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I like the '63 with the red and black interior. PS: and I don't like red but it looks great.
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The one I loved back then...
- Thread starter Codger_64
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Codger_64
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SNATCH!!
So... I follow the eBay listing for that car, $3,000 OBO. I offer the guy $2,500. He ends the auction and relists it on open bids and announces his reserve of $2,100. So I wait out the six days and bid his reserve. No other bidders down to the wire. I go pick up the car tomorrow, unless the guy welshes on the deal. About 100 miles each way.
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Congrats on the ebay win. I hope he is a stand up guy in the end.
Codger_64
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Well, the car was worse than I had hoped but not as bad as I had feared. It does have an older 20' paint job. The upholstery, carpet and headliner are near perfect. Body is very good with only a bit of bondo, very little rust and only two dents. Front floorboards are rusted though. Bad windshield seal leaks (new replacement in the trunk). I dinged the seller $100 for that. All the lights and gagues work, though the dash knobs need replacement and the radio in the trunk is toast.
Engine is not correct for the year but runs like a champ. It is a '68 Mustang 200, not the original 170. And has a Carter carb instead of the original FOMOCO 1100. The floor shifter was all screwed up. I got that fixed today at my local speed shop (they specialize in early Mustangs).
I popped off the dog dish hubcaps and installed my new wires, got the plates and have been tooling around town in it. I still have to add the chrome rocker mouldings and stainless window ventshades.
The red paint on the rims has to go. Black painted rims will look much better. I picked up a spare rim and it is being sandblasted right now.
I filled the tank (new tank, sending unit, lines and fuel pump) when I picked the car up. Speeds ranged from 60 to 70, average 55. My milage was 28-31 mpg. Not bad. The tires are too small though. They are new 185/70R13 and should be 185/80R13. And as you can see, blackwalls. The car needs whitewalls.
The steering is tight enough though I think I can improve it some. The steering wheel looked it's age and the first thing I did was pop it off, epoxy the cracks, repaint it Wimbleton White and add a lace on cover to thicken the rim a bit.
I need to pull, strip and polish the grille and headlight bezels. And the front bumper has a kink I need to press out. The stainless windshield trim is in the trunk.
It is running Tennessee antique plates right now, but I have an original '62 Tennessee plate on order from a guy in California. Either plate is a one-time registration with no annual renewal and no "wheel tax". All in all I am pleased. It is a fun ride with enough power, easy steering, good brakes. It needs work but heck, it is 49 years old.
Engine is not correct for the year but runs like a champ. It is a '68 Mustang 200, not the original 170. And has a Carter carb instead of the original FOMOCO 1100. The floor shifter was all screwed up. I got that fixed today at my local speed shop (they specialize in early Mustangs).
I popped off the dog dish hubcaps and installed my new wires, got the plates and have been tooling around town in it. I still have to add the chrome rocker mouldings and stainless window ventshades.
The red paint on the rims has to go. Black painted rims will look much better. I picked up a spare rim and it is being sandblasted right now.
I filled the tank (new tank, sending unit, lines and fuel pump) when I picked the car up. Speeds ranged from 60 to 70, average 55. My milage was 28-31 mpg. Not bad. The tires are too small though. They are new 185/70R13 and should be 185/80R13. And as you can see, blackwalls. The car needs whitewalls.
The steering is tight enough though I think I can improve it some. The steering wheel looked it's age and the first thing I did was pop it off, epoxy the cracks, repaint it Wimbleton White and add a lace on cover to thicken the rim a bit.
I need to pull, strip and polish the grille and headlight bezels. And the front bumper has a kink I need to press out. The stainless windshield trim is in the trunk.
It is running Tennessee antique plates right now, but I have an original '62 Tennessee plate on order from a guy in California. Either plate is a one-time registration with no annual renewal and no "wheel tax". All in all I am pleased. It is a fun ride with enough power, easy steering, good brakes. It needs work but heck, it is 49 years old.
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Nice find. Its more fun to fix them than find them.
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Good for YOU! A gratifying acquisition, and you should be able to move it for the same amount--if ever wished.
Thanks for the memories and current smiles.
Coop
Thanks for the memories and current smiles.
Coop
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Don't have a pic ready, my father had the Ford Falcon V8 5litre pickup for towing the motor boat. I recall it barely noticed a 2t boat, but for drinking more.
