1969 Ford Fairlane Restoration: Lots of Body Work!

Hi!
This video shows how we restored Agent 8771's old, beat-to-death 1969 Ford Fairlane coupe. The car had been hit hard in the rear many years ago, and the frame rails were buckled. This, combined with the major structural rust throughout, made the car virtually unrestoreable. Agent 8771 didn't want to give up on the car however, and didn't want to just buy another similar unit and pretend it was his old car. I decided that we could replace the whole bottom half of the car with a solid, straight chassis from a low-mileage 4 door sedan. When one came along at a low price, we decided to get to work. We saved what we could from his original car, including the seats, doors, roof, parcel shelf, hood, decklid, and glass. We also used his old wheels, grille, bumpers, and even his old exhaust system with the "Thrush" mufflers that we used to put on our cars! When we were all done, it looked, sounded, and drove like his old high school car! He even took off the power steering and substituted his old manual box so that the car would drive just like it used to. Overall, a really fun project and it makes a great story to tell people you still have your first car, even if much of it has been "donated" by another Fairlane sedan!
Anyhow, I hope you enjoy a tour of this project; let me know what you think! Thanks for watching!

[@wizardofx]

WOW! What a huge amount of work. You Canadian guys know how to handle rust buckets like nobody's business. Thanks for saving another classic Ford. Like they say, don't crush them, restore them.

[@tonino5113]

The skills of this car body shop are priceless

[@Brian-jm2xr]

Just watched this for the first time years later. Unbelievable talent and craftmanship. Thank you for the video.

[@ferrochinabisleri1587]

What a job! I started watching your videos with the "Fury job", but there are certainly lots of previous ones!

[@coldwarmotors]

Hey, thanks! It was rewarding to see this car come back to life from such a wreck. Glad you liked it!

[@chrislaymon3476]

Obviously a lot of pride in this car...nicely done.

[@stevenwithanS]

It's neat to look back at the older videos and see how far things have evolved at Cold War Motors.

[@ricjones3654]

You basically just rebuilt an entire car... nice. I do custom home restorations, myself, not subbed out, that take for freakin' ever and it's a real joy to see such dedication to the art of attention to detail without concern for hasty results. Not to get all mushy, but I'm humbled by your craftsmanship. Don't let it go to your head or nothin', but it's inspirational. 🤙

[@stevecampbell6454]

Sentimental value is the best motivator for restorung old things!

[@paulbennell3313]

Rust repair the hard way! Having seen the finished car, I wouldn't have believed how it was done if you hadn't filmed it! And that paintwork...like glass!

[@jiminycricket2230]

WTF??!! I didn't know this was even possible to do!! That is expert top notch work right there. Be proud of that job CWM. To get everthing back together and fitting right is amazing to me. The old school body man I think is almost obsolete these days. Very professional job!!

[@coldwarmotors]

Hey, thanks for checking it out! Yeah, we really had to get out the tools for this one, haha! Cheers from me and Stel.

[@realmaindrianpace]

This is like the fourth time I've watched this, and I swear it gets better each time. Great looking car, amazing restoration job.

[@christianheidt5733]

Second time for me now!

[@JR3059]

A body shop magician. I could watch you work all day. All the best to you and your crew. You make my day.

[@coldwarmotors]

Hey, thanks for saying so and for checking out the vids... Cheers!

[@eddybaby58]

I have to say, after watching the restoration of the '60 Fury over the past year or so, this was much the same sort of job, only without the 1/2 ton of stainless trim. Very nice job, too bad there aren't 30+ videos of this job to watch as this car went through its rebirth. I also would like to add how much I love LOVE L O V E the Cold War Motors videos. The camaraderie, the fine work, the fun, and the incredible attention to detail just captivates me. I have learned SO MUCH from you guys. It also makes one thing so abundantly clear: Those "Gotham Garage" type shows where they get a trashed heap in to restore to "show quality" in a few days with just three people working on it are such a far-from-the-truth fantasy. This Fairlane took two years, the Fury will likely take that long or more, and the work is impeccable. No bogus drama, no phony deadlines, no chicks with big...wait...well, nothing's perfect, BUT...I still love Cold War Motors over ALL of those other slickly produced so-called "reality' car shows.

