'64 Ford Falcon T/A

[afx]

If you're thinking of the object toward the front of the engine from the oil filter I believe it's the fuel pump and the "can" attached to the bottom would be the fuel filter. If this is correct it is a screw on affair with a disposable filter inside.

David the object is question is the cylinder attached to the inner fender.

[espo]

David the object is question is the cylinder attached to the inner fender.

Sorry, my bad. I thought the guestion had to do with the fuel pump for some reason. But that does beg the question, what is that anyway ? Your puke can idea I think will be best.   

[RancheroSteve]

I like to consider myself fairly knowledgeable about these cars and I've never quite figured it out myself! Original Shelby GT-350Rs don't show anything in this area - I think any blow-by just vented from the caps, but it appears some more current vintage racers use the the space for an oil breather/puke tank. 

A quick collage I just threw together; the more original engine compartment is on the left.

[afx]

I've found period photos of T/A cars that show vent tubing to a catch can so that's the plan. 

[RancheroSteve]

I've found period photos of T/A cars that show vent tubing to a catch can so that's the plan. 

Sounds like a reasonable plan!

[afx]

I'm at a crossroad about what direction I want to take the build.  Here is where I was heading:

But I think this is the new direction now:

[mustang1989]

Which ever way you go I'm sure it'll turn out really good JC but I've gotta say that I'm a big fan of your original idea. Just a meaner/ more aggressive look. But that's just my

[espo]

I prefer the "Americans" myself, but either would work. Some sanctioning bodies may not have allowed lighter weight wheels or the owner might just not have the funds for the lighter wheels. Racing is EXPENSIVE. Another wheel to consider would be the Mini Light wheels like the ones in the "67 Camaro kit. This wheel was popular in the SCCA ranks.  

[afx]

Thanks Joe and David for your input.   I love American Mags and they look great on anything but I haven’t found a period photo of a Falcon racing on them.  I hope to build a few more T/A cars and they will almost certainly include American Mags so I don’t want them all with the same wheels.

[RancheroSteve]

I'm at a crossroad about what direction I want to take the build.  Here is where I was heading:

But I think this is the new direction now:

Both are great, of course! I think the steel wheels are more period correct (as you say), but most contemporary vintage racers probably use the Americans. Possibly a rules thing?

[dublin boy]

This is only an idea JC, I didn't have enough time to look for a Falcon, but in British Saloon car racing, (at least in 69), they were all running lightweight alloy/mag rims.

Maybe you could search that idea? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwIjhL1J2eg&t=40s

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[afx]

This is only an idea JC, I didn't have enough time to look for a Falcon, but in British Saloon car racing, (at least in 69), they were all running lightweight alloy/mag rims.

 

Great video Shay. According to this book:

...the BTCC rules were more liberal than Trans-Am.  In the BTCC the Falcons were running 289 blocks with Westlake heads and Webber carbs (essentially a GT40 engine!) along with up to 8.5" wide wheels.  However no roll cages or even roll bars were allowed!

Edited May 10, 2017 by afx

[Vince Nemanic]

Beautiful work so far, and lots of nice tips. I hate to sound like a party pooper, but note that the Trans Am series began in 1966, so the Falcon is technically an A Sedan (the A on the pic of the blue car).  Therefore it was raced by an amateur for two years prior to the TA series starting. Perhaps it should have some "battle damage" such as minor dents and scrapes. plus it would probably be dirty in the wheel wells and underneath and may have been repainted a time or two. There were a lot of amateurs filling out the TA fields because they could actually earn some cash (the TA and Can Am were the first SCCA Professional series). Falcons, Darts, Valiants, and even Corvairs were raced by low budget racers.

[dublin boy]

Great video Shay. According to this book:

...the BTCC rules were more liberal than Trans-Am.  In the BTCC the Falcons were running 289 blocks with Westlake heads and Webber carbs (essentially a GT40 engine!) along with up to 8.5" wide wheels.  However no roll cages or even roll bars were allowed!

Well no Mk2 Lotus Cortina ever left the showroom floor with 150 bhp to be fair, but you could build the Falcon to 1960's UK  saloon car racing spec when alloy wheels have been used in period.

A GT40 engine be fantastic too, but don't let me change your mind to option 3! LOL

Always a pleasuse to watch your work JC.

[afx]

Your correct Vince, a lot of Falcons competed in SCCA however a few were entered (by privateers in T/A).  This is Bob Johnson at the 4-hour Trans-Am race at Sebring in '67.  Note the battle damage on the right rear quarter. 

Edited May 10, 2017 by afx

[cobraman]

I really like that 17A car but either one will be cool I'm sure.

[djflyer]

I would also have to say the car #17A. It appears to be a more recent photo given the style of drivers helmet and size of rear tires, so that might not be correct to the period you are planning for.

The build looks great as you have it to this point.

[afx]

Thanks Ray.  Yea David the above picture of the Pete Cordts' Falcon (17A) is during a historic event. Here are some period photos of Cordts' car also competing with steel wheels.

[RancheroSteve]

Here's a story about a '63 Falcon that competed in TransAm. Interesting to note that it also ran (and still runs) steel wheels.

http://www.hotrod.com/articles/ccrp-0807-63-ford-falcon/

[afx]

Thanks Steve for posting that.  I wish a sprint top ’63 were a bit easier to come by in scale. 

My dad owned several Falcons during my formative years, nothing fancy, just daily transportation and always with 4-doors(!)  He would buy them used, patch’em up and squeeze a few years out of them. He had a ’63, ’67 and finally a ’69.  Our neighbors had a beautiful garage kept Raven Black/red interior ’63, would love to have gotten my hands on that car!

 

Edited May 11, 2017 by afx

[Randy D]

Always learn alot watching your builds JC !!!   Great stuff here,  I like the look of the 'steelies'

The motor looks great !!

 

Randy

[afx]

Thanks Randy - appreciate you checking in.

The cars were allowed to race without bumpers so I did some reshaping on the rear valance.

Stock door panels were required as well as operable windows so I reshaped the Trumpeter units to fit the Revellogram interior tube. 

Did a lot of cleanup and reshaping on the rear axle to use what detail is there.  Added an axle stiffener and drain plug.  Did some work on the rear shocks as well.  

Edited May 14, 2017 by afx

[afx]

Here are some pictures to show the changes I've made to the body.

[Len Woodruff]

Nice progress.

[afx]

Thanks Len.

Interior taking shape.