I have stumbled across a 61 Ford Galaxie and had a few questions. I'm not much of a Ford guy, so I don't know alot about these. I think the car has some nice lines, and could be made into a nice custom. The car has 42.8K miles and this guy is the 2nd owner. It's been off the road for 4 years. I have yet to see the car in person, and my buddy snapped a few pics for me so I can decide whether or not to bother looking at it. Car looks solid by the pics, but my questions are: 1. What are some common problem areas on these? 2. I can't tell much about the motor by the pics. Is this a y-block? 3. How difficult are parts to find? 4. Rough guesses on values? Guy is asking $1500 obo, I was thinking $1k-$1.2k. Sound about right? Here is a link to the pics: pics Thanks in advance for any replies. I really don't need another project, but I have a soft spot for cheap cars.
Mass, Im no expert, but do have a soft spot for the old galaxies.Looks like thats the victoria two door hardtop model.I usally just call them the square backed roof hardtop car.They made two styles of the hardtop in 61, the style of the car you are looking at and the fastback style or starliner model,it has a very thin,rear roof post.The weak spots on these cars are as follows:floors-trunk floors and interior, usally rusty,unless you can get a dry climate car.Also, the cars with the aluminum trim,on the rear quarters,are usally,rusty, behind the trim.The trim will hold moisture,mud,dirt,ect.Check it out.The normal engine in these are a 352 engine.Looks like thats whats in the car you are looking at.No they are not a Y block.They are the same engine family as the 390 engine-ect.Usally a good engine,not a screamer,but dependable.Parts are getting harder to pick up, due to car crushing,these babys are heavy,and not many fourdoors ect get saved,thes are good parts sources.You can still buy many small parts at the chain parts houses,and some of the repro dealers are starting to pick up on thier popularity.So there are a few patch panels avalible.If its a non-runner,and has a good solid body and title,its probably well worth 1500.00, but if your budgets like mine and with the economy as it is now,offer him a 1000.00, if he takes it, you got a deal,if not,it wasnt meant to be.If you really like it, go for it at whatever it takes to buy it.I have a 60 starliner,with a 460 4 speed,its the best medicine, I can get my hands on for,the Blues! Hope I have helped you some.Reggie.
I love early sixties Fords! One of these days, my dream car '62 Ford Country Squire will be found! But, that's another story. The car looks pretty complete and fairly decent in the pictures. It does look like it has an FE series motor (390, maybe?) so parts should be easy to get. Including speed stuff! If you do go look at the car, get a good look under it. It's been sitting for 4 years and by the looks of the pictures, in that very spot. It may have some floor/frame rust. To be realistic, the car is going to need a thorough going over. All systems (brakes, front end, fuel, etc.) will need to be rebuilt/replaced in order for the car to be usable, again. If you really like the car and want to put the time and money in it, then it's probably worth looking at the car in person. But, as far as a "cheap project", this one will be no where near cheap!
There are a few outfits making re-pop parts for the big fords of the 60's http://www.macsautoparts.com/pass2.html http://www.dearbornclassics.com/galaxie.html http://www.fordoldpart.com/ http://www.nosfordltd.com/ http://www.obsoletefordparts.com/ http://www.fordpartsstore.com/ http://www.critesrestoration.com/parts.htm http://www.showcars-bodyparts.com/ford55up.html YOu could get the anything from the big six to the SOHC 427 in one.
Thanks guys! I know I don't need another project, but I'll go look tonight anyway. It's not something I'll probably even touch until next year, but if the "problem spots" appear ok, then I'll offer up $1000. but being up here in New England, I'm sure the underneath is rough. thanks again!
Hey Mass ...........it actually looks pretty solid,from the pics.... Check the torque boxes in the front frame(where clip meets side frame rails) And rear body mounts from center of the axle to the rear bumper(most notorious) And the inside of the rear quarters(behind the aluminum)as stated earlier. It'll be a 352 unless it's been swapped. Picture it with a 61 T-bird roof on it!! drool Anything under a G...and you stole it!!
[ QUOTE ] Picture it with a 61 T-bird roof on it!! drool [/ QUOTE ] I'm picturing a '61 T-bird with a Starliner roof!
I have a 61 fairlane. Basically the same car with a slightly different trim package. I concur with what scarliner wrote for ya. I will add though, that one of the more difficult parts to find are the ring around the head lights. You have the drivers side dinged up on that one. Not that much of an issue to not buy the car. But I have seen the things going for over $100 on ebay for one single ring. If you are patient and look around you can find deals... I got a whole grill with headlight ring and everything for $30. So deals can be had. These cars can get pretty low to the ground as they were built to be low. So if you wanna slam it.. this is a great car to slam. Also, the big block 61's sometimes came with a dual quad. The dual quad intakes alone are worth big bucks. If ya got the whole 406 running... you got something there. These are mostly police interceptor engines. Big car and won't really get ya anywhere in a hurry. Just to give ya a note... these cars are extremely wide. Actually.. the second widest American car made.. look it up. The only other wider car made was a ford product of the same year. So... forget using a trailer on this bad boy. Most trailers aren't wide enough to hold the 61's. So.. use a tow bar... or get it up on a flat bed. If ya got acess to a really wide trailer you might get lucky. Forget U haul or places like that. The trailer fenders will get in the way. uhhh... what else... The y blocks are cool too. I have a 312 y block in mine. Edmunds tripower. They came with a 292. That car you are looking at looks very solid from what I can see... and well worth the dough. Running or not. Heck I wish my body was that straight. I also have a catalog where you can get most of the patch panels. My favorite design on this car is the rear end. Looks like a freakin' rocket ship. If ya have custom ideas for this I would love to see what ya come up with. There is very I actually want to change about mine.
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