29 Year old LIVING the '60s DREAM in 2024: Resurrecting Rare Fords | Barn Find hunter

Meet Omar, one of the most interesting Barn Find Hunter guests we've ever had. If you were to step into his driveway, you would think you had time-traveled back to the 1960s. He owns a 428ci Galaxie 500 built from scrapyard parts, a HiPo 289 Mercury Comet, and a Torino. The Galaxie 500 was once a forgotten car in the Texas desert until Omar saw it on an episode of Barn Find Hunter and purchased it. Omar is a man who teaches himself everything as he goes: engine building, bodywork, welding, paint, and upholstery, all under a lean-to in sunny California.
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:15 Torino Painted in Mexico
4:17 428ci 1964 Galaxie 500
6:38 Tri-power 428 FE
9:57 Spare 390 Motor
11:12 Chassis Upgrades on the Galaxie
12:15 289ci Cyclone Comet
15:10 1968 Fastback Mustang
16:25 1965 HiPo 289 Mustang
17:08 Omar's KZbin Channel & Progress
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Like what you see? Watch our other series including:
Redline Rebuilds | Time-lapse engine rebuilds from start to finish bit.ly/RedlineRebuild
Barn Find Hunter | Tom Cotter searches the country for abandoned cars bit.ly/BarnFIndHunter
Jason Cammisa on the Icons | The definitive car review
bit.ly/JasonCammisaICONS
Revelations | Untold Stories About Automotive Legends with Jason Cammisa
bit.ly/JasonCammisaRevelations
The Driver's Seat with Henry Catchpole
bit.ly/HenryCatchpole
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[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Incredibly grateful to meet Tom and the crew. Thank you all for the great comments, I will keep pushing to get these cars on the road!!

[@VintageTexas59]

You are doing a great job fixing these classics I think, from engine rebuild to body-work. !

[@TheSlipperyBrick]

Huge respect for you Omar. Love the passion. Keep it up!

[@kustominkaustralia]

Great work Omar. Just subscribed from Australia. Really hope your channel takes off and companies like Dynacorn get on board to help you out (with a whole floor for that mustang for instance!).

[@joecutro7318]

Great work, Omar! It is noble work to give these classics new life. It is blast from the past for me. 👍🏼Great to see you enjoy it so much, too!

[@leewalker3514]

Omar, I don’t know if you read these or not but there’s a guy in Centerville Utah at Dave’s auto one of the best engine builders in the world. He can fix that block on that 428. I’m telling you he is good as Dave’s auto Centerville Utah.

[@Bob-from-Animal-Crossing]

Omar's is the kind of collection I like to see. He isn't just hoarding cars and leaving them to rot, he's actually fixing them up and driving them. This is what the hobby should be.

[@ZeeBri]

The hobby needs more people like Omar

[@kuebby]

Every hobby needs people like Omar

[@chrisblore6385]

Here’s a guy that has no big shop. No big barn. Just a great passion for his cars. And a willingness to get them back on the road. Great job man…

[@mangotail6808]

I also admire that guy. His just a guy but so much passion and skill repairing grandfather cars.

[@UmmYeahOk]

…and no HOA. Unless you’re a checkbook restorer, it’s hard to be a car guy if you live in an HOA. You can’t even change your own oil!

[@purepony]

Especially in California, where everything is so expensive. Ask me how I know ….

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

@@UmmYeahOkhaha yes definitely no HOA, but I try to be mindful of the neighbors haha

[@UmmYeahOk]

@@OmarRamirezGalaxieThat’s cool! Yeah, I try to be mindful too of the neighbors and don’t grind on anything if I know they’re outside. Been Hagerty customers for years, but my husband picked up a 64 Galaxie 500 XL a month ago. It was a 30yo restoration, and just needed the brakes worked on. …so naturally my husband decided to mess with everything, and it hasn’t driven since. He’s literally stuck between building a new exhaust system for it, and a car port type build so it doesn’t get hailed on, as the building materials have trapped the car in. We got a hail storm soon after delivery, but we managed to protect it by pulling it halfway into the garage (whatever space my little 67 Triumph GT6 doesn’t occupy) and covered the trunk and rear glass with comforters. I swear I thank god every day for not living in an HOA. We escaped a pretty strict one. It’s just so hard to find a neighborhood near me that doesn’t have an HOA. What you do find out here isn’t nearly as nice of a home, and finding a garage that fits more than two cars limits you. We were lucky to find a 3 car garage, but it’s not nearly as nice as the home we were in. It did have a long driveway that dead ended into a perfect spot for a workshop that we added later. But of course, that’s all occupied at the moment, thus the need for that car port. I am a subscriber to this channel, so as soon as I saw this video, I shared it with my husband. We don’t have a spare motor, but if you are in the market for a continental kit for that Galaxie, let me know. It was removed and stored in the trunk before we bought it. As long as this car already is, clearly the kit made it too much for the seller.

[@esidedude2869]

What a polite, respectful guy. With a hell of a lotta drive and ambition. Good for him. Maybe there's hope for the next generation after all. We need more Omars.

[@robbh.6505]

Just when I think the vintage tin and 60s muscle car corner is on its last gasp, along comes young Omar to pick up the flag! Does my old heart good to see some of the younger generation getting involved today!

[@poncho6784]

Man I admire Omar. Im 60 and have been working on ONE car restoration, teaching myself along the way. Omar’s a smart guy with tenacity

[@TrashcanGarage]

63 years here. And same deal. Car's a 57 Catalina, a time capsule that I found two counties up the road.

[@wyattoneable]

It's so nice to see a young man work to achieve his dreams.

[@HotRollBrad]

It’s great that the younger guys are into projects. Us old guys are fading fast and want the next generation to take over! Thank you!

[@UncleManuel]

Wow, the world needs more guys like Omar! The "I want to learn new skills" and "I'll do it myself" mentality is a rare mindset in young people these days. Impressive! 😎🤟

[@MJTbreww]

Big fan of Omar, great to see him get more exposure!

[@lostbear53]

I'm a retired Master Goodwrench. In '79 I bought a 67 mustang Gt coupe w 390/340 hp. fmx , air, pb ps 60k mile later I sold it. Shows like this just keep the drive alive. nice to know Omar picked up the flag. no 1 ever worked on any of my cars. over 500 title in hand.

[@JonHullock]

Omar is living his best life. Amazing work guys.

[@andersrichter7695]

Respect for Omar living out his passion for cars 👏 Greetings from Denmark 🇩🇰

[@CollieDub]

Omar is probably one of my favourite owners ever.Not only is he a hero paramedic but he's young.Really talented and such a nice dude.Hope he continues to resurrect them beasts

[@undergroundoutlaw411]

Man I love stories like this

[@jeremygibbs2275]

Omar, Put that 428 rotating assembly in the 390 block and make a 410 and have something unique!

[@jamesmisener3006]

Yes, but the Galaxie is a stock 428. Good idea though. Cheers 🇨🇦

[@12x2richter]

@@jamesmisener3006 Was it? The badges had it as a 390.

[@sallyb3]

One word for Omar , Brilliant 🎉

[@N-Scale]

Gob Bless you Omar !!!

[@rjs2005]

Omar is my kindred spirit- I've always had a love for the big Fords, especially the Galaxies. Keep it up Omar, and you've gained another subscriber to your channel! As always Tom, Barn Find Hunter is KZbin at it's best!

[@pkuudsk9927]

This is Old School way of doing things. We didn't have money or a shop back in the 70's, we built the same way. He is learning along the way, making our own tools before cheap tools could be had was normal.Wishing all the luck with his channel and cars. Far to many kids don't have any drive to do anything but buy new, Not 1 of these new cars built today will be around in 40 years.

[@bassandhotrods8299]

I'm a second generation hot rodder who grew up under the hood of a deuce coupe. I subscribed to Omar's channel early because he is a young man doing it old school. Gives me hope for the future of the hobby

[@SMOBY44]

Great work, young man! To see someone his age that deeply interested in old