My first car was a '73 Triumph 2.5PI. Huge sunroof that you could stand up in. Was my mum's and I got it when she upgraded. I remember going through a private game park and a tame elephant reaching through the roof and nicking my banana. Shat myself. I would buy another as it was a lovely car to drive, easy and comfortable. Quite a bit more reliable than my Dad's Etype - but that doesn't say much,,,,,,,,, The Zim fuel had ethanol added and that destroyed the injection unit that was temprimental at best of times.
My first car was a '73 Triumph 2.5PI. Huge sunroof that you could stand up in. Was my mum's and I got it when she upgraded. I remember going through a private game park and a tame elephant reaching through the roof and nicking my banana. Shat myself. I would buy another as it was a lovely car to drive, easy and comfortable. Quite a bit more reliable than my Dad's Etype - but that doesn't say much,,,,,,,,, The Zim fuel had ethanol added and that destroyed the injection unit that was temprimental at best of times.
Codger_64
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Thanks guys. I have no plans to "restore" it. Rather, I'm going to fix it's major ills to make it more presentable and fun to drive. I'll let the next owner worry about returning it to original if he/she chooses. I just wanted a dependable fun driver for not a lot of money.
Most of what needs to be done I can do piecemeal while still driving it. And hunting for elusive parts at the best price. I can't afford to tie up a lot of money in show paint and chrome, so I am not even going to try. In fact, I will be selling a bunch of my knives over the next year to finance what little I have planned.
I already have a paint and body shop lined up to fix the dents and respray the Rangoon Red paint in a 5-10' paint job for under a grand. And I found a replacement windshield cheap. Seems like clear windshields are extinct and only tinted/shaded ones are available. Same body shop will pop it in for me for a c-note.
Dash knobs and radio are on my early list. Those don't cost much. I'm picking up the stainless window ventshades from a fellow Falcon owner tomorrow. He has some other parts for me too like the factory breather. I'm going to swap some of the spare parts my car came with. The trunk is packed full. It would be squatting now except that the PO put air shocks on the rear. Anyone have a spare set of new 185/80R13 whitewalls?
Most of what needs to be done I can do piecemeal while still driving it. And hunting for elusive parts at the best price. I can't afford to tie up a lot of money in show paint and chrome, so I am not even going to try. In fact, I will be selling a bunch of my knives over the next year to finance what little I have planned.
I already have a paint and body shop lined up to fix the dents and respray the Rangoon Red paint in a 5-10' paint job for under a grand. And I found a replacement windshield cheap. Seems like clear windshields are extinct and only tinted/shaded ones are available. Same body shop will pop it in for me for a c-note.
Dash knobs and radio are on my early list. Those don't cost much. I'm picking up the stainless window ventshades from a fellow Falcon owner tomorrow. He has some other parts for me too like the factory breather. I'm going to swap some of the spare parts my car came with. The trunk is packed full. It would be squatting now except that the PO put air shocks on the rear. Anyone have a spare set of new 185/80R13 whitewalls?
Codger_64
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I replaced a few of the dash knobs with new repro pieces. I still haven't gotten the radio in, but it should be here next week. I also found an old Craig Powerplay AM/FM/8-Track player like I bought back in '72. It mounts to a base-plate on the tranny hump under the dash and can be unlocked and removed for security. I doubt I would be able to hear the puny 1 watt AM radio, but it is needed to fill the hole in the dash. The Craig (Pioneer) has a lot more power. The biggest challenge with it will be finding appropriate speakers for it. It seems that a few of the old Craigs survived NOS, but not their speakers or the surface mount enclosures for them.
I bought a set of plugs today. Strange paying $10 for a complete set. It had a slight miss. Out of deference to the neighbors, I am picking up a new glass pack tomorrow. It has been running just a straight pipe which I am sure is loud to them, though I hardly hear it.
I still haven't found a new clear windshield. All of them that I have located are tinted and shaded, not my preference. I did get the chrome trim out of the trunk and clean and straighten it, so I am ready if/when I do find the windshield.
I got the stainless ventshades installed and found a like-new grille and headlight bezels. So with the wire wheel covers, shine she does. Stainless rocker moldings are next, then maybe the gutter and window trim.
In fact, between the bright red paint and the bling, I get nods, waves and thumbs up whenever I am out in it. I'm not sure I like all the attention, but I haven't had a "play car" since my children were tikes. I guess I'll get used to it. Unless someone offers me too much money for it.
I bought a set of plugs today. Strange paying $10 for a complete set. It had a slight miss. Out of deference to the neighbors, I am picking up a new glass pack tomorrow. It has been running just a straight pipe which I am sure is loud to them, though I hardly hear it.
