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Old 05-23-2022, 07:46 PM   #1
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Default 1968 Galaxy 500 - New Aquisition

I just hauled this car home. It has been lanquishing in a field for the past 8 years or so. Before that, it was left at a repair facility since ~ 2000. It is original paint with requisite patina), has the original 390 with all the smog emission parts, the vinyl top is almost completely gone and most of the parts look unmolested (except by some pesky field mice).

Even the four headlights all have the FoMoCO script on them.







[img]https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=490489&stc=1&d=1653352 883[/i,g]
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 1968 Ford Galaxy 500 - Front.jpg (65.1 KB, 118 views)
File Type: jpg 1968 Ford Galaxy 500 - Front Dr.jpg (65.4 KB, 119 views)
File Type: jpg 1968 Ford Galaxy 500 - Front Pass.jpg (179.4 KB, 121 views)
File Type: jpg 1968 Ford Galaxy 500 - Front Rear.jpg (66.4 KB, 12 views)
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Old 05-23-2022, 08:31 PM   #2
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Default Re: 1968 Galaxy 500 - New Aquisition

Badges...we don't need no stinking badges!

Well, here is the 390 badge from the fender on the Galaxie and the script on the quarter panel. Woohoo...FE power!



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File Type: jpg 1968 Ford Galaxy 500 - 390 badge.jpg (48.2 KB, 114 views)
File Type: jpg 1968 Ford Galaxy 500 - Quarter Script.jpg (44.0 KB, 114 views)

Last edited by Stephenorf; 05-28-2022 at 02:15 PM.
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Old 05-23-2022, 08:40 PM   #3
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Default Re: 1968 Galaxy 500 - New Aquisition

Pretty cool. The field must not have been on the gulf coast, or up here in Seattle. You can see thru our patina in 8 years. Transmission a cruiso?

Just looking at an FE intake makes my back hurt. Been that way since I pulled my first one in 1966.
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Old 05-23-2022, 08:54 PM   #4
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Default Re: 1968 Galaxy 500 - New Aquisition

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Pretty cool. The field must not have been on the gulf coast, or up here in Seattle. You can see thru our patina in 8 years. Transmission a cruiso?

Just looking at an FE intake makes my back hurt. Been that way since I pulled my first one in 1966.
Yeah, the car has been in North Texas its whole life as far as I can tell. It had almost no rust at all when I put it out to pasture. The Texas sun is murder on paint.
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Old 05-23-2022, 09:54 PM   #5
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Default Re: 1968 Galaxy 500 - New Aquisition

In about '74 or so, I was working at a Ford dealer, and they took a '68 LTD 4dr hardtop on trade. It was missing bad, and I was able to buy it for $300. It had three bent pushrods. I drove it for a couple years as my main car, even a trip to FL. Sold it to a buddy who drove it for a few years more. Nice car.
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Old 05-23-2022, 10:52 PM   #6
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Back in 1976, I bought this 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 Four Door Hardtop. It was Left Hand Drive, and I had to get it converted to Right Hand Drive.
Ford Australia sold new 1968 RHD Ford Galaxie 500 Sedans, but that was the only body style available here.
I loved this car, especially as it was Pillar-less, and only sold it when I upgraded to an Imported 1971 Ford Country Squire Wagon.
These 1968 Fords are great looking old Fords.
Congratulations on your new purchase.
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Old 05-24-2022, 07:11 AM   #7
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Default Re: 1968 Galaxy 500 - New Aquisition

hose are nice cars. The ones in NY were prone to frame rot and the 1st sign was a bad brake line under the left chassis rail.
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Old 05-24-2022, 08:16 AM   #8
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Default Re: 1968 Galaxy 500 - New Aquisition

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hose are nice cars. The ones in NY were prone to frame rot and the 1st sign was a bad brake line under the left chassis rail.
When it was on the trailer I took a look under the car. I didn't see any rot under the car. A lot of surface rust. I'll make a more thourough examination as time and weather permit. Thanks for the tip, I'll definitely check out the left chassis rail where the brake line runs.
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Old 05-24-2022, 10:04 AM   #9
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Default Re: 1968 Galaxy 500 - New Aquisition

Vinyl tops don't like the sun. The fastback was sportier but they likely sold quite a few of the standard tops with vinyl roofs. They were good road cars. If you get it running and drive it around for a while, the underside will likely brush off some of the corrosion build up.

