1960 Ford Falcon Project Continues

Engine Disassembly Begins for this Ford Straight Six

1960 Ford falcon, falcon restoration

After beginning my 1960 Ford Falcon project, hearing from you all, and thinking about it a bit – I’ve decided I do want to keep the original straight-six engine. I will quite possibly be hopping it up some as I rebuild it – but I like the idea of keeping the car original and just working with what I’ve got.

 Read on to see the project beginning! This is SO exciting!As I continue growing in my car knowledge and mechanical skills, I continue to be drawn towards performance and racing. Thankfully I’ve not only got the Falcon to work with, but also have my Studie. Since my 1955 Studebaker Coupe is already modified with performance parts, it helped in my decision to keep the Falcon original.

how to take out a radiator, engine dissasembly

First things first, the radiator had to come out (after being drained first, of course.) Once that was done, I decided I’d go ahead and pull other front pieces off. Not that it will help very much with getting the engine clear (there’s a permanent bar in front that we’ll have to lift the engine up and over when the time comes.) But if I’m going to do a job, I want to do it well! This Falcon’s engine bay is going to look nice and clean when I’m done with it!

tools for garage, socket joint, ford falcon

So I took off the bumper by unscrewing the six bumper bolts which affixed it to the chassis. While taking the bumper off, there were two bolts that I couldn’t reach with my extension because I didn’t have a straight passageway to it. I solved the problem by using this nifty jointed thing that I got from my Grandpa. It allowed me to get the socket in place. With the bumper off, I can give it a good cleaning and maybe straighten it out a bit (it’s been bumped!)

1960 ford falcon, grill, falcon project

The Falcon also has a body piece across the lower front-end which the grill is attached to. This piece and the grill are both prime targets for some cleaning-up, so they came off as well.

how to dismantle an engine, classic car restoration, 1960 ford falcon project

Next up was the fan, carbuerator, alternator, and all the hoses and connectors. Afterwards I had a healthy pile of parts, hoses, and wires that have come out. If you’ve never torn apart a car or engine before – make sure you’ll know how to put it back together before you take it apart!

connector piece, throttle linkage, ford falcon

One thing that will help you get it all back together when you’re done is to take lots of pictures while you’re taking it apart. For example, I had never seen this funny bracket piece holding a couple parts of the throttle linkage together. I’ll be glad I’ve got a visual marker to help me when I’m scratching my head wondering what its for a number of months down the road.

1960 ford falcon project, taking apart an engine, straight six engine

Make sure you don’t lose any of your parts either! Have a special shelf (or a box is probably better) to hold all the parts you’re taking off. For lines and electrical wires, use tape to label where it connects to. And be sure not to lose all those bolts! I’m keeping mine in a jar until they’re needed again.

engine rebuild, straight six engine

Here’s what’s left in my engine compartment!  I still need to drain the oil, then next up…this straight six is coming out! Any tips, comments, concerns? Leave a comment and let me know!

 

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