Obsessin' over R code Galaxie

[Raceman]

I've always said I'd rather have a sister in the whorehouse than a Ford in the garage, but I've got this current obsession goin' for a 63 1/2 R Code Galaxie. I've never had one, or even ridden in one for that matter, but I got real close to one on E Bay several weeks ago, and folded with 15 seconds to go, mostly 'cause my son was doggin' me about it bein' an old man's car and a land yacht. I think I made a big mistake by NOT buyin' that one if the description the guy gave me on the phone was accurate, and now I've got a lead on another one that may be even more original/un-molested and lower miles, even if not quite as nice cosmetically.

I'm going lookin' in the next several days hopefully, and if it's all it's supposed to be maybe I'll post a pic or two.

[Scream And Fly]

I think you should go for it. :) The teardrop hood is very cool too.

http://www.classiccar.com/photopost/data/520/204DCP_0048.jpg

[Ted Stryker]

I was a died in the wool Bowtie Boy until I owned a Ford, and it turned out to be My favorite and most dependable vehicle that I've owned to date despite being abused like the bottom of a boot... Alot of that is backed up with personal involvement with many more Fords also in the past 10-15 years... That Galaxy is cool, I also like the Fairlanes... Kinda big and square but real symmetrical and balanced looking, the lines just seem to work... I have a soft spot for the Blue Oval these days...

[mr.clean]

If you like 1963 why settle? Drop some real coin and buy a legend ;)

[Scream And Fly]

If you like 1963 why settle? Drop some real coin and buy a legend ;)

Hey, I think Norris already has one of each of those. :) :D

[mr.clean]

They only made one of each.

[Scream And Fly]

Bill, it was a joke.

[ROLF]

427 side oiler?

[Raceman]

Billy, actually I have 3 63 Corvettes, (1 fuelie roadster and 2 coupes) but of course NO GranSports. There was one GranSport in Georgia, owned by the late John Thorn in Valdosta. The car was sold before his death and I don't recall where it is now, but it was a coupe. If I remember my history lessons, there were a total of 8 GranSports made, all accounted for now.

In 63/64 & early '65 (I think) the 427's were center oilers. I know where an R code (R code is 427/425 horse in the case of the 63/64/65 cars) 64 is that can be bought, but I don't like the '64 body style................ it's gotta be a '63. I've got on 427 High Riser engine that I'm puttin' in a Thunderbolt clone project, but I'm strugglin' to learn all the quirks of the FE style Ford motor and there are some differences that have to be dealt with.

[RedAllison]

Aw Raceman NOW we talkin bro!!! I love many more Dardges and Bowties BUT the Rcode Galaxies are a sentimental favorite of mine. Back when I was in highschool (late 80s) my dad had a 64 Galaxie (red with white top) and promised it too me one day. Well times was rough for him and with 3 lil mouths to feed it had to go away. I forgave him (so I says today anyway :rolleyes: :D ) but man that car was a cherry and all it needed was a side oiler and a toploader. Those cars HAULED ASS in SS and the predecessor too ProStock. They are extremely rare as well. You just don't see them offered now like they were back in the late 80s early 90s when the market first got hot.

Hell how many Tbolts are even available today, they bring a kings ransom but not really as much compared too the factory race cars from Mopar or Chevy. I know they aren't correct but I don't see what would be wrong with a Galaxie that had some glass and alloy pieces added too it along with a side oiler/toploader then you would have about THE ultimate sleeper. Like your son said, "Those are grandpa cars". Yeah that's what ALL the pee on ricers say these days. They only know late 60s-early 70s muscle. They don't know much about the early race stuff. It would be VERY easy to get normally aspirated 427 Galaxie into the 10s yet still be something you could drive on the street (maybe not if you live in CA :rolleyes: ).

I say JUMP on em,
RA

[Raceman]

My new Hemmings came a day or so ago and I was looking over a Mecham Auction flyer that was in it. They're havin' a helluva' auction in Illinois in October. They've got a real, documented Thunderbolt, an uncut '68 Hemi Dart, a '65 altered wheelbase A/FX Dodge Hemi race car, at least one COPO Camaro and several other REAL interesting cars including a supposed less than 25 original miles LS6 Chevelle and 14K miles Hemi Roadrunner. It may be more interesting than Barrett Jackson, and hopefully not as in$ane price wise.

[The Big Al]

Raceman, I saw one of those in Mississippi, white in color.

