Ford AUII Falcon RTV Touring Wagon!

G'day everyone,

I've been a member on here for a while now, but I've never been an active poster. I introduced myself here > http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20096 last year, along with Skip the wagon, who then was my parents'. I will endeavour to keep this thread updated, and be more regular on these forums, as well as the Australian Ford Forums where I regular.

Back when I was about 7, I grew to love the AUII series Falcon wagons, particularly the Futura, because I liked the wheels better than any other variant. I've never been the one who loved the Ferrari this or the Lamborghini that, so AUII Falcon Futura wagons were my favourite car.

In 2003 it was time to upgrade from our worn 1991 EAII Falcon GLi wagon, and Skip was bought at auction as a ex-Transport Inspector vehicle. 2001 Ford AU series II Falcon Futura Station Wagon, 4.0 Straight 6 Intech, 2 years old, 70,000kms, great condition, with Heavy Duty 1 inch lifted suspension in the front, and 3inch in the back, to cope with the work, and a Ford option Smart Bull-bar.

Being my favourite car, I was absolutely over the moon about it, and the extra awesome-ness of the bull bar!

Over the years after that, I gradually formed the idea to lift the suspension further and all that off-roady stuff, to build an off-road Touring Wagon!

Fast forward to this year, I have my licence now, and scored Skip for $4500 from my parents, while they replaced Skip with a 2004 Nissan R50 Pathfinder ST 3.3 V6 4WD, with only 24,000kms owned by a 92 year-old!

So finally, I am able to start work making my long-time dream a reality.
The suspension components will be replaced with BA-BF Falcon RTV (Rugged Terrain Vehicle) ute suspension to provide most of the extra height, as well as 16"x8" steel wheels with larger tyres, rear diff lock, bash plates etc underneath, as well as rock sliders under the sills, and front and rear bumpers (to offer protection as the approach and departure angles aren't amazing)... etc etc! A 5.0L Windsor V8 will be the next phase, followed possibly by a 4WD with low range conversion.

Many say, "why don't you just buy a 4WD, yadda yadda yadda,".
Well, here's why. This project will cost me less than a stock standard 4WD, of much greater age and lesser condition, much higher fuel consumption, much less comfort and power, higher centre of gravity, less safety... and it just won't be as cool! I want to create something different to the norm, and be a bit surprising. Skip's got a lot of sentimental value as well.

A friend of mine also has a wagon exactly like mine, we both had the same idea, and decided to make the wagon's twins, so you'll likely spot his in some of my photos.

So here's my progress so far.

As I bought him.


And now, with the additions of the HERE SKIP sticker (referring to Skippies/kangroos that there's a bullbar for 'em, just for fun, I haven't hit any), Narva 175 100w Halogen spotlights, SVT Raptor-inspired LED marker lights on the bullbar, Oricom UHF radio with twin antennas on the bullbar, 3 inch lifted springs for the front, making the front and back level, no more hot rod stance, much bigger mud flaps with chains, fire extinguisher, and Tigerz11 awning fitted to the roof rack, for picnics and camping.


Skip by SomebodyFromTheUnknown's Photography, on Flickr


Picnic @ Canebrake Pool with new Awning by SomebodyFromTheUnknown's Photography, on Flickr


Skip with the new amber marker LEDs on bullbar by SomebodyFromTheUnknown's Photography, on Flickr


Skip, after a 3 inch suspension lift in the front. by SomebodyFromTheUnknown's Photography, on Flickr


Skip, after a 3 inch suspension lift in the front. by SomebodyFromTheUnknown's Photography, on Flickr


Skip by SomebodyFromTheUnknown's Photography, on Flickr


Skip in a puddle, after the 3-inch front lift, REVISED by SomebodyFromTheUnknown's Photography, on Flickr

Much more to come, enjoy the ride!

Chris

 

Great wagon and great pics! Love the one of the sunset coming down right on your wagon. That awning is way cool - I need to find one for my Subaru Outback. I like what you're doing with your wagon - keep us posted on your progress!

 

Cool car, have never seen one before! Thanks for taking the time to post, love the pics!

-Mike

 

Welcome, awesome wagon. :icon_drive: I'll have to admit, those antennas on the bull bar would drive me bananas. If you haven't already, check out The Expedition Portal, especially the Expediton Vehicles: Other section. They would dig your wagon. I like taking my wagon out "in the bush" also.

 

Unknown, good to see you back with a few mods on your AU that are very functional in WA . from the otherside

 

Gawd, Australia has all the cool vehicles.

Pity the "people-who-know-better-than-we-do" here in the US won't let us have more of your front engine-rear drive cars. Baztids...

Looking forward to more...
Tom

 

Cheers fellas, I'm glad you like Skip!

So, there's been no real progress for a while, and won't be for a while yet, schools eating so much time I can't earn enough money to both keep up running costs, as well as modifcations. It's year 12 so I finish school in a few months, and plan to spend next year just working a job, for a bit of a break really.

I have been on two weekend camping trips though, which have both been very successful! The awning proved its worth both times (having only just left winter behind, there's still rain about) Especially the second time, where it rained non-stop all afternoon and night, until the next morning! Sleeping in the back is very, very comfortable, and there's plenty of space for supplies.

The second trip was to pick up my friends new daily car, a 1994 NC Fairlane Ghia, 5.0L V8 Windsor with sunroof and a aftermarket bull bar. Certainly cemented my desire to put an AU version in mine! The low down torque, and therefore economy at high speed is excellent, and c'mon, who doesn't want a V8?
While the V8 is the preference, I don't dislike the 4.0 straight 6 I have, it's a brilliant engine as well, and the engine itself sounds better than the V8 as full sound. Reliable as a stone too.

In the coming months, both my friend and I are going to fit the TJM Airtec Snorkels we have, to keep the air that's being sucked in clean, and also away from water should we come across a water crossing.
Next will be the full RTV ute front suspension, plus custom, engineered rear leaf spring hangers and new shock absorbers, followed by Speedy Desert Rat 16"x8" wheels of a wider offset, painted silver to match the bullbar, wrapped in some sturdier, fatted rubber, which will be covered by the extremely rare AU Falcon Ute flares, which we will have repainted and modified slightly, and a second set made since there's two wagons. At this time the mudflaps will be re-done to suit the wider stance, and correct some slight flaws. We'll also be looking at getting a rear diff lock of some sort, which will make a lot of surfaces easier to traverse, being 2WD vehicles.
After that, we'll source a couple of written off V8 AU Fairlanes cheap, and swap the interiors, as well as the engine and gearboxes.

Here's a few recent pictures!

Skip and the Fairlane @ Parrys Beach campground. by SomebodyFromTheUnknown's Photography, on Flickr

Skip and the Fairlane @ Parrys Beach campground. by SomebodyFromTheUnknown's Photography, on Flickr


Skip and the 'Lane by SomebodyFromTheUnknown's Photography, on Flickr


Skip 'n the 'Lane, at Shannon National Park by SomebodyFromTheUnknown's Photography, on Flickr


Skip, an' the 'Lane by SomebodyFromTheUnknown's Photography, on Flickr


Cruisin' AU by SomebodyFromTheUnknown's Photography, on Flickr


Camping Trip @ Canebrake by SomebodyFromTheUnknown's Photography, on Flickr

 

Yeah, some would dislike the antennas, I personally love them! As well as that they serve their purpose.

 

Can't say that's true mate, there are many, MANY American vehicles I would love to have someday. In fact, most cars I've ever wanted are American! American and Aussie, the best I reckon. Not much into Euro or Jap stuff, I appreciate some, but they ain't my thing.

Sadly, the Falcon is being discontinued in 2016, due to poor sales caused by stupid Ford Oz not putting an effort into keeping the Falcon the best option available! There aren't even wagons available anymore.
The Holden Commodore is likely to be next, or it'll be made elsewhere, outside of Australia .

 

G'day once again everyone!

Progress on my wagon has been slow... but there is still some!
So I finished school yesterday, and am now free to work full-time and earn enough money to get some proper progress going on Skip.

So my plan goes like this from here on :
-Have the few pieces of rust removed, and install electronic rust inhibitor.
-Source RTV Falcon parts, with new shock absorbers and rear diff lock.
-Sort out the legal side of things (engineering etc)
-Install parts.
-Relocate venerable engine bay components (such as coilpack) up high.
-Research and purchase wider offset steel sunraysia wheels, with as big a all-terrain tyre as can be fitted (hopefully around 29" tall)
-Paint the rare AU Falcon ute flares silver (matching bulbar, wheels and future roof rack) and install, along with wider mudflaps to accommodate the tyres.
-And sometime, install a 5L V8 Windsor.
-Many more things...

The most recent addition is the TJM Airtec Snorkel, which as yet isn't needed but it's on anyway, as TJM may not keep it available much longer.

I've seen lots of encouraging stuff lately, videos/stories etc of others taking lifted Falcons to some amazing places, and those with diff locks, occasionally bettering 4WDs, even on sand!
So I'm very confident that I'll get reasonably far, but being 2WD there will always be some things I can't do. My Falcon will be far cheaper to own, run, maintain and be more comfortable, as well as a lot more stable than a 4WD of similar value (which would also be without any touring gear), as well as completely unique! :2_thumbs_up_-_anima
Lots of fun ahead!

Entered my wagon along with it's twin (owned by a friend of mine, we decided to make twins of the wagons) in a local car show of 360+ vehicles, and left gobsmacked, with an award for 'Best "What the???"' My friend's wagon is currently on hold, as he wants to focus on his new toy, a Subaru Brumby ute.

Recent pics.

 

Love your wagon. When I think of the word Touring Wagon I think of those glorified hatchbacks like the Volvo V60. Yours is a real wagon. I love the Roo Bar. You have enough lift for functionality without looking hillbilly. Great project.

mike

 

Great looking wagon, Unknown. Looks like you're doing everything right and I have to say, your photography is very impressive. Your pictures look like they're right out of a brochure.

 

Cheers mate!
Yes, you nailed it there. A Volvo was a contributor to my inspiration though. There was a 01-ish model XC70 concept that had a lift, much bigger wheels and tyres, painted orange, as well as other lifted wagons, gave me the idea to do this, when I was about 8! Almost 10 years later, the dream is finally being realised.
My wagon will still go just a little higher again, with some extra suspension lift to accommodate bigger rubber, but this would be 2" max. I don't want it looking disproportional, which is also why I haven't gone with the usual chassis swap job most do when they want a Falcon to go off road.

Thanks for that! I do enjoy photography, and have been practicing for a few years now, always got more to learn though!

Chris

 

You don't need a V8. You have a great motor.

 

There you're absolutely correct. But it isn't really a issue of needing it so much as wanting. The Windsor 5L that AU Fairmont/Fairlane and XR8s were available with has plenty of power, and loads of torque. Keeps the revs low, and the economy is only a little decreased than the 6 unless you do a lot of stop-start driving.
But the main reason is, I just love the sound of a V8, and have always wanted one.

But for a while yet, the straight six is staying. There's nothing wrong with it, runs beautifully, and there are other priorities to take care of first!

Not loads of news for this, apart from starting to gather the parts to get started! Rust is being removed as soon as I can get the car in to the panel beaters, and then I'll go and pester some engineers.