Changing My Front Suspension was a Tragedy

[@LudoTheGreat]

Working on vehicles is like going through life in a condensed format. Happy, sad, mad, ecstatic, inspired, thrilled, enraged, bewildered, enthralled, amazed.... and sometimes that happens just within a few hours. Looks like you made it out of this one as better people. That is the important thing. Nice job!

[@ElliesGarage]

Yes! Yes! All of that!! Thank you!

[@dwightparker2300]

Way to persevere you two! And way to go Dad! You're a great example to the rest of us.

[@ElliesGarage]

Thank you!

[@billdursa4976]

Just persevere. Cars are sometimes a pain but at the end of the day they are a great hobby and a bunch of fun. I bet whenever you go anywhere with Carl people always comment on your car and have interesting conversations with you. People driving new $50,000 suvs don't get any of that. Great job once again Ellie and dad.

[@ElliesGarage]

Thanks so much for that encouragement!!!

[@tbiker99]

I have hit that point so many times. It's much easier when you can take a break and start over the next day. The pressure of time amplifies the problems. BTW, would love to see you guys and Jeff Ford work together on a video or live feed project.

[@ElliesGarage]

It's good to know I'm not alone with this stuff happening! And yes, we've been talking to Jeff about doing a video someday. We just need to make that happen. Thank you again!

[@TomEckstrand]

Despite the frustrations of this particular adventure, it created an unexpected opportunity to add a whole new element to your video. The theatrical narration was a brilliant idea, it added a new twist to the Ellie's Garage format that worked perfectly. Great job, both of you.

[@ElliesGarage]

Thanks so much, Tom. And glad to know that you like the fun we were trying to have with this episode!

[@maxpower935]

Had the honor to meet these two wonderful people and assist them with some tubeing they needed

[@williamvannoy1336]

A hint from someone who has worn out a bunch of grease guns in my life, always get a good brand of grease gun, good grease and always throw the cheap hose and zerk coupling away and get a clip on coupler like a lock n lube brand! I never retap front end bolts! I also keep an assortment of nuts on hand, 1/2 20 is a very common size to keep! I have a drawer full of just specialty nuts, just for that reason. Those are nuts that are part of the alignment, so always being used! I loved the videos dramatic tone. I wish we replaced all the parts you replaced instead of rebuilding all the arms, I kept an assortment of air chisels just for cutting out the ball joint rivets in the upper A arms. I'm amazed I still have feelings in my hands from all the air hammers I have replaced! Your doing great and making great videos!🎉🎉

[@ElliesGarage]

Such great information! Thank you! And glad you liked the extra fun we put into this week's video. We're going to work on doing that more. Thanks again!

[@bdoc4562]

I have an early model 65 Mustang, and would love to work on it with my daughter like this. Wish she had the interest. More importantly...I wish I could stay as calm and collected when things go wrong like this. Great job staying calm to both of you! Keep it up!

[@jimcabezola3051]

What an adventure! I envy you both. Solving problems as a team is the best thing. The knowledge and experience gained are invaluable. Mahalo for this lesson for all of us!

[@ElliesGarage]

Thank you! Yes, us solving problems together is the BEST!

[@drfalcon4102]

When I did the front end in my 64, I switched to the V-8 steering, with 10 inch front drums, huge change,,, of course , I was running a 250-6 with a C-4, so it gave me much needed room for the pan.

[@mikeymad]

I did my 1965 falcon front end about 15 years ago, and it was just as much of a tragedy. Sorry you had to live through that pain. Thanks for the video.

[@longway4442]

Brings back good memories. Lots of long nights working on vehicles with my dad. I wouldn't trade a tree for them memories. And still after all this time just tonight we were outside working on a classic. Good stuff.

[@ElliesGarage]

I love stories and memories like this. Thanks for sharing!

[@davidnimmo8306]

From one thespian to another, I know what you’re going through Ellie. I had an issue removing the front bolt on my rear leaf spring and finally had to use a grinder to cut it out. To miss quote the Bard “You Ker you vile worse than senseless thing you stuck bolt, I am sick when I do look on thee” Keep up the good work and yes a car restoration has a lot of emotions just walk through them.

