Fitting Falcon Floor Pan Into Ranchero First Attempt Episode 86 Manic Mechanic

We attempt to fit the excellent Falcon Floor Pan from Auto Kafters Inc. and if this were a hardtop it would be in. But it is a Ranchero and things are getting a little Tight on the fit up. We also show how to remove a Ranchero or sedan windshield.
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Parts:
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1960-65 Falcon floor pan: C2DZ-5911135R

[@donsranchero217]

We went from below! Slid the pan up into the bed until it cleared the front subframe then pulled it forward. We used ratchet straps in the large drain holes, both front and back, to v the pan. Slid right in, released the straps and started screwing and welding.

[@amiamso]

Now That sounds promising, did you have to cut the back of the cab?

[@AutoRestoMod]

That might be where we head. I will have to remove the jack stands under the frame rails....thinking...

[@donsranchero217]

@@amiamso Cut the back about the same as Jeff. About 10" from the pan. I have a Max Jax in my garage and am able to lift it about 40 inches. Probably need the Ranchero at least 30 inches off the ground.

[@donsranchero217]

@@AutoRestoMod I have a Max Jax. If I didn't I think Jack stands under rocker panels and raised about 24 to 30 inches would work. I agree with you on the back wall, I cut it at the cross bed support also.

[@amiamso]

I just ran out to my Ranchero to do some "cipherin and gosentas" (a Beverly Hillbillies term for you youngins) The only flex I see is longwise in the floor pan because of the hump. And with the proximity real wheel wells and the back wall of the cab, the only solution I could come up with was more cutting on that back wall. I'll be watching to see what you come up with. Great video!

[@clevelandmaker386]

Man....that floor.....most shops wouldnt care...theyd cut it in half and be done with it or take the back wall out.....its good your doing it like that.....great video

[@mikev.7361]

Yep, that's my instinct to cut it in half too...

[@alanparker1598]

Just a thought, cut the new pan across just in front of the bulkhead. Use a flat area so that it would be easier to weld back together. Then you might be able to insert the front section from underneath the car. I understand that this will create more welding but the are you will be welding will not be seen after the car is completed.

[@AutoRestoMod]

We still plan to try and get it in as a unit. But that is definitely an option.

[@alanparker1598]

Autorestomod Manic Mechanic Gasoline Media good luck. I hope you can figure it out. I will be watching how you do it. I just picked up a 64 Ranchero that will need the same repair

[@67Stang]

Glad I am not the only one that has these types of things happen to.

[@AutoRestoMod]

More that I like. Lol

[@johna1160]

Simple, clean solution with least amount of welding might be to make two straight vertical 6" cuts (approx) along crease of ribs at rear wall just wide enough to allow trans tunnel to clear, then bend center section upward into cab. Once floor is in, bend center section back down straightening bend with hammer and dolly. Finally, just two vertical welds which will disappear (more or less) after grinding. Good luck, whatever you end up doing.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Might try that if the other idea I'm stewing on falls flat.

[@guillermonieri4203]

Looking forward to the installation. Thank you.

[@AutoRestoMod]

We are having to fix areas that are not playing nice with others right now. But the final install is coming!

[@guillermonieri4203]

@@AutoRestoMod I am having a similar problem, but, I fabricated the piece that the left over pieces on my Dart do not want to play with. Luckily there is always a solution so they can play together. Thank you.

[@jessemiller3001]

Metal work is the fun part.... and cheap....... then your into body work and many many parts... I have a similar issue with a 63 convertible rust bucket. next year or so is fixing the steel rust issues... the cheapest part but it take the longest.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Lots of work. My stepson is struggling with the amount of stuff needing to be done.

[@williamtaylor1011]

I know you don't want to cut that shiny, new pan, but I would cut it so that you can use the diagonal of the doorway to move the panel under the column. The rear section can go in after. The biggest problem involves the transmission and driveline hump. It is keeping the panel from bending in the same way a bead roll in the panel adds rigidity.

[@AutoRestoMod]

I like the idea, and it MAY come to that.

[@davidames3883]

I put mine in from the front, had to jack the front way up in the air. my cut on the back cab wall was still under the bed line but did have to split it above the tunnel and fold it out a bit.