The humid air in South Texas isn't as forgiving as the northern parts of Texas.

The car may have an FMX transmission. They came out in 1968 but there is a mix of medium case Cruise-O-Matics and FMX transmissions in the FE engined cars that didn't have performance packages. The C6 was generally more performance oriented in cars of that era. They are all OK but the C6 is a bit stouter unit.
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Old 05-24-2022, 10:31 AM   #10
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Default Re: 1968 Galaxy 500 - New Aquisition

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Vinyl tops don't like the sun. The fastback was sportier but they likely sold quite a few of the standard tops with vinyl roofs. They were good road cars. If you get it running and drive it around for a while, the underside will likely brush off some of the corrosion build up.

The humid air in South Texas isn't as forgiving as the northern parts of Texas.

The car may have an FMX transmission. They came out in 1968 but there is a mix of medium case Cruise-O-Matics and FMX transmissions in the FE engined cars that didn't have performance packages. The C6 was generally more performance oriented in cars of that era. They are all OK but the C6 is a bit stouter unit.
Hmm...Looks like this Galaxie has a 390 2v with 3 in the tree and a 3.00:1 open differentail.

Last edited by Stephenorf; 05-28-2022 at 02:15 PM.
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Old 05-24-2022, 02:27 PM   #11
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Default Re: 1968 Galaxy 500 - New Aquisition

Very cool car! Congratulations. Late sixties Galaxies are nice looking cars that can still be found in original configuration. The 390 is a wonderful engine.
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Old 05-24-2022, 03:04 PM   #12
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Very cool car! Congratulations. Late sixties Galaxies are nice looking cars that can still be found in original configuration. The 390 is a wonderful engine.
I don't know why I'm suprised to see the 390 mated to a 3 speed column shift, but I am. I thought these big cars would have been mostly configured with automatics. At least the car has factory AC.
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Old 05-24-2022, 04:55 PM   #13
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Default Re: 1968 Galaxy 500 - New Aquisition


Local 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 Sedan.
This was the only body style sold in Australia.

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Old 05-24-2022, 05:43 PM   #14
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Default Re: 1968 Galaxy 500 - New Aquisition

In that era automatic transmissions had kind of a bad reputation in the south and Colorado. They fried too frequently. Yes vinyl tops were rare in Texas and southwest. We never new what Patina was. We called it Satin finish, as in Sat in the sun to long. My Aunt is 80 and lives in Arlington, I don't think she has ever owned and automatic. She has moved up to a 5 speed though. Ford did have White sale event days some years, maybe January? To get sales stimulated. They would combine several options in one pkg at a low price and build batches of them. At one time I think I owned one of them, a 67 and saw many identical ones around. Nice ride, wish I had it back.
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Old 05-24-2022, 06:02 PM   #15
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Default Re: 1968 Galaxy 500 - New Aquisition

I love it! A very cool car!!
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Old 05-24-2022, 06:31 PM   #16
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I love it! A very cool car!!

