What to do to the Galaxie?

[cheapthrillz]

I have been trying to figure out which direction to go with my '65 Galaxie.... I know what I want the car to do and how to perform, but I'm not sure what to get to make it do that.... I want this car to be a daily driver and ground pounder. I'm not looking to make it a show car, but I do want everything on it to be right....

Here is what I was thinking:

ART Shockwaves w/ tri-4 link rear (not sure how to get that?)
Rebuild the 9"
convert to power brakes with disks on front and drums out back (or possibly 4 wheel disks)
power steering
good strong injected motor that gets good gas mileage
5 or 6 speed tranny
20's in the back (tubbed) and 19's up front (not sure what wheels though)
not sure what to do to the front suspension because I don't know if it has good geometry or not

I was just trying to get some ideas I didn't think of or if somebody knows which systems would be better suited.

I attatched a few pics... (props to allkar for a few chops)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/04/2008_0321Spring080077-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/04/b63fe36dc6-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/04/cd2bd3c5a1-1.jpg


and one from another member's '67 fairlane
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/04/Good20Guys20200720647-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/04/Good20Guys20200720642-1.jpg

Any input would be appreciated!

[cheapthrillz]

No suggestions? This is what I figured.... nobody knows what to do to a POS old galaxie.... :throw:

[Jim Nilsen]

I think with the name Galaxy the stars would be your guiding light and the universe the playground :cheers:


I road around in one of those for miles when I was a kid. Set it up to look like a Hotwheels car with redline tires and wheel look and make it wicked underneath with a Mustang donor or custom frame and your good to go.

I really do think it would really stand out with one of the new Hotwheels colors from PPG. the lime gold is what comes to my mind or the blues. Then again they had a purple that would look rather good too !!

It's as classic in its lines as it can get and almost everything that can be done to them has been done until pro-touring came along ............and you. you just have to make it really stand out.


Goodluck

[cheapthrillz]

I think with the name Galaxy the stars would be your guiding light and the universe the playground :cheers:


I road around in one of those for miles when I was a kid. Set it up to look like a Hotwheels car with redline tires and wheel look and make it wicked underneath with a Mustang donor or custom frame and your good to go.

I really do think it would really stand out with one of the new Hotwheels colors from PPG. the lime gold is what comes to my mind or the blues. Then again they had a purple that would look rather good too !!

It's as classic in its lines as it can get and almost everything that can be done to them has been done until pro-touring came along ............and you. you just have to make it really stand out.


Goodluck

Thanks for the kind words Jim. I want a good color on the car and I love blue for some odd reason (not sure why but I'd want all my cars to be blue...) but I like the idea of the hotwheels theme. I know that NASCAR used Galaxies, but I don't know what all they did to them to make them racecars... I want the car to be a daily driver because it has been for 43 years now (except of course when it breaks down and has to sit in the yard for a few weeks). I wish I was good at photoshop so that I could do a "rendering" of sorts to give you guys the look I want for the car.

My problem is that I am a Chevy guy and no nothing about mods for old Fords. If somebody could point me in the right direction it would be much appreciated! I looked for a few Galaxie or big ford forums and couldn't find anything more than basic restoration forums...

Anybody know ANY mods that work for a fact? This is the kind of sentimental car that I could drop $40k into without cringing. I would like to do as much of the work myself as possible.

How well do these cars handle with just basic mods? Or do I need to go with an exotic suspension and frame?

I want to be "that guy" that brings his big ass galaxie to the track and drives the piss out of the car (and possibly show up some of the pony cars).

ANY IDEAS PLEASE!!!!?

[PleaseNoSteve]

Drop it low, drive it fast!!!

[cheapthrillz]

Drop it low, drive it fast!!!

I like the drive it fast part!!!! :6gears: But the problem is that it has 4 wheel manual drums, therefore stopping fast is fairly difficult!!!:drive2:

[LMDGUY]

I love galaxies! they are great cars, lots of interior room and in the engine compartment. Big wheels, efi engine, overdrive trans and slam it with some airbags and you good togo.

