63 Falcon Gasser Build

**BadBird** · May 27th, 2021, 09:51 PM

Starting a new thread for my 63 Falcon Gasser. I have the wheels ordered, back order of course. I have finally decided on the rear suspension. I am going to use Cal Trac's traction system with split mono-leaf springs and 9 way adjustable shocks.
I can't look for, or buy a rear housing until I get the dimensions from the new wheels for correct location in the wheel wells. I do know the back spacing is 3 3/4 so maybe I can figure this out using the old rear end width. More to come on that for sure.
The next step after getting the rear end stance, location is to determine how high the front end straight axle will be.
I will soon change my picture on my posts to the new car. Larry

**Luva65wagon** · May 30th, 2021, 12:03 AM

I have to tell you Larry - WE NEED PICTURES!

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.

**BadBird** · May 31st, 2021, 02:28 AM

Not much has changed on this project. These photos most of you have seen before and I haven't done a lot while waiting on the wheels I ordered. I also ordered the CalTracs, mono leaf springs and rear shocks. Taken a few things off the car but trying to leave the weight there to correctly set the rear end ride height. As soon as I get the rear wheels I can get the tires and determine the rear end width and order it, axles and gearing. Larry63 .jpg DSCN0511.jpg DSCN0503.jpg

**BadBird** · June 1st, 2021, 01:09 AM

Here are some of the things I have ordered. Couldn't get the mono-leaf springs to show up. Larryrpm-r61-586537_xl.jpg rpm-r41-546522_lc_xl.jpg CalTracs-sq-labelled-01.jpg CR-Series-General-labelled-sq-01.jpg

**Tom P** · June 4th, 2021, 12:15 AM

How wide a wheel and what tires? That is similar backspace to my 15 x 8 1/2" TorgueThrusts and with tires that bulge to 11" a 50" overall rear end width worked out.

**BadBird** · June 4th, 2021, 03:29 PM

Tom, thanks for the info. I haven't got the wheels yet, but the rear wheels are 15 X 8 1/2 with 3 3/4 backspacing. I am going to install Cooper GT Cobra 275-60R15 tires. Those are the same tires my brother uses on his 64 Fairlane and I like those. They do not bulge much but are about 10" wide. As soon as I get those wheels and tires I will verify clearance then measure for axle to axle dimension to get the rear end width.
It may be necessary to mini-tub the car, but I do intend to cutout the wheel wells and install the same fender style cutouts that Roger did on his Ranchero. His looks great. So, it doesn't matter if the tires stick out a little ways. Old school gasser look anyway. It would be great if a standard 50" width 9" will fit. It will make it a lot easier to decide once I get the wheels. Right now, they are back ordered and scheduled for shipment from Summit on June 27th. Front wheels are 15 x 4 1/2 and supposed to ship June 6th. We'll see.
But, I have been real busy on other things so not killing me to wait. As soon as I get the delivery, I will take pictures, get dimensions and get back to ya'll for more input and help.
Thanks again. Larry

**Tom P** · June 5th, 2021, 10:31 AM

Same size tires i have but mine are BF Goodrich. They bulge to 10 1/2" For sure need to move the springs inward and widen the inner wells. I moved my Ranchero's springs in 2" and notched the frame rails for the spring front mounts. Uses the same bolt hole in the inner wall of the frame but now the spring sits against it instead of the bolt passing all the way through the frame rail into the hanger outside the frame. I extended those original front mounts 2" to meet up with the rocker. The frame rail is boxed in so the spring is now inline with it. The inner wheelwells are up against the vertical surface of the frame rail. The top flange cut away and that widens them about 1 1/2" which is just enough. When i got the car it had 215/60-14's that were rubbing!

**BadBird** · June 7th, 2021, 11:16 PM

I talked to a couple of gasser guys from South East Gassers that have Falcons. They are not allowed to run 4 links, only old school type ladder bars or leaf springs. They didn't need to move the leaf springs but the tires stick out. The one guy has 9" slicks the other runs 10" slicks. He also said he did some trimming of structure to get some clearance. Not sure where. I guess I will find out pretty soon.

**gtaroger** · June 25th, 2021, 08:25 AM

I've dealt with Summit for years and have never had a problem with them.If I had a problem with a product you were quick to refund or replace. I recently ordered a Holley Sniper EFI, got it in two days.GTARoger

**BadBird** · August 12th, 2021, 08:49 PM

I have the Caltrac split single leaf springs temporarily in place with the wheels/tires located where I believe they will be located. They stick out a little as you can see in the pictures, but that is what I wanted/expected for the gasser build. Now I have the dimension for the width of the rear end. It will be a 9" with 58" from axle hub to hub. Going to order the rear end tomorrow, but not sure if I want drum or disc brakes.. I think I am going with what I had in my 64 and 4:11 gearing and posi-trac.
When the rear end is installed I believe I will have interference at the front of the tires, but plan on cutting out some of that when I do the front fender cutout install like Roger did. More to come.

**Luva65wagon** · August 13th, 2021, 08:58 AM

You still need to find fenders for these rear flares, don't you? I've been keeping an eye out, but nothing so far.

Good to see you have your rear-end measurements figured out. Worse case you can cut flares like I did on my very first Falcon. Using a cutting torch.

**beerbelly** · February 13th, 2022, 11:16 AM

I saw this one at PIR a couple summers ago; the kid said he & a buddy painted it themselves:

IMG_7369.JPG

**beerbelly** · June 24th, 2021, 12:40 PM

In the past Summit has been lightning quick on in-stock items, and is my go-to supplier for online parts. 1-2 days tops; amazing.

On the other hand, anyone have comments about JEGS? I recently ordered an item that they got wrong, and they charged me $10.49 shipping to return THEIR mistake! On the return order questionnaire, I told them that I'd like the correct replacement part; today (3 weeks later) they said they didn't notice that. I said please refund me, I'm done with you.

Sorry for the hijack & rant; I'm still following this build and hope all goes well for you.

**Obie 250** · June 10th, 2021, 12:46 PM

I'm curious what you are referring to concerning the "fender style Roger did to his Ranchero". I am currently trying to figure out what I am doing to my car as far as rear suspension, wheels and tires, rear axel width, etc. I'm finding I am facing many of the same challenges others have dealt with and am looking for creative solutions.

I assume the fender style you mention allows more room, maybe a bigger opening?

**BadBird** · June 10th, 2021, 12:53 PM

Doug, Roger our president did a mod job on his Ranchero using the front fender wheel wells to open up the fender. I am going to do the same thing to allow room for my tires and wheels. Here is the link to his post. Hope this helps. Larry https://www.rainierfalcons.com/forums/showthread.php?1482-Call-me-crazy-Ranchero-s-(again)&p=8334#post8334