Ride Nickname:
A 64 called Frieda
Make:
Ford
Model:
Falcon
Year:
1964
Introduction / Overview:
This is our 64 Falcon Sprint HT. Found in Harrisburg PA in November of 2009. It had been sitting for a while and was mechanically challenged. But it was an original Sprint and I got it from the original owner who was the parts manager at the local Ford dealership when he first purchased it. He did sell it and then bought it back. So he had the car for most of its' life and with that rich history you would think it would have been a solid car. Not......! But we are still glad we have it.
I brought it back to Florida via the Autotrain. What a great experience. I was lucky to make it all the way back to Central Florida. We immediately began to go thru the mechanicals of the car. Replacing and refurbishing. I drove it occaisionally but by the time I had 500 miles on it down it went. Timing chain! What to do now?
We decided to update the motor and it led to this. You know how it goes. One thing leads to another and soon you are over the edge.
My plan is for a stock, period correct look, just as it may have been in the 60's. The only giveaway is the Hurst badging on the rear and the fact that it sounds rather rude in public.
This is not my first Sprint. Took delivery of a 64 HT in late 1963. Went into service right after I got the car. It was a burgundy 4 speed with a black interior. Got it from the Romy Hammes dealership in South Bend, Indiana, my home town. The dealership was the base for the top Super Stock driver (he built the 1st Thunderbolt) and head of the Ford Drag Racing Team, Dick Brannan. He also had a burgundy 64 Falcon but his has big letters that said A/FX .... hmmmmmm.
Drivetrain:
5.0 HO SBF at 306 CI, ProComp Aluminum heads (190 CC intake & 60 CC chambers), Comp Cam (281H-R10 Grind) with 1.6 aluminum Roller Rockers, Crosswinds AirGap dual plane intake, KB pistons, Eagle rods, 9.7:1 compression, Quick Fuel 650 DP, Hedman Shortys, F1 Racing Stage2 10.5" Clutch, Pressure Plate & Billet Flywheel, T-5 WC transmission, 3.25:1 Trac-Lok rearend.
Per Comp Cams, the motor makes 431 BHP at 5800 RPM & 408 FP torque at the flywheel on the way up. So they say.
My compliments to Modern Driveline. I use their recommended accessories to install and operate the T5. Including converting to a cable actuated clutch system. Their Hurst Shifter in the S10 tailshaft provides flawless operation and locates the shifter in the ideal location. This combo just feels right.
Chassis:
New springs front and back, KYB shocks and added lower front crossmember support brace and a TCP Monte Carlo bar and shock tower bracing system. All suspension bushings and links are new and are poly. Upgraded front anti-sway bar to 1 1/8" (original was 5/8") and added rear anti-sway bar (7/8"). This anti-sway bar combo is likely to create oversteer and I anticipate testing a smaller rear bar (5/8"). Weight is under 2800 lbs.
Wheels:
BFG Radial TA 14" 215R70 RWL. On 1966 Ford Dealer Option Styled Steel Wheels (6" wide). A very good fit under this car.
Body:
Wimbledon White and not show quality. Actually down right crappy. Planning to repaint same boring color with a little pearl added to highlight body sculpture. Engine bay will be body color.
Will disassemble the car after about 1,000 miles of shakedown on the mechanicals and do body work and repaint.
Interioir:
Red Crushed "Hyde of the elusive Nauga." A red Nauga. Good condition with bucket seats. Original tach still works.
Lifestyles:
Restorer, Old-School, Muscle Cars, Build-It, Drive-It
Very cool!