[jaybee]

Looks like a good plan to me. Not sure if you need to go to a tri-4 bar as I think a car this vintage should have factory 4 link with Panhard? Might need to have a look at geometry, though, as my '70 Galaxie cornered with that "all the weight balanced on the outside front" feel of a very high rear roll center. Couldn't tell you much about front mods for this car but I'd expect some firmer bushings and a boxed lower control arm would be a minimum. Body roll was eye-opening in my car, sway bars front & rear would have probably helped that a lot. Power is dead easy. A mod-motor might fit, not sure but probably as this chassis was fitted with everything from small-block to FE to 460 over the years so your options are wide open.

[cheapthrillz]

I love galaxies! they are great cars, lots of interior room and in the engine compartment. Big wheels, efi engine, overdrive trans and slam it with some airbags and you good togo.

What wheels, efi, and overdrive would you suggest?

[Fawkes]

I'd go with a supercharged modular motor and manual trans from a late model Cobra, slam it, and BIG brakes on all four corners. For wheels, I'd be looking at ones similar to the second chop. For color, I'd go black... after all, isn't the galaxy pretty dark? :)

[cheapthrillz]

I'd go with a supercharged modular motor and manual trans from a late model Cobra, slam it, and BIG brakes on all four corners. For wheels, I'd be looking at ones similar to the second chop. For color, I'd go black... after all, isn't the galaxy pretty dark? :)

That sounds good, but I know nothing about the quality of ford motors... go new style w/ OHC or do a efi FE motor? I guess I have a lot of looking left to do...

[indyjps]

stroked 429, efi if you choose

[Twentyover]

I'd like to see it as an FE engine- either a 390 or 428. If you got lucky, a medium riser 427.

[BA.]

Well, the 460 is just a stroked 429 but I love the fact that a stock 429 has such a huge bore on just a nominal/average stroke. Talk about high-rpm airflow! It'd be killer peak HP, but not the low/mid-range torque of some other combo's.
I'm guessing you'd want the torque factor if you're goin to drive it and hit a few road-course tracks.

anyhoo - I like the old school Ford motors waaay better than their modular stuff but I'm not against seeing some fuel injection on top of that old motor.

have you thought about putting a tear-drop hoodscoop on there??

[cheapthrillz]

Well, the 460 is just a stroked 429 but I love the fact that a stock 429 has such a huge bore on just a nominal/average stroke. Talk about high-rpm airflow! It'd be killer peak HP, but not the low/mid-range torque of some other combo's.
I'm guessing you'd want the torque factor if you're goin to drive it and hit a few road-course tracks.

anyhoo - I like the old school Ford motors waaay better than their modular stuff but I'm not against seeing some fuel injection on top of that old motor.

have you thought about putting a tear-drop hoodscoop on there??

I know the tear drops look good on the 64's but i've never seen one on a 65...

[72NovaSS]

saw this at summit online...engine from the Ford GT

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/04/fmsm6007gt_w-1.jpg

If you had no use for an arm and a leg...ooooh baby! $38,090.99

[Damn True]

Retro NASCAR

[cheapthrillz]

saw this at summit online...engine from the Ford GT

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/04/fmsm6007gt_w-1.jpg

If you had no use for an arm and a leg...ooooh baby! $38,090.99

That looks like fun....!

[GPI]

Its a long slow road with finding info on these Galaxies but remember there is lots of engine bay to play with. Stroker small block ford with twin turbos= light weight and lots of power for a very reasonable price. I found spindles from a 71 montego wagon fit my 67 Galaxie for a cheap front disk swap. A quick email or call to Air Ride will take care of most the questions on suspension, I havent had time since Im still fighting to get a title before I go any farther. I do agree dark colors look good on these cars but I have seen a couple in traditional blue shades that just didn't look right. IMO, reds, dark silvers, dark grey, more of a blue/ grey mix, and surprisingly white all look clean. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

[oestek]

I feel your pain, JC... I there aren't many parts for these cars. I've got a '62 500 XL ragtop with an EFI 351, 4R70W electronic overdrive, Hydroboost, tubular uppers, big bars, 9", discs, Vintage Wheel Works V45s, and a few other goodies, but it's a different setup than your '65. NASCAR did use your suspension design up until the 80s if I'm not mistaken. Jeff Schwartz at Schwartz Performance is building a Custom 500... same basic car as yours... he's doing turbos and other cool stuff. Check it out. Here's mine: http://v8tvshow.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=23&Itemid=73
Good luck, and keep us posted. Those are cool cars!

