1966 Ford Fairlane problems
The Ford Fairlane is an automobile model that was sold between the 1955 and 1970 model years by Ford in North America. Taking its name from the Dearborn, Michigan estate of Henry Ford, the Fairlane nameplate was used for seven different generations of vehicles. Through its production, the model line would be marketed in a wide variety of body styles, including two-door and four-door sedans, two-door and four-door hardtops, station wagons, and both traditional and retractable-hardtop convertibles.
Initially introduced as the flagship of the full-size Ford range, the Fairlane marked the introduction of the Crown Victoria and 500 nameplates, both later becoming stand-alone full-size model lines (the latter, as the Ford Five Hundred).
Following the introduction of the Ford Galaxie, the Fairlane 500 (and Fairlane) became Ford's base models, equivalent to the Chevrolet Bel Air and Biscayne respectively, until 1962, when it was repackaged as an intermediate-segment car (today, mid-size) from 1962 to 1970. For 1971, Ford expanded the Ford Torino nameplate across its entire intermediate range, dropping the Fairlane (and Falcon) nameplates in North America. In South America, the sixth generation Fairlane was marketed through 1981; Ford Australia used the nameplate on its own version of the Fairlane (a long-wheelbase Ford Falcon) through the 2007 model year.
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Common 1966 Ford Fairlane problems
The 1966 Ford Fairlane 500 R-Code is known for its powerful engine and dependability. The big block 427 V-8 engine under the hood is designed for racing, producing up to 500 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with an upgraded Toploader four-speed transmission and rear-end gears, making it a deadly combination for racing.
However, there are some common problems that owners of this car have reported. One of the most significant issues is rust, particularly in the areas around the bottom corner of the rear window and the trunk opening. These areas are not smooth and may have body filler used to cover up the rust. While the car may not show any signs of rust from the trunk area, it is still a concern for potential buyers.
Another issue that owners of the 1966 Ford Fairlane 500 R-Code may face is the lack of availability of specific parts. While Mustang parts are everywhere, very few are listed specifically for 66-67 Fairlanes. However, some suspension parts may interchange between Mustangs and Fairlanes, such as control arms, coil springs, leaf springs, bushings, sway bars, etc. If these parts do interchange, it is recommended to use parts from a 67-68 Mustang or possibly a 69-70 Mustang.
Another common problem that owners of the 1966 Ford Fairlane 500 R-Code may face is overheating. This issue can occur when installing a high-performance engine, such as the ATK 502 525 HP engine. To fix this problem, it is recommended to install two electric fans and a water pump fan. Additionally, resetting the initial timing to 30° and checking the total advance can help prevent overheating.
Finally, finding specific parts for the 1966 Ford Fairlane 500 R-Code can be challenging. For example, replacing the seal that goes over the hole where the steering column penetrates the firewall/floor can be difficult as the replacement plate is not readily available. Owners may need to search for a repop or find a used plate from another Fairlane owner.
In conclusion, while the 1966 Ford Fairlane 500 R-Code is known for its powerful engine and dependability, it is not without its common problems. Rust, lack of availability of specific parts, overheating, and difficulty finding specific parts are all issues that owners of this car may face. However, with proper maintenance and care, these issues can be addressed and prevented.
What engine came in a 1966 Ford Fairlane?
Fairlane 500 4-Door Sedan and Club Coupe models feature the spirited 200-cu. in. Six as standard and there's a choice of three optional V-8's with power up to 315 hp.
What is the difference between 1966 and 1967 Fairlane?
There are subtle differences in trim between years; the '66 taillamp lens is glass, for example, while the lens on a '67 is plastic. Grilles are not reproduced save for the center medallion, and neither are hoods. Windshields are available, but side and rear glass is not.
What is the rarest Fairlane?
Though it arrived late to the muscle car party, the 427-powered Fairlane earned its place by becoming one of the rarest, most powerful street-legal models from the golden age of muscle cars.
Was the Ford Fairlane a muscle car?
The 1969 Ford Fairlane Cobra had a 428-cid V-8 standard and gave Ford lovers a low-buck midsize-muscle car. No muscle car promised more performance, or had more trouble delivering it, than the star-crossed 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429.
What engines came in a 1966 Ford Fairlane?
1966 Ford Fairlane Facts – Engines
- 120 HP 200 CID I-6.
- 200 HP 289 CID V-8.
- 265 HP SMT 390 CID V-8.
- 275 HP AMT 390 CID V-8.
- 315 HP 390 CID V-8.
- 335 HP 390 CID V-8.
- 410 HP 427 CID V-8.
- 425 HP 427 CID V-8.
What is the difference between 1966 and 1967 Fairlane?
There are subtle differences in trim between years; the '66 taillamp lens is glass, for example, while the lens on a '67 is plastic. Grilles are not reproduced save for the center medallion, and neither are hoods. Windshields are available, but side and rear glass is not.
Is a Ford Fairlane a muscle car?
The 1969 Ford Fairlane Cobra had a 428-cid V-8 standard and gave Ford lovers a low-buck midsize-muscle car. No muscle car promised more performance, or had more trouble delivering it, than the star-crossed 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429.
What engine is in a Fairlane?
The base engine was the 200 cu in (3.3 L) I6, with several optional V8s. Early production 1968 base V8 Fairlanes were equipped with the two-barrel 289 cu in (4.7 L), while later units came with the 302 cu in (4.9 L).
1966 Ford Fairlane car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Fairlane problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1966 Ford Fairlane vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1966 Ford Fairlane complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1966 Ford Fairlane.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-07-03
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I HAVE HAD TWO BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RE930 P19570R14 TIRES FAIL. BOTH HAD SIDEWALL BLOWOUTS AFTER A BRIEF PERIOD OF HIGHWAY TRAVEL. THE TIRES ARE ON A WELL-MAINTAINED COLLECTOR VEHICLE THAT IS RARELY DRIVEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. SOMETHING SEEMS TO HAPPEN TO THESE TIRES WHEN THEY ARE HEATED UP BY HIGHWAY TRAVEL & THEN COOLED DOWN. THE NHTSA DATABASE SHOWS NUMEROUS SIDEWALL BLOWOUTS WITH THESE TIRES. THERE MUST BE A DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING PROBLEM WITH THEM. *JB
1966 Ford Fairlane recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1966 Ford Fairlane.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1966 Ford Fairlane problems:
1966 Fairlane rust areas | Ford Muscle Cars Tech Forum
Aug 1, 2012 ... The cowl at the bottom of windshield with the air breathers will run water inside and rust the fire walls . Water will run under the carpet ...
O/T, 66 fairlane rust issues - 332-428 Ford FE Engine Forum
Mar 22, 2011 ... Small amount of water running out a hose and start applying low on the firewall. Work your way up, slowly. If not found before reaching the cowl ...
I have a 1966 Ford Fairlane GTA, 390 ci, C-6 transmission. When I ...
Jul 9, 2011 ... Ground feedback is common on electronic circuit boards, and it is not well known in the automotive world. If the problem is ground feedback, ...
Is this too much rust to consider to buy? 1966 Ford Fairlaine - Buying ...
Sep 16, 2018 ... That '66 Fairlane would perform VERY poorly in protecting your child. In addition to lacking airbags and crush zones, they have TERRIBLE brakes ...
1966 Mustang unpredictable steering | Ford Mustang Forum
May 10, 2021 ... They ultimately determined the Idler arm had too much play and replaced it but continued to have problems. ... common for the year. this adds ...
Other years of Ford Fairlane
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