I think it had a 427 in it. He and his Dad were car collectors, I can not remeber his name but was in the Flooring and Marble business.
Said that car was his Dad's baby. Out of all his cars that was his favorite.
Aluminum bumpers and stuff. Bench seat four speed, no radio, no heater.

He also had a factory Super Stock Hemi Corinet, had aluminum fenders and hood and bumper. Factory built race car that had never been touched.
Said they were looking for a Fairlane built by Ford that was the same kind of car.

Same guy has a few Hemi Cuda's, also a Boss 429 Mustang and mostly the big block Fords. I was mesmerized by the Talladega Mercury.

He also had a Green with white top, white interior 1970 Chevelle SS, he purchased the car from Reggie Jackson, I can't remember a lot about the cars.

I can tell you, you will kick you butt for not buying that car.

[SportJ-US-1]

I've got a neighbor with an original 1963 1/2 427 Galaxie. How does he know? He bought it new and has had it ever since. It is striped to the frame doing a total restore. The drive train is back in and we ran it the other day, with only the cast iron factory headers on it. Sent a shiver down my back that I haven't felt since the first time I fired of my 1969 428SCJ in a factory Cobra (the Torino body style not a Shelby, only time I drove a Shelby 427SC it scared my half to death). I love Ford FEs. Had a 390 and 406 3X2 and both a 427 4V in a '66 Merc Cyclone and 427 2X4V in a '66 Fairlane. I was real stupid when I sold them, hind sight is so perfect.

[Raceman]

One thing nice about the early Fords is that they have a letter in the serial number that defines the original engine. It's not only on the riveted on plate in the door jamb, but also on a metal tab that's part of the cowl, and several other places, so it's fairly hard to fake. In addition to the R code, there was also a Q code 427 back then, and MAYBE one more.

[Raceman]

Well, the obsession spilled over. I called the man with the second '63 this morning and asked if I could come look. When I contacted him about a year ago he said that I couldn't come, but if he changed his mind he'd call. (I've never had anybody call me back on a car for sale) Anyhow, I called him today and he let me come. The car has been under a cover in an enclosed shop since 1988. He said a couple of people have partially uncovered it to look in the last year, but so far he hadn't agreed to sell it. The owner is 76 years old. We made a deal and I called a roll back.

I didn't have a camera, but I'm gonna get some taken tomorrow and post em since my digital croaked.

Here's the bio:
63 1/2 500XL R-Code Galaxie ( 63 1/2 = fastback, R-Code = 427/425 horse, 4sp, XL = bucket seats/console/deluxe interior)

Red on red, ORIGINAL PAINT, 56K original miles, all parts of original drivetrain intact including engine and even original carbs.

Old style slicks from 70's/80's still on car and still hold air.

So one more is now checked off the want list. I've been looking for the right R-Code 63 for a long time. Now if I could just find that original Hemi something.:eek:

[mr.clean]

Red? shouldn't a old Cracker like you be running the black on black bootlegger model :p Sounds like a nice one.

[Raceman]

The one on E Bay was black on black. It was a nicer car than this one AS IS, but I think there's more potential for an authentic restoration with this one. PLUS............ I like red.

[heath brinkley]

I've always said I'd rather have a sister in the whorehouse than a Ford in the garage, but I've got this current obsession goin' for a 63 1/2 R Code Galaxie. I've never had one, or even ridden in one for that matter, but I got real close to one on E Bay several weeks ago, and folded with 15 seconds to go, mostly 'cause my son was doggin' me about it bein' an old man's car and a land yacht. I think I made a big mistake by NOT buyin' that one if the description the guy gave me on the phone was accurate, and now I've got a lead on another one that may be even more original/un-molested and lower miles, even if not quite as nice cosmetically.

I'm going lookin' in the next several days hopefully, and if it's all it's supposed to be maybe I'll post a pic or two.

Sounds to me like you raised a fine young man there, be proud.:)

[heath brinkley]

on second thought though...

You are an old man who likes big yatchs, so bid away.;) :D :D

[Raceman]

on second thought though...

You are an old man who likes big yatchs, so bid away.;) :D :D

Didn't get the black car that was on E Bay, and the biddin' is over, but bought the red one, which is likely a better car anyway. I'd post pictures if I could figure out why I can't, but even Image Shack is boycottin' my computer now. (I hate computers with a passion.:mad: )

[Raceman]

Sorry the background is such a mess. A previous tenant couldn't drive a forklift. Maybe one day I'll find time to make it look a little better.