[Memphis]

03-04 Cobra drivetrain, big brakes, bags, and a 19/20 wheel setup. I would keep the body stock and paint it a factory color.

[oestek]

Just make sure it's got big torque!

[novanutcase]

03-04 Cobra drivetrain, big brakes, bags, and a 19/20 wheel setup. I would keep the body stock and paint it a factory color.

What he said.........

John

[Young Gun]

make it a cruiser, that has some oomf...im gonna have to add another yes to the above...but I think this could be a pretty sweet cruiser...

[cheapthrillz]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys.... I'm guessing the concensus is that parts will be hard to find but big brakes, big wheels, big power, and nice interior will make a good cruiser with some power.

Any more suggestions are welcomed!

I looked up brakes, and SSBC makes a front disc conversion kit with 11 1/4 inch discs and 4 piston force 10 calipers... not cheap though ($1600).

[Memphis]

This may help you with the front.
This swap should work with 60-66 Galaxies according to Phil DeSanto of Ford Galaxie Club of America who sent the information to Marlan.
Fullsize and Intermediate cars(70’s) all share same spindle assemblies-PN D4AZ-3105-A(right) and 3106-A(left). They bolt onto early Galaxie upper and lower control arms. However, some of the old Galaxie tie rod studs are slightly shorter than the newer disc brake cars- so you must spot face the tie rod stud’s nut seating area on the steering arm by 1/8 inch. The SPINDLES come on: 74-76 full size Ford and Merc., 74-76 Montego and Torino, 74-76 Meteor, 74-79 Lincoln Continental, Mark IV, and Mark V, 74-79 Cougar and Thunderbird, and 77-79 LTDII. The ROTORS come in two sizes and bolt patterns. The fullsize cars have larger rotors(11.8 inches) and use the larger 5-on-5.5 inch bolt pattern. The intermediate cars use a slightly smaller disc(10.720 “) and the early Galaxie bolt pattern of 5-on-4.5”. The intermediates are approximately the same weight class as the early Galaxies( 3600-4100 pounds) All models use the same PADS and CALIPERS (3-3/32 inch bore). The master cylinder (dual) from an 81-87 Ford Crown Victoria seems to work for non power brakes even though the Crown Vic was power assisted. Even the push rod is the correct length for the 63 Galaxie on which DeSanto installed it. An adjustable proportioning valve(aftermarket) is also required.


I was also wondering if you could adapt brakes from the newer full size cars like a Maurauder onto it.

[cheapthrillz]

...I was also wondering if you could adapt brakes from the newer full size cars like a Maurauder onto it.

I'm sure I could, but I would have to have spindles made/modified and caliper mounting brackets.... it would be nice to just get the kit from SSBC and "KNOW" that it works than having to spend a ton of money (or run the risk of design flaws) to have it custom machined.... i will probably have to take many many measurements of everything to build this car... can't wait...

PS - Thanks for the info on the junkyard disc setup! I will definately look into that and a few others I have heard of....

[oestek]

Be careful of some of this info... I've run the SSBC kit, and watch out where it says you can't run a front sway bar... their caliper mounts moved the caliper forward of the spindles and would interfere with the sway bar. I made caliper mounts to fix this and clock the caliper rearward.

Maybe they've updated them since.

I also have a set of '74 Cougar / Montego spindles, but I'm not convinced they're the same. It seems the axle points downward much more than the stocker, and I'm not sure you could align the car properly, especially with wide tires. Check the 'net on these spindles... there have been many people who've installed them and have not liked the result.

[cheapthrillz]

Be careful of some of this info... I've run the SSBC kit, and watch out where it says you can't run a front sway bar... their caliper mounts moved the caliper forward of the spindles and would interfere with the sway bar. I made caliper mounts to fix this and clock the caliper rearward.

Maybe they've updated them since.