Thanks! I'm battling a colony of rats that have taken up residence in the trunk. Once they are gone I can get to work!
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Old 05-24-2022, 06:33 PM   #17
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In that era automatic transmissions had kind of a bad reputation in the south and Colorado. They fried too frequently. Yes vinyl tops were rare in Texas and southwest. We never new what Patina was. We called it Satin finish, as in Sat in the sun to long. My Aunt is 80 and lives in Arlington, I don't think she has ever owned and automatic. She has moved up to a 5 speed though. Ford did have White sale event days some years, maybe January? To get sales stimulated. They would combine several options in one pkg at a low price and build batches of them. At one time I think I owned one of them, a 67 and saw many identical ones around. Nice ride, wish I had it back.
I was looking at the options, it's to bad the car didn't come with a 4 speed. Although I don't even know if a 4 speed manual transmission was offered on this car.
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Old 05-24-2022, 08:26 PM   #18
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Default Re: 1968 Galaxy 500 - New Aquisition

It’s a little too late a model, but that would be a dynamite sleeper with a T-85 R-11 o/d and a set of 4:11’s. The effective 2.87 in o/d would be sweet on your 80mph roads.
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Old 05-24-2022, 09:09 PM   #19
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It’s a little too late a model, but that would be a dynamite sleeper with a T-85 R-11 o/d and a set of 4:11’s. The effective 2.87 in o/d would be sweet on your 80mph roads.
Yeah, but the thing is probably pushing 4500 lbs with the big 390 and all the rat turds. And the specs on a stock 390 with the 2v carb is only about 265 BHP. That's about 17lb per hp.

Years ago I owned a 1970 Buick Electra 225 with a 455 2v. That car would stand still like it had a line lock while I smoked the rear wheel (I think it was limited slip). I was young and had a blast abusing that old car until I threw a rod right through the oil pan. It didn't take too long.
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Old 05-25-2022, 01:40 AM   #20
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I don't know why I'm suprised to see the 390 mated to a 3 speed column shift, but I am. I thought these big cars would have been mostly configured with automatics.

I'm guessing that's very rare. To me, there are very few thing as cool as big block full sized coupes from the sixties with manual transmissions, whether floor shift or column shift.



Car looks straight, too. Thank goodness the grille also looks straight...those probably aren't that common nowadays.
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Old 05-25-2022, 03:02 AM   #21
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Arrow Re: 1968 Galaxy 500 - New Aquisition

1967 was the last year for an OD (240-289-302) and 1965 was the last year for OD w an FE. The F/4/S was available. Yours should be a 3.03 SYNCHRO-1st Gear -

Some EYE CANDY Below -

1968 GALAXIE 500 XL sitting on OEM MAGNUM 500's -
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 1968 FORD GALAXIE 500 XL _1.jpg (49.3 KB, 8 views)
File Type: jpg 1968 FORD GALAXIE 500 XL _2.jpg (42.7 KB, 11 views)
File Type: jpg 1968 FORD GALAXIE 500 XL _3.jpg (45.1 KB, 8 views)
File Type: jpg 1968 FORD GALAXIE 500 XL _4.jpg (40.0 KB, 4 views)
File Type: jpg 1968 FORD GALAXIE 500 XL _5.jpg (52.3 KB, 5 views)
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Old 05-25-2022, 06:40 AM   #22
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Default Re: 1968 Galaxy 500 - New Aquisition

Some of them came with a 390 and a 4-speed. I saw a 1969 with a 429 and a 4-speed that was used as a auto parts delivery car.
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Old 05-25-2022, 07:53 AM   #23
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Default Re: 1968 Galaxy 500 - New Aquisition

Borg Warner OD transmissions were available in pickups through at least 1971 but the 3 on the tree was more acceptable in pickups. They used the T85-R11N transmission behind the FE engines in F100 pickups. In 1968, it would be interesting to see what 3-speed it had. The 3.03 top loaders were available but most were 4-speed types. If it's a 3.03 then a 4-speed top loader would be an easy install. A person would have to cut a hole for the shifter in the tunnel.
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Old 05-25-2022, 02:00 PM   #24
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Default Re: 1968 Galaxy 500 - New Aquisition

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1967 was the last year for an OD (240-289-302) and 1965 was the last year for OD w an FE. The F/4/S was available. Yours should be a 3.03 SYNCHRO-1st Gear -

