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Does anyone here have experience with restoring a classic automobile? I have a 1963 1/2 Galaxie 500XL I'm looking to restore (someday), but I don't know where to start. I'm not even positive the car is salvageable to be honest... the frame could be rusted to hell and back.
Here's a few pics of it. Taken about 5 years ago. There's a bit more rust on the body panels, but not a whole lot. I'll try to get some updated pics when I can.
When twilight draws near, when you are pushed to the very limits of your soul, when it seems that all you have left are the dead remnants of the fabric of your life:
-- BELIEVE | |
well thats the more desirable body style, and they command enough money to warrant more extensive restos. first thing i would do is get it up in the air and check the frame. grassy soil with poor drainage is a bad place to park an old car for five years. are you looking to make money off this car, or make a driver out of it? and whats your budget?
Mentos... The Freshmaker | |
63 Galaxie is a good year (64 was prettier imho)... old Fords look neat in the weeds.
Start with getting under the car and seeing where the body pan and frame is worst. Frame and pan repair eat most of the cash in a total restoration. Keep in mind that this is a car that i'm pretty sure that you're not just going to run out and find this that and the other thing at a junkyard. These cars are a rare breed in this day and age (I know; my dad is restoring a 64 Galaxie 500 convertible).
step one:
get the car in the air and do a total AND honest assessement. What is weak? What needs the most attention? How much money do you want to commit to this project?
Step two:
take a good hard look at the body... can you get panels? is there enough left to the understructure to withstand a resto?
Step three:
assess the interior. If the interior is too far gone, your resto may become a street rod (modern seats, console, etc)
Step four:
the engine is the easiest part. It's a full-size Ford! What DOESN'T fit in one of the large bastards?  ditto with the transmission/rear end.
step five:
now that you have your notes and the cars major needs... start calling around, searching the internet, join the Full-Size Ford boards... I have found that internet boards are priceless (yes, once you get by the idiots and trolls) for finding out most everything you need to know. Make contacts with Ford dealers... you'd be surprised what an older, established Ford dealer can get. ;)
Step six:
this is all you, mang. this is where you decide to start the job, or sell it for parts.
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That's not going to be a weekend project or a driveway project as i'm sure you know. Make sure you have a reasonably suitable place to work on it, and bank on it being in there for a couple of rounds through a calendar.
Assess the scope of it, inside, outside and upside down, accessibility of parts as Sam says and your access to tools, equipment and SKILL.
if it scopes out to be doable and affordable.... it's all on you for hard work~!
Even A Genius Has Questions!?!
I do things because I choose to, not because I have to. My Life, My Rules - No Exceptions! | |
in my opinion, that car is rare enough to warrant a full resto. It may take you a year or two, or three, but the car is worth it.
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