I also have a set of '74 Cougar / Montego spindles, but I'm not convinced they're the same. It seems the axle points downward much more than the stocker, and I'm not sure you could align the car properly, especially with wide tires. Check the 'net on these spindles... there have been many people who've installed them and have not liked the result.

Thanks for all that info Kevin. I will be sure to do my homework before buying anything expensive... Like I said earlier, I have a feeling that this will take a lot (probably a god awful amount) of research to get right.

Maybe I need to buy another galaxie and try many things on it until I figure out what works and then transfer everything.... Probably need to work on my fabrication skills too.

[phonedude_mln]

JC,

Great looking Galaxie. I have a 1966 7 Litre Convertible that
appears mostly stock.

There is not much after market support for these cars. I don't
know about the SSBC brake kits -- don't know anyone that
has one. I know Jeff Schwartz is running Baer brakes on
his 67 Custom project, but I don't know what spindles / brackets
he's using. I'd like to see him (or someone) make a kit for mounting
new brakes to stock 65-68 Galaxie spindles. If you find a 65-67
with factory disc brakes, grab them. They're the Kelsey-Hayes
4 piston calipers -- good stuff.

Re: suspension -- there is not much to improve on with
the Galaxie. As others have noted, it was the NASCAR
suspension for 20+ years. You will find that fitting big
tires on a stock 65/66 Galaxie is surprising hard -- not
nearly as much room as you'd think. Heavy springs &
sway bars and you're good to go. Steering options
are limited -- manual isn't always fun, and factory
power assist is way too high. You might be able
to fab a rack and pinion, but nobody makes a kit.

I'm partial to the FE motors -- they look great and
perform similarly. Although the best value in normalized
hp/$, it is hard to beat the 385-series engine (429/460).
In a car as big as a Galaxie, always get as many cids
as possible; don't sweat things like rod ratio etc.
You can EFI either for about the same $.
Headers for most options can be found at: http://www.fordpowertrain.com/Headers.htm


good luck and keep us posted.

regards,

Michael

[MonzaRacer]

For a little twist there is a company that has 300 6 Ford power that will run on several fuels on generator/water pump(ie industrial apps. that if you could turbo for cheap(ie sprig loaded waste gate and simple tech ) would very cool and different.
also dont look away from doing a simple stroker 351W with good heads. If you can solder you can do FI from Megasquirt very cheapy if you scounge the junk yards well enough and several comapnies make AOD trrans to hold big power. The Maurader rearend should fit with little of no mods unless its too wide but it is simply a 8.8 from a Crown Vic and you could use one from an old Cop Crown Vic and swap in the brakes.
As for do ing a disc swap simply look at the hub, find a bog ford/chryco slide on rotor thats reasonable and then build your own caliper bracket, heck you could even find a local machine shop that could machine up some new hubs with different offset if needed and then adapt any good calliper setup onto it. If i had the car i would try to build/design as many of my own parts as i could, I am having similar problems on my 77 Chevy Monza. it will have Air Ride even if I have to buiold most of the parts my self and adapt from other bodiy styles.

[Pro-touring towncar]

Well since you call it a POS galaxie just give it to me

Tim

[insane1]

Yea good luck w/parts for these cars as there isn't much of anythig for 65 up galaxies in the aftermarket. Just build everything and modify, that is what I had to do.

Mine is a 71, but the same suspension as yours, and still under the knife, but here is what I got.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/04/DSC04753-1.jpg

[jaybee]

That '71 is SWEET! They were a good looking car stock, that is outstanding.

[cl08]

Cheapthirllz;
I too am doing a Galaxie. Mine is a 63 1/2 though. I plan on doing a 03 04 Cobra drivetrain in my car and doing a Kenne Bell for some extra boost. I am doing a 2 link w/ panhard just to get it done quick and simple and use stock leaf spring mounts. i would like to use the cobra brakes but I may use Dearborn Classics disc brake kit front and rear for easyu install. I am sure they have a brake kits for 65's quite positive. My car is getting alot of custom body work done first before i even start the big money stuff. But that is my setup. You could do any 5.0 motor or do any SOHC or DOCH mod motor or a Lightning motor as well. Could do any TKO tranny, t-56 or top loader for a real classic tranny and do a gear vendor for an awsome 8 speed. Just my 2 cents. Good luck on your build!!!!!

