Cheap and Solid Project: 1962 Ford Falcon
As well as having the privilege of writing about some of the most amazing, beautiful, and collectible cars here at Barn Finds, one of the things that I love is seeing inexpensive and solid project cars popping out of the woodwork. Barn Finder Ikey H has spotted this 1962 Ford Falcon for us, and I have to thank him for that. You will find the Falcon listed for sale here on Craigslist. It is located in Amalia, New Mexico, and is offered for sale with a clean title. This Falcon can find its way into your workshop for a mere $1,250 OBO.
The Falcon appears to be complete, and it also looks very solid. I can see a small spot of rust in the lower edge of the passenger side fender, but the rockers and quarter panels look clean. There is no carpet in the car, so we do get a look at the front floors, and they also look as solid as a rock.
Apart from the previously mentioned lack of carpet, the interior appears to be complete. The seats need new covers and it is hard to see what condition the headliner is in, but the rest of the interior looks quite good. It offers a solid base for a restoration, or for whatever other plans that you may have for the car.
A 6-cylinder engine and a manual 3 on the tree transmission are what this Ford serves up to you. We get no word on the state of the engine or transmission, but the owner says that they are original. Having said that, the car has been sitting for more than 20 years, so you can be sure that there will be at least some work to do before it roars back into life. Given the low asking price for the car, it is a real bonus that it is sitting on four brand new tires.
I love cars like this because they offer a world of possibilities for the new owner. The car could undergo a full and faithful restoration to original, or it could be transformed into something else again by the addition of a bigger, better engine and transmission combination, plus some suspension upgrades. Your imagination is your only limit on this one. So, what would you do?
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Comments
I’d make it run, turn and stop and use it as is. Great project for someone that doesn’t want to spend a lot!
At $1250 someone is going to get a great deal on this one. Odds are that motor will start right up after some maintenance. Those cars are as simple as simple gets.
Believe that a lot of the early Mustang stuff will bolt on (like suspension, brake, and powertrain upgrades) so you can leave it or go mild to wild on upgrades. Have seen a couple of these with 5 lug conversions and upgraded wheel and tire packages that look pretty good. Nice solid car that’s would be a great start to the hobby for someone.
Neat project. I’d make sure the column shift lever isn’t on the verge of snapping.I’m wondering what the clothespin is for
Since watching Aaron Kaufman build his ’63 Pikes Peak racer, I’ve been tempted to buy an old Falcon. They’re simple, but good, and as whmracer99 said above, there are many Mustang go-fast parts that will bolt on directly. There’s something about a homely sleeper that’s really appealing.
Nice! Noted the missing body plug on the passenger side floor, or is it a rot hole? Either way, this she mighty solid for her age! Nice price too!
I like how in the engine photo, you can see through to the underside of the car, and a patch of grass. Try doing that with a 2018 car!
It would be much nicer if it were a 2 door.
Hey SEAN…..You obviously haven’t heard ….. 4 doors RULE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And here I thought you were going to say, more doors, for more…………..
The “simple as simple gets” and “patch of grass” comments are thought-provoking…. I’m thinking about the equivalent car of today, a ubiquitous four-door compact used for basic transportation, something like a Toyota Corolla. Just think about how advanced, and complex, a Corolla is compared to this Falcon. I guess that is what 50+ years of automotive advancement has brought us.
I love cheap projects like this, there’s quite a few out there if you hunt for them. This is simple enough for a shade tree mechanic to keep running and enjoy.
Windshield has lots of long cracks – might be pretty hard to find one of those if it wasn’t used on other, later models – ?? Also frayed bits of headliner can be seen in one of the side photos plus rear seat looks like it’s upended from having been pulled up to look at – what??
A build sheet ;)
Beautiful. Like Granny’s 60.
‘bigger better engine and transmission’
Bigger is not always better….
Bigger engine requires new axles. The 6’s had a four lug setup that won’t handle the torque of a V8. Then a conversion to disc brakes in front to handle the extra weight. Pretty soon it’s cheaper to hunt for an original V8 car.
I drove a ’65 Falcon wagon with this engine and an auto and it did just fine for a daily. Clean it up, leave it alone, and enjoy it.
The ’60 model my mother had went through 4 engines (clutch too, likely) usually salvaged from Mountain States Bell vans. She would drive it 5 days a week from an elevation of 5259 to 6735 and back again in a distance of 5 miles, but I don’t recall her ever having the transmission replaced. Looking at this one brings back good memories. If I could, I’d scarf it up in a heartbeat
How about the 250 cid version of this engine for a bit more pep. They even make an aluminum head for this version of this engine. Only a very astute person would be able to notice the difference and it would provide some torque.
If memor serves, that looks like a 63 grille.
The 250cid would be a good idea along with completing the interior. Not a bad buy.
What is it with some people here with regard to six-cylinder engines? Why does every car need a V8 upgrade? I guess some people don’t feel manly unless they have a tire-scorching mill in front of them. Some cars don’t need more power. This is a prime example. This compact sedan wasn’t built to win races, and it should be left as-is. If you need more power in a Falcon, get a Sprint.
I fully agree. Leave the Six in there, and make it run perfectly. Use the best parts, be meticulous, and it’ll run stronger than brand new.
You’ll have enough power.
Anybody can go fast in a straight line with a V8, but it takes a real man with driving skill to make speed in cars like this.
I would limit mods to power brakes with front discs, and replace all the tungsten bulbs with LED units, for safety’s sake.
Also, being a Deluxe four-door, there’s a good chance it has the optional 170 Six versus the standard 144.
Air cleaner color is correct for a 170. Valve cover color is not correct. If the buyer is lucky, it might be a later 200.
Proud owner of a ’61 Fordor deluxe.
Air cleaner color is correct for a 170. Valve cover color is not correct. If the buyer is lucky, it might be a later 200.
Proud owner of a ’61 Fordor deluxe.