I still haven't found a new clear windshield. All of them that I have located are tinted and shaded, not my preference. I did get the chrome trim out of the trunk and clean and straighten it, so I am ready if/when I do find the windshield.
I got the stainless ventshades installed and found a like-new grille and headlight bezels. So with the wire wheel covers, shine she does. Stainless rocker moldings are next, then maybe the gutter and window trim.
In fact, between the bright red paint and the bling, I get nods, waves and thumbs up whenever I am out in it. I'm not sure I like all the attention, but I haven't had a "play car" since my children were tikes. I guess I'll get used to it. Unless someone offers me too much money for it.
Codger_64
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Nice car, LMT66! And yeah, I've lost a few over the years to crashes, though never with me driving. Brother totaled my '70 Mach 1 in '72.
I went to the secret boneyard again today and picked a few more parts and pieces. My car now has fancy Futura dash chrome all the way around onto the doors like my convertible had. No more boring bare black dash. And I picked up the stainless rocker moldings. They need a bit more straightening and tweaking and replacement clips before I install them. I also got a Thrush glasspack muffler. Maybe that will quieten it down some. If not, I'll add a baffled tip until I can get a complete new system.
I went to the secret boneyard again today and picked a few more parts and pieces. My car now has fancy Futura dash chrome all the way around onto the doors like my convertible had. No more boring bare black dash. And I picked up the stainless rocker moldings. They need a bit more straightening and tweaking and replacement clips before I install them. I also got a Thrush glasspack muffler. Maybe that will quieten it down some. If not, I'll add a baffled tip until I can get a complete new system.
Codger_64
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Well the muffler I picked up is a no-go. The PO made such a lash-up of the exhaust system that it will need to be completely redone. Not a huge deal, but I was hoping for a cheap get-by for now.
I am on the hunt for the stereo speakers now. The NIB circa 1972 Craig is still in shipment so I don't have the manual to go by for ohms on the speakers.
Back in the day, I just purchased the four Craig speakers when I bought the stereo unit. I may have to make my own deck boxes for these. I have good replacement black OEM kick panels to install, so I can salvage the red vinyl upholstery material the current ones are covered in. There should be enough material to do the two boxes. I don't want to cut up the rear package tray upholstery to install flush mount speakers.
I also installed a padded dash. They were an option on these cars and didn't fare well in the sun over the years. I nabbed mine from the boneyard, mostly to fit the chrome lower trim and upper dash trim until I can afford to order a new repro dash pad. It has a few cracks and warps but looks better than the bare steel dash. It came from the same car I got the trim and rocker moldings from.
Edit to not bump:
I was curious as to whether or not I got a good deal on the above Craig stereo so I did some calculations. Back when I bought my original unit, I paid $179 for it. Converted to 2009 dollars (nearest year for the online calculator), that would be $912 in today's dollars. Conversely, I paid $160 for this NIB unit. Converted to 1972 dollars, I would have paid $31.55 for it. So I guess I did OK on my purchase. A simple FM converter for my OEM 1 watt AM dash radio would have cost less, but not been nearly as versitile or had near the sound quality. Interestingly, an FM converter was what I replaced in my car with my original Craig back in 1972.
This was the top of the line stereo of it's day, the Craig/Pioneer Powerplay was one of the first, if not the first, car stereos to have an internal booster amp. Period ads show endorsements by Billy Preston, Ray Charles, Ringo Starr, the Beach Boys, etc., all using Craig units in their own cars. Road & Track magazine rated it the best of all units tested.
I have found one pair of original NIB Craig speakers so far and have my eye on another pair. Hopefully they will mate with the new stereo. Until I have both speakers and stereo manual in hand, I won't know for sure.
EDIT NOT TO BUMP:
I got the second pair of speakers, a NIB pair of Craig V302's to go with the NIB V326's:
I figure by now that I will just have to build my own deck boxes. With some creativity, I should be able to approximate the old style seen above in the Craig ads.
ETA: I got the "new" radio in and used parts from the old radio and the new to make one good looking original to fill the dash. I also added the deluxe Futura dash chrome and a dash pad. Both were options that this car didn't come with. They dress up the interior quite a bit.
Sorry for the poor photography, but here is a shot of the rocker mouldings. They really set off the wire wheel covers:
I am on the hunt for the stereo speakers now. The NIB circa 1972 Craig is still in shipment so I don't have the manual to go by for ohms on the speakers.
