New time suck money pit Falcon

[Pathrat]

Hey everyone,
My Falcon was delivered Tuesday. It ran great, and I learned to drive it in the Arvada West HS parking lot. Only killed it twice getting back into my garage. It is not pretty, as you can see from the pics, and there are some rust issues. I need to do some interior repair as well. The wipers worked when I picked it up, but as my friend was driving it home to my house, the wipers stopped working. I have to go get rims Saturday at the Ford yard in Golden, paint them and put tires on that are NOT ready to explode.
I went to pull it out of the garage yesterday and she would not start. I got a grinding, clicky, pop kind of sound. Battery, solenoid or starter. We jumped it and tried a different battery. Nope. And the headlights do come on. I put in a new starter today (the first time I have ever done so all by myself!). Nope. I bought a solenoid. I plan to try that tomorrow.
Suggestions are welcome.

[scout man]

Solenoid was going to be my suggestion. With the new starter in there, try jumping something across the two large terminals on the solenoid. If it cranks the starter than it is likely the solenoid. First thought was dead battery, but clearly you tackled that one already! Of course, also check that all your fuses are present and intact, but in that day and age there were very few fuses to worry about. Probably only have like 6 fuses under the dash I would bet!

[Popsgarage]

And don't forget to check any and all grounds to the starter.

[Hypoid]

Wiggle the cables and see what happens. :)

[Java]

still a very cool car!! :thumb: I think it's a rule that if you have 3 things to try, the first two won't fix it.

[Heather]

The Falconrod! Love it! Good luck with it. Looking forward to hopefully seeing it at a night out before too long.

[Jackie]

Kick the left front tire. If that doesn't work, try kicking the...
...nevermind! :p

Good luck! :thumb:

[glacierpaul]

X2 on checking the wires esp. the grounds, just had that on my YJ, yesterday.

[Fordguy77]

Solenoid was going to be my suggestion. With the new starter in there, try jumping something across the two large terminals on the solenoid. If it cranks the starter than it is likely the solenoid. First thought was dead battery, but clearly you tackled that one already! Of course, also check that all your fuses are present and intact, but in that day and age there were very few fuses to worry about. Probably only have like 6 fuses under the dash I would bet!
x2 with what Steve said, easiest way to diagnosis if its the solenoid or starter. Also might want to check your ground to your block from the solenoid. A few years ago on my 70 had the same problem, lights and everything would work, but when i tried to start it, it was a no go clicking.

[Cr33p3r]

Cool Falcon Steph, what year is it 61-63, straight six cylinder or the 260? what plans do you have for it?

[Patrolman]

If I remember, these should have an external solenoid that acts solely as the gate for the power, and has nothing to do with actuating the starter gear. It should be easy to replace and relatively cheap. I think they are known to go out from time to time, probably more often than the starter itself. Money says that fixes it.

[Hypoid]

I got a grinding, clicky, pop kind of sound.Could be solonoid, could be missing a few teeth on the ring gear. Without being there, that kind of depends on the grinding sound. :)

Grounds are important. Hopefully, you cleaned off any grease from the area where the starter mates to the bell housing, and the bolts that hold it in.

How about some pictures of the old starter? :p

[Jim]

If you have a few bad teeth on the ring gear, and want to get it running - see about rotating the crankshaft several degrees so that "good teeth" are near the starter. To do this you could put the car in gear (emergency brake off) and strap pull the car (I assume it's sitting in the garage) 6" to a foot backwards with another vehicle. This would rotate the engine slightly.

Now, consider leaving the car/engine as-is (with possible bad gears by the starter). Pull the starter so that you could look at the ring gear to see the condition of the gears - do they look terrible (grab a picture and post it)?

[Chris]

When I had my Falcon of that vintage my starter didn't work. As a kid living with my parents and having no money I just pushed started it much to the embarrassment of my parents. For some reason they didn't think it reflected well upon them seeing me push the car, jump in, pop the clutch and drive away. :lmao:

What do you think Stephanie? It would make a good video when you're dressed up for a night of dancing! :cool:

[Pathrat]

I love the comments and suggestions from everyone, thank you! :)

Kicking the tires did NOT make it run. I cleaned out the garage to get the Falconrod (thanks Heather!) in, and now I have eight rims and ten tires stacked up just waiting for their final distributions.

It was NOT the solenoid, not the starter, not the battery so grounds and wires are what is left. The bartender at the Skylark Lounge has about ten Falcons. He said start with battery cables. Another guy, same thing. I am hearing ground issues. SO, since my friend and I don't know about wiring, and did not go for the obvious first, it was towed down to a shop close to me for a diagnostic. I really, really want to drive it to the Lakewood Grill Car Show event next Sunday.

In the meantime, I did install a seat belt and did an initial fix of the interior. It is FILTHY and needs a good cleaning. I don't want to get my dresses all dirty when I do the clutch pop thing you know.

[Pathrat]

[quote=1freaky1;230395]Cool Falcon Steph, what year is it 61-63, straight six cylinder or the 260? what plans do you have for it?[/quote


Hey Sean! Inline six, the gutless one. What my plans are: I need to do the seatbelts first, and that will require some metal work. I need holes drilled and possibly a plate put down in the rear floorboard. The front floor board is pretty rough. I am going to put a piece of plywood down under the three placemats until it becomes a real issue. The body needs work. I will paint it once I get the fender hole fixed. Getting the trim on would be nice too. I have no plans other than make it run, keep it running and fix things as I go, when I have the cash to fund it.

[The StRanger]

Stay Focused !!!

[Chris]

Faster is better...

[The StRanger]

Stay Focused !!!

Its all about " style "

[The StRanger]

Clean !!!

[Cr33p3r]

Hey Steph, if you want to upgrade on the motor I have one that started life as a Ford 302 that is built upto a 331 cubic inch and 400 horse power w/ a C4 tranny I would be willing to make you a special price on since the tranny needs rebuilt.

[Pathrat]

Sean, wow. I think that engine would rattle my rust panels into puffs of dust, leaving me with a Flintstone-mobile! Thank you, but the engine it has is the only going for it. :)

[Pathrat]

Cool pictures from the rest of you. My best girlfriend has a 1965 Fairlane wagon she is working on. We plan to have some fun cruising around this summer.

[Funrover]

Oh Path... what have you done. LOL The classic car ownership is also a sickness, much like the of road one. Welcome to the classic family. Looks like you have a fun project to play with! I will have to come see it in person soon! Glad you got her started again. Old wiring can cause a lot of "fun" issues. I do have a couple tips for the paint for ya!

[Pathrat]

Aaron: thanks, I will be hitting you up for the paint tips.

She is RUNNING and I am taking her to car shows both Saturday and Sunday (Rockabillies and Lakewood Grill). It was a ground issue and battery cables.

[The StRanger]

but the engine it has is the only going for it. :)

A little time, some degreaser & a couple cans of paint.

[The StRanger]

I do have a couple tips for the paint for ya!

Duplacolor Paint shop System ??

[Funrover]

Duplacolor Paint shop System ??


HAHA I like the way you think. I was thinking of a way to make the current paint as nice as possible. Keep the cost down and concentrate on the running/driving items!

[Funrover]

Aaron: thanks, I will be hitting you up for the paint tips.

She is RUNNING and I am taking her to car shows both Saturday and Sunday (Rockabillies and Lakewood Grill). It was a ground issue and battery cables.

Do you have more info please? Times etc.. PLEASE!!!!

[Heather]

Do you have more info please? Times etc.. PLEASE!!!!

x2!! This is so exciting!!!

[Clickpopboom]

As for shining up the paint, pick up some Wizards Mystic Cut from Painters Supply, and buy/borrow a DA and go to town on it. Follow that up with some Shine Master polish (also from Wizards). These are the same products that the detailers use at my work. They are spendy, but they work really well.

[The StRanger]

Depending on how bad it is. Some old paints as soon as you you start to clean the paint runs right off

[Popsgarage]

It was a ground issue and battery cables.

I thought it might be. Ask Chris about checking the grounds!:lmao:

[Clickpopboom]

Your pocket book will thank you for investing in a good multimeter, preferably one that also has tach/dwell capability.

http://www.skygeek.com/electronic-specialties-585k-deluxe-automotive-multimeter-kit.html

A power probe is super handy too.

http://www.etooldirect.com/Power-Probe-ECT2000-Wireless-Finder/dp/B000P6UO2I

[Pathrat]

Yes Heather, it is!

I will be at the Lakewood Grill (on Colfax just west of Wadsworth) event in the early afternoon. It kicks off at 1pm, so I hear. The info is below:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152792583900405&set=a.10150557549280405.642854.603335404&type=1&theater

[Pathrat]

So for the last few weeks I have been playing with my other car. I did my first real show last Sunday, the Fomoco Club All Ford car show and picnic. It was a blast! We all, I think, do like when our rides get attention, be them rigs or pigs or go fast mobiles.
The breaks are getting adjusted this week. I had to do a sort of hard stop, hard for my car, and I shot into the left lane and made it through most of the intersection. I have no horn but the barking tires alerted other drivers that I was a menace. Next is the electrical. For some reason the driver's side front and rear signals don't work. Plus, when I hit the brights button, the head lights go off. After that, rear seat belts! And I am waiting for my side mirrors to come in. So far I have done a complete custom interior restoration with Mexican blankets from a specialty online Mexican blanket store, used by all the best rat rods. It was waxed and buffed. I picked up an exhaust manifold from the Ford yard in Golden, but have to return it and get the right year. Mine is cracked. The radiator was flushed, by me even. I will do the transmission sometime soon. Oh, and it has a new air filter housing. One piece at a time.

[Jim]

Nice!

[Jackie]

love it! It's coming along nicely!

[Pathrat]

Thank you Jackie!

[Pathrat]

​Thanks Jim!

[glacierpaul]

"...barking tires alerted other drivers that I was a menace.":lmao: gonna be a sweet little Falcon when your done, it already is now;)

[Pathrat]

​Thanks Paul!

[Patrolman]

Nice work! Glad that you are learning a bit too. Little bit at a time!

[The StRanger]

So for the last few weeks I have been playing with my other car. I did my first real show last Sunday, the Fomoco Club All Ford car show and picnic. It was a blast! We all, I think, do like when our rides get attention, be them rigs or pigs or go fast mobiles.
The breaks are getting adjusted this week. I had to do a sort of hard stop, hard for my car, and I shot into the left lane and made it through most of the intersection. I have no horn but the barking tires alerted other drivers that I was a menace. Next is the electrical. For some reason the driver's side front and rear signals don't work. Plus, when I hit the brights button, the head lights go off. After that, rear seat belts! And I am waiting for my side mirrors to come in. So far I have done a complete custom interior restoration with Mexican blankets from a specialty online Mexican blanket store, used by all the best rat rods. It was waxed and buffed. I picked up an exhaust manifold from the Ford yard in Golden, but have to return it and get the right year. Mine is cracked. The radiator was flushed, by me even. I will do the transmission sometime soon. Oh, and it has a new air filter housing. One piece at a time.

Through some paint on the air cleaner & valve cover..

[Clickpopboom]

The breaks are getting adjusted this week. I had to do a sort of hard stop, hard for my car, and I shot into the left lane and made it through most of the intersection. I have no horn but the barking tires alerted other drivers that I was a menace.

That can only mean one thing- Time for a 4 wheel disc brake conversion!

http://www.fairlanefalconbrakeparts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=680

[Pathrat]

Thanks Jeff!

I got the brakes adjusted and they are now perfect! Meaning, functional and predictable!