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/5046/dsc01912xo3.jpg (http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/5046/dsc01912xo3.jpg)

[Raceman]

The XL cars styling from the rear may have been the best lookin' full sized for ever. (this Ford disease seems to progress at an alarming rate)

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/731/dsc01913rs9.jpg (http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/731/dsc01913rs9.jpg)

[Raceman]

Nasty.

Previous owner changed from generator to alternator. Original stuff is in trunk.

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/1295/dsc01915bp6.jpg (http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/1295/dsc01915bp6.jpg)

[76baja18ft]

WOW.. thats really nice.. congratualtions on a great find

[gaineso]

I AM IN LUST!!

I have always thought the 63 Scat Backs were about the most beautiful cars ever built. Fabulous car.

[Raceman]

WOW.. thats really nice.. congratualtions on a great find


I AM IN LUST!!

I have always thought the 63 Scat Backs were about the most beautiful cars ever built. Fabulous car.

I've been looking for the RIGHT 63 1/2 R Code for probably 20 years. I've seen a bunch of rust buckets, cars that weren't R's but had 427's stuck in, but this is the first really original one I've seen. About the only problem I have with it is that somebody replaced the original XL seat covers with upholstery shop type roll & pleat. The original XL interior is arguably one of the best looking designs ever put in an old American car, so the custom stuff has to go. Correct re-pro interior stuff is readily availble, but it seems like a shame to start throwin' repro stuff at an otherwise very original car. I wish I could find a used set that's in the condition that somebody would expect in a 50K mile original car that had spent most of it's life indoors. Even the original carpet is in outstanding and unfaded condition. I think it'll shampoo to near show quality. Of course the Hurst shifter and aftermarket guages have to go.

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/6792/dsc01917vt6.jpg

[The Big Al]

Look at those cast iron headers!!!!

Man don't hurt that fuel line tube!!!! Thats a valuable piece.

It's Valuable piece just like it is!!!!

I see them cheater slicks also!

I tell you over here were I live, the Jarret's and Jr. Johnson would go nuts over that thing! Big Time!

I do like the red!!!!!

Congrats

AL

[mr.clean]

Are you going with a sympathetic or complete resto?

[Raceman]

Are you going with a sympathetic or complete resto?

For right now I'm probably gonna get it running, change the interior to correct, and play around the cruises in it. I'd like to say complete resto, but I'm determined to get 3 back together for every one I take apart from here on, or I'll never have anything but junk in boxes like I've got too much of now.

[heath brinkley]

tunnell ram and cheater slicks. Cool, even for a Ford.:)

[SportJ-US-1]

tunnell ram and cheater slicks. Cool, even for a Ford.:)

It already has cheater slicks on it. Look at the pic with the rear view.

[CDave]

I always loved the 67 Fairlane GT's.

[SportJ-US-1]

I always loved the 67 Fairlane GT's.

I had a 1966 Mercury Cyclone GT with the fiberglass hood way bad in the dark ages. First car I raced and won consistantly with. Then moved up to the 428CJ Cobras (Torino/Fairlane body). Had both a Fastback auto and a Notched back 4 speed car at the same time.

[Raceman]

It already has cheater slicks on it. Look at the pic with the rear view.

It's also got the old traction bars on it like people usta' fabricate in the '60's.......... basically a rod with an eye on each end, connected under the rear axle mount to a plate out in front of the front leafspring perch.


I always loved the 67 Fairlane GT's.

Me too, but I've never owned one. The same guy I got the '63 from has a '66 Fairlane GTA convertible that he's talkin' about selling. I never liked the rags much in high perf cars, and would prefer a GT to a GTA, but might consider it anyway if it's as solid as he says.

[PROGRESSIVEAUTO]

Fairlanes...They are cool cars. Everyone has got a GM of some sorts. My brothers each had Fairlanes, one had a 66, and 67, the other ended up buying the 66 from my eldest brother. I had a 64 Sports Coupe that had numerous transplants done to it. Sold it. [lost my license] Bought a 64 Comet, toyed with that for a bit, then played with a 67 Cyclone. That one was stolen. Engine they cut out with a torch. Johnny Law found it abandoned in a field, moved it to an impound yard. The guys that stole it, then burned it to the ground to rid of any evidence. They pulled the old solenoid trick, drove it completly through a locked chain link fence, and then burglerized a local shop down the road prior to cutting out the engine from the bottoms of the shocktowers. At any rate, get ahold of your Fairlane now, prices are already through the roof, and suspectedly will only escalate in time. [And keep it LOCKED up to say the least!!] Good luck to ya!

