My first car was a '66 Galaxie, bought from my aunt (who owned it from new). Wimbledon White paint and a red interior with cloth seats. As was common in '66, my uncle had the brand-new seats covered in clear plastic seat covers, secured to the underside with hog rings. When I bought the car in '77, the first thing I did was remove those plastic covers, which by then had grown yellowed and ugly. I was very surprised when I went to drive the car a few hours later - the air was full of authentic "new car smell", which had been sealed inside that plastic for years. It only lasted a few days, but it was so obvious that several friends who rode it the car noticed it and asked about it. Wish I'd held onto that one.
You know, I don't get this entire "drum-brakes bad" jazz. Drum brakes are perfectly fine and served the public well for many decades. If you have a classic car that you use like a sane person, drum brakes will be fine. Yes, they will overheat if you descend a long mountain road while keeping them applied, but that is why transmissions have lower gears. Of course, back in the day you used to actually "drive" a car instead of simply aiming it. It may be hard for many to believe, but we managed to get where we needed to go without four wheel drive, without front wheel drive, without rack and pinion steering, without traction control etc. We had rear wheel drive cars and used snow tires. Again, we also knew how to use them. I am old and drove this same model car and many like it through some of the worst winter storms in history without posi-traction, without disc-brakes and without super-duper LED headlights. Imagine that!
I'm with you, Lord Edward. My other car is a 1951 Chevy pickup. Where drum brakes become a hazard is when surrounded by a bunch of modern cars with drivers who do not know that it will take a few extra feet for you to stop. Driving an older car will make you a better driver but you will be on the road with much more modern machines. That's what this video is about - things to consider before getting an old car.
After retiring this year i purchased a fully restored 65 Galaxie 500 LTD with factory AC and 4 wheel disc brakes. I love driving it and its so easy to work on. Gets many looks everywhere i go.
Fabulous! Since you've been driving, I guess you have practiced your return wave. Always good to have a one or two sentence reply, too. "Yes, thank you. Right, '65. Yes, thank you, see you around!" Great hearing from you.
There are Galaxie Groups on the internet. Cars often come up for sale. The one in this video took a couple of years to get completely sorted out. It can be a great journey.
Same here. Our family car was a 1967 Galaxie 500 with white over light blue. That's where my Ford seed was planted and why I have one today (even though mine is a '66).
Have my fathers' 1966 Galaxie 500, sitting in the drive way for years now, here in the valley too. Dad promised it'd be back and running by my 16th birthday, way back when. I swear, that car will have its day in the sun again. Couldn't understand back when I was younger just how beautiful that car really is. Not like how I appreciate it now.
Happy to help out. There are many resources available in the Valley to help you along. As I say in the video, a 1966 Galaxie is not a good commuter car today. But it can be great project, attract some attention, and be a fun way to spend some free time driving around in.
I love my 64 galaxie. New inner outer upper lower shocks disk conversion. Rebuilt 289 and 3 speed cruise o matic. Deleted pivoting lower control arm. Rides like a dream
A 1965 Galaxie 500 was my first car. I bought it for $150.00 with 100K miles on it (1978) and drove it to 300K with no problems. Sold it for what I paid for it.
Owned a lime green 65 with the 289. First engine I ever rebuilt as a kid in high school. Couple of true stories... repaired the dead motor on the side of the road by riveting the distributor worm gear on with a 16 penny nail and hand timing it... and got rear ended by a Toyota doing 30 with zero damage due to the MASSIVE thick rear bumper. Loved that car. Enjoy.
I’ve got a 66, came across it by accident. It’s my first classic car and it definitely will be the last one I ever sell. I’ve got a 64 TBird and a 74 Duster and they aren’t as fun to drive as the Galaxie is.
YOUVE got a 64 Ford THUNDERBIRD and you refer to a 66 Ford Galaxie as your first CLASSIC car ?! DUH ! MY first car was a 63 Ford Thunderbird a ( CLASSIC) car ! My 2nd car was a 66 Ford LTD which my DAD sold me , 3rd car a 68 Ford THUNDERBIRD ( CLASSIC) car with 429 THUNDERJET engine ! . I also had a66 Ford custom full size same body style 2 door fastback , 289 motor ! The LTD was a4 door ! .
Great points. Brakes are very important, and should be inspected often. I owned a 1965 Mustang C code Fastback I bought in 1980, a few weeks after owning it my brakes lost all pressure as I was coming off the freeway, the flexible brake line going to the front brake rubbed against the front tire and caused it to leak, I nearly crashed the car. First thing I did was get a dual reservoir master cylinder, and front disk brakes from a 1970 Mustang Mach 1 that was being parted out. I also used stainless steel flex brake lines to the front and rear brakes to replace the rubber lines.
@@westhillswood51Someone may have removed the hold clip that holds the rubber flex brake hose to the bracket off the frame to keep it from rubbing against the tire. I knew nothing about brakes and cars then I was only 16 years old, and it was my first car. I ended up buying a Chilton's and Ford Shop Manual and read up on how to do the brakes. Everyone told me that Disc Brakes off a 1970 Mustang would not fit on my 1965 Mustang Fastback as they use a different ball joint, but they worked, I just had to use different tie rods,.
Thank you! Old cars have much allure and the TV shows make it look like they are simple to fix, build up, and show off. The shows are entertainment. This car is awaiting a freshened engine. Same 351W with new valve train, etc. Minor gain in hp and torque. But it will be the last one that ever goes in.
I like the 500 but prefer the Country Squire wagon. But, that just me. I grew up riding around in both as a youngster with many, many memories. So yeah, I started looking at both.
Loved this video. Real honest talk about classic car ownership. Got a 66 convertible myself. Love this car, working on making her safe for modern roads :)
Thank you! Convertibles present their own challenges yet have some great rewards, too. Good luck with your project. There are a few Galaxie Groups on FACEBOOK that can helpful. Even one specific to 1966 models.
Nice car! Back in 1969, my brother bought a 1966 Galaxie 2 door hardtop, it was tan on the outside with a beige interior. The car had a 289v8 auto and power steering. It was a very good car, also made good gas mileage. My first car was a1967 Galaxie 2 door hardtop, back in 1973. I did buy another a 67 Galaxie about 15 years ago. It is that lime gold green color. Not olive green. It is a 4 door sedan The reason a bought it was that it does have the 390v8, and only 25,000 miles on. Bought it from a retired minister from Sioux Falls SD. The car was bought new at Hall ford in Sioux city Iowa, Made at the Ford plant in St Paul MN.
I have noticed the people that engage when I drive my 64 galaxie are usually people that have owned them, or their parents owned them when they were kids. Most people don't even know what it is. They draw a specific crowd, even at car shows. A while back I had driven mine to Lowe's to pick some stuff up real quick and some older guy pulled up next to me and said he bought one of those in 1976 for $75 and it was the cheapest car he's ever had, and that it hadn't seen an ounce of wax it's whole life until he bought it. That was a fun one, we were all laughing. That one you have sure looks good!
Yes! By the mid-60s, the Galaxie had shifted to family duty and now serves up many road trip memories. I've yet to run into anyone who says they had one and it was an awful vehicle.
@@haroldosmer9803 I've never heard anyone say they were awful either. My dad has a 64 500xl, it ran for 258,000 miles before it was pulled apart for restoration, my 64 4 door ran 158,000 before I pulled it apart for restoration. My grandparents had a 63 4 door and a 64 country sedan for many years and hundreds of thousands of miles. One of my dads cousins parents bought a 66 galaxie brand new and used it for a daily driver for 30 something years. About 20 years ago we got a 68 LTD parts car that was a 1 owner 220,000 mile untouched car. These things were built like tanks.