[cheapthrillz]

Thanks everyone for all of the replies!

I think I will end up taking the car off the road and slowly redoing it completely from the ground up. I've decided that this car wouldn't be worth doing if I didn't use the ART system. Might end up doing a custom coolride or shockwave setup in the back and probably shockwaves up front. I doubt that I could find or fab tubular control arms for the front, but maybe I will just get some del-a-lum bushings for the stock arms. The three link in the back I will probably make my own links and panhard rod that works with a homemade tub kit. Then I will probably narrow the rear end. Might try to pull a R&P off a mustang and see if I can fit it to work. Not sure about brakes yet, but I'm sure I'll find something!

Thanks again guys, and more info and suggestions are welcome!

[mulisha00]

Sorry to dig this one up from the dead but I'm a new member searching for info on my 66 galaxie also. Check out the scarebird disc brake conversion. Very inexpensive and I've heard good things.

[The Big Kahuna]

427 Sohc!

[cheapthrillz]

Since the aftermarket for these cars is not very deep, it scares me to just jump right into this project. I may have to take this one a step at a time. It would be nice to go with a mod motor, it just seems like a ton of work.

I think it would turn out more "hot-rodded" than "engineered".

[Lowend]

My buddy had one those... I love em

Frankly that car dead stock is an awesome cruiser.
I would add front disc's and go with 17" wheels (better ride, more sidewall to protect from bumps and such)

Most of those were 390's which is my favorite Ford Engine. Big nasty tanks with recessed cranks.

If you want to do something really cool; call Goodies Speed Shop and talk to Paul about an Offy multi carb/EFI conversion
Imagine this sucker with fuel rails and 2 throttle bodies
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/10/offy_5407JPG-1.jpg

[BMF Machine]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/04/Good20Guys20200720647-1.jpg


With a picture like this, I do not believe any input is needed..... That looks GnarleY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:idea:

[ill steez]

i'd go with something similar to the red one you posted!
tub it, put it on bags, and throw a huge ford big block in it... paint it bright green and run it on e85 or something to make it unique, haha.

[NOVA]

I had one of these in high school, removed the vinyl top painted it to match the body, cut the front springs, lowered the back and added steelies and redlines, I always thought the center console was cool looking.
brings back good memories!
looking good btw!


Yea good luck w/parts for these cars as there isn't much of anythig for 65 up galaxies in the aftermarket. Just build everything and modify, that is what I had to do.

Mine is a 71, but the same suspension as yours, and still under the knife, but here is what I got.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/04/DSC04753-1.jpg

[cheapthrillz]

So I've done a lot of thinking since a year ago when I started this thread. I think I'm going to try to keep the car on the road while I work on it. I've decided that I want to do 1 system at a time until I can get all the bugs worked out. Then I will tear it all down for the restoration.

The thing is, the car is not on the road right now because I'm too chicken to drive it. If somebody pulled out in front of me, they would be killed literally. That and there's a hole in the radiator. I want to fix both of these things to get the car back on the road, but I don't want to put money into parts that I will discard in a year. Therefore, the brakes and the radiator are first priorities. Then suspension. Then drivetrain.

I have still not figured out what to do about the brakes, but I'm asking around and running in circles. If that doesn't work, I will just have to buy what i'd like to have and MAKE it work.

The suspension will be the easy part I believe. For the rear: Replace links with adjustable tube/johnny joint links, new coils, good shocks.
The front I'm still not sure about though.

The drivetrain will consist of: a worked over/carbed 460 until I can determine the fuel system, some sort of 5 speed floor shift tranny, and rebuild the 9".

Still not sure on wheels and color, but those are afterthoughts.

Let me know what you think.

[Restomod]

The 460 sounds like a reasonably priced way to go. Getting over 400hp is easy enough but a 5 speed strong enough will cost more than the engine. Unless you find a super deal on a short shaft TKO 600.