[@ElliesGarage]

😂😂😂Thank you and that's so great!!! Theater nerds unite!! And, we're doing our leaf springs soon, so I might be joining you in that line. Thank you!!

[@SteveLowe65]

Never let the machine win. You guys are doing and learning so much. Kudos!

[@ElliesGarage]

Thanks so much!!

[@JXBModels]

Every build has periods of time where it feels like nothing is going right; whether it's parts not fitting, the wrong parts being sent, or just simple stuff being awkward. It can be tough going, and you question what the point of it is, and sometimes you just have to walk away for a bit, do something else and come back feeling refreshed. It's always worse on long term builds where you've already spent years of your life on it and you just want one of those 1000 5 minute jobs to click into place and have the satisfaction of a job being ticked off the list. The car looks fantastic though, and the modern touches in particular make it a perfect blend of traditional, yet modern and everyday usable. Keep at it, and keep the excellent documenting of the journey coming.

[@ElliesGarage]

Thank you so much for those kind words!!

[@BBBILLY86]

The hug at the end hit me hard. Grease fittings are like air hose quick disconnects. They all look the same but there are many sizes and brands that are slightly different. Have to use the right grease gun fitting with the matching grease fitting. (Zerk is a name brand like kleenex) And unfortunatly with so many knock off fittings and grease guns it's more difficult than ever to get them matched up like in the good ol days.

[@ElliesGarage]

Thank you so much for the tips on grease fittings!

[@alex1949]

If working on cars was easy, more people would do it. It does need patience. I've been going through frustrations since I took up the auto hobby 30 years ago. Not afraid to admit that sometimes I still feel like crying. But most of the time, I just get the giggles. Its therapeutic. By the way....your dad is the greatest!

[@anthonylatronica5108]

Great story and great efforts. So good to see someone your age with this interest!

[@sheldoncooper6230]

I just came across your channel and I'm slowly working my way back through your videos. Major props to you and your dad for all of the work you have done. Keep posting videos on your overall progress.

[@kevinbrown1368]

Yes, every project has moments like you experienced, usually several. There is also a lot of inferior hardware and parts on the market at the moment due to the pandemic. Way to hang in!

[@ElliesGarage]

Thank you! Yes we've had our tough and frustrating moments, but this was definitely the lowest point so far. But you're right, we just need to hang in!

[@67Stang]

Jeff has been a big help for me on my restoration. I can't tell you how many moments I have had like this while working on my car. Doing what you did and just keep on chugging along is all you can do. But when it finally all comes together and works, there is nothing like that feeling of success. So excited to see the progress you and your dad have made. Loved the format of this one as well. Very entertaining and different.

[@ElliesGarage]

Yes, Jeff is great. And thanks for letting us know that you liked this new experiment with the episode. We're going to do more like this in the future. Fun for everyone--us too!

[@chrisgreenwood4713]

Really cute idea Ellie! Keep up the good work!!

[@joshhammond1247]

Congrats to both of you. I have a 73 nova that I have been resto-modding on my own learning as I go and it can definitely be frustrating and upsetting at times but once you complete a part of the project it will rejuvenate your joy for the project. Keep up all the hard work.

[@ElliesGarage]

Thanks so much and good luck on your build! You can do it!!

[@snakeboren4814]

WORKING ON UR OWN CAR IS FRUSTRATING...BUT FIXING UR SELF IS A LEARNING EXPERIENCE...AND CHEAPER THAN HAVING A MECHANIC DO IT...4...U!!! NEVER GIVE UP!!! I DON'T!!! GOOD JOB ELLIE!!!

[@ElliesGarage]

Thank you so much!!

[@snakeboren4814]

@@ElliesGarage WELCOME!!!!!

[@bartsarton2212]

@@snakeboren4814 Why are you yelling?

[@snakeboren4814]

@@bartsarton2212 CUZ I CAN'T READ SMALL LETTERS!!!!