Ah yes! By the mid-'60s, they had become the family car as hot rodders turned to the smaller, lighter Fairlane. Family memories run strong with a Ford Galaxie 500.
Ive been driving since 94 my first car was a 56 VW bug, had a number of other 60s bugs after that. A 65 Chrysler AP6 Safari wagon, 64 mini cooper replica, 65 Galaxie all stock suspension and drivelines I loved them all but the compromises were many. I bought my last old vehichle and to this day my "Sunday" car a 1960 F100. Was stock suspension and brakes with a 302 windsor and AOD drove it for a number of years and then I did what I always wanted slam it on coil overs discs boxed chassis 4 link and all new driveline. It took decades and an amazing friend to make it happen I will keep it till the day I die.
Excellent video with an honest appraisal of old car ownership. Agree about the polyurethane steering bushing. Transformed my old car. As to brakes, it is possible and not hugely expensive to upgrade brakes, drums to discs. In my hot climate, thermostatic fans are a popular improvement. Of course, how far do you go bringing the vehicle into the 21st. century? Surely, part of the appeal is the car's idiosyncrasies. Ford Galaxies are beautifully styled and would be so great to drive on a sunny Sunday morning.
Thank you. Yes, brakes are an easy upgrade as front disk kits are still readily available. The fit and finish are looser than a new modern car. As I say in the video, though it is physically larger, it weighs the same as modern car. There is a lot of air space in the trunk, fenders, and doors.
@@haroldosmer9803 yeah ha ha, but I have to say, all of my domestic built ford's have had excellent heaters in them and I've had a bunch of em over the years. Pretty important to have a good heater up here in the frozen tundra of the far northern plains. Although this winter has been very mild. I have hardly used my plow truck 👍
i'm a Galaxie fan! I owned a 1968 Galaxie 500 XL fastback with the GT package: 428, 4spd, hidden headlights. Still wish I'd never sold that car. Would love to find another 1968, which is the year I graduated from high school...
He is exactly right about drawing attention I have a 1970 Challenger RT and strangers will come right up to you and ask about your car possibly even want pictures!! 😂 it’s pretty cool
Thank you! Yes, that is one aspect of driving an old car that helps make the effort worthwhile. Mine isn't a show stopper and doesn't need to be. I do look after it and love talking story with interested people. 1970 Challenger, very nice.
My father had a new 66 Galaxie 500 4 door sedan, black with red interior. Neighbour across the street then in the same year bought a new Ford Custom 2 door sedan in a rust/copper colour. My uncle in the states had a 65 LTD, 4 door hardtop in honey gold. Now I do know for a fact that the grill on your 66 Galaxie is not original to the car. It is from either an LTD or an XL, or perhaps it was a special package offered at the time. At least in Canada the Galaxie the grill didn’t have 4 turn signal/parking lights, they only had 2, one on each side. Now myself I missed out on a really sweet 66 Galaxie 500 as I was driving through western NY state about 30:years ago...600 bucks...still kicking my butt ‼️ Cheers🍻👍
Correct. While there are four lenses on the grill, only the top two have light buckets behind them. I've often thought of drilling out the lowers but haven't done it.
Harold Osmer I do remember my father’s and neighbour’s actually had just one lense on each side of the grill. The 1962,64,65,66 were the best looking of all the years. 1967 wasn’t bad but it was just an exaggeration on the design of the 66 and in my opinion just didn’t cut it. The 1968 was nice looking as well as the 1969 and 70 were good looking model too, my father had a new one, 1969, 2 door hardtop with the fast back look but the rear window was almost vertical on it. He had problems with sway on the highway and the dealer blamed it on the fastback design with the rear window not following the slope. Who knows if they were right but that was the excuse.
Luv ,this video,, AMERICAN CARS,, from 1980s back, to Henry Ford,are the most beautiful motor vehicles on this planet,,.. character, and style.. undeniable.
Thank you. Cars of the 1960s were particularly distinctive and you could tell one make over another from two blocks away. That's one of the attractions of owning an old car.
Great offering. When i was a kid of 9 years old in '66, a family of three moved in next door. Sure, the daughter who was my age was cute but what i loved most was the 'new' Galaxie 500, And yes, It was white. I've only seen two in the last 30 years,,, a red 7 litre that was intact but in need of a restoration, private party car lot, late '80s, a dk metallic red convertible, blk top and kleeen ! Grocery store parking lot, 10 or so years ago. That's it ! Congrats on the score.
I love these cars. Have been in one since coming into the world as my grandma had a 64 Convertible when I was born in 66. If I'm blessed with enough time and finances, I will be building a 65-66 driver. They are such good-looking vehicles
@@haroldosmer9803 You’re Very Welcome! 😊 My First Car was a 66 Galaxie Vert 390 Zcode 4 Speed! I bought from My Uncle in 1974. He had bought it New.I wish I hadn’t sold it! 😔
Thank you, happy that you noticed. I've had this car nearly 15 years. We were going for a new old car look and feel. That's also why the drivetrain and seats were upgraded. This car was very rough when we got it.
@@haroldosmer9803This car is really understated, but absolutely beautiful. It is obviously meticulously cared for and that paint job is spectacular! You have clearly put a lot of love into restoring this Ford Galaxie and it really shows. I wish that our new cars, sold today, could have just 10% of the style that the 1950 - 1960's cars had. I wish you lots of happy miles and cheek to cheek smiles with this beauty sir. Thank you for sharing it with us! Fred
@@electronicengineer Very kind of you, thanks. My daughter and I just had it out for a drive to San Diego (300 miles round trip) last week. It held up well and was quite comfortable.
Love the 66 2dr hardtop model in particular, the concave back window glass was one year only. I had a 66 Galaxie 500 2dr hardtop red with a white top when i was young. It had a tired out 352 which i swapped out for a 390 hi po from a wrecked Fairlae GT. Had a lot of fun with that car! Would like to find another decent 66 Galaxie 2 dr for a 429 ThunderJet engine i have.
Thank you. Yes, they do have a unique look to them. I found mine pre-internet via a local Car Trader magazine. Online searching for a complete car is confusing and there are a lot of old postings.
Really good advice on how old cars compare with modern. They do not make good daily drivers for that reason. Throw in lack of air bags too, Owning an old car is not near as glamorous as you think. They all look great but modern cars do everything better.
This brings back a-lot of memories from when I was a kid. And my Dad had a 1965 and he sold her. Because of the oil embargo of 1973. And he bought a new Dodge Colt. Well one day. I was watching Wild World of Sports on ABC. And it was the East African Safari Rally in 1976 And I said Dad there is our car. And that is when I became I sports car-rallying fan. And in my sci-fi book. The main character has his great-grandfather's 10x. Which he bought in 1968 and made saved enough money. To buy spare parts. To keep her looking new. And running new. And the truck is passed to from Father to Son. As long as it is kept like new. And be used for work. Or camping. And the truck is still running in the year 2360. And if I get the money. I want to get the 1998 Evo 6 from Jackie Chan's Who am I. Thanks for the video. Keep her as new. So you can pass on the car to your sons or daughters or grandkids.
this was my 1st car at 13 yrs old Gram gave it to me thinking it would never run again LOL a month and I was bombing around the pine grove and sandpits across the street
That's Marlon Mitchell of Los Angeles. He is very old school and still plays with cars. Marlon is just one of the many characters you might meet when you get an old car.
