Summary:
Fun and reliable car
Faults:
The generator quit, replaced with an alternator (and home made conversion kit)
Exhaust replaced with dual exhaust / glass-packs.
Starter went out, had it rebuilt.
Recarpeted and re-upholstered.
Electrical system - very if'y. Works if it wants to. IE. Guages, dash lights.
Stock AM Radio replaced with Chrome AM/FM radio, still looks good. (kept old radio just in case!)
Replaced front shocks, need to figure out the rear leaf springs. Car sags a little in the rear.
Chrome reversed baby moons, on car when I bought it.
The whole car costs me $2000.00! (before the above mentioned repairs / additions)
General Comments:
Great car overall. Rides like a Cadillac!
Floats a bit because of rear suspension.
Overall fun car to drive. Gets looks every time I take it out.
Great paint and great sound from the dual exhaust.
Slow to handle, must think ahead with this car. Turning takes about a full turn of the steering wheel!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th July, 2002
8th Dec 2003, 19:52
I also have a 63. Try flipping the leaf springs. This may give you the inch or two you need. If that doesn't work try coil over shocks. Expensive, but worth it! Stay away from air shocks! Poor ride/handling.
10th Apr 2004, 00:16
I've also got a '63 (the boxtop, hardtop model with no B-pillar... hard to find), and I love it. I completely agree with all that you say... it rides just like a Caddy! It's got some problems (very very questionable electrical system... a lot of the systems get just + from the generator, and then ground out through the dashboard), the turn signals don't work when it's cold, the shifter squeaks... but she's been sitting around for a LONG time. It's got 10,300 miles on the original motor (a 390... great for scaring people with 4-bangers, but not too easy on the wallet at the gas pump) and has been allowed to deteriorate a bit. The bumpers are rusty, the suspension on the left side sags, I had to rewire everything, but it's all worth it. She's got some pretty big chips in the paint and rust on the bumpers, and I still get stares when I'm driving around town... I think I'm rambling now, it just gets me so excited to talk about my '63 :P.
3rd Oct 2006, 14:25
Regarding the sag in the back (no--the car shouldn't normally look like that) --one of the folks above got it right: have the rear leaf springs re-arched. It's really not that expensive. Just reversing them, or using coil-over shocks, or even worse: big-long shackles is pretty trashy. You'll also get a much better ride doing it right. Springs done right and decent shocks help against the floaty feeling. Also--most parts are available from vendors for these big cars--Dearborn Classics, Greg Donahue, etc...
I've had my 63 1/2 for 19 years--still a great car!
6th Aug 2009, 14:01
I own a powder blue, 63 1/2, 2 door, hardtop Galaxy that just got a new 352 block in it. I've had it for about 5 years and I don't much about it, but I've always wanted to repair it. I continuously have overheating problems with it and it often doesn't turn over when I start it. Power steering is leaking and the gear is a bit loose. Are there any books, or ways I can help and are easy on the pocket? Somebody drop me some knowledge please. Thanks.