[@realmaindrianpace]

I have been rebuilding Falcon and early Mustang front ends for 40 years now, and I still run into these problems on almost every job. The main lesson here is that aftermarket replacement parts are never as good as original factory parts, and fighting with them is always a part of a suspension rebuild. Very common. The grease guns are also frustrating, and Chinese made guns are difficult to work with and almost always grab the zerks too tightly and refuse to let go. So I have a US made one that's probably older than me, and it still works perfectly. Shop the swap meets and ebay for old tools that actually work, you'll never regret getting good tools.

[@ElliesGarage]

Yes, we couldn't believe that the grease gun fitting just wouldn't turn. Good idea about getting a good old one from a swap meet. Thanks!

[@drewcarter544]

Amazing job recovering every time and pushing on. All those setbacks can really weigh on you, glad you could shake em off! and I get to add Backstage Crew to my resume now!

[@ElliesGarage]

Thank you so much, Drew! It was tough but we made it through. Thank you for all of your encouragement and support!!!

[@vancemccutchen1434]

As you overcome adversity, confidence grows and you mature. Never give up.

[@coia]

Great job Ellie and Matt! Grease guns are never fun but I have had success removing them from the zerk by tilting the fitting a little and then twisting. There are a few vids on YT that show this method. it's a little counterintuitive because the zerks feel a bit fragile, as you've experienced first hand. HF has replacements to fix any broken ones, I believe.

[@ElliesGarage]

Great tips! Thank you!!!

[@janinedelcamp1941]

Never thought I'd be watching a play about the woes of a Falcon front suspension swap! LOL...Glad and you were able to get it done, but not as glad as you both were I'm sure!

[@ElliesGarage]

Yes, we were so glad to be done when it was all over. At least now we can laugh about it. Thanks so much!

[@biglakehotrods381]

Hey I know Jeff. Great guy! Super knowledgeable. Some times these cars will just flat out whip you. Glad to see you fought back and got Carl in line.

[@davidstewart3868]

Get Quick Jack as a sponsor. They are much safer to work under then Jack stands. You and your Dad did a great job overcoming all the challenges!

[@ElliesGarage]

Yes! That would be so cool!! Thank you!!

[@HotRodGuyGarage]

Sometimes it gets frustrating but you always got to look forward to the end result! It's easy for the little things that make the "drama" to mound up! But you two do a good job of working through them

[@ElliesGarage]

Thanks for that advice and for the encouragement too!

[@OneMechanic]

You are an awesome Dad and I wanted to give Ellie a hug. The look on her face over the zerk fitting, poor thing. You should be able to replace just the grease end and look to get a better brand. Take care guys and stay safe

[@ElliesGarage]

Thanks for your support, One Mechanic!!!

[@williamgreen1489]

Yes, every car project has its ups and downs for sure. You two stuck with it and that's the main thing. Sometimes it's also good to take a break if you can. Decompress a little and then get back at it. Again great job!

[@ElliesGarage]

Thanks so much!!

[@theblackbear211]

These videos do my heart good. You and your father are doing an amazing thing.

[@jeffsr8300]

Ellie, unfortunately from time to time that's how restoration and hot roding goes. Do not ever give up your learning far too many life lessons, and we're all having fun with you along the way.👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@ElliesGarage]

Thanks for letting me know that everyone goes through it. We'll keep going!

[@peterscott7384]

When you are at a low… the only way left is UP. Well done for getting Carl finished. 👍🏽👍🏽

[@ElliesGarage]

Great words! Thank you!!

[@mikeh7251]

Great video production on this one! Very well done.

[@ElliesGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@leifhietala8074]

Grease guns drive me nuts too. I maintain a couple of commercial washing machines that want greasing every month. It seems to me that the pressure of the grease locks the tip onto the zerk. So what I do is I whip out a small Channellock pliers and loosen the gun's tip on the grease gun pipe - like if you were going to replace the entire tip. It should turn while it's still on the zerk, so a turn or two should let enough pressure off the tip so it will release the zerk. Then you can tighten it back up and do the next fitting.

[@ElliesGarage]

Glad to know it's not just us! Thanks so much for the encouragement and for the great tips!

[@chrishorst6993]

This video is great. I’m even sitting here eating movie theater popcorn while watching

[@jongrubaugh160]

Great video!! Well done!!!