I had a white '66 Ford 7 Litre wagon for many years that I rescued from a FL scrap yard for $500 in 1987. Only the A/T was bad. Everything else was fine. I sold it in 2002 for $15,000 to a relative that still has it.
Wonderful! One advantage to an older car is you can work on them and repair many of the pieces without having to buy parts. It varies of course, but keeping them going is great way to spend some time.
@@loganjohnson3589 Guilty! This one found me in 2005. It underwent some extensive work before I took it on the road. Some of what I did back then could use some updating.
I'm looking at one of these now, It's in very nice condition but mostly stock. It does have a 351 Windsor and disc brakes all around. I want to make it my spring-fall daily driver. I don't put on many miles, so I think it might be alright. I work from home, so it's usually just to the store etc and back.
Wonderful! If it runs, is mostly clear of body drama, and has a clean interior, this could be a great way to get driving something interesting. There are several Galaxie groups on FACEBOOK so you have much information at your fingertips. Best of luck with it.
I had a 1965 Galaxie 500 with a 289 4bbl and automatic. And I had a 1966 with a 289 4bbl and a "three in the tree". They easily got 18 mpg around town and 20-22 mpg on the highway. Great cars.
Nice! There were a lot of drivetrain options available. I learned to drive with three on the tree in a 1951 Chevy Pickup I still own (though it's no longer stock '51).
@@MostlyBuicks I had a white, with red interior, '66 7 Litre (428) station wagon that had front bucket seats, console and C6 A/T. Factory power windows, power seats and A/C. I found it in a FL scrap yard and it had a blown transmission and a slight dent in L/F fender, but nothing else wrong. I bought it for $500, rebuilt the A/T and removed the dent without hurting the paint. Even the A/C still blew cold. I drove that car for several years before I sold it for $9500. It's still runs and drives today and still original paint, etc.
No doubt about that! There are some companies still making reproduction parts and others still have New Old Stock. Without them, it is near impossible to keep an old car going. That is another strong factor to consider when deciding which old car you want to have.
I bought a 1969 Shelby GT 350 when I was 21. Now it is almost restored a labor of love, and the original owner. Bought a 2004 retro T-bird last year seem to be goingto Fords as I get older..
I love old cars. I wouldn't want to drive one though. I really wouldn't want to pay to feed one, and I'd really miss remote door locks, and that sort of thing. You don't think about things like that, but you really miss them when they're not there. Also, let's be honest. Cars manufactured before around 1980 were death traps. What today is considered a "fender bender" could have been a fatal crash back then. And these old cars broke down a lot....even when they were new. We forget how much trouble carburetors were.
You've touched a few points that were also touched in the video. Old cars leave much to be desired when compared to a new one. But it's pretty easy to tell a Galaxie from an Impala from distance. Hard to do Nissan vs Toyota vs Hyundai vs anything else new today. Old cars are not practical as daily drivers for most people but they do have character.
Oh, I never said they didn't have character. My Grandparents always drove jazzy cars. One day, they went out in a 1957 Fairlane 500, and came home a few hours later in a 1965 Galaxie 500 with chrome wheels. I was impressed.
I just bought a 67, unfortunately to restore it, the prices are insane for "original" parts. Several thousand. Even the dash was like 600. Gonna have to diy a whole lot of parts using standard items.
My first love is Chevy but really do love all the classics. Even a Vista Cruiser is awesome to me. The 66 Galaxie is just awesome. If money was not an object a 66 Galaxie with a coyote and a six speed would be incredible I think. Of course take care of that chassis first!
Oh yes. Cars had more distinction back then. You could tell one make from another two blocks away. If I were to start over today, Coyote and six-speed would be weighed into the budget. Might even make it!
Harold, I’m curious about your seatbelts in your 66. I watched the video back to back maybe 3 times, but could never see where you had the shoulder strap mounted. I’m guessing at the ceiling where the B pillar would be if it had one? Did you also attach the seatbelt to the seat back, so the rear passenger steps through the seatbelt? Would you mind sharing what seatbelts and seats you went with?
The seats themselves are out of a 1993 Taurus and the latch is built into the seat. The other end ties through the floor is the stock location. The shoulder loop is tied to the roof line into a 6-inch bar welded in place. A rear seat passenger has to manipulate the seatbelt and wedge through behind the non-folding front seat. With no pillar, acrobatics are possible. This is not the safest way to go but it is safer than a lap belt alone and is one more point of the video (even though it doesn't get mentioned). The belts were purchased new from a place in Oxnard, CA no longer in business.
I have 66 galaxie 351w, 66 fairlane 390 4sp, it's nice to drive but other folks dont care it they bump their door into your classic or folks pull out in fro t of you. They dont realize 60 yr old style brake systems and steering not like their new cars. But can't beat rumbling at a light and taking off with older folk remember back when they was young
I got a 74 galaxie 500, all stock but radio(philco in trunk) and 150 spoke dayton's on vogue tires.53,000 documented miles. 400 c6. Wimbleton white,white vinyl top. Runs like new. Just a nice old ford that get me compliments every time I take it out.
@@haroldosmer9803 thks for reply!! I purchased car from estate 6 yrs ago, buffed it out, had all hoses etc replaced to make car safe/reliable & it is! Never considered it collectible but just nice rustfree good looking car. I've had tractor trailers beside me at stop lights yelling at me "nice, what year?". I've had notes left on it wanting to know if it's for sale. I agree with you it's a Galaxie thing. I'm 71 and will keep & enjoy this car till I keel over. Great video, enjoy your cars & have a blessed,joyous life!
Got my first old classy a mustang 71, sold it when I left mexico, 1 year after i needed a other stang has I miss the v8 too much so got a 69 coupe v8 manual, daily driving it, and upgrade it bit by bit ;)
@@haroldosmer9803 yep, got a 2011 nissan gtr, crazy car, but having much more fun cruising in the mustang during new year i put a t5 so now engine is rumbling slowy, a delight
I drove a 65 Galaxie convertible in 1965 at the NY worlds fair, it was in all fairness on a conveyor belt and I was 7, I did own a 66 Galaxie, I like the 65 sharp lines a little better, did you know your firewall says Hi on it?
Yours is a very typical story people tell. No one has ever said they had one back in the day and hated it. All have fond memories like yours. It's what drives the old car world!
@@haroldosmer9803 I parked it at my brother in law. One day while he was burning weeds. It t went out of control and burned my 65 Ford and his 1972 Monte Carlo. Both toast. My first car was gone 😩
Yes! Huge power is good for bragging rights. But if you want to drive your old car on the street with any regularity, smooth power with low end torque is the way to go. Besides, it's best to slow down a bit and let everyone see your car.
I sold my 1966 T-Bird this week. Q code 428 motor. It had a rebuilt 428m, trans and most everything else. It ran perfect and never gave me a moments problem since 2005. Ok, fuel pump and starter motor. It also had factory electronic ignition and disk brakes. Beautiful car.
You didn't touch on it but: insurance. It's hard to get appropriate cover. Most agents work on depreciation, so it's worth nada. Alternatively specialists expect you to join a club or only drive it X times a year. Insurance at all for cars over 30 years of age is tricky full stop. But I speak of my own experience, outside the US, might be easier stateside. And like any rare or exotic car you have to drive them conservatively.
