Widest wheels..."My plan for the sedan"

Originally Posted by 65falkone

Budget Update
Just went over all purchases and sold off bits from the car. I am now into it for $2807 (including car) once I subtract the $550 worth of stuff I sold off it. Still pretty close to being on target for the $5k budget.
So far I have the following major issues completed:

• M2 front end installed. Discs, bearings, spindles, Control arms, ball joints, bushings, steering rack, tie rod ends and cross member are all new. Should steer and ride nicely. The only used parts are the used 425# springs. This alone was the most expensive part of the build so far at just over $1000. I justified this as a necessary expense to make sure it was going to be safe to drive with my kids in the car.
• Switched to an 8" rear end and did the mini tub and leaf move in. $400
• New floor with custom sub-frame connectors. $100
• New wheels and tires - 275 rear and 135 front $550
• Some small parts and pieces replaced on the car with better used or new ones.

That leaves me about $2200 to finish on budget. Pretty tight but I am feeling good about it still.
Just an update for those who might be amused by my "recession rod" quest.
Pierre

This is going to be an amazing ride! I am blown away at what you have done and what it has cost. Keep the pictures coming!

Let me tell you.... putting stiffer than stock springs (or probably any springs) back into the stock M2 front end is a real pain in the ass. I finally have one side done - had I known how difficult this was I would have gone back to my earlier plan of airbags.

I am using 97 mustang Gt springs with 2.5 coils removed. Apparently 400lb springs stock and now with rings cut off probably 800lbs. Should still be good with the 900lb 390/c6 combo. At least they should not be too mushy. I will let you know once in. Pics tomorrow.

Pierre

Got another 390 on the weekend from a friend of mine - was in a truck he bought for parts. Has been totally gone through and has a ton of new parts (starter, water pump, distributor, holley 500cfm 2bbl, cam etc). The block seems to be a service replacement - need to do a little more checking to clarify. It has a 69 intake and heads - both casting codes indicate 1969 galaxie as origin so may not be a truck motor at all?

Brought it home and decided that I will put this one in for now. Will have to wait till next month as I am off to China for work till the 25th of oct.
Pierre

Couldn't ask for a cleaner motor out of a parts car? I think I am going to paint it black like the early 60's FE motors.
Pierre

Nice!

A quick shot of the hard to install springs....Hopefully won't ever have to change those again...

You are doing everything that I have planned for my 64 falcon. Your budget is a little lower than mine. I am hoping to do mine for 6500. New motor, trans and rear in mine though.
What suspension did you use to attach to the M2 crossmember?
You are going to have a NICE car when you are done. Ever get down in the Seattle area?

the control arms are new moog replacement stock stamped steel arms. They were pretty cheap and available locally. Installed correctly I would say they are better than aftermarket A arms on the bottom. The strut rod provides a very stable lower arm. Just my opinion...

As for Seattle I go to Bumbershoot every year.

Pierre

I am in southern China right now for work and am always amazed at what you will see - here are some pics I took over here in the last week, I know they are not falcons but still pretty interesting.

Check out the 1 cyl diesel tractor/truck/ride-on-rototiller? these are very common in rural China. I have seen them pulling 20 foot trailers and cross 4 lanes of traffic just on a whim.... Snakes are a popular menu item here - the 6 foot cobra in the back left box sounds particularly delicious. Letting your kid ride on the gas tank of your 3 wheeler truck seems to be ok even with no helmets and on the hiway? I just can't look. Friendly looking fish available for dinner. The modern rickshaw still in use to haul goods.

definatley a difference in culture from north america.

ha...that's funny.

I lived in Beijing for a year...definitely a lot of differences in culture. But, I sure miss the food!!!!