[shep]

For front control arms you might check with Marcus at SC&C he might be able to come up with something that would work. I used to run around with some circle track guys they used the torino front ends to clip the wrecked modified. So there may be some circle track spindles available as well. For brakes surely Ford has something in the stable with slip on rotors that will fit over the drum hub, similar to the C5 afx body swap. Something like this http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/99-04-MUSTANG-PBR-BRAKES-5-LUG-BRAKE-CONVERSION-79-93_W0QQitemZ130306562356QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_ Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item1e56e05934&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1171 For the rear I would think explorer rear brakes could be fitted to the existing 9 inch. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD-9-Rear-Disc-Brake-Kit-Explorer-Brakes-FREE-S-H_W0QQitemZ150355624337QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_C ar_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item2301e4c191&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1171 There is a late 60's Galaxy running around here in town it that has an EFI 5.0 it is sitting on 15" Cragers and is a light green metallic color car looks killer.

[nekkidhillbilly]

build a 390 and stick a od behind it

nice wheels modern seats tint and clean paint and your good to go son

[shortrack]

Vintage Nascar all the way....

[cheapthrillz]

Like this?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/65_Ford_Moody_Galaxie_DV_05_Amel1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/65_Ford_Moody_Galaxie_DV_05_Amelia_-1.jpg

[formula]

OK SO HERE IS A PROPOSED PLAN:

outside paint: Freakin' dark as night blue--not quite black, but where people go "damn! I thought it was black!"

Then we figure out the brakes--which you're already on top of.

Then we figure out the suspension--which I say, we just do your idea of leaving the stock setup and making our own--some sort of simple coil setup, nothing too complex

then we build the drivetrain out of the car, piece by piece, making sure everything is just golden and ready to go.

then we yank the engine, paint the engine bay a creamy satin WHITE, and build the engine to match--dark dark blue and white details.

Then we put matching white steel wheels on it, and redo the interior in a creamy white.

Since we're gonna work everything out on our own, we'll save a ton there, and since we're gonna have to fab the center tunnel to move the shifter down anyway, we can just find a short shaft tko out of something when it comes along and build the car around it to work. The steelies save more money and look sick, even if they're just like 17s with a fat ass tire on it.

At that point, we can take our time and piddle through the little details, building suspension pieces here and saving weight there, one bit at a time, but it'll still be awesome until then.

[cheapthrillz]

OK SO HERE IS A PROPOSED PLAN:

outside paint: Freakin' dark as night blue--not quite black, but where people go "damn! I thought it was black!"

Then we figure out the brakes--which you're already on top of.

Then we figure out the suspension--which I say, we just do your idea of leaving the stock setup and making our own--some sort of simple coil setup, nothing too complex

then we build the drivetrain out of the car, piece by piece, making sure everything is just golden and ready to go.

then we yank the engine, paint the engine bay a creamy satin WHITE, and build the engine to match--dark dark blue and white details.

Then we put matching white steel wheels on it, and redo the interior in a creamy white.

Since we're gonna work everything out on our own, we'll save a ton there, and since we're gonna have to fab the center tunnel to move the shifter down anyway, we can just find a short shaft tko out of something when it comes along and build the car around it to work. The steelies save more money and look sick, even if they're just like 17s with a fat ass tire on it.

At that point, we can take our time and piddle through the little details, building suspension pieces here and saving weight there, one bit at a time, but it'll still be awesome until then.

I was thinking lighter metallic blue with specific chrome pieces a black engine, black engine bay, black interior, black suspension, and then some black or gunmetal forgelines or whatnot

I don't think i want a white engine bay. I'm gonna drive the **** out of this car and I don't want to spend that much time cleaning it.

But other than that, we're on the same page. I PM Marcus at sc&c and awaiting reply, but he might have some suggestions for the suspension.

[formula]

I was thinking lighter metallic blue with specific chrome pieces a black engine, black engine bay, black interior, black suspension, and then some black or gunmetal forgelines or whatnot

I don't think i want a white engine bay. I'm gonna drive the **** out of this car and I don't want to spend that much time cleaning it.

But other than that, we're on the same page. I PM Marcus at sc&c and awaiting reply, but he might have some suggestions for the suspension.