Exactly right. You have to be selective when buying insurance. Most companies will grant a basic policy against liability, etc. But theft, your car damage, and such will have to be negotiated. On the plus side, registration is often cheaper and smog test isn't required.
A car from the 60's is perfectly at home on today's roads. If you have a ready supply of spare parts you can run a 60's car forever. However body panels is another thing. If your Galaxie gets hit good luck finding sheet metal. Mustangs are far easier to maintain.
Oh yes, they will run with enough spare parts and knowledge of points, brakes and carburetors. Just be careful, the standard car of today can go and stop much faster - which often leads to more aggressive driving.
Don’t sweat the drum brakes on old cars too much. I’ve rolled with them for decades on my 65. Good enough for semi trucks good enough for me. I only put around town a few times a year anyway.
Some Galaxies are not old cars, upgraded engine transmission, then of course you need new diff, all round disc brakes, updated suspension etc etc, basically it’s just the shell.
You missed the point. The video explains things to consider when following through on the idea of getting an old car to drive around. This particular car has been upgraded in part because the original parts were already 50 years old and many were not original anyway. This one is meant to be driven and is. Driving a stock 1966 Anything on the road with modern cars is taking a manageable but very real risk.
Sitting in my garage is a 1966 galaxy 500 with the original 352 4 barrel Interceptor with overdrive trans with 99,900 miles number matched and your right when it comes out of the garage you better be ready with your wave and thumbs up . Next to it I have what i call the girl catcher . A 1968 couger all original 302 4 barrel and A/C .With 89,000 funny thing is I didn't go looking for then thy found me . so I call them grandpa and grandma .And you bet on my days off and the weather is nice they take me for a ride .OPPS I think I hear the couger honking gotta go .
Coolness prevails. Some things to look for include the chrome trim body pieces, clean dashboard, and rust in the trunk. There are a couple of good Galaxie facebook boards where you can find some solid information too. Good luck on your Galaxie adventure!
I absolutely LOVE the 65 and 66 Galaxie's. One of the sharpest cars there ever was.
Agreed! I've long admired the stacked headlights, square taillights, and long angular body line.
I just picked a 65 up in pretty good condition for 500 bucks, gonna restore it a d make it my first car
i have a 1965 restoring now
@@brianfrancis2862 Excellent! Enjoy the process.
@@Gryygg You have many resources out there for parts. Good luck!
My first car was a '66 Galaxie, bought from my aunt (who owned it from new). Wimbledon White paint and a red interior with cloth seats. As was common in '66, my uncle had the brand-new seats covered in clear plastic seat covers, secured to the underside with hog rings. When I bought the car in '77, the first thing I did was remove those plastic covers, which by then had grown yellowed and ugly. I was very surprised when I went to drive the car a few hours later - the air was full of authentic "new car smell", which had been sealed inside that plastic for years. It only lasted a few days, but it was so obvious that several friends who rode it the car noticed it and asked about it. Wish I'd held onto that one.
Great story! Mine barely had seats when I got it so I drove to the shop while sitting on a milk crate.
My first car 1966 galaxy 500 it had inline 6 with a 3 speed std on the column I miss that car wish I would still have it ❤
You know, I don't get this entire "drum-brakes bad" jazz. Drum brakes are perfectly fine and served the public well for many decades. If you have a classic car that you use like a sane person, drum brakes will be fine. Yes, they will overheat if you descend a long mountain road while keeping them applied, but that is why transmissions have lower gears. Of course, back in the day you used to actually "drive" a car instead of simply aiming it. It may be hard for many to believe, but we managed to get where we needed to go without four wheel drive, without front wheel drive, without rack and pinion steering, without traction control etc. We had rear wheel drive cars and used snow tires. Again, we also knew how to use them. I am old and drove this same model car and many like it through some of the worst winter storms in history without posi-traction, without disc-brakes and without super-duper LED headlights. Imagine that!
I'm with you, Lord Edward. My other car is a 1951 Chevy pickup.
Where drum brakes become a hazard is when surrounded by a bunch of modern cars with drivers who do not know that it will take a few extra feet for you to stop. Driving an older car will make you a better driver but you will be on the road with much more modern machines. That's what this video is about - things to consider before getting an old car.
So well said sir. I agree 100% with you.
At least in the 64 cars, the drums in the front would lock up at different times in hard braking, causing extreme inconsistency and danger.
@@Barn94 Right! Old car systems were adequate for their day. That's why we said to get the brakes done before driving one with any regularity.
Semi Trucks have used drum brakes exclusively for decades.
My daily driver when I got out of the Marines was a 67 Galaxie convertible. 289 auto. Absolutely adore that car
All good memories! My first car was 1978 Pinto bought brand new right out of Navy boot camp!
You are the only honest person on youtube warning people about owning an older car
Thank you. There are plenty of reasons why a modern car is better. Yet few modern cars can match the character of on older one.
After retiring this year i purchased a fully restored 65 Galaxie 500 LTD with factory AC and 4 wheel disc brakes. I love driving it and its so easy to work on. Gets many looks everywhere i go.
Fabulous! Since you've been driving, I guess you have practiced your return wave. Always good to have a one or two sentence reply, too. "Yes, thank you. Right, '65. Yes, thank you, see you around!" Great hearing from you.
I'd love to get one of these. Specifically a 66, Beautiful car.
There are Galaxie Groups on the internet. Cars often come up for sale. The one in this video took a couple of years to get completely sorted out. It can be a great journey.
64 and 65-66 are two of my favorite body styles of the galaxies. I own a 64 500xl and my first vehicle was a 67 f250 4x4 which I still own.
The body styles for 65/66 have very subtle differences. Once you're hooked, that's it!
MY FIRST ONE WAS 1967 FORD GALAXY 500 BUT I LIKE 66 BETTER
My '63 boxtop 406 is the most beautiful damn thing I've ever seen. Love Galaxies and galaxie people 🤜
My high school friend had a '66 7 Litre Galaxie (428 4spd) in the mid 80s. Always loved that car.
Yes! So many positive memories from the Galaxie line. Those 7 Litres are collectible now, especially with a 4-speed.
@@haroldosmer9803 And they're still cheaper than a '66 GTO.
My Father Second Car in 1967 when I was 10 yrs old. Thanks for the Memories.
Same here. Our family car was a 1967 Galaxie 500 with white over light blue. That's where my Ford seed was planted and why I have one today (even though mine is a '66).
Have my fathers' 1966 Galaxie 500, sitting in the drive way for years now, here in the valley too. Dad promised it'd be back and running by my 16th birthday, way back when. I swear, that car will have its day in the sun again. Couldn't understand back when I was younger just how beautiful that car really is. Not like how I appreciate it now.
Happy to help out. There are many resources available in the Valley to help you along. As I say in the video, a 1966 Galaxie is not a good commuter car today. But it can be great project, attract some attention, and be a fun way to spend some free time driving around in.
excellent overview of owning an old car. love your ford!
Thank you. Old cars are good fun but you need to be ready.
Such a great looking car!
Thank you.
I love my 64 galaxie. New inner outer upper lower shocks disk conversion. Rebuilt 289 and 3 speed cruise o matic. Deleted pivoting lower control arm. Rides like a dream
Excellent! A few upgrades really make the difference.
A 1965 Galaxie 500 was my first car. I bought it for $150.00 with 100K miles on it (1978) and drove it to 300K with no problems. Sold it for what I paid for it.
Excellent! Sometimes the magic works!
