Ford Galaxie Reviews from North America

The car was sitting in a field when I found it, so I had some minor work to do.

Replaced floor pans.

New points distributor.

Tires.

Gas gauge don't work, need a sending unit.

Needs rear shocks ASAP.

I plan to restore it in a couple years.

This is my summer driver, so I have two cars on the road at once.

I've only put 500-600 miles on it so far, and it hasn't given me any problems.

The power is pretty decent for a cruiser, but I wouldn't win many races; the highway gears and 2 barrel carb holds it back I'd say.

It's got 4 wheel drum brakes, which are vacuum assisted, but you do need to stay on your toes and not tailgate anybody, which I don't do, no matter what I'm driving.

Fuel pump went bad, rebuilt for $35.

Mufflers needed replacing. Used lifetime warranty from Midas mufflers to replace at no charge.

Master cylinder was rebuilt for $60.

Turn signal canceling cam broke - replaced for $35.

Original engine, never rebuilt. Runs like a top.

Grandpa purchased new, kept in perfect condition.

I received in 1980 - only driven to shows and events.

The car is very powerful, comfortable and solid.

15 mpg on the highway, 12 around town.

Other than fuel, it's very inexpensive to operate.

Other than tires and shocks, it's all original.

A real testament to Ford's emphasis on quality that year.

A real joy to drive.

The heater was fixed by dealer when he sold it to me; it stopped working again just before I sold it.

The A/C leaked, but was jury-rigged/fixed with a leak seal kit and a freon conversion kit, and 3 cans of rf-13a from Wal-Mart. It slow leaked after that, but I'd just charge it and add one can of seal in May, and the A/C would blow cold thru next year. Way cheaper than an A/C shop!!

Anything else was my fault because I couldn't keep from tinkering with it!!

Oh yeah, the driver's side window crank wore out.

Most reliable 30 year old car I've ever had!!

This was a base Galaxie, with manual windows and locks.

It had a 400 Modified block and a C-6 transmission. The rear was a 8.7 with 2.73 gears.

I had some excess bucks, so I put in an Edelbrock cam and intake package and a 600 cfm Edelbrock carb. I also added a dual exhaust and Flowmaster mufflers, chromed open air cleaner and a Pertronix electronic ignition.

Once I got it set up right, I could get an honest 16 mpg at 65 mph with the A/C off. I also would cruise at 90 hauling a trailer, and my wife would hear me chucking at how much power it still had left.

I never did find out how fast it could go; the speedometer bottomed out at 120. Second gear was good til 80 mph and was really strong.

I found the steering to be numb like any typical 70s american car, but the power brakes were great!

I let the car go once gas prices became impossible... but I still miss hearing that big V-8 sucking in that air. It was comfortable, could haul me and my family in comfort, and was quiet on the highway. Parts were cheap and readily available, and upkeep was minimal.

The oil pan gaskets leak a little.

The driver's side of the front seat has started to wear badly.

The weatherstripping is old and worn.

The car has an AM radio built in the dash that cannot be replaced. The power and sound this little 289 puts out beats a radio any day!