So...minus the part where it's a chevy II...plus the part where it's a galaxie...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/0708_crup_02_z1967_chevy_novaside_view-1.jpg

maybe like this?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/galaxie-1.jpg

[MonzaRacer]

I'd still look at installing cool ride all around, keep it simple, make your own tubular/boxed rear control arms, For cheap rear swap in a 8.8, gears,and posi are super cheap and I believe they had some big rear disc on Mauraders in 90s,,,,,.

[mikedc]

If looks weren't factoring into it, cars would rarely ever have rims larger than 17-18" diameters.

20" rims are pure bling IMHO.

[cheapthrillz]

So...minus the part where it's a chevy II...plus the part where it's a galaxie...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/0708_crup_02_z1967_chevy_novaside_view-1.jpg

maybe like this?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/galaxie-1.jpg

I believe we have found a winner! You know I've always liked JP's ride since we saw it at Road Atlanta. I like the black chrome/gunmetal trim parts. That looks sick!

[cheapthrillz]

I'd still look at installing cool ride all around, keep it simple, make your own tubular/boxed rear control arms, For cheap rear swap in a 8.8, gears,and posi are super cheap and I believe they had some big rear disc on Mauraders in 90s,,,,,.

I would rather just do the suspension and be done with it. I still might look into it, but I don't want to have to fool with compressors and a tank. It's all added weight to a car that doesn't need any more help being heavy.


If looks weren't factoring into it, cars would rarely ever have rims larger than 17-18" diameters.

20" rims are pure bling IMHO.

20" 3 piece aluminum wheels don't weigh much more than 18" wheels. I will probably go with 19's or 20's in the back just because the car is so big. Idk... still a lot of number crunching!

[shortrack]

Like this?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/07/65_Ford_Moody_Galaxie_DV_05_Amel1-1.jpg



oooooooooooohhhhhhhhhh yeah

maybe black with gun metal grey wheels......

[Twentyover]

Vintage Nascar all the way....

Hey, Yeah! You can name it Project Laguna

[MonzaRacer]

I would rather just do the suspension and be done with it. I still might look into it, but I don't want to have to fool with compressors and a tank. It's all added weight to a car that doesn't need any more help being heavy.



20" 3 piece aluminum wheels don't weigh much more than 18" wheels. I will probably go with 19's or 20's in the back just because the car is so big. Idk... still a lot of number crunching!

The most you would need would be an aluminum tank(light), use manual paddle switches, and a single compressor, I have 4 corner coolride on my truck, I am using an AC compressor to provide air but a medium size comprressor is only $200.
If you want solenoids instead of paddle switches they have electric ones for like 15 bucks, my truck has both rear springs tied together and my front is split side to side, all manual, the compressor runs by hobbs pressure switch.
For space use one dual needle guage for front, one for rear. super simple and not a lot of weight, you just have to deal with 6 lines up to controls, but in that car room isnt hard to find.
Your probably looking at $2000+ on wheels and for probably the same or less you could have a good riding, awesome handling car, simply add an extra switch, and swap in another dual pointer guage and you have 4 wheel control.
For almost similar cost in controls,but a little more in solenoids, you can have electric control, add auto controls later.
Honestly, that car wont ride or handle as well on steel over riding on air.
I have never regretted my truck on air except having to do it in 2 days and getting some measurements wrong, wound up costing me a couple of air springs geting rubbed wrong, other than that and weating out an A6 compressor bearing/clutch I havent had much issue, oh yeah one front spring as it got rubbed when it didint seat it right.
Lee

[JEM]

A little different flavor, but...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Wanted 27in OD tires (stock) and anything bigger than 18in wheels looked odd IMO. 245/45-18 fronts (I'd have liked to go a bit bigger but the low front fender lip won't allow it - it's been massaged out to the limit of what we could do and still keep the side spear) and 285/40-18 rears.

Had the rear wheels made to accommodate an MN12 'Bird rear suspension w/Cobra hubs etc., haven't decided whether it'll be that or a stick-axle yet. Right now it's sitting up in the air on leafsprings but we'll trial-fit the IRS sometime in the next month, not planning to go too low.

Long way to go yet...