way you want it. Since you clearly don't want a fully restored car for your project, I'dsuggestat least paying extra up front to get something that needs less work as opposed to a dirt cheap one that needs lots of work.

Also if you get something without an engine, you're likely to want to put a cool hi-po engine in there...which may not be a good thing for your son when he first starts driving.

 

I can't believe you even seriously thought of getting a Falcon. They weren't good cars when they were new, and it won't be a good car when it's rebuilt. You'll never ever get your money's worth from it.

 

does anybody get their moneys worth when rebuilding a classic right away anyway? no. you've gotta wait it out, but i dont think people build (MOST OF THE TIME enthusiasts like us!) for the money, they do it cuz they love classics. i would love a falcon with a v8 and a 4 speed, no one would see it commmin.

 

Thanks for the input so far guys. I found the Falcon when I wentto look at an older Ford truck for my nephew to buy, and the seller also had this hardtop sitting in his back yard. I guess it's the collector-gene in my DNA; makes me wanna rescue every lost cause I come upon.

My son is only 11yo, so we've got plenty of time to get a project going. I could just let him work on and eventually drive my '66 coupe (which my dad bought as a new dealer left-over in the fall of 1966). I just thought a spearate project would be fun and rewarding for the two of us.

 

Reminds me of a story from the 60's. Guy tells his buddy he bought a new car. The buddy ask if he got a good deal. The guy replies, "nope, I got a Falcon".

 

65 Falcon = 65 Mustang as far as the under pinnings and drive lines go. Sheetmetal and interior changes do make a world of asthetic difference though.

That being said, I have seen several hot little Falcons and behind the Mustang they are the most widely collected and restored 60's era Ford. Parts should be available without too much hassle.

Whichever way you decide to go, get one that is as rust free as you can afford. You will be money ahead when the smoke clears. If the car is as dirt cheap as you say, you may want to consider the option of buying it to part out on Ebay, if there is anything worth parting out. There is a large Falcon market out there. If there is nothing worth parting out, then I would certainly not consider restoring it.

However, in lieu of parting it out, keeping it for parts, ie. hardware, wiring etc. for when you do get your Mustang or Falcon might not be a bad idea either. A LOT of what went into the Falcons went into the Mustangs also.

 

wow soaring, i didnt peg you for an anti-falcon guy. i think they are pretty cool cars actually, i really think they deservemore attention than they get...... just like the mavericks and the II's