Falcon parts
This weekend I replaced a cracked heater switch knob on the Falcon's dashboard and replaced the driver's side sun visor with an original (albeit dirty).
The driver's side seatbelt buckle had fallen apart so I replaced it with a new one that had turquoise webbing and a pull-latch inscribed "Ford."
Unfortunately I could not get the bolt off the other side of that seatbelt pair and the old belt latch did not match the buckle. I am not sure what the next step should be. Seems there is probably something under the car that needs to be held while loosening the bolt on top...but that is not a job I can easily do.
I also have a seatbelt pair that matches for the passenger side front seat, but I have the same bolt problem there.
The heater switch knob came with a hex set screw so it was easy to remove. The new replacement also had a hex set screw one size smaller and tightened well enough. I am not entirely happy, but it looks good and functions. If someone really yanked on it, though, I am not so sure it would stay on.
Another knob that was falling apart, I found out, is not one with a set screw and requires a knob without the set screw insert. I smashed and removed the knob on the heater air flow control with a pair of pliers. Unlike the front of the knob which was brittle, the part around the metal rod was still soft plastic and did not break: it had to be squeezed and reshaped until it it fell off!
I had a replacement knob with the set screw inset but it won't fit onto the rod. Turns out you need a knob without the inset.
Also looking around the Falcon discovered the need for a vent window handle on the passenger side door and a dome light lens. So I ordered a new replacement knob and those other missing items.
I do have a replacement knob for the shift control and it should work, but it is also one of those non-set screw types which will require destruction of the partially broken shift control knob. I will hold off that replacement until I have done the heater air flow control replacement. Right now the heater air flow control is knob-less but I can still adjust it. Without the knob on the shift, though, it would be more difficult to use so want to hold off until I get more experience replacing these other kinds of knobs.
Drove the Falcon, too! It was only like 20 feet, but it required me using the choke to adjust the gas and turning over the engine...and adjusting the mirrors...and using the brake.
I don't want to really drive the car until I get the driver's seat and belts adjusted correctly (although will drive it, if needed, somewhere without the belts if I need to take it somewhere to install the belts).
The driver's side seatbelt buckle had fallen apart so I replaced it with a new one that had turquoise webbing and a pull-latch inscribed "Ford."
Unfortunately I could not get the bolt off the other side of that seatbelt pair and the old belt latch did not match the buckle. I am not sure what the next step should be. Seems there is probably something under the car that needs to be held while loosening the bolt on top...but that is not a job I can easily do.
I also have a seatbelt pair that matches for the passenger side front seat, but I have the same bolt problem there.
The heater switch knob came with a hex set screw so it was easy to remove. The new replacement also had a hex set screw one size smaller and tightened well enough. I am not entirely happy, but it looks good and functions. If someone really yanked on it, though, I am not so sure it would stay on.
Another knob that was falling apart, I found out, is not one with a set screw and requires a knob without the set screw insert. I smashed and removed the knob on the heater air flow control with a pair of pliers. Unlike the front of the knob which was brittle, the part around the metal rod was still soft plastic and did not break: it had to be squeezed and reshaped until it it fell off!
I had a replacement knob with the set screw inset but it won't fit onto the rod. Turns out you need a knob without the inset.
Also looking around the Falcon discovered the need for a vent window handle on the passenger side door and a dome light lens. So I ordered a new replacement knob and those other missing items.
I do have a replacement knob for the shift control and it should work, but it is also one of those non-set screw types which will require destruction of the partially broken shift control knob. I will hold off that replacement until I have done the heater air flow control replacement. Right now the heater air flow control is knob-less but I can still adjust it. Without the knob on the shift, though, it would be more difficult to use so want to hold off until I get more experience replacing these other kinds of knobs.
Drove the Falcon, too! It was only like 20 feet, but it required me using the choke to adjust the gas and turning over the engine...and adjusting the mirrors...and using the brake.
I don't want to really drive the car until I get the driver's seat and belts adjusted correctly (although will drive it, if needed, somewhere without the belts if I need to take it somewhere to install the belts).