Grinding a bolt and found the chrome.

 I have started to inventory the interior chrome/plastic to see what will need replaced.  These are the hardest parts to find if they are broken.  Luckily, I got a tip tonight from someone.  All of these parts are available at: http://www.mrgusa.com/pdfs/RechromeFord8-12.pdf
My armrests are shot and they are not easy to find.  Mr. G USA has other little goodies needed for replacement.

I spent over an hour on one of the body bolts that needs grinding.  The location is not easy to get into without using a small grinder.  Once the front two are off, the body goes up and the frame comes out. 

Body bolts

While I am waiting to pull the engine and transmission, I have started to loosen the body bolts.  Well, looks like all are easy except 2 front bolts.  One is locked and the other is spinning.  They are not designed to be taken off easily, especially if there is any rust.  The bolts go through the body and have nuts inside the frame holding them in.  These nuts were originally spot welded in place inside the frame before the frame was enclosed.  Now the spot welds have broken and the bolts are free.  There is no way to get inside the frame to get on the nut.  All restorers have stated these bolts must be cut off or the frame box unwelded to get to them.  Looks like I have some cutting ahead of me on these two.


Diagram for 1965 Convertable Frame



Mice, snakes and dirt.

I am ready for the engine and transmission to be pulled.  I can go no further on the front.  The heater coil and blower assembly has been taken out to make more room.  All compartments were filled with mice nests, snake skins, and acorn shells.  Fiberglass is in great shape and will need cleaned. I have completed a full inspection of the frame, and it may not need to be dipped.  Only sufrace rust.  I cleaned one portion of the frame and it cleaned really well.  All of the body mounting bolts have been sprayed with penetration oil to be removed. 

So far, over 100 pictures of each individual part before and after removal for easy reference when it comes time to put it all back together. 
The original seat tag was found confirming the manufacture date.  Seats were completed on 12/7/1964. 

All identification numbers found have been photographed.  No suprise, all match original configuration except the engine.  Engine stamp is 352, but all Ford FE engines were stamped with 352 block numbers.  Bore and stroke measure out to a 390 which is correct.  Manifolds and waterpump are original 352/390 part numbers.  Time for a engine hoist and motor stand to get the motor to high performance and store until needed. 

Ready to pull the motor and transmission.

Motor is ready to be taken out and put on a stand.  Doghouse bolts are strpped and need drilled.  Starting to store parts in the barn as needed at a later date.  Left front manifold has always leaked a little and now the motor is out, it is clear the exhaust manifold needs milled.  Looks like these will be replaced with Summit exhaust manifolds to attach to the new Edelbrock intake manifold. 

Still not seeing any significant rust.  Floor pans look like they are the only metal repair needed. 

Not as young as I used to be.

Three days in and I am starting to feel beat up.  New scratches, cuts, bruises, and arms that feel heavy.  Front end is almost completely dismantled.  Working from front to back.

Little by little

I started to inventory parts needing replaced and looking for someone who can do chrome at a good price.  Radiator is out and will need replaced. It is not damaged, but will be more expensive to restore than purchasing a new.  Header, intake manifold and carb are off.  All three will be replaced with performance parts.  Have not decided on a performance cam or not.  Upper dash is off and will need replaced.  Chrome from the inside has been taken out and ready for cleaning.  Most interior chrome will need re-plated. 

Day 2

It is garaged now after power washing everything.  All of the rust is surface rust except for the rear floor plates in the trunk.  They will have to be replaced. Dissasemby has begun.  I was able to get the hood, and the right front fender off with no problems.  I have also taken out the radiator and started to take chrome off for storage.

Day 1 Research

I did a little research on the Galaxie and this is what I have:

1965 Ford Galaxie 500 Convertible

VIN: 5G65X147860 Plate: 76A C 68 11m 34 1 4

5- 1965

G-  Chicago Illinois Assembly Plant

65 – 2 Door Convertible

X – 352 4 Bar. Carb. (There is a 390 in it now that was put in in 1988)

Production 147860

76A – 2 Door Convertible

C – Color Number: 1736-A  -  Med. Ivy Gold Met

68 – Trim Color: Lt. Ivy Gold Vinyl

11M – November of first model year

34 – Special Order to Indianapolis

1 – Axle: 3.00:1  A  3.00:1

4 – Transmission: Cruis-O-Matic (Ford)

Number of units made: 31,930

This car was a special order from a W.W. White (the only other owner) and was purchased at Alderman Ford in Indianapolis on 2-18-1965.  I have receipts for anything major ever done to the car.  I also have the original owners manual, owners identification card, warranty card, and welcome letter from Ford for purchase.  I took ownership in 1986.

Day 1: Got it home

Day 1 and the old Ford has made it to the garage.  Rust is minimal but will require work.  I am planning on a "body off" restoration.  My first thought...what am I getting myself into.
All 4 wheels were locked so I had to take out the break linings.  5' snake skin found in back seat and mice have nested all over.