[@garykerkstra1067]

I’ve been hooked on CWM for years now, but this is the oldest CWM video I’ve watched. Video skills and technology have improved vastly over the years, but your auto body skills have always been top notch. This one comes close to the 1960 Fury, but still the Fury is the standard to achieve

[@briggaskin]

Great job. Another classic saved .

[@My2ndtimearound]

I’m in awe over the restoration the Cold War Team performed on the 69 shit box Fairlane his brother owned. Came out amazing.

[@greenfuzz13]

Fantastic job! Obviously a labor of love, no sane person would go so crazy on a 69 Fairlane, would they? Yes they would. My folks bought a 69 Fairlane sedan, same dark blue color, same blue upholstery and same great running 302 with column shift. A very ordinary car that gave great service and required nothing more than routine maintenance it's entire life. I had it into the early 1990s and would still own it but a friend needed some cheap wheels in a hurry. I sold it to her cheap planning to buy it back when she no longer needed it. She and the car disappeared not long after and that was the last I saw of either one. I do miss that car.

[@torino390]

an amazing amount of work. respect to you for saving an often overlooked classic.

[@martentrudeau6948]

That is moving art, a very desirable car, with a lot of class. Your skills with sheet metal fabrication of body parts and repair are amazing.

[@deeerin2]

The first NEW car my Dad ever bought was a 69 Fairlane. It was our family car for my early childhood and it looked exactly like yours! I got a very sentimental, nostalgic kinda feeling when I saw that backing out of that barn. Very cool! I was glad you filmed the interior as well...it was like taking a trip back in time. Great video! And awesome restoration! You guys are very talented!

[@mikewasfaret9563]

It just amazes me how a talented body man can take a car down that far and end up so nice. Great job

[@coldwarmotors]

+mike wasfaret Hey, thanks for checking it out; it was a fun project for sure...cheers from me and Stella!

[@ablejohnson738]

Looks bad ass. I miss my 68 Fairlane 500 Fastbach

[@deaconblue949]

The original splice!! Outstanding job!!

[@DeepFreeze118]

Here, in Belarus, I've noticed one Ford Fairlane 1969. One day, I hope it will be mine. Your activity gives motivation for that kind of work. Thank you for second chance for those beauties, who were forgotten once.

[@san379]

FANTASTIC ..with a barn that big you can do anything.. and all that land..

[@ervingoertzen7233]

True genius with body work , thanks for a great video!

[@robertshemory3541]

Car looks amazing Scott Cheers ❤✌️👍👍

[@sulistiman]

now that's a beautiful car 🚗 😍 pristine job 😀 👌

[@1955RodHot]

Wow. Talk about a lot of work! Glad it turned out so well.

[@davidforeman8347]

The more I watch your videos the more respect I have for your workmanship!!! You do an amazing great job !! Well done.

[@lucwolf1]

Bought a 1969 Fairlane 500 351cid convertible new in 1969. Kept it many years. Really good car. Same color as this ( the light blue). Thanks for the memories, and super job!

[@BlackDragon-xn2ww]

I never seen such a mirror finish on paint nice work man your truly talented and fun to watch it all come together.

[@coldwarmotors]

+Charles Wallinger Hey, thanks for checking it out; glad you liked it. Cheers from us here at CWMC.

[@kunstmol]

The splice before the splice!

[@grandpamoonstone7772]

You guy's are some real bad asses! not only in your auto body but in the great camera work that without we could not see this beautiful work, out standing work on reflection of worn to restored imagery, I am inspired!

[@flermurmurjumjum765]

Best Steering, Best Seats (mine was bench), nice dual horn, roomy! The best Sunday ride!