[Raceman]

Anybody ever pull the starter OR the long header type cast iron exhaust manifolds off of an FE Ford motor. Man, it's the biggest bitch I've ever tackled. The starter won't come off without the manifold off on the R side. The manifold won't come off without the starter pulled out of the hole and sloppy. This is with the R motormount unbolted and the engine jacked as high as it'll go without taking a bunch more stuff off, AND this is with NO exhaust pipes on the car at all behind the manifolds. Changing a starter ended up being a 3 hr. job, and that's just to get it off. Bottom exhaust manifold bolts are almost impossible to reach also. So much for Ford's "better ideas".:rolleyes:

[ShorePounder]

Hey at least they didn't put the solenoid down there too. :rolleyes: Think of the exfoliating you got on your hands and knuckles that boutiques get big money for. Think of the expansion to your vocabulary. You've grown sir. ;)

[HiLift]

Raceman, Is this a "blue" blocked engine or "gold"?

[Raceman]

It's black now. I don't know enough about Fords to know for sure that it's right in '63, but most of the stuff I've been looking at on the internet seems to have em black.

[HiLift]

A few years ago (5-7) a buddy at the time tried to sell me his 63 Galaxy.
Im very positive it was an FE 390 pushing 375hp through a four speed.
The block was factory painted gold. I really dont know the older Fords myself so I was just wondering.
By the way! NICE CAR!!!

[Raceman]

I bought an old road test article off of E Bay on one of these cars that looks exactly like mine.............. same color and all. I'm gettin' it made into a poster, but anyway........... the motor in it is black.

I actually cranked it today. I decided not to fight with the old dual points and bought a Pertronix plate to put in it. It looks dead original from the outside except for the fact that it's now got two wires coming out of the distributor instead of just one. I haven't gotten the gas tank cleaned and coated yet and it's dry, so I just filled the carb bowls with gas through the vent tubes and hit the starter. I pumped the gas about 3 times and hit the starter and it fired right up. Amazing after almost 20 years.:) :) Since the previous owner had removed the pipes it's just straight off the factory exhaust manifolds. What a great sound.

Only ran it for about 15 or 20 seconds, not even enough to run the gas out of the bowls. Gotta flush cooling system and replace hoses, get the brakes up, then it's goin' around the block.

[Scream And Fly]

Norris, any updates on the car? Did you take it out yet?

Maybe we should add a Ford section to the GM site? Looks like we both added a Ford this year.:eek: 2009 better come quick - I want the new Camaro.


http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/6233/mustang018ub2.jpg

[Raceman]

Not out yet............ only run for short periods in the garage (until the manually filled carb float bowls run dry). Gas tank out and to the radiator shop to be cleaned and coated inside. No re-pop tanks available, but bought an NOS (63 is one year only apparently) one off E bay and paid too much. It's not here yet, but I'm puttin' the coated one back in for now anyway. Rear brakes done, haven't gotten front ones yet. Can't find any re-pro exhaust stuff for old Fords, so it looks like it's off to the muffler shop next week for bender type stuff.

I'd have done all that this week, but the headers have been leakin' on the big block 69 camaro for a while and I decided to replace them since I figured I'd been to hell and back with the '63 Ford exhaust manifolds and could conquer anything now. Stickin' ceramic coated headers in a BB Camaro proved to be an almost equal challenge to the Galaxie, and ate up 2 days of my spare time at the office. So the Camaro's back road worthy and the Ford is in the crosshairs for next week.

I'm also tryin' to get the Biscayne runable at the same time. It's gotta have: brakes, exhaust, stainless fuel line front to rear, sanded/buffed again, & try to get upholstery shop custom door panels that look half way original since nobody repops '68 Biscayne. So many obstacles, so little time.:(

[Scream And Fly]

Which header bolts are you using? Are you using stock pieces or locking bolts like Stage 8s?

[Raceman]

Stock. I just drove it about 35 miles and tightened em all again. I was able to turn em about another 1/4 turn with the same wrench.