Back in the day, I just purchased the four Craig speakers when I bought the stereo unit. I may have to make my own deck boxes for these. I have good replacement black OEM kick panels to install, so I can salvage the red vinyl upholstery material the current ones are covered in. There should be enough material to do the two boxes. I don't want to cut up the rear package tray upholstery to install flush mount speakers.
I also installed a padded dash. They were an option on these cars and didn't fare well in the sun over the years. I nabbed mine from the boneyard, mostly to fit the chrome lower trim and upper dash trim until I can afford to order a new repro dash pad. It has a few cracks and warps but looks better than the bare steel dash. It came from the same car I got the trim and rocker moldings from.
Edit to not bump:
I was curious as to whether or not I got a good deal on the above Craig stereo so I did some calculations. Back when I bought my original unit, I paid $179 for it. Converted to 2009 dollars (nearest year for the online calculator), that would be $912 in today's dollars. Conversely, I paid $160 for this NIB unit. Converted to 1972 dollars, I would have paid $31.55 for it. So I guess I did OK on my purchase. A simple FM converter for my OEM 1 watt AM dash radio would have cost less, but not been nearly as versitile or had near the sound quality. Interestingly, an FM converter was what I replaced in my car with my original Craig back in 1972.
This was the top of the line stereo of it's day, the Craig/Pioneer Powerplay was one of the first, if not the first, car stereos to have an internal booster amp. Period ads show endorsements by Billy Preston, Ray Charles, Ringo Starr, the Beach Boys, etc., all using Craig units in their own cars. Road & Track magazine rated it the best of all units tested.
I have found one pair of original NIB Craig speakers so far and have my eye on another pair. Hopefully they will mate with the new stereo. Until I have both speakers and stereo manual in hand, I won't know for sure.
EDIT NOT TO BUMP:
I got the second pair of speakers, a NIB pair of Craig V302's to go with the NIB V326's:
I figure by now that I will just have to build my own deck boxes. With some creativity, I should be able to approximate the old style seen above in the Craig ads.
ETA: I got the "new" radio in and used parts from the old radio and the new to make one good looking original to fill the dash. I also added the deluxe Futura dash chrome and a dash pad. Both were options that this car didn't come with. They dress up the interior quite a bit.
Sorry for the poor photography, but here is a shot of the rocker mouldings. They really set off the wire wheel covers:
Last edited:
Codger_64
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'60's Cruisin'!
Sunshine, 70 degrees today and no work so I washed her then took the 'coon out for a spin on some twisty back-roads. Joy! Bright spring sunshine, shiny red paint and chrome flashing! I had forgotten how much fun cruising was, windows down and windwings open, shades on, music pulsing out of the speakers.
Thumbs up from all of the bikers cruising by. Old men waving from their porches and yards, and when I stopped, asking if the car was for sale. I wasn't prepared for that one. I will be next time though. This time I could only say "more than it is worth". Next time I'll have a dollar figure handy. A high one.
The '68 Mustang 200 -L6 had plenty of power for the hills. And the old steering wasn't bad at all on the curves, nearly like power steering at speeds above ten or so. Brakes still need adjusting (Pedal is still too hard) as does the shift linkage. It didn't overheat at all with my lugging it on hairpin turns and powering up the next hill, then cruising slow-mo repeatedly through the local State Park. The gas guage is still on full too, good thing since gas hit $3.50 here this weekend.
The stereo install went well enough, but I am going to install the second set of speakers and a booster. Not sure yet of the booster size though. I just need more loud for my hearing. I could use some audiophile advice on that one. Oh, and a new replacement antenna. The one on the car is wrong for the year (late sixties rectangle base should be round chrome) and it's single mast fixed length gives poor FM reception. The correct on is a taller three section mast. I haven't been able to try out the tape player yet. 8-tracks in good shape are harder to find than I thought.
I think I'll go for a drive again tomorrow...
Sunshine, 70 degrees today and no work so I washed her then took the 'coon out for a spin on some twisty back-roads. Joy! Bright spring sunshine, shiny red paint and chrome flashing! I had forgotten how much fun cruising was, windows down and windwings open, shades on, music pulsing out of the speakers.
Thumbs up from all of the bikers cruising by. Old men waving from their porches and yards, and when I stopped, asking if the car was for sale. I wasn't prepared for that one. I will be next time though. This time I could only say "more than it is worth". Next time I'll have a dollar figure handy. A high one.
