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)
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!
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.
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.
My dad had a 1962 Galaxie and I remember it was a four door and had tons of horsepower. I am not a car expert, but when my son-in-law said his father had one for sale I jumped at the chance. Keep in mind that I am about 35 years older now than when Dad had the '62. I bought a 1963 1/2 two-door that I have been very happy with. I agree with the statement that this car rides like a Caddy. It does "float" a little and I don't have power steering or brakes so you do have to plan ahead a little. We get a lot of looks and comments. Before I bought it they had just painted it white. Whoever painted it did a fantastic job, but evidently had trouble putting some of the long chrome strips on drivers side back on (they are in the trunk). I haven't figured what happened, but the clips must have rusted and broken. I don't know where I would be able to find any more of these clips. The only other chrome that I am missing was the ring around one of the tail lights. I searched eBay and a lot of people have the lenses, but not the chrome ring. Mine does seem to sit a little higher in the front than the back. At first I thought that was odd, but now I kind of like it and I think that is somewhat normal for a Galaxie. The '63 has leather bucket seats, the original dash, steering wheel, wheel covers, etc. The headliner is shot though. The car supposedly had 50,000 miles on it when I bought it a couple of years ago and now it has about 58000. I better end now, but I simply love the car and plan to continue to restore it. It was worth every penny (under five grand total).
"I don't know where I would be able to find any more of these clips."
Try www.dearbornclassics.com
If reversing the leaf springs do not work, you must have them re-arced by a shop that specializes in making leaf springs;i.e
heavy duty trucks or pre-1950 cars.
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!
I found a great site that has mono leaf springs for all models.
www.monoleafsprings.com.
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.
I'm looking into buying either a 63 Rambler Classic or a 64 Ford Galaxie.
The Rambler has a straight 6. She's a beautiful teal "3 on the tree," bench seats, but an AC unit that is apparently installed upside down so it has to be charged every year. The trunk lock is missing, The door's latch on the drivers side needs to be replaced, the radio doesn't work, needs new upholstery, and headliner, and a couple small rust spots developing.
The Galaxie I don't know much about yet, except that it runs "great" and has brand new tires. Typically speaking, what would be better to get? What are typical problems with them both? I know this is all a little vague, but this is my first classic car, and I'm looking for a fun project car, but also a daily driver. And if they are both good, then I'm buying one for myself and son, and the other for my sister who is in auto shop.
If you can email me: vvings2fli2u@rocketmail.com with your opinion that would be great. Thank you for your time!
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