[@richmelillo9637]

Ran across this old video, hav not seen it before. Wow Scott! Your artistry is stunning. Such a lot of work-just filled with PASSION to be that excellent. All the Blessings that you have, thanks for sharing!! Rich

[@fairlaneranch]

Outstanding!! Really clever use of the 4 door donor

[@johnburch6927]

I don't want to give away my age.....but there was a time I loved doing vinyl tops, back when we did that kind of thing. Get it stripped and prepped, work in an enclosed, non- ventilated area, spray down the adhesive and work like hell to get the seams straight before the glue buzz set in. Those were the days......

[@mrgitarman]

This body style looks better or as good as any car in the era. And much better then cars generally look nowadays.

[@forestlawrencegrading9154]

I love it when people save old cars,

[@rayinpau.s.a.6351]

One fine Job ! , words cannot describe the time and effort you guy's put into making the car so beautiful . great job ! . Ray in Pa.

[@sheiladelaney6706]

Beautiful...and sounds even better.

[@jimv7067]

I've become completely addicted to Cold War Motors. Your dry humor makes me laugh out loud, your body work and painting skills have me in awe. I love your dogs and their commentaries, your friends are great, too. Please keep the vids coming!

[@robertwells6454]

Love this car. Great color choice as well.. 🤘😎🇺🇸

[@jchome4u]

Nice job guys! It shows that with a little vision and A LOT OF WORK things can come together. I give you all of the credit in the world for bringing it back from the dead. You saved yourself a ton of $ as well doing it yourself.

[@jakespeed63]

incredible transformation. Now I understand how the Fury was no big deal to splice and dice. Already had experience. Stella is just a pup in this video. Really wish my 1964 Olds 98 could get done in your shop.

[@davidfischer5945]

I remember these Fairlane 2-door editions from the spring of 1969. It was a promo version having a 302, automatic, p/s, non-power drum brakes, and an exterior trim package of a vinyl roof, twin aerodynamic mirrors, full wheel covers, and whitewall tires. My father in law had one in pale green with a black roof. Good cars but rust-prone in places where rock salt is used in winter. Nice restoration that you did!

[@tombryant1104]

I'm late to party, I have one with the Sport Appearance option. That package included tape stripe, sport mirrors, white wall tires with deluxe hubcaps and carpet. Mine also has 302, automatic, am radio and two tone paint. On window sticker Sport Appearance package was $64.77, engine, trans, two tone and AM radio were all separate options. Mine did not have P/S or disc brakes but I added both shortly after purchase in '19.

[@lolatmyage]

Seeing such huge restorations come together gives me hope for my own projects

[@michaelbeals9503]

That’s impressive! Very talented guys doing that work! 👍

[@Philbytronic]

It looks great, and I can't even tell it was ever a 4-door. Nice, straight bodywork too --- good job.

[@saxongreen78]

Saved? This is alchemy!

[@christianheidt5733]

Just incredible!!!

[@24Garland]

I bet you all could get a car that has just been crushed and restore it ! That was Awesome !!!

[@58stevenb]

Beautiful restore amazing , Now that's a car. Gotta love the 60's cars they ran great and had style and were built like tanks.

[@jeffabney7629]

WOW! You guys do flawless work from what I can tell! A rare talent! Awesome!

[@LMacNeill]

Can't argue with results. That '69 Fairlane turned out beautifully! Makes me want to finish my '68 Galaxie 500 Convertible. :-)

[@roadwarrior1450]

I am impressed. Real nice car. Way to go. 2 thumbs up 👍👍👍👍

[@jerrydoubleu]

all i could think was just send it off crush and melt, but seeing it done reminded me why i bought one, beautiful, sexy

[@travis50907]

wow that was a big project with serious bodywork, hats off looks good

[@T-41]

Wow! What a fine job , a very pretty car and another enjoyable video.

[@53mobile]

i used to be 2 years old my dad car familly car was this car when i see this it is a back to the futur for me thx for sharing good job !

[@AdventuresofanoldSeadog]

Sweet.

[@roadmasterk6019]

Sweet splice!.. Very impressive, this upload...

[@kgroombr]

How can you not like this? Superb work.

[@spurgear4]

When you find yourself watching the same video for the third time because you feel like your hanging out with old friends.

[@joelp19761]

Changing it from a 4 door to a door God bless you! it looked like it turned out real nice though.

[@ericbergmann]

You guys are awesome mechanics! I love the old cars, keep fixing them up, and keep saving them, you rock!

[@coldwarmotors]

+ericbergmann Thanks for checking it out; cheers from all of us here at CWMC!

[@fieldinglover]

i have a couple of cars in my driveway for you to do your miracle revival magic to ! nice work !

[@hectorcarmona3091]

nice,super, thanks for sharing

[@tomlinner4428]

U guys are the best I ever seen u can turn a junk car into a masterpiece

[@glenharper3136]

It turned out Beautiful.

[@MrWoodfiddler]

Beautiful work, ya gotta love brothers! Keep on posting, I'm a big fan.

[@coldwarmotors]

+MrWoodfiddler Hey, thanks! We had a lot of fun saving the old high-school beater...

[@sheldondyck8631]

This is the video I watched long before you started the Fury project that I knew you could bring the Fury back to what it is now.

[@andrewhigdon8346]

What a beautiful car!

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Uuh, lots and lots of work, very well done, resulting in a very beautyful car. A wonderful job!

[@Farhanshonda]

Really clean and nicely restored

[@coldwarmotors]

Hey thanks! Glad you liked it; more to come...I have way too many car projects!

[@ddoyle11]

What a beautiful automobile! Thanks for sharing.

[@BulletmanDoom]

Lovely car. The paint is amazing and really gives it the classic look of quality

[@coldwarmotors]

Hey, thanks! Glad you liked it.

[@67gt500snakebite]

Totally awesome your saving the old cars. I am a total preservation fan. Great job. 🤠

[@Nobodyofimportance2u]

The donor, much trusted, though dented not rusted, bore all of her lovely parts to the mechanic's art

[@andrewhigdon8346]

Stunning repaint!

[@Cyberchild101]

this is great love this show . . .hope your brother loves it..

[@kennsaunders1690]

That is one hell of a good job. Nice sled.

[@waynehermann6314]

I like your appreciation of old cars. I really would like to see you get a Crosley. I have had about a dozen of them over the years. Fascinating little cars. Parts are easily obtained.

[@jamesbuckley5241]

Sure wish I could've did that to mine when I had it. Turned out great.

[@sellC1964]

My first car was a 1969 Ford Fairlane with the 250 inline six and an auto 3 speed. Two door. Black vinyl roof over aqua blue body. I miss the car and wish I could find one again.

[@tristantruebody9793]

Really impressive

[@coldwarmotors]

Hi, thanks for watching! I think this approach would also work fine for a convertible. The thing is you would have to reinforce the chassis to match the construction of the convertible, which is substantially different in the area of the torque boxes, floors, and inner rocker panels. In this case, I knew the 4 door chassis was the same wheelbase as the coupe, and they are identical underneath. Biggest change here was having to splice the A-posts, which were completely different on the sedan.

[@bunning63]

All I can say is impressive!

[@ervingoertzen7233]

Topped off with by hand striping wow !

[@fomoco1454]

Now that is sweet man! Great video...

[@ervingoertzen7233]

Wow ! I am impressed with your body work skills , totally hats off to you for a great job .

[@bitznpizez]

Beautiful. I am truly impressed. And I love that you are keeping it in the original form.

[@pkerit308]

I just found this while waiting for the next installment of the 60 Fury splice. I did know you spliced a car before the Fury. You do awesome work!

[@dordor718]

Awesome job on the Fairlane, looks like a million bucks.....

[@havnofear2764]

Nice Job ! ........... A wreck is resurrected ........very cool

[@coldwarmotors]

+Hav NoFear (Havnofear) Hey, thanks for checking it out; cheers from me and Stella!

[@havnofear2764]

I'm a late subscriber here , awesome "will it run " videos , what is happening with the 70 Bel-Air ?

[@Mr.Worf63]

Awesome JOB !!! Talented bunch !!

[@ericmitchell3078]

Beautiful job keep up the great videos