The '68 Mustang 200 -L6 had plenty of power for the hills. And the old steering wasn't bad at all on the curves, nearly like power steering at speeds above ten or so. Brakes still need adjusting (Pedal is still too hard) as does the shift linkage. It didn't overheat at all with my lugging it on hairpin turns and powering up the next hill, then cruising slow-mo repeatedly through the local State Park. The gas guage is still on full too, good thing since gas hit $3.50 here this weekend.
The stereo install went well enough, but I am going to install the second set of speakers and a booster. Not sure yet of the booster size though. I just need more loud for my hearing. I could use some audiophile advice on that one. Oh, and a new replacement antenna. The one on the car is wrong for the year (late sixties rectangle base should be round chrome) and it's single mast fixed length gives poor FM reception. The correct on is a taller three section mast. I haven't been able to try out the tape player yet. 8-tracks in good shape are harder to find than I thought.
I think I'll go for a drive again tomorrow...
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Cruisin' in an interesting vehicle is so fun.
timcsaw
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As long as you still remember it, it's still yours, and you can "still drive it". It's not the same as putting your foot into it, but it's probably safer to drive it "in your minds eye" anyway.
It "is" a beauty!
ON EDIT: I just noticed that it has a stick on the floor!!! How's that baby shift?
It "is" a beauty!
ON EDIT: I just noticed that it has a stick on the floor!!! How's that baby shift?
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Codger_64
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It shifts poorly at the moment. P.O. put in a Mr. Gasket floor shifter kit and did a LOUSY job of it. The guys at my local speed shop straightened it out, but the throw is still way too long. When I can afford it, I am going to install a Hurst Indy shifter. It has a much shorter throw. Still it is fun to drive. And with the gearing on the 2.77 three spped tranny, the first two gears are low so there isn't that much shifting to do once it is rolling good. A T-10 five speed would be a good thing. I bet the guys at the speed shop have one laying around. They are Mustang guys, build 'em, restore 'em, race 'em. Owner has an original '66 Shelby GT.
timcsaw
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Have them install that 3 spd backward and upside down and no one will EVER be able to steal it!
Mmmmmm Shelby GT...... drool.....
Codger_64
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Amazing how a new correct antenna can help an old stereo. I may not need a booster afterall. It took all of ten minutes to pull the old antenna and install the new one. I've not had a lot of luck finding 8-track tapes here yet. I bought four and two work. One snapped the spice right off the bat. One had to be held in just right because the foam pads are deteriated and don't hold the tape against the pickup head.
I replaced the sticky ignition lock and it works great. The plugs made the old six run much smoother. I even took my 20 year old daughter out for her first drive in a standard. She did pretty well considering she had never used a clutch before.
The car still has a lot of minor things to fix, but it starts, runs and drives well enough now. It is yet to die on me or leave me stranded, though the ignition lock had gotten to be a PITA until I replaced it.
I need to pull the dash panel to tighten the speedometer cable. It went from fine to intermittent to non-functional. The odometer is still working so I am pretty sure the cable itself is good. And I need to get the steering wheel horn contact spring. A minor thing. And a parking brake cable. I am mindful of the lack of parking brake and avoid parking on hills and just leave it in gear.
My next "get" has to be the new windshield though. After every rain there is water in the front floorboard. Silicone sealer around the gasket just isn't working. And the fine scratches in the windshield make it hard to see at night with oncoming headlights. I just wish I could find a clear windshield instead of the new tinted ones.
I replaced the sticky ignition lock and it works great. The plugs made the old six run much smoother. I even took my 20 year old daughter out for her first drive in a standard. She did pretty well considering she had never used a clutch before.
The car still has a lot of minor things to fix, but it starts, runs and drives well enough now. It is yet to die on me or leave me stranded, though the ignition lock had gotten to be a PITA until I replaced it.
I need to pull the dash panel to tighten the speedometer cable. It went from fine to intermittent to non-functional. The odometer is still working so I am pretty sure the cable itself is good. And I need to get the steering wheel horn contact spring. A minor thing. And a parking brake cable. I am mindful of the lack of parking brake and avoid parking on hills and just leave it in gear.
My next "get" has to be the new windshield though. After every rain there is water in the front floorboard. Silicone sealer around the gasket just isn't working. And the fine scratches in the windshield make it hard to see at night with oncoming headlights. I just wish I could find a clear windshield instead of the new tinted ones.