'65 falcon 2 dr wagon resto

My crystal ball says you're gonna develop some great biceps. Sounds like a new roof is in order.

 

Yeah I was afraid you were going to say that....I guess I need my wheaties....Hey how far down on the posts should I cut so there isn't a structural integrity problem?

 

Most of the older (late 50's, mid 60's) had the inside of the pillars from the roof stamping, and the outer pillar section rising from the body, and then spot welded up the seams. Kinda tough for a backyard guy.

I'd say stagger the lengths of the pillar stubs on each side and far enough down from the roof to maintain the door frame curvature. By staggering, the integral stress across the width and on the length would stay distributed. If the pillars were all the same length, the torsional strength wouldn't have any option but to crack your fillers and paint work at the same height.

One way you might check is with your own weather strips. Use a cutoff saw. A torch is too hard to control, and you're working in 16th's of an inch. The torch would change the sheetmetal's temper and therefore cross-sectional curves.

There's a new technology too, where they use glue to bond the seams, instead of spotwelding.

You might check the HAMB too, for roof replacement threads.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/index.php

While you're grinding and sanding, think like the teeny-boppers, "We must, we must, develop our pecks!"

 

well today I met up with the 2nd owner's wife and her daughter and we all took care of the title issue.....I paid for all the fees and she gave up the title and told dmv it was a gift so I didn't have to pay for the sales taxes....the lady has been very nice in all since her husband passed away in July....she and her daughter were in tears and told me about all of the good times in the wagon for all of those years....she also mentioned that she wanted to see the car go to somebody who would take care of it and not abuse it....Of course I promised her that when it will be done that I will swing by

 

Do you use a rabbit's foot or a horseshoe?

 

I guess it just depends upon the situation

 

Hey man, major score on the 65 falcon wagon I'm envious. I have a 62 falcon 2dr wagon which is kinda neat, but a 65 is on my list. I've heard a lincoln versailles disc brake rear is a easy install on em . Michael G

 

Yeah that will match up quite well....will fit like a glove but I am going to keep this one stock

 

continuing with the teardown....took off the front fenders and the rust in the corners was only on the top part of the metal so it should be an easy cut out and weld in a new piece fix....the upper and lower cowl looks good but there are leaves in there so you know what that means! I had to sacrifice the stone deflector piece as it had two rust bolts that I had to cut off....otherwise pretty straight forward....again the car is pretty solid!

 

Got a little treat for you:
http://www.archive.org/details/Wonderfu1960

http://www.archive.org/search.php?query=Ford Falcon

 

that was pretty cool stormin norman! I like the outer space promo.....man they were into the science fiction stuff back then

 

I found a cool video on youtube about a guy who is roof reskinning a '73 dodge challenger....thinking that is going to be the way to go on the falcon wagon issue......I really don't need to touch the inner supports except for a little restoration on the back supports that are rusted out....sounds like I just need an air chisel to cut out the roof.....I sent a picture of another roof skin that I bought to patch a sunroof hole with on the other wagon I have

 

You still have that Youtube link?

An air chisel sounds brutal. A small disc grinder would do a cleaner cut, wouldn't it? Tape some foam on the handle at the right angle and run it around? I've got a great jigsaw, that I'd use before either, but a disc grinder wouldn't dent the old metal.

 

the youtube video is listed under: Muscle Cars & Hot Rods Episode 74....see what you think

 

Heck, here's the whole project set. Thanks.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Muscle+Cars+&+Hot+Rods+Episode+74&search_type=&aq=f