[@zaraak323i]

I had to do my front suspension last week. The right side (which had to be done due to an accident) went well, but the other side seemed to fight me the entire time. It can be disheartening, but perseverance will always kick it's butt!

[@ElliesGarage]

Yes! Keep after it!

[@blakeneysanders4264]

Glad ya'll stuck it out. Great job ya'll 👏 thanks for another great video.

[@ElliesGarage]

Thank you!!

[@brandonloveday]

Ellie and Dad: I feel your pain. I really do. It seems like every time I go to work on my 67 Mustang, things like this seem to happen to me. Way to persevere.

[@ElliesGarage]

Thanks so much!

[@pauldziegielewski9032]

Great job guys!!!!

[@ElliesGarage]

Thank you!!

[@mrfoohy11]

I had the same failure with my Pittsburg 3/8 torque wrench. Nearly sheared a bell housing to the engine bolt on my '65 falcon. I have since bought my brothers old snap on 3/8 torque wrench and have not had that failure since.

[@ElliesGarage]

Yes, that came out of nowhere! We're definitely not using that one again. Good to know we're not alone though. Thanks!

[@mongrelmotorsports]

We've all been there. I just spent 2 hours unsuccessfully trying to bolt my C4 up to the engine. I know you had a time crunch but sometimes it's best to just step away for awhile. As for the grease gun, just get a replacement hose from NAPA or Lubrimatic. It will thread on your gun and work fine.

[@ElliesGarage]

So right! That time crunch did not help and a little break might have been helpful. Good suggestion on the grease gun. I definitely need a new one.

[@gmans7859]

Sometimes the Car Gods just insist we do this dance. The TakeAway is we get better and better at completing tasks and great knowledge on how to Recover when things mess up before our eyes. The wife knows my bad habit. I try to soldier on when doing big jobs without Food and Drink to replenish 'my' fuel tank. Good Job Guys!

[@ElliesGarage]

Thank you and YES the recovery is what's important after things mess up. Great advice!

[@FixerUpRon]

Great Work

[@ElliesGarage]

Thank you!

[@michaelau5159]

What you experienced is Sods Law (I think you call it Murphy's Law in the US). If it can go wrong it will. From Sods Law comes Super High Intensity Training which leaves us depleted and wrecked but NEVER defeated. There come times where you really do need to walk away and come to things later with fresh eyes and minds.I think if it wasn't for the Holley Ford Fest you probably would have done that. Great perseverance from you both.

[@ElliesGarage]

You're so right! That extra pressure to get going did not help, and we probably would have walked away if we could have. Thanks for all of your great information and support as always!

[@rnott5768]

Very entertaining video! I didn't see an under engine brace in your video. Did you take it off or was it missing when you bought the Falcon? The 64 Ford Falcon manual lists the strut to lower arm torque at 40-55 lbs. I go by the feel of the threads stretching not a torque wrench. This prevents threads from stripping. Throw that torque wrench away or have it's calibration checked. I could assemble that front end with out stripping any threads. I wouldn't use a torque wrench. Those Idler arm nuts most likely were lock nuts that may be why they were tight. You would have been better off if you had thrown the shop manual away too. I didn't see any upper control arm shims being installed. I would check to see if the alignment shop installed any shims. The shop may have just done a "toe + go" alignment.

[@davidlee3138]

Big ol headach but the value of what you learned through this is priceless Keep up good work 👋✌️❤️🤙

[@ElliesGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@michaelshawnbarrett4285]

I rebuilt a 65 falcon futura front end once. Had a 65 and 66 falcon futura then a 66 galaxie now i have a 65 Fairlane, plus my foxbodies

[@Paul-oh4fe]

I have that same grease gun. I did the same thing you guys did struggling to get it off the first time i used it. I thought i was going crazy or something. It's a piece of junk, but there's a certain way you need to grab it right near the fitting and twist it to pop it off. I've used it a good 50 times now and it's the same way every time. Really annoying. It's not supposed to be that way, but that's just the way those cheap grease guns work. At least that specific one.

[@ElliesGarage]

It's so good to know that it wasn't just us! Thanks so much!!