Owned a lime green 65 with the 289. First engine I ever rebuilt as a kid in high school. Couple of true stories... repaired the dead motor on the side of the road by riveting the distributor worm gear on with a 16 penny nail and hand timing it... and got rear ended by a Toyota doing 30 with zero damage due to the MASSIVE thick rear bumper. Loved that car. Enjoy.
American engine-uity at its finest right there!
I’ve got a 66, came across it by accident. It’s my first classic car and it definitely will be the last one I ever sell. I’ve got a 64 TBird and a 74 Duster and they aren’t as fun to drive as the Galaxie is.
Excellent! Thank you for sharing your story. Nothing quite like driving a Galaxie.
YOUVE got a 64 Ford THUNDERBIRD and you refer to a 66 Ford Galaxie as your first CLASSIC car ?! DUH ! MY first car was a 63 Ford Thunderbird a ( CLASSIC) car ! My 2nd car was a 66 Ford LTD which my DAD sold me , 3rd car a 68 Ford THUNDERBIRD ( CLASSIC) car with 429 THUNDERJET engine ! . I also had a66 Ford custom full size same body style 2 door fastback , 289 motor ! The LTD was a4 door ! .
Great points. Brakes are very important, and should be inspected often. I owned a 1965 Mustang C code Fastback I bought in 1980, a few weeks after owning it my brakes lost all pressure as I was coming off the freeway, the flexible brake line going to the front brake rubbed against the front tire and caused it to leak, I nearly crashed the car.
First thing I did was get a dual reservoir master cylinder, and front disk brakes from a 1970 Mustang Mach 1 that was being parted out. I also used stainless steel flex brake lines to the front and rear brakes to replace the rubber lines.
Yikes! Yes, brakes are the best idea to tackle first. Old cars require more maintenance/attention than newer ones.
@@westhillswood51Someone may have removed the hold clip that holds the rubber flex brake hose to the bracket off the frame to keep it from rubbing against the tire.
I knew nothing about brakes and cars then I was only 16 years old, and it was my first car. I ended up buying a Chilton's and Ford Shop Manual and read up on how to do the brakes. Everyone told me that Disc Brakes off a 1970 Mustang would not fit on my 1965 Mustang Fastback as they use a different ball joint, but they worked, I just had to use different tie rods,.
Words of wisdom. I've been through all this but with much drama, wish I had heard this prior! Thanks!
Thank you! Old cars have much allure and the TV shows make it look like they are simple to fix, build up, and show off. The shows are entertainment. This car is awaiting a freshened engine. Same 351W with new valve train, etc. Minor gain in hp and torque. But it will be the last one that ever goes in.
This is the car i have been looking for since my mom had it and wrecked it when i was 10 years old
Happy to help out. There are Galaxies available out there. Go get one!
I like the 500 but prefer the Country Squire wagon. But, that just me. I grew up riding around in both as a youngster with many, many memories. So yeah, I started looking at both.
Yes indeed. If I could go back and start my project over, I might well search out a wagon. They are heavy and long and wonderful.
great video! I just purchased a 66' Galaxie 500 2 door hardtop a few weeks ago. And I'm gonna watch your turn signal swap video next!
Ahh, excellent and thank you. There are ample resources available online for the Galaxie so you are in for a good time.
Excellent commentary, I agree with everything said. 65 Mustang in the garage because some of the cars I looked at were too long!
Excellent! Mustang is a good choice because there are ample parts still available.
Beautiful & sounds wonderful- love that throaty rumble
Thank you! A gentle rumble helps me keep on good terms with the neighbors. Besides, I'm not 20.
Folks had one .352 CI 4 barrel.Zoomin!Great cars.
Mine too. With dual exhaust.
Going to drive mine every day.
Excellent! The old cars do need regular exercise. Get used to waving at folks and practice your quick speech on year, model, and engine, etc.
Loved this video. Real honest talk about classic car ownership. Got a 66 convertible myself. Love this car, working on making her safe for modern roads :)
Thank you! Convertibles present their own challenges yet have some great rewards, too. Good luck with your project. There are a few Galaxie Groups on FACEBOOK that can helpful. Even one specific to 1966 models.
Nice car! Back in 1969, my brother bought a 1966 Galaxie 2 door hardtop, it was tan on the outside with a beige interior. The car had a 289v8 auto and power steering. It was a very good car, also made good gas mileage. My first car was a1967 Galaxie 2 door hardtop, back in 1973. I did buy another a 67 Galaxie about 15 years ago. It is that lime gold green color. Not olive green. It is a 4 door sedan The reason a bought it was that it does have the 390v8, and only 25,000 miles on. Bought it from a retired minister from Sioux Falls SD. The car was bought new at Hall ford in Sioux city Iowa, Made at the Ford plant in St Paul MN.
Wonderful story! Thank you for sharing your memories.
To answer the title: more than anything in this world.
hah! Good one! Just a matter of space and budget and...
I have noticed the people that engage when I drive my 64 galaxie are usually people that have owned them, or their parents owned them when they were kids. Most people don't even know what it is. They draw a specific crowd, even at car shows. A while back I had driven mine to Lowe's to pick some stuff up real quick and some older guy pulled up next to me and said he bought one of those in 1976 for $75 and it was the cheapest car he's ever had, and that it hadn't seen an ounce of wax it's whole life until he bought it. That was a fun one, we were all laughing. That one you have sure looks good!
Yes! By the mid-60s, the Galaxie had shifted to family duty and now serves up many road trip memories. I've yet to run into anyone who says they had one and it was an awful vehicle.
@@haroldosmer9803 I've never heard anyone say they were awful either. My dad has a 64 500xl, it ran for 258,000 miles before it was pulled apart for restoration, my 64 4 door ran 158,000 before I pulled it apart for restoration. My grandparents had a 63 4 door and a 64 country sedan for many years and hundreds of thousands of miles. One of my dads cousins parents bought a 66 galaxie brand new and used it for a daily driver for 30 something years. About 20 years ago we got a 68 LTD parts car that was a 1 owner 220,000 mile untouched car. These things were built like tanks.
My parents had a 65 Galaxy 500 and a 352 ci engine. That was a great engine.
Nice! As mentioned, the mid-60s Galaxie handled a lot of family duties while creating a car load of memories.
My parents bought a new '66 Galaxie 500 Convertible. I loved that car
Ah yes! By the mid-'60s, they had become the family car as hot rodders turned to the smaller, lighter Fairlane. Family memories run strong with a Ford Galaxie 500.
First car was a 60 Sunliner, next was a 63 Galaxie, 390, 4 speed. Pop bought a 67 Galaxie 7 liter. After that run, it was the truck years.
You guys ran the gamut!
Ive been driving since 94 my first car was a 56 VW bug, had a number of other 60s bugs after that. A 65 Chrysler AP6 Safari wagon, 64 mini cooper replica, 65 Galaxie all stock suspension and drivelines I loved them all but the compromises were many. I bought my last old vehichle and to this day my "Sunday" car a 1960 F100. Was stock suspension and brakes with a 302 windsor and AOD drove it for a number of years and then I did what I always wanted slam it on coil overs discs boxed chassis 4 link and all new driveline. It took decades and an amazing friend to make it happen I will keep it till the day I die.
Wonderful! Every car can endure itself to you but older cars have more character and they grow on you.