[@robkallok77]

Jeff, your technique for removing the windshield is interesting. I have the same problem with the rear side glass in my ‘65 Falcon wagon (rock hard gaskets) - I wonder if the same approach would work? Naturally I need to save that glass ;)

[@merc-ni7hy]

what if you support the car from the top side.and move the jack stands underneath and put the floor in from the bottom ??

[@RealWorldGarage]

I wondered about you cutting it right down the middle front to Back and put it in as 2 pieces then weld it back together.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Has been brought up but I think that might create even more issues with final fit. If it were anything but a Ranchero, sedan or four door we would be done now.

[@RealWorldGarage]

Autorestomod Manic Mechanic Gasoline Media it’s not a problem it’s a project.😂💯🤘🏻😜

[@mikev.7361]

WOO HOO! Finally!

[@mikev.7361]

aww man, that is a doozy! I only ordered the individual pans myself. Mine doesn't have as much rust damage so I went with that. I'm Working on the getting the engine and transmission right now. I'm having a tough time thinking about what axle to go with, i'm putting in a 302 (maybe stroker 347 *not sure yet*) with aluminum heads, 2.02 valves, 195cc runners, x303 cam, multi-port Fuel injection. Maybe putting out over 400hp so I want a sturdy axle, im thinking either 8.8 or 9inch. I'm interested to see if you guys are going to go with subframe connectors or what? Also, what your plans are to fix the bed or modify it? I was thinking of putting the batteries there....

[@AutoRestoMod]

We're going to put access doors with struts in the floor and plastic tubs to hold gear

[@robertwilliams8010]

Where can the completion of this install video?

[@AutoRestoMod]

kzbin.info/aero/PL9zPeh4WymNjlqwzH8I0A30yBb7DUA7-e Made a play list for ya!

[@karlx-1]

Couldn't you just split the pan ALMOST in two, and then after you fit it, just stitch weld it back together. ??

[@michaelwelch5392]

Would you be better to split the one piece floor in two maybe down the hump or under the seat. A long weld that’s easy to get to would be easier to grind and fix. I know it’s one piece but. Just think after your son welds it up he’ll be known as welder god. Well. Grinder god

[@mikev.7361]

LOL indeed

[@AutoRestoMod]

We're going to try and keep it one piece.

[@MrDmorgan52]

The pans for my Caprice came left and right side. Stitch long welds. It'll be under the console so ..

[@boilermaker8124]

Thank goodness I could get my pan in through the back window on my 69. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZPOZaiXntefl6c Good luck.

[@TxStang]

He is going to be in college before the floor is in LMAO

[@AutoRestoMod]

Hahahahaha might be!

[@JAVIERHERNANDEZ-bw7bz]

Just make a custom speaker box cut it more.

[@williamtaylor1011]

One more thing.....you are not going to leave the spear of death in that Kid's car, are you? Obviously not, so pull the gearbox now. I'm using a '68 Mustang column (with the breakaway section). I'll let you know how it goes.

[@AutoRestoMod]

Well the column is kinda a problem. It is a three on the tree manual shift car. So if we remove the column, the car will need a five speed or a floor shift...and the transmission has no provision for a floor shift. So, five speed. We'd have to source a Front Shift from Modern Driveline, which is doable. And a good video as they have a kit to put the T5 front shift into a Falcon. We'd then pop an Ididit column into the car. It will also get a padded dash and three point harness. Right now I just want to get the floor in and get it rolling again.

[@williamtaylor1011]

I understand. I did the forward t5 with a post 1967 column from a floor shift mustang. I didn't do the aftermarket column because I didn't think it looked enough like a Falcon column. You might consider putting one of those u-joints into the '65 column. Anything is better than that steering shaft built into the steering box. I got my 1st Ranchero in a thirteen car pileup on the freeway in the fog. At age 60, I might consider the risks and be careful, but when I was nineteen, I just got lucky.

[@tomwinkle1597]

Weld a square either way. Go big or go home

[@dowen1511]

I had to cut mine in half and weld it up only way 😳👎

[@AutoRestoMod]

Watch the other vids, it can fit.