[@johnhillary7923]

I'd love to have this era of Falcon 😍 head up it'll be ok lol

[@kurthuck2630]

Be happy! You have a father that is helping you through the whole restoration process! Wish my father was as helpful as yours. Had to do on my own and had a friend whose father was resentful of working on old cars at THERE house! Had to sneak behind there backs to fix our cars..... Most of your issues are from cheap China crap metal parts!

[@f150bft]

Sometimes you have to stop and walk away... I've never had a grease gun do me that way but now I am aware it could happen. Tomorrow, things will look better. I know you were up against a deadline. That's too much pressure when everything needs to work the way you intend. I'll be at the Fairlane nationals in my hometown of Kingsport next summer. I'm working on a 64. Carry on and enjoy.... it will all be worth it in the end.

[@ElliesGarage]

Thank you so much for that advice and encouragement. Best of luck to you on your build!

[@jamesrichardson1901]

It ain't a project without heartache, head scratchin' and several unplanned trips to the hardware store. Still, not bad - at least you didn't need an EZ Out.

[@rodneymoore2154]

Hi I think your dad is great help my kids all the time with cars houses and their yards I started workin on cars when I was 9 or10 because my hands fit and it was 1955 chevy of my brothers know 66 year old don't use the old bolts get new from auto parts or hardware store never use the old bolts strip one without any trouble just think of potholes great job keep learning

[@bartsarton2212]

Is that even English? Try some punctuation. It might sound better.

[@rodneymoore2154]

@@bartsarton2212 can you read this up yours

[@nicklutz61]

This is hilarious. I'm subscribing. Great work, and lots of humor. I love it.

[@ElliesGarage]

Thanks so much for subscribing! Glad you liked it!

[@kurtludwig6962]

😂 great video. We all have problems with grease guns, and suspension

[@ElliesGarage]

We thought we were just dong something wrong or that we had bought the wrong kind. Good to know that other people have the same problems. Thanks!

[@FE428Power]

I remember the first time I changed out a clutch in my 1967 cougar. All the information said to torque the pressure plate to 35 ft lbs. I snapped a couple sets of bolts ultimately finding out it was supposed to be 24ft lbs. There's always something going wrong. Lol

[@Heatshieldproducts]

Your dad has super-human strength!😬 Ellie's face.... ahhh.

[@garywinters2282]

I have learned through the same experience Lincoln grease gun and coupler are worth the extra money they cost over cheap grease guns!

[@bigbellyrebuilds2778]

Wow way to learn mechanic's

[@pascaljeske7307]

Yes car Work is very hard but never give Up this Video Show it ❤️ you have the best father ever and the Job is done ❤️❗👍

[@ElliesGarage]

Thank you so much!!

[@sb328]

👍

[@donm8856]

No matter how hard you try thing something will drag you down restoring a car. I have all of the Chassie front and back on my mustang finished only to have a wire burn out when I tried to start her back up. (what a nice smokie day). Press on young lady it only gets better😁 I think lol.

[@ElliesGarage]

No! Stay strong and thank you for all of your support!

[@auteurfiddler8706]

What was the play that you were in? It looks spirited. 😀

[@ElliesGarage]

It was Steel Magnolias and I was Ouiser. So fun!

[@auteurfiddler8706]

@@ElliesGarage Actually I've never seen the movie and didn't know it was a play before it was a movie until you said that. Sometimes it is great to see a play as a play if it was originally written that way. Then see the movie later. Too bad your group didn't video the performance and post it on KZbin!

[@vm722]

Your amazing 👏 👍 Keep up the great work 👍

[@ElliesGarage]

Thank you so much 😀

[@vm722]

@@ElliesGarage love your videos. And your Carl

[@ronskopitz2360]

The issue of the sticking grease fittings has become epidemic over the last few years. If you look at reviews on any site you’ll see everyone saying the tip will go on, but not come off. I don’t know if it’s a metric thing, an offshore thing, or what. But you are NOT alone with this! I had to upgrade 3 times to get to a price point where the danged thing would work. I feel for you!

[@ElliesGarage]

We thought it was just us and we didn't show it but we tried SO HARD to make that fitting loosen! Glad to know it wasn't just us. Thank you!!