Excellent video with an honest appraisal of old car ownership. Agree about the polyurethane steering bushing. Transformed my old car. As to brakes, it is possible and not hugely expensive to upgrade brakes, drums to discs. In my hot climate, thermostatic fans are a popular improvement. Of course, how far do you go bringing the vehicle into the 21st. century? Surely, part of the appeal is the car's idiosyncrasies. Ford Galaxies are beautifully styled and would be so great to drive on a sunny Sunday morning.
Thank you. Yes, brakes are an easy upgrade as front disk kits are still readily available. The fit and finish are looser than a new modern car. As I say in the video, though it is physically larger, it weighs the same as modern car. There is a lot of air space in the trunk, fenders, and doors.
Mine had an excellent heater.
It seems like hit or miss when it comes to that feature. Glad you kept your feet warm!
@@haroldosmer9803 yeah ha ha, but I have to say, all of my domestic built ford's have had excellent heaters in them and I've had a bunch of em over the years.
Pretty important to have a good heater up here in the frozen tundra of the far northern plains. Although this winter has been very mild. I have hardly used my plow truck 👍
It gets cold here in southern California, too. Not "kill you" cold, just "Damn it's Cold." Good heaters are invaluable!@@429thunderjet2
i'm a Galaxie fan! I owned a 1968 Galaxie 500 XL fastback with the GT package: 428, 4spd, hidden headlights. Still wish I'd never sold that car. Would love to find another 1968, which is the year I graduated from high school...
My Galaxie fixation started with my dad's '67 that we drove across the country in. I've had this one about 14 years.
GOOGLE! There's a lot of them out west, some even turn key if you want one
Great content! Thanks for taking time time to put it together.
Thank you! That was a fun day, too. Glad you like it.
Nice car, one of my older brothers has two Galaxies, both from 1965
Thank you. The 1965 - '66 - '67 Galaxie is very distinctive in design with the stacked headlights and square tail lights.
He is exactly right about drawing attention I have a 1970 Challenger RT and strangers will come right up to you and ask about your car possibly even want pictures!! 😂 it’s pretty cool
Thank you! Yes, that is one aspect of driving an old car that helps make the effort worthwhile. Mine isn't a show stopper and doesn't need to be. I do look after it and love talking story with interested people.
1970 Challenger, very nice.
My father had a new 66 Galaxie 500 4 door sedan, black with red interior. Neighbour across the street then in the same year bought a new Ford Custom 2 door sedan in a rust/copper colour. My uncle in the states had a 65 LTD, 4 door hardtop in honey gold. Now I do know for a fact that the grill on your 66 Galaxie is not original to the car. It is from either an LTD or an XL, or perhaps it was a special package offered at the time. At least in Canada the Galaxie the grill didn’t have 4 turn signal/parking lights, they only had 2, one on each side. Now myself I missed out on a really sweet 66 Galaxie 500 as I was driving through western NY state about 30:years ago...600 bucks...still kicking my butt ‼️ Cheers🍻👍
Correct. While there are four lenses on the grill, only the top two have light buckets behind them. I've often thought of drilling out the lowers but haven't done it.
Harold Osmer I do remember my father’s and neighbour’s actually had just one lense on each side of the grill. The 1962,64,65,66 were the best looking of all the years. 1967 wasn’t bad but it was just an exaggeration on the design of the 66 and in my opinion just didn’t cut it. The 1968 was nice looking as well as the 1969 and 70 were good looking model too, my father had a new one, 1969, 2 door hardtop with the fast back look but the rear window was almost vertical on it. He had problems with sway on the highway and the dealer blamed it on the fastback design with the rear window not following the slope. Who knows if they were right but that was the excuse.
Luv ,this video,, AMERICAN CARS,, from 1980s back, to Henry Ford,are the most beautiful motor vehicles on this planet,,.. character, and style.. undeniable.
Thank you. Cars of the 1960s were particularly distinctive and you could tell one make over another from two blocks away. That's one of the attractions of owning an old car.
Great offering.
When i was a kid of 9 years old in '66, a family of three moved in next door.
Sure, the daughter who was my age was cute but what i loved most was the 'new' Galaxie 500,
And yes, It was white. I've only seen two in the last 30 years,,,
a red 7 litre that was intact but in need of a restoration, private party car lot, late '80s,
a dk metallic red convertible, blk top and kleeen ! Grocery store parking lot, 10 or so years ago.
That's it ! Congrats on the score.
Thanks! Old cars are a lot about the memories. Getting or rebuilding an old car is the start of fresh memories.
I had a 66 red 2 door 352 4
Barrel ran the hell out of it. Had c6 tranney I had to
Change myself was my
Introduction into automotive work.
Nice! Owning an old car requires some degree of hands-on which is very rewarding unto itself.
My first car, 1966 Galaxie, 390, 4bbl, 2 door, great car. A 65 nearby was my parts car.
I love these cars. Have been in one since coming into the world as my grandma had a 64 Convertible when I was born in 66. If I'm blessed with enough time and finances, I will be building a 65-66 driver. They are such good-looking vehicles
Fond Ford memories for sure!
Excellent Video! Your Galaxie is Beautiful!
Thank you. Your kind comment is much appreciated.
@@haroldosmer9803
You’re Very Welcome! 😊
My First Car was a 66 Galaxie Vert 390 Zcode 4 Speed! I bought from My Uncle in 1974. He had bought it New.I wish I hadn’t sold it! 😔
@@billmann2991 So it goes. Don't beat yourself up too bad. Old cars can be great but there are plenty of reasons to get rid of them.
A clean car runs better, thats true. A good wash makes it aerodynamically slick!
It's not MY rule, it's simply THE rule! Regardless, a 1966 Galaxie has big flat front end to push plenty of air around.
Love the color and the wheels!
Thank you, happy that you noticed. I've had this car nearly 15 years. We were going for a new old car look and feel. That's also why the drivetrain and seats were upgraded. This car was very rough when we got it.
@@haroldosmer9803This car is really understated, but absolutely beautiful. It is obviously meticulously cared for and that paint job is spectacular! You have clearly put a lot of love into restoring this Ford Galaxie and it really shows. I wish that our new cars, sold today, could have just 10% of the style that the 1950 - 1960's cars had. I wish you lots of happy miles and cheek to cheek smiles with this beauty sir. Thank you for sharing it with us! Fred
@@electronicengineer Very kind of you, thanks. My daughter and I just had it out for a drive to San Diego (300 miles round trip) last week. It held up well and was quite comfortable.
The Blue cold light on those cars were neat.
Love the 66 2dr hardtop model in particular, the concave back window glass was one year only. I had a 66 Galaxie 500 2dr hardtop red with a white top when i was young. It had a tired out 352 which i swapped out for a 390 hi po from a wrecked Fairlae GT. Had a lot of fun with that car! Would like to find another decent 66 Galaxie 2 dr for a 429 ThunderJet engine i have.
Thank you. Yes, they do have a unique look to them. I found mine pre-internet via a local Car Trader magazine. Online searching for a complete car is confusing and there are a lot of old postings.
Really good advice on how old cars compare with modern. They do not make good daily drivers for that reason. Throw in lack of air bags too, Owning an old car is not near as glamorous as you think. They all look great but modern cars do everything better.
Thank you. The main points are more interesting than my old car - which is interesting.
Thanks! Old cars do have character but they come with their own baggage.
Galaxie is really nice too. A/C car and you re-powered and added 4 speed auto. Like your rims choice too. @@haroldosmer9803
Lovely car, nice presentation, subscribed.
Thank you.