Some EYE CANDY Below -

1968 GALAXIE 500 XL sitting on OEM MAGNUM 500's -
That fasback roofline is sweet. Also like the hideaway headlights.
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Old 05-25-2022, 05:23 PM   #25
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Arrow Re: 1968 Galaxy 500 - New Aquisition

Below is a 1968 GALAXIE 500 FORMAL ROOF and GALAXIE 500 SPORTS ROOF -
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File Type: jpg 1968 FOR - GALAXIE 500 - Formal Roof _1.jpg (64.8 KB, 44 views)
File Type: jpg 1968 FORD - GALAXIE 500 - SPORTS ROOF.jpg (87.7 KB, 42 views)
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Old 05-25-2022, 05:28 PM   #26
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I have a 67, It came with 390 4V 4 speed, manual steering and brakes. I believe 67 and 68 door outer skins are the same. Inner shell changed a little for front speaker opening and new inside door latch handle. Those big Fords could eat up the miles on the highway. To take care of the rats, get some cats, barn cats. Done deal.
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Old 05-25-2022, 05:40 PM   #27
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Arrow Re: 1968 Galaxy 500 - New Aquisition

I had a 67 LTD 4DR with everything. The 67/68 were some nice riding cars.

Below are some shots from a 67 XL R-CODE -
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File Type: jpg 1967 FORD - Galaxie 500 - R-Code _1.jpg (60.4 KB, 11 views)
File Type: jpg 1967 FORD - Galaxie 500 - R-Code _3.jpg (250.0 KB, 15 views)
File Type: jpg 1967 FORD - Galaxie 500 - R-Code _4.jpg (90.4 KB, 16 views)
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Old 05-26-2022, 01:46 PM   #28
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Default Re: 1968 Galaxy 500 - New Aquisition

Lookie what I found in the glove box. A Ford Service Convenience Card. Their goal: "No Unhappy Owners". I wonder if the number still works? I need new keys!

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Old 05-26-2022, 01:47 PM   #29
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You should be able to find FORD on EvilBay.
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Old 05-26-2022, 04:41 PM   #30
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Default Re: 1968 Galaxy 500 - New Aquisition

'67 Hardtop coupes have become my favorite Galaxies, but I like the '68's as well. I don't get the hideaway headlight option...was it available on any Galaxie that year? Standard on the fastbacks? It's a cool looking option, but I almost think I like the non-hideaway look better.

I saw a car I wanted on eBay recently that I believe is pretty rare...not a Galaxie, but kind of related. A '69 Cyclone. It was a project that needed lots of work. Either a stuck engine or no engine at all. Pretty surface rusty but solid...still went for over 8 grand. Looked nowhere near as nice as this one, but they have very nice lines, regardless of condition.
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Old 05-26-2022, 05:08 PM   #31
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Don't know if it was optional but was standard on LTD,XL and Country Squire. On the 67 R code Galaxie, nice. The valve cover caps today would cost more than what I paid for my 67 in 73. Only came on R codes I believe. The first engine picture is from a Fairlane, the second is a full size car. Doesn't matter, both are real head turners.
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Old 05-26-2022, 05:33 PM   #32
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Default Re: 1968 Galaxy 500 - New Aquisition

My cousin has a Torino GT. The Cyclone was a fancier version. They aren't far from being the same size as the Galaxie.
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Old 05-26-2022, 05:44 PM   #33
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Default Re: 1968 Galaxy 500 - New Aquisition





1968 GALAXIE 500 FORMAL ROOF and GALAXIE 500 SPORTS ROOF - KULTULZ
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Old 05-26-2022, 06:01 PM   #34
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'67 Hardtop coupes have become my favorite Galaxies, but I like the '68's as well. I don't get the hideaway headlight option...was it available on any Galaxie that year? Standard on the fastbacks? It's a cool looking option, but I almost think I like the non-hideaway look better.

I saw a car I wanted on eBay recently that I believe is pretty rare...not a Galaxie, but kind of related. A '69 Cyclone. It was a project that needed lots of work. Either a stuck engine or no engine at all. Pretty surface rusty but solid...still went for over 8 grand. Looked nowhere near as nice as this one, but they have very nice lines, regardless of condition.
Thanks! At first I didn't really like the big Galaxie too much. But I agree the old full sized fords are pretty neat. And this one has the 390cu 2v motor with three in the tree transmission. I can't wait to try that out! Funny story: I did not realize it was a manual transmission car, and when I was ready to move it onto a trailier I was looking for the shift indicator but couldn't find it anywhere. LOL....I was wanting to put it in neutral. It wasn't until I go tthe car home that I realized it was a manual shift. I think a 390 column shift makes the car a lot more fun.

Cyclones are pretty cool in their own right. Just the name "Cyclone" makes you want to lead-foot it.

Last edited by Stephenorf; 05-28-2022 at 02:16 PM.
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Old 05-26-2022, 06:01 PM   #35
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Don't know if it was optional but was standard on LTD,XL and Country Squire. On the 67 R code Galaxie, nice. The valve cover caps today would cost more than what I paid for my 67 in 73. Only came on R codes I believe. The first engine picture is from a Fairlane, the second is a full size car. Doesn't matter, both are real head turners.
The lamps/grill came on the high trim, levels, LTD, XL and the SQUIRE.


OK, knock it off. I am getting misty here ...

The CYCLONE was the top performance trim level for MERC intermediate while TORINO was the top for FORD. Beautiful cars.

EDIT -

How did I quote the wrong poster? Must be that MERC photo, I have tears in my eyes ...
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Old 05-26-2022, 06:08 PM   #36
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The first engine picture is from a Fairlane, the second is a full size car. Doesn't matter, both are real head turners.


GOOD EYE!

Looks like I need to retain a fact checker ...
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Old 05-26-2022, 06:08 PM   #37
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I had a 67 LTD 4DR with everything. The 67/68 were some nice riding cars.

Below are some shots from a 67 XL R-CODE -
That's some sexy stuff there. Me likey. Unfortunately my pockets are not deep enough to own an "R" code anything.
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Old 05-26-2022, 06:11 PM   #38
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I have a 67, It came with 390 4V 4 speed, manual steering and brakes. I believe 67 and 68 door outer skins are the same. Inner shell changed a little for front speaker opening and new inside door latch handle. Those big Fords could eat up the miles on the highway. To take care of the rats, get some cats, barn cats. Done deal.
I had a 1970 Buick Electra 455 4-door sedan when I was a lot younger. That car seemed to 'float' down the highway. Super comfortable ride. I'm hoping this Galaxy will provide a similar feeling on the highway.
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Old 05-26-2022, 09:29 PM   #39
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The lamps/grill came on the high trim, levels, LTD, XL and the SQUIRE.




How did I quote the wrong poster? Must be that MERC photo, I have tears in my eyes ...

I almost had tears in my eyes when that Cyclone on eBay sold. I remember now it did have an engine, but it was only a 302 (i don't know if that was original or not.) Was not one of the high performance models, but was relatively untouched (and somewhat neglected) shape. No rust through, apparently. Those cars are so special because you just don't see them anymore. I'm not sure they built that many to begin with. It's likely I'll ever encounter one for sale again.
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Old 05-26-2022, 09:36 PM   #40
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I almost had tears in my eyes when that Cyclone on eBay sold. I remember now it did have an engine, but it was only a 302 (i don't know if that was original or not.) Was not one of the high performance models, but was relatively untouched (and somewhat neglected) shape. No rust through, apparently. Those cars are so special because you just don't see them anymore. I'm not sure they built that many to begin with. It's likely I'll ever encounter one for sale again.
And it only went for ~$8k? That's not too bad considering how hard to find good unmolested muscle cars are getting. Cyclones are pretty cool, even Torinos are nice. And a 302 can really put out some nice HP too.

Check out this 1966 Mercury Cyclone GT 390 car that just sold for relatively cheap on eBay. Could be a basket case, but would be really sweet when done. Is this the one you are thinking of?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/25548056652...p2047675.l2557

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Old 05-26-2022, 09:50 PM   #41
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And it only went for ~$8k? That's not too bad considering how hard to find good unmolested muscle cars are getting. Cyclones are pretty cool, even Torinos are nice. And a 302 can really put out some nice HP too.

Check out this 1966 Mercury Cyclone GT 390 car that just sold for relatively cheap on eBay. Could be a basket case, but would be really sweet when done. Is this the one you are thinking of?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/25548056652...p2047675.l2557

I love the '66-'67 Cyclones and Fairlanes, too...beautiful lines on truly mid size cars. The one I was looking at on eBay was a '69 fastback similar to the pic I posted...they look to be larger cars...I describe them as being very "late '60's NASCAR" in appearance. Way back when, I had a '71 Montego two door coupe that would be the platform for the Cyclone of that era. It had a 302, but it was one of the pedestrian versions and not much to write home about in terms of performance. Still, I don't race or thrash cars, so the eBay car I saw would've been plenty adequate for me.



This 390 convertible you posted looks like a great deal, too. The problem is I'm not really very talented at working on cars, so it would be beyond my abilities. Getting my '65 T-Bird in to presentable shape has been a lot of work for me, but it'd be a small project for most experienced car guys.
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Old 05-26-2022, 11:35 PM   #42
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Very interesting thread. Makes me want to leap frog my Dad’s ‘69 four door LTD, 2V, 390, and C6. Only had 120,00 miles when he died in ‘77, mainly towing a trailer, as he ordered it with the trailer towing option. The car has fairly minor rust but small patches will be needed. Interesting I found an OEM left rear quarter panel for very little man hey on EBay. Luckily not many people restore four doors. Good luck!
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Old 05-27-2022, 10:38 AM   #43
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Default Re: 1968 Galaxy 500 - New Aquisition

The 4-door hardtops are nice but many of them were the LTD version of the Galaxie type with the Brougham top. My folks had a 1965 Galaxie 500 4-door with the 352 and later a 1971 Galaxie 500 with the first of the 400 engines. The 71 was a screamer compared to the old 352. Ford changed the 400 after 1971 due to smog controls and later fuel shortages.
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Old 05-27-2022, 05:42 PM   #44
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So I was able to get some keys made and finally opened the trunk. What a mess. At least the rats family didn't chew all the wires up. The wires that I can see all look goos and even have the little paper tags still afixed.


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Old 05-27-2022, 05:49 PM   #45
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So the trunk area is in pretty good shape except of all the rat turds. Definitely unmolested. Original jack and (maybe original) spare tire are back there. The decals on the bottom of the trunk are still there from when they we applied at the factory.



Jack usage and storage instruction decal:



Ford safety disclaimer (I guess):

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Old 05-28-2022, 04:27 PM   #46
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The wires that I can see all look good....
I found lots of evidence of rodents in my '65, but strangely there was no evidence of wires or even tape wrap being chewed. And all the electrical systems work fine so far. I guess some varieties of rodents chew wires and others don't. Mostly the evidence I found was that some of the burlap type seat cushion lining had been chewed off and made into nests throughout the car. I also found probably 150 empty walnut-type shells, maybe more, spread throughout the car. I don't recall seeing a lot of droppings, but I'm sure I got rid of a lot of them with the initial vacuuming I did.

I'm almost wondering if I had squirrels, but unless the windows were left open, how would they get in and out? I guess squirrels chew wires, too, though. Trunk stickers on the Galaxie look to be in good shape.
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Old 05-28-2022, 10:16 PM   #47
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1968 Ford Galaxie 500 Fastback languishing in a car wreckers waiting to be rescued
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