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MOTRS

Falcon (XK-XP)

1960-1966 / Sedan / Convertible / Estate / Australia

All Falcon (XK-XP) problems All workshop issues
Critical Electrical

Corroded Wiring and Failed Earths

Symptoms

Intermittent electrical faults: lights flickering, instruments dropping out, indicators not cancelling, horn intermittent, starter motor sluggish.

Cause

Original cloth-insulated wiring deteriorates over 60 years. The insulation becomes brittle, cracks, and falls away, exposing bare wire. Earth connections corrode, increasing resistance. Connector terminals oxidise.

Fix

For isolated faults, trace and repair individual circuits.

For widespread issues, a complete rewire is the answer.

Reproduction wiring looms are available from US Falcon suppliers and can be adapted for RHD Australian cars.

Budget $400-800 for a loom plus a full day's work.

Clean and tighten all earth connections as a first step, this alone resolves many intermittent faults.

Cost mentioned in fix
Budget $400-800 for a

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Other known issues

Critical Electrical

6-Volt to 12-Volt Considerations

Dim headlights, slow cranking, inability to run modern accessories, difficulty finding replacement bulbs and components.
Common Electrical

Generator Charging Issues

Battery goes flat, ammeter shows discharge while driving, dim lights at idle.
Critical Rust (The Big One)

Floor Pan Corrosion

Visible rust perforation on the underside of the floor. Soft, spongy metal when prodded. In severe cases, daylight visible through the cabin floor.
Critical Rust (The Big One)

Sill (Rocker Panel) Rot

Bubbling paint along the lower body sides, soft metal when prodded, visible perforation.
Common Rust (The Big One)

Boot Floor and Spare Tyre Well

Rust in the boot floor, water pooling in the spare tyre well, perforation around the tail-light mounting points.
Common Rust (The Big One)

Lower Quarter Panels

Bubbling, blistering, or perforation on the lower rear quarter panels behind the rear wheels.
View all 18 Falcon (XK-XP) problems