This brings back a-lot of memories from when I was a kid. And my Dad had a 1965 and he sold her. Because of the oil embargo of 1973. And he bought a new Dodge Colt. Well one day. I was watching Wild World of Sports on ABC. And it was the East African Safari Rally in 1976 And I said Dad there is our car. And that is when I became I sports car-rallying fan. And in my sci-fi book. The main character has his great-grandfather's 10x. Which he bought in 1968 and made saved enough money. To buy spare parts. To keep her looking new. And running new. And the truck is passed to from Father to Son. As long as it is kept like new. And be used for work. Or camping. And the truck is still running in the year 2360. And if I get the money. I want to get the 1998 Evo 6 from Jackie Chan's Who am I. Thanks for the video. Keep her as new. So you can pass on the car to your sons or daughters or grandkids.
No good story ever started with "I sent Dave a text..." They more often start with "I had this '66 Galaxie 500..."
this was my 1st car at 13 yrs old Gram gave it to me thinking it would never run again LOL a month and I was bombing around the pine grove and sandpits across the street
Hah! Great story, thanks for sharing.
I love this Galaxy 66 with that 351engine clean . I missed my chance to own one with that 289 in it with a 3 speed on the column.
Ahhh... missed opportunities. Reach out if you are in Los Angeles and we can talk more about this one.
2:40 I love this workshop with the train horn in the background ...
That's Marlon Mitchell of Los Angeles. He is very old school and still plays with cars. Marlon is just one of the many characters you might meet when you get an old car.
I had a white '66 Ford 7 Litre wagon for many years that I rescued from a FL scrap yard for $500 in 1987. Only the A/T was bad. Everything else was fine. I sold it in 2002 for $15,000 to a relative that still has it.
Wonderful! One advantage to an older car is you can work on them and repair many of the pieces without having to buy parts. It varies of course, but keeping them going is great way to spend some time.
@@haroldosmer9803 Once I rebuilt the C6 A/T, in my 66 Ford 7 Litre wagon, it never had another problem. It's still being driven quite often today.
I love my 65 Ltd hardtop.
My 2nd one over 10 years.
Daily driver, n Still working on it 😏
Excellent. Mine is done but still needs a few things too.
@@haroldosmer9803 Come on Harold admit it there never done
@@loganjohnson3589 Guilty! This one found me in 2005. It underwent some extensive work before I took it on the road. Some of what I did back then could use some updating.
I'm looking at one of these now, It's in very nice condition but mostly stock. It does have a 351 Windsor and disc brakes all around. I want to make it my spring-fall daily driver. I don't put on many miles, so I think it might be alright. I work from home, so it's usually just to the store etc and back.
Wonderful! If it runs, is mostly clear of body drama, and has a clean interior, this could be a great way to get driving something interesting. There are several Galaxie groups on FACEBOOK so you have much information at your fingertips. Best of luck with it.
beautiful ride
Thank you! Been mine for fifteen years and counting. After that much time, it can be called a "used car" again.
Galaxie looks pretty cool!
Thank you. Old cars are always a work in progress.
I had a 1965 Galaxie 500 with a 289 4bbl and automatic. And I had a 1966 with a 289 4bbl and a "three in the tree". They easily got 18 mpg around town and 20-22 mpg on the highway. Great cars.
Nice! There were a lot of drivetrain options available. I learned to drive with three on the tree in a 1951 Chevy Pickup I still own (though it's no longer stock '51).
@@haroldosmer9803 Yeah, and the one to have and is quite valuable now is the 7 litre or 428!
When Better Cars Are Built, never a 289 4v in any Ford Galaxie from the factory.
@@MostlyBuicks I had a white, with red interior, '66 7 Litre (428) station wagon that had front bucket seats, console and C6 A/T. Factory power windows, power seats and A/C. I found it in a FL scrap yard and it had a blown transmission and a slight dent in L/F fender, but nothing else wrong. I bought it for $500, rebuilt the A/T and removed the dent without hurting the paint. Even the A/C still blew cold. I drove that car for several years before I sold it for $9500. It's still runs and drives today and still original paint, etc.
Nice vid done well ---- watched all the way through
Excellent, thank you!. Not everyone does that and thus miss out on all the good stuff at the end.
Old cars are great as long as you have good parts support....aftermarket !
No doubt about that! There are some companies still making reproduction parts and others still have New Old Stock. Without them, it is near impossible to keep an old car going. That is another strong factor to consider when deciding which old car you want to have.
I bought a 1969 Shelby GT 350 when I was 21. Now it is almost restored a labor of love, and the original owner. Bought a 2004 retro T-bird last year seem to be goingto Fords as I get older..
I love old cars. I wouldn't want to drive one though. I really wouldn't want to pay to feed one, and I'd really miss remote door locks, and that sort of thing. You don't think about things like that, but you really miss them when they're not there. Also, let's be honest. Cars manufactured before around 1980 were death traps. What today is considered a "fender bender" could have been a fatal crash back then. And these old cars broke down a lot....even when they were new. We forget how much trouble carburetors were.
You've touched a few points that were also touched in the video. Old cars leave much to be desired when compared to a new one. But it's pretty easy to tell a Galaxie from an Impala from distance. Hard to do Nissan vs Toyota vs Hyundai vs anything else new today. Old cars are not practical as daily drivers for most people but they do have character.
Oh, I never said they didn't have character. My Grandparents always drove jazzy cars. One day, they went out in a 1957 Fairlane 500, and came home a few hours later in a 1965 Galaxie 500 with chrome wheels. I was impressed.
I just bought a 67, unfortunately to restore it, the prices are insane for "original" parts. Several thousand. Even the dash was like 600. Gonna have to diy a whole lot of parts using standard items.
I agree 💯% Great video! Thanks! New subscriber!😁👍✌️
My first love is Chevy but really do love all the classics. Even a Vista Cruiser is awesome to me. The 66 Galaxie is just awesome. If money was not an object a 66 Galaxie with a coyote and a six speed would be incredible I think. Of course take care of that chassis first!
Oh yes. Cars had more distinction back then. You could tell one make from another two blocks away. If I were to start over today, Coyote and six-speed would be weighed into the budget. Might even make it!
Nice! After seeing the Revology Mustangs it seems like a great upgrade. If you do it please document it for your channel!
@@VG-iq8xq It won't happen with this car. If I sell this one and start over, that's another story!
Harold, I’m curious about your seatbelts in your 66. I watched the video back to back maybe 3 times, but could never see where you had the shoulder strap mounted. I’m guessing at the ceiling where the B pillar would be if it had one? Did you also attach the seatbelt to the seat back, so the rear passenger steps through the seatbelt? Would you mind sharing what seatbelts and seats you went with?
The seats themselves are out of a 1993 Taurus and the latch is built into the seat. The other end ties through the floor is the stock location. The shoulder loop is tied to the roof line into a 6-inch bar welded in place. A rear seat passenger has to manipulate the seatbelt and wedge through behind the non-folding front seat. With no pillar, acrobatics are possible. This is not the safest way to go but it is safer than a lap belt alone and is one more point of the video (even though it doesn't get mentioned). The belts were purchased new from a place in Oxnard, CA no longer in business.
I have 66 galaxie 351w, 66 fairlane 390 4sp, it's nice to drive but other folks dont care it they bump their door into your classic or folks pull out in fro t of you. They dont realize 60 yr old style brake systems and steering not like their new cars. But can't beat rumbling at a light and taking off with older folk remember back when they was young
Old cars make you a better driver because of those very things!
