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Classic/Antique Car Repair/63 Ford Falcon Futura convertible V6 170

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Expert: - 11/1/2009


Question
Bob:
I recently had a 63 ford falcon futura completely restored for my daughter. The engine was redone first and then sat for several years while the body work was being completed. It took approximately 4-5 years and it looks perfect. After a short test drive the engine overheated and we took it into
another shop to have all of the seals and hoses replaced.  However, we have had a few problems that I cannot seem to understand why they are happening.
Problem #1: The battery fails after leaving the car unused for days. It is a new battery and it has happened a few times.
Problem #2: When driving on the freeway; after reaching speeds of over 55, the car seems unstable. Is there something that we can do so that it can safely drive at 65-75 miles per hour?

Answer
First I have a question about the battery. You say that it is new. Was it new and sat around waiting for the restoration to be finished? Let me know the date of purchase. On the second questions I would get the car into a good front end shop for an alignment to start with. Will be waiting to hear from you.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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