I’m ashamed to say it – but Davey, my 1960 Ford Falcon 2-door sedan, has been sitting on a side-yard gathering dust since I finished Studie’s transmission over a year ago. (Insert sad, pathetic face here.) The above picture was taken at the last event, and come to think of it the only event, Davey attended – the Mooneyes 2010 July Show.
I had been depending on the Falcon to get me by while Studie was stranded with transmission issues. Falcon got me through, but just barely. Falcon had been giving me worries and semi-breaking down for a couple of weeks by the time Stude had gotten back on the road. The above picture was taken in October 2010 before I had a garage and had to find crafty ways to comfortably work! I was so happy to have my Stude back, and busy with a million other things in life, that Davey just sat… and sat some more. I intended to bring the Falcon over to my garage months ago, but it never seemed to happen.
The wait is over though, today was the day! And as it turns out…it was meant to be…
You see, as it turns out, today was Davey’s birthday! Here’s how I found out…
After driving the Falcon to my house from a couple blocks away (Davey started right up!) and giving him a bath, I opened the hood. Then I remembered what I had read in my original 1960 Ford Falcon shop manual about all the information the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) tells you. I ran inside to grab the manual and opened the driver’s side door to look at Davey’s VIN. Yes, of course, it’s a
2-door, Corinthian White, 6-cylinder sedan – I already knew that. But…what I didn’t know was that Davey was built in Lorain, Ohio on October 1st, 1960!! Happy 51st Birthday Davey! Even though I waited way too long, I think the time is just right to dive into putting Davey back on the road – even better then before!
I’m going to start with a basic tune-up and see what sort of issues come up. When Falcon got parked, I was having issues that seemed a little like overheating. After I had been driving for awhile (say on the freeway for 25 minutes) – the engine would die as soon as I came to a stop. I could start it back up, but it would die again every time I had to stop. I had added a temperature gauge that worked, but it showed the temp didn’t seem to be the problem. Also, the carb was newly rebuilt so I don’t think that’s the issue.
I’m venturing to guess it’s probably fairly minor repairs needed. But I’m very excited to get the chance to dive into this engine and do some learning – and getting to know Davey better!
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Or keep reading, Gettin’ Started on the Falcon…
I now have 2 60′s. One I saved from the graveyard and one I bought from the original owner. I’m looking at a few more. I bought a beautiful, but wrecked 4 door, and used many parts to save the bone yard car that I had no choice but to make a rod out of. Exactly like the one I had in H.S. I’m looking at a few more 60′s to purchase because I’m in LOVE with those cars.
johnkidds@aol.com
Is it an automatic? If so, is the idle set too low on the carb? Maybe the motor isn’t getting enough gas to keep it running while in gear with the brakes on adding the extra torque converter load to the motor? Shift into park to re-start, and that extra load goes away… just a first thought. Tell us more about what happens, maybe we can help you trouble shoot it.
Great car, by the way. There’s one that runs around Calgary in gold metalflake and a chrome bullet grille… very swanky!
It’s manual. It doesn’t cut off at idle until I’ve been on the road for about 30 minutes.
Hmm… that’s odd. I’m sure this is already on your tune-up plan, but try a new cap and rotor, and check your timing.
Anybody else got any smart ideas? I’m out.
Sounds like a bad coil. It might overheat and then short out. Been there done that. Definitely electric. Even sparkplugs cause havoc when they die. Also check the engine ground braid wire as it could be loose.
Your Davey reminds me of a drag car called “Peppermill” racing out of Georgetown, Ontario, Canada. It sported a 300″+ Ford truck engine which enjoy a steel crankshaft instead of nodular iron. I think it also had set of three Webber carbs. I think Davey wants one under his hood. Oh, and a tear-drop hood scoop.
Stay real, stay true, Jameswaterwolf