I got a 74 galaxie 500, all stock but radio(philco in trunk) and 150 spoke dayton's on vogue tires.53,000 documented miles. 400 c6. Wimbleton white,white vinyl top. Runs like new. Just a nice old ford that get me compliments every time I take it out.
@@rayblackard1974 Excellent! You've obviously experienced one of the key video points "Get your wave on"!
@@haroldosmer9803 thks for reply!! I purchased car from estate 6 yrs ago, buffed it out, had all hoses etc replaced to make car safe/reliable & it is! Never considered it collectible but just nice rustfree good looking car. I've had tractor trailers beside me at stop lights yelling at me "nice, what year?". I've had notes left on it wanting to know if it's for sale. I agree with you it's a Galaxie thing. I'm 71 and will keep & enjoy this car till I keel over. Great video, enjoy your cars & have a blessed,joyous life!
@@rayblackard1974 May you have many years and many miles ahead.
Got my first old classy a mustang 71, sold it when I left mexico, 1 year after i needed a other stang has I miss the v8 too much so got a 69 coupe v8 manual, daily driving it, and upgrade it bit by bit ;)
Yes, it can be hard to get the old car bug out of your system.
@@haroldosmer9803 yep, got a 2011 nissan gtr, crazy car, but having much more fun cruising in the mustang during new year i put a t5 so now engine is rumbling slowy, a delight
That’s an awesome car!!!!
Thank you. I've had it nearly 15 years and it has come a long ways. Just one more thing to do...
@@haroldosmer9803 I love older coupes because they have a long hood and a long trunk. Modern coupes have a totally different design.
Great car and great video.....Thumbs Up.
Much appreciated. My guess is that we share a couple of common interests.
Sweet ride 👍
Thank you!
I drove a 65 Galaxie convertible in 1965 at the NY worlds fair, it was in all fairness on a conveyor belt and I was 7, I did own a 66 Galaxie, I like the 65 sharp lines a little better, did you know your firewall says Hi on it?
Nice! The stacked headlights and square tail lights are design aspects that appeal to me.
My first car was a 65 Ford.
352 automatic same body style.
Two door post.Awesome car Though
It was never called galaxy of Fairlane.
Just 1965 Ford.
Yours is a very typical story people tell. No one has ever said they had one back in the day and hated it. All have fond memories like yours. It's what drives the old car world!
@@haroldosmer9803 I parked it at my brother in law. One day while he was burning weeds. It t went out of control and burned my 65 Ford and his 1972 Monte Carlo. Both toast.
My first car was gone 😩
@@vm722 That's a tough story.
He's right U don't need 400 horse at6000 rpm on the street U want torque at 2500-3000 rpm
Yes! Huge power is good for bragging rights. But if you want to drive your old car on the street with any regularity, smooth power with low end torque is the way to go. Besides, it's best to slow down a bit and let everyone see your car.
I sold my 1966 T-Bird this week. Q code 428 motor. It had a rebuilt 428m, trans and most everything else. It ran perfect and never gave me a moments problem since 2005. Ok, fuel pump and starter motor. It also had factory electronic ignition and disk brakes. Beautiful car.
Always good to pass the old cars along - especially drivers!
That's a nice ride.!!!
You didn't touch on it but: insurance. It's hard to get appropriate cover. Most agents work on depreciation, so it's worth nada. Alternatively specialists expect you to join a club or only drive it X times a year. Insurance at all for cars over 30 years of age is tricky full stop. But I speak of my own experience, outside the US, might be easier stateside. And like any rare or exotic car you have to drive them conservatively.
Exactly right. You have to be selective when buying insurance. Most companies will grant a basic policy against liability, etc. But theft, your car damage, and such will have to be negotiated. On the plus side, registration is often cheaper and smog test isn't required.
A car from the 60's is perfectly at home on today's roads. If you have a ready supply of spare parts you can run a 60's car forever. However body panels is another thing. If your Galaxie gets hit good luck finding sheet metal. Mustangs are far easier to maintain.
Oh yes, they will run with enough spare parts and knowledge of points, brakes and carburetors. Just be careful, the standard car of today can go and stop much faster - which often leads to more aggressive driving.
Good video!!!
Thank you!
I wish could thumbs up this video twice
Thank you, I'll take one and a smile any day!
I have a 64 Galaxie 500XL convertible. Very nice car but a fickle mistress.
Oh yes, the older cars often have a personality all their own. New car owners cannot relate, despite what they tell us.
Don’t sweat the drum brakes on old cars too much. I’ve rolled with them for decades on my 65. Good enough for semi trucks good enough for me. I only put around town a few times a year anyway.
Correct! If you are using your old car as a weekend driver, drum brakes can be enough to get you by.
Some Galaxies are not old cars, upgraded engine transmission, then of course you need new diff, all round disc brakes, updated suspension etc etc, basically it’s just the shell.
You missed the point. The video explains things to consider when following through on the idea of getting an old car to drive around. This particular car has been upgraded in part because the original parts were already 50 years old and many were not original anyway. This one is meant to be driven and is. Driving a stock 1966 Anything on the road with modern cars is taking a manageable but very real risk.
Sitting in my garage is a 1966 galaxy 500 with the original 352 4 barrel Interceptor with overdrive trans with 99,900 miles number matched and your right when it comes out of the garage you better be ready with your wave and thumbs up . Next to it I have what i call the girl catcher . A 1968 couger all original 302 4 barrel and A/C .With 89,000 funny thing is I didn't go looking for then thy found me . so I call them grandpa and grandma .And you bet on my days off and the weather is nice they take me for a ride .OPPS I think I hear the couger honking gotta go .
Forgot grandpa is also a two door hard top
Nice! The old cars do take some effort, but so does anything else in life worth doing.
Had a 66 2dr sedan, original 6/stick, converted it to 352/4 bbl, auto,, 65motor/trans,,,,,
Great!. The Galaxie had a wide range of engine options over the years.
Thank you for watching this video and sharing your Galaxie memories.
Please hit the Subscribe button.
I LIKE IT... IT HAS STYLE
Thank you! The stacked headlights and square tail lights are distinctive.
Nice car and great video.
Thank you!
My mom got one new 289 auto, not fast copper over black it was a nice car
Most comments I get on the road are just like yours - fond memories of a family Galaxie!
Like a man cave on wheels 😂 I love it
Wow, that's a new one on me. Very accurate description.
I’d LOVE to have THIS one!!
I've had this nearly 15 years. But a deal could be made. program@hopublishing.com
Whew that shit sickk 🥵
My favorite Ford is the Galaxie hands down! Unfortunately it's too big to fit in my garage!
Ain't it the truth! This car is fairly standard for its day and certainly shorter than cars of the big fin era. But wider and longer than todays cars.
@@haroldosmer9803 my oldie is a 1966 Corvair Monza 4 door hardtop. It literally takes up my entire garage from front to back and side to side. 😎
@@gojoe2833 That's a big part of old car owning - you need a place to put it. Monza=some good fun there!
I’m going tomorrow to look at a 1966 with a 390
Coolness prevails. Some things to look for include the chrome trim body pieces, clean dashboard, and rust in the trunk. There are a couple of good Galaxie facebook boards where you can find some solid information too. Good luck on your Galaxie adventure!
Shine brigth like a diamond...
1962 F100 daily driver. No fancy paint.
Excellent. Keep up with the maintenance and it will keep up with you!