[@ronskopitz2360]

@@ElliesGarage definitely not just you! I believe I had the same problem with that same Performance Tool model you had. I ended up with the “Lumax Heavy Duty Premium Dual-Leverage Pistol Grease Gun” from Autozone. It seems to work well, and I really like the pistol action vs the pump type. It is also cheaper than I thought. But that was a desperation purchase, so definitely check out other options if you have the time luxury.

[@chriskowalski7038]

Been there, done it...65 Ford Galaxie 500

[@hvnfun8601]

Buck up Spotsy Girl. Dad has your back.

[@billcobb9408]

replacing bolts on old stuff is common.

[@Duaneoca]

Oh yeah, I’ve been there. As they say, any 30 minute job is one broken bolt from an all day ordeal. :)

[@ElliesGarage]

YES! That's the worst!!

[@andrewcarr1782]

Get yourself a LockNLube grease coupler for your grease gun. I always buy Macnaught grease guns.

[@ElliesGarage]

I'll look that up. Thanks for the advice!!

[@jimmy21480_midnight_special]

Working on cars brings out all the emotions.

[@ElliesGarage]

Definitely!

[@boilermaker8124]

Did you get the grease gun from HF?

[@ElliesGarage]

We got it from Advance, actually. At least we were able to return it. The guy told us, "You know, you're supposed to loosen the end to get it off the fitting." We did not have happy faces on.

[@animeman64]

This feels like a tv show. wtf. How did you get this quality.

[@ElliesGarage]

Thanks so much! My dad is a video producer for his full time job.

[@boilermaker8124]

Pretty much how every part of my Ranchero refurb has been only with blood involved every time as well.

[@ElliesGarage]

Ouch! But having a Ranchero still makes up for it I'm sure. So cool!

[@peterplouf2836]

Welcome to the life of every one of us who does this as a serial offender! You will know you are no longer an amateur when these things neither surprise or annoy you,

[@ElliesGarage]

Thank you!

[@joseortega1114]

They are higher quality upper and higher ball joints

[@grayg9838]

NEVER spray undercoat on anything ! Paint only ! I took my 64 Sprint to get painted the guy made me remove ALL of the undercoat .... He told me where ever that crap is , it retains moisture and is where he has always found massive rust . Just say'n !

[@ElliesGarage]

Yikes! Thanks for that tip! We'll keep that in mind as we move to the rear suspension.

[@grayg9838]

Anytime ! It took me 8 yrs to rebuild my 64 , that was doing most of the work myself I even took an upholstery class and did the upholstery myself .

[@JariRantasalmi-dj9gk]

Those moments in old parts is so called idiotic high.those are not engine bearing beds or something.if its start to feel in yuor mind,yuo have guite long wrenching arm and litle bolt.dont do it.those part will hold fine.and if those get litlebit loose hearing clunking or some other symptoms.i have been tightening those kind of parts year and years by feeling and newer nothing been lose or broke.i understant that is good to make it in tight by a book as saying.but is not eweryplace needed.most of mechanics dont use nothing else than feeling to do job like that.its not dangerous but tightening too hard is,something can almost snap.drive litlebit of time and its broke in highway.

[@joseortega1114]

You should of gotten MOOG

[@billcobb9408]

new torque wrench

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

HOPE you DIDN'T use ANY Tractor Supply bolts

[@ElliesGarage]

We did use one nut, but it is grade 8

[@WillyBill64]

PB blaster and a lot of swearing

[@UncleRobsGarage]

You have a really good Channel and you're a sweet kid can I make you my adopted granddaughter?

[@billcobb9408]

Time for disc brakes.

[@PapaVrooom]

righty loosy bad

[@ElliesGarage]

😂😩😂😩 Right?!

[@davidmancuso2334]

You are doing nothing wrong. I had a torque wrench go bad on me. Things happen. Don't get discouraged.

[@ElliesGarage]

Thank you for that encouragement!

[@Paulie1232]

1st

[@usaaaaaaasa]

Oh Jesus what the hell channel that I just run into is this like something because you feel sorry for your daughter and you're just trying to make her happy doing KZbin because it's really scared my children