Side note: I stopped on the way and filled up at a station that's got race gas at the pump............ only one grade 114. $7.79 per gallon.:eek: :eek: :eek: Kinda took the fun outa' kickin' the secondaries on the way home.

[tripledude2]

What a find...and you're right about the XL interior being one of the best looking made. Watched many a 63 go down the track at Detroit Dragway IN 1963. On that Dana Mecum auction, I put a post on the "gasser" thread. It's in the town I used to live in and may be an excuse to drive over there. Mecum has been doing them around the midwest for quite awhile but his are only one weekend and not the extravaganza as Barrett Jackson.

[Raceman]

Mecum advertises that they sell more muscle than anybody. They've got an upcoming auction that's got a collection of rare Pontiacs that they're not gonna break up........ they all sell to one bidder or they don't sell. (seems foolish to me since it narrows the pool, then they lose control and the next guy may break em up)

[Scream And Fly]

I can't wait to see more photos. That really is a great find, and I'm glad it's working out well.

[GP-1]

I can't believe anybody has the resources (time and money) to attempt this many car projects.. Seems like you've always got stuff like this going one.
Oh well, my jealously showing through. Cool car.. Good luck with it.

Now get off the computer and get out in the garage..:D

[Raceman]

I can't believe anybody has the resources (time and money) to attempt this many car projects.. Seems like you've always got stuff like this going one.


It's really more a case of poor organization and focus than time and money. Seems like every time I find a new one, another one goes farther toward the bottom of the list.:(

[6Killer]

http://members.cox.net/slavick67/fordcarshow.html

Nicely restored stuff here. I like the orange Starliner/Cammer

6

[JW]

'67 Fairlane has always been one of my 'top' favorite cars. Great find on your 63 1/2!!!!!!!! I had a '68, sold it after a couple months. Can't wait to see more pix!

[Scream And Fly]

I wouldn't want to work on this mess.

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/5166/mustangengine004ad1.jpg

[JW]

Pulleys, chip, CAI, better exhaust, easy 50 hp.

I wouldn't want to work on mine!

http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/4725/BMW350.jpg

[Raceman]

I wouldn't want to work on this mess.

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/5166/mustangengine004ad1.jpg

That looks just like the inside of our new Dyson vacuum cleaner that "never loses suction" if you believe the commercials.:D

[Riverman]

Just looked at this thread for the first time. Amazing find. Restoration tools required:

1. Soap
2. Water
3. Sponge
4. Bucket

[Raceman]

Better picture from today showing new wheels & tires.

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/2836/dsc02273kq6.jpg

[Scream And Fly]

That's really cool lookin'. I may have to change the name of the GM Supercar site. :eek:

[lilabner]

Nice ride Raceman..I like the looks of the 61 401 a little better, but the 63 is my second choice...for a Ford..I built a lot of 427's when I worked for H&M, and I know what the trick stuff was back then. 68-70. Nobody has any of that stuff we used..It was all special, developed for GN racing..the only way the select few boaters got it was after it ran a 500 mile race and a couple practice or qualifer races..Boss O Nova, My Moppie, Jeff Hunt, Mike Gordon were about the only ones that got it, or could afford it..The rods were called LeMans Rods, but weren't the over the counter LeMans C6 rod with a C4 cap for $15.00..These were $125.00 each used, and thats in 69..the bolts were 7/16 made by SPS and they cost $17.00 each back then..The valve seats didn't have angle cuts, they were radiused..For the boats we had to use stainless valves because the 7000 rpm kit hollow valves broke as soon as salt hit the stems..The prep on the engines at Charlotte was something to behold..the bearings were air gauged, heads were ported on a Bridgeport trace mill so they were exactly the same, tunnel port intakes had an airfoil type pushrod tube guide thru the intake port where the customer motors had a round one, and they were ported on a massive CNC type machine..Back then the GN motors made 600 hp more or less..with a single 4 bbl Holly. The side oiler was a great motor..Congrats on a nice find and good luck with it..

Butch

[Raceman]

I've got it ready to drive all except for exhaust system, which hopefully should be here this week. We've been so busy/short handed at work I haven't had time to devote to cars, but I hope to at least drive it around the block within the next week or so.

Mecum's big Belvedere Ill. auction this month has a red/red 64 R Code XL. It'd be a helluva' stable mate for this car.;)

http://www.mecumauction.com/auctions/lot_detail.html?CART=11783578278652435&LOT_ID=CH1006-52938