Replica Interceptor:Info from an American mechanic

[MFP1]

hey guys, i had many years look for make a other car to a interceptor , also i had a amc matador , but you can say what you want, only the real interceptor has been a falcon. better waiting an looking for a real one. so long tom

Technically you are correct, Both of the Interceptors in Mad Max were in fact Falcons (they were both yellow). If you look at the cars pictured throughout this thread, however, you might notice that the cars being discussed and depicted are Pursuit Specials. In the movie one of the Pursuit Specials shown was a Falcon the other was a Monaro, which suggusts that the MFP was using what they could get, and were not tied to a specific make or model. I sat that if it fits the theme and feel of the setting, a tribute PS, Interceptor, or Pursuit cruiser is cool, no matter what, or where it started its life.

The key word here is Tribute A tribute car is not a replica so there is more flexibility for the builder of a Tribute car vs. a Replica which needs be an exact reproduction of the original.

I am sure he is unsing 'Interceptor' in the more 'general public' accepted way (as per MM2, shame to blow it up). Otherwise I do agree that the 2 PS cars in MM1 indicate a wider range of models used for this duty vehicle.... as well as with the general definition of 'tribute car'.

Exactly.
And one thing that bothers me, I know people want to make an exact replica, but in the film it is depicted as a real supercharged car, why does everyone make fake superchargers? Even if it's more prop-correct, it isn't really movie-correct?

The answer to this is simple. A functional supercharger may be 'real world correct' as to what the car would have been if real, BUT..... Nearly everyone wants the car's 'super hero power' of the On/Off Supercharger, and the only way to do that (reasonably, or at all, depending on who you ask, not taking that issue up here) is to build a non functional unit with a gimic to operate it. That is why 96% of replicas have a 'film accurate' prop supercharger unit.

[MFP1]

Maybe my term "Average Joe" needs to be explained.I have researched alot of different venues,including links from this site,and on my income,which is less than $50,000 p/year,U.S.,everything I have found pertaining to a real Falcon is way outside of my range.I started this thread for those of us who have a shoestring budget to work with,to exchange ideas and concepts on how to build a passable version of the movie car using vehicles and parts common and inexpensive to people here in the U.S.For instance,when I do eventually find a '70 or '71 Torino,I plan on modifying a '83-'87 Monte Carlo SS nose to replicate the custom unit on the movie car.I believe this nose piece is similar enough to make a nice budget minded version if modified correctly,and should fit the width of the Torino pretty well.If you can afford the real thing,I say go for it,but for folks like me,who just don't have that kind of cash,there are options.

I totally understand the desire to build a A Tribute car. I am just saying that for a guy with less means than you, it is still possible to get a Falcon and build a top replica if that is what you desire. Its just a matter of biding your time for the best deals, collecting stuff when you have funds, and simply doing it. The majority of your cost will be the ground up restoration of any 40+ year old car, and Max conversion parts. The base car (Falcon or not) will make up a smaller % of your investment.
All that said, there is lots of cool tribute cars out there, and I love them all. It will be cool to see what you put together, whatever you may start with!

[steve66]

Yes,I agree.For everyone following this thread,taking on a project of this magnitude is quite a commitment,especially if you intend on building something as close to the movie car as you have the experience and/or funds to build.Finding or modifying parts for the correct look may take years.
I recently came across another body style that I believe would be fairly easy to modify and get a close resemblance to the Falcon.The '70 thru '73 Mercury Cougar is closer in wheelbase and overall shape than the '70 and '71Torino's and seem to be alot less expensive,if you can find one.Biggest difference I've seen so far,is the rear window and quarter glass.But,again,there looks to be plenty of room to open the quarter glass/sail panel area up for a longer side glass profile.From the side,the profile is scary close to a Falcon,sans the quarter glass.These cars could also be bought with the 351 Cleveland engine and four speed transmission.I'm still looking for a base car,and this has added an option for me,besides just trying to find the aforementioned Torino.

[blown215]

When I started on my ''tribute car'' I knew that it never would be a Falcon but I just totaly got taken away by the BOB's spoilers,blower and zoomies back when MM1 was shown for the first time and it never left me. So my goal was to create a car with the same theme and spirit. That was more important than replicate the BOB.
I'm so '' infected '' that my every day driver is turning into a tribute sa well.

[ANGELofFEAR]

a ford capri looks like nice an the el camino too

[toecutter]

I really like that El Camino.

The capri, not so much.

How is the engine cooling in the Capri ? V6 or 4 ? i know its common in oz to drop a Windsor v8 into capris.

[blown215]

The Capri runs a Buick/Rover 215 alu. V8 and they are famus for running hot and mine does to.

[rustycarr]

Nice job on capri, cool vids on youtube also

[toecutter]

The Capri runs a Buick/Rover 215 alu. V8 and they are famus for running hot and mine does to.

I have a cousin of that engine, the Leyland 4.4 V8 in three cars (plus a few spares). It sure does run hot. Thermos and proper coolant ratio help.