I have to start somewhere

**Luva65wagon** · January 5th, 2021, 10:12 PM

I just clicked on it after clearing my cache. Maybe just copy and paste the link?

http://westcoastfalcons.com/identify...falcon-sprint/

**BadBird** · January 5th, 2021, 10:32 PM

I could open it this time. I have seen that article and according to everything I have found there is really only one definitive way to verify a Sprint from a Futura. The holes for the lettering on the trunk are different and the Futura emblems will not fit the holes of the Sprint and vice versa. The other emblems are easily removed and or faked I guess including the steering wheel and tach. The reason the owner thinks this one is a Sprint is linked to the dash trim just below the glove box. It says Sprint. The Bucket seats, console, V8 and 4 speed are other signifiers, but who knows. I guess when it gets here I will have to check the trunk holes, (if there) and see what I find. Larry

**Luva65wagon** · January 5th, 2021, 10:36 PM

I think the trunk holes are a bigger tell than any. Fenders can be changed in 60 years. Glove box too. A tail panel, probably not. For whatever reason all the images you sent me are all now the same image. My phone and Gmail is weird though, so maybe I gotta look in my computer. I recall not seeing either Futura or Falcon letters in the images you sent. Hopefully the weather clears and they get it on the road soon to you. Fingers crossed!

**BadBird** · January 5th, 2021, 10:49 PM

I enlarged the trunk picture and the emblems are gone, but he holes are still there. That may give me some kind of evidence. We'll see soon I hope. Larry

**BadBird** · January 6th, 2021, 12:48 PM

Talked to the seller today. He has checked for me the holes in the trunk in relation to another car that it for sure a Sprint. The holes in my car do not match the hole locations in the Sprint. So it sounds like I have the definitive proof that this car I bought is indeed a Futura so I am intending to go ahead with the Gasser build. That information makes it easier for me to go with my plans. Larry

**BadBird** · January 13th, 2021, 03:54 PM

I know this is awfully early to think about this, BUT. In building a gasser one of the issues is getting a set of headers to go through the fender well area. I have contacted gasser websites asking if anyone makes them and all of them tell me to make my own. I was given a link to a youtube video that is very interesting and looks like fun. You need a TIG welder, which I do not possess, but, guess I could get one. Hopefully I can put that link on here for perusal and input. If you have ever welded stainless headers please let me know. Larry
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBmjU83kaow

**Luva65wagon** · January 14th, 2021, 11:35 PM

I've TIG welded stainless, but not headers. TIG is fun, but also touchy. Touch the tungsten to the metal and off the grinder you go to reshape the tip. It's like gas welding, but using tungsten instead of gas. I've always wanted a TIG, but if you don't get a cooled torch they get hot as heck and have a very short duty cycle. That option has always pushed them out of my budget.

**BadBird** · January 15th, 2021, 02:30 PM

I jointed the NW gassers group and got some good input. The most interesting was that getting someone to build a set of headers would cost well over $2000. He then stated something similar to you Roger. That buying a tig welder is expensive and not used as much as others like Mig. He also told me to buy the tubing, cut it to fit my application. Tack weld it with my welder then take the pipes to a good welder to finish. He did his and the cost was less than buying a tig welder. NOT sure what direction I will take, but that may be the best advice. Larry

**Luva65wagon** · January 15th, 2021, 06:09 PM

The thing to do is buy a set of stainless headers for a small block (if that's the block you're going to use... I remember a 351W block stroked 427?) and then modify them. That way you get the lions share already welded.

Had there not been such disaster here after this last rain/wind storm on Monday and Tuesday I'd have hit you up for that trip to Bremerton, but I've been two days, nearly, cutting branches and then rebuilding my ghetto garage housing my pickup. It got blown over and bent a bunch of the poles. Got those pulled and straightened up and it's all back to normal now, but just in time, I suspect for another round of rain.

**BadBird** · January 15th, 2021, 08:47 PM

Before I go further, you guys have to watch this video. It is a Falcon Gasser doing a run with his girlfriend in the passenger seat. Read the comments below the video. THIS is exactly what I am going to build. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF8_Q80mGOM

Now, buying a set of headers is an idea that I haven't seen from anyone. I like it. Also. I do need to go to Bremerton still to get those fenders. Finished replacing some fencing that blew down in the storm.

A couple of months ago I fought through a bout of shingles. My doctor said he had never seen a case so severe. Whole left leg and buttocks. Still having pain so he told me to get the shingles shot. Did that yesterday. NOT GOOD. I can hardly move, joints locked up. Head pounding. Left leg is stinging like needles jabbing me. BUT, he told me it might not be fun. HE was right. Just sitting and doing nothing.

The shipping company is having trouble getting a trucker to go so far north to pickup my car. If we go to Bremerton before I get the car, do you think I should also cut out the sections of the rear wheel wells in case I restore it?

**Luva65wagon** · January 15th, 2021, 10:30 PM

I think that will depend on how rich they think you are. LOL. How much longer they'll ever be available is another question. If you sell it someday, it might be a selling point in case the new buyer wants to go that direction. But I rarely think about future buyers unless I'm advising others. Ha!

I got the double-set of shingles shots this year and yeah, not fun. I heard from my mom she'd had it and it was horrible. I feel for you.

Will watch the video now...

**BadBird** · January 15th, 2021, 10:35 PM

In watching the video, towards the end, the driver says "WOW!! I never got it up that far before" and the girl says " I glad you did it with me". That was funny enough, but down in the comments a guys says "I have to get a shirt that says that" LOL. Larry

**Luva65wagon** · January 15th, 2021, 10:41 PM

Originally Posted by BadBird

Before I go further, you guys have to watch this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF8_Q80mGOM

YeeHa! Way too much fun for her.

**BadBird** · January 19th, 2021, 09:29 PM

Well, I don't have my Falcon yet. BUT, that doesn't mean I am not working on things. I am investigating rear end systems, front straight axle set ups. I am looking at all aspects of turning this car into a gasser. There is one thing that, as usual we struggle with when building a car. THE COLOR. When I started the first falcon I thought it would be black. Which, I was I chose Black Falcon as my name. Then Carol and I went to the all ford show in Bellevue and Carol said she didn't think she liked the black cars. SO, here is the first thing I screwed up with. I LET HER GET INVOLVED WITH THE COLOR CHOICES!!!. Well then I thought red, but again, went to a show and almost every Falcon there was red. Then thought silver. (wife still wanted TEAL).
Then one day I saw in a magazine a yellow 64 that really caught my eye. I called the owner, found it was painted 1996 Corvette yellow. Bingo.
NOW, I am thinking about this car and color. Black looks good. Red looks good. Probably one of those. BUT take a look at this car and feedback please. Larry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fycjf4eTxAQ