my first ford muscle car? target: 64 ford fairlane

[black69]

I got the mopars and some GM cars in the garage, but never crossed over to getting a ford in there too. Recently, a guy bought some parts from me and turns out, he has a 64 ford fairlane 500, 289 with a 4 spd, and it appears to have a 4 barrel carb. He recently bought it cheap ($1400). He said its quicker than sht, and lites up the tires pretty easily.

I did some research and I dont think they made too many of these, and looking at the stats, they seem to be pretty quick. I guess they were the bones to the thunderbolt type cars (i.e. came with the heavy duty rear end).

Well for now, I may pursue getting the guy to consider selling it [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]

Is this a good starter ford muscle car? It made me think its like ford's equivalent to the gto back in 64. Small light cheap 4-seater that is fast. But I am kinda clueless on fords. Its all original (some minor rust around rear wheels).

-bob

[luzl78]

It might be a k-code 289 and in that case it would be somewhat valuable.

[black69]

I am assuming it's a K code, as it has a 4brl carb on it, and he bought it from the original owner. I am going to try to get a ride in it when the weather gets better. He wanted to buy something else from me, and that deal wont go down til spring.

I wish I could post a picture of it, but the one I got has too many people in it. Nice dark blue color with black interior.

[442w30]

Post the data plate when you can.

[olredalert]

---There certainly were K-code 64 Fairlanes. they were rated 271hp. But,,,There wwas also the 4-barrel 225hp option which would have been far more likely. Hopefully you have that K in the serial #. Goos luck!......Bill S

[1970Bluel78]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: olredalert</div><div class="ubbcode-body">---There certainly were K-code 64 Fairlanes. they were rated 271hp. But,,,There wwas also the 4-barrel 225hp option which would have been far more likely. Hopefully you have that K in the serial #. Goos luck!......Bill S </div></div>

I forgot...I think code &quot; D &quot; is the 225 hp 289

[tom406]

If the <span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold"></span>5th</span> digit of the VIN is a K, then its a 289 hipo. If the 2nd digit is a K, it just means it was built in Kansas City. It should be a factory 4 speed with a 9&quot; rearend if its a real K code.

K code Hipo was the only 4bbl small block available in Fairlanes in '64. No A codes til '65. Regular fuel <span style="font-weight: bold">210hp</span> 4V 289's (D-code in early 64.5 Mustangs) were created by Mercury for their cars in '64, essentially topping a regular fuel 200hp 2V longblock with the cast iron Hipo 4bbl intake. Ford did use the motor later in '64, but only in the earliest Mustangs. For some odd reason, Mercury coded this motor &quot;K&quot; for their Comets. Parts books show Mercury calling out &quot;D&quot; code for their Hipo 289 (YES, the exact OPPOSITE of Fords being built in some of the same plants), but none have surfaced. All the '64 Hipo Comets that have emerged have been F or K coded cars with special work orders on their build sheets. Any factory Hipo built in '64 should have a 4 speed and a special 9&quot; rearend.

[budnate]

spotting a 9inch is easy, bottom pumpkin bolt requires a hand wrench, if you can get on it with a socket its not a 9.

[1970Bluel78]

I think the 62-65 Fairlanes are a great place to start a project esp a 4 speed

[black69]

thanks for all the tips. Once I see the datatag, I can post it here and it will solve a lot on what it is, and then shape whether I make and offer. I may crop a picture of the car, showing just the back end. Its a tough call on whether its a ford 9inch rear, but only a super expert could tell from a picture like what I have. It is jacked up some with ladder bars, with an old school side exhaust. I think a ford 9 inch would likely conclude its a K code, making the trip for me to see it worth investigating more.