1970 - 1972
FORD FALCON XY V8
BODY & CHASSIS
XYs that were restored back when values were low could well be suffering recurrent rust in places that aren’t obvious. Typical problem areas are wheel arches. lower door skins, floor-pans, behind the rear window on sedans, boot gutters and station wagon tailgates. More serious and possibly structural is rust to the firewall and sub-frame mounts, in the turret (especially if the car has a vinyl roof), the inner sills and spring hangers. Reproduction panels are easily found but they aren’t all a ‘first time fit’ so join a Falcon club and find out which suppliers to avoid. Brightwork including bumpers is still being remanufactured but top-quality chrome costs big money.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Given the value of these and the premium for V8 versions, the most important under-bonnet check is close inspection of the Build Plate to confirm that the engine and chassis number are a match or at least the correct type of engine is fitted. A ‘Y’ stamped in the ‘Engine’ segment of the ID plate denotes a 302 cubic inch (4.9-litre) V8, a ‘K’ says the original engine was a 351 (5.8-litre). Bearing rumble with smoke at start-up, a ticking sound signifying worn cam lobes and oil leaks indicate an engine that needs work. If it’s the original V8, budget to have it properly stripped, cleaned and rebuilt using quality parts because whatever you spend will be generously repaid.
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
XY suspension is very basic and easily brought back to new condition or better. Rear spring leaves crush and crack but new springs and shocks are easily acquired. Fords of this age don’t have especially accurate or sensitive steering but be cautious of more than 50mm of freeplay when stationary. Likewise a brake pedal that feels mushy or excessively hard before the brakes have even been used then sinks to the floor after moderate use. None of this is impossible to fix but factor the $1500 needed for a full brake job or $1000 to replace worn power steering into the amount you pay for the car.
INTERIOR & ELECTRICS
The trim fitted to older Falcons was incredibly tough, but almost 50 years of use might turn the seats in an otherwise-sound car shabby. Ready-to-fit trim kits cost around $2000, new sets of door-trim panels $1500 and hood-lining around $200 plus installation. If the seat belts look ancient or aren’t there at all, a complete set of new belts will cost $1000-1200, Window mechanisms that bind can be repaired at home but be cautious of non-functioning electric windows if a car has these. Check the floor-mounted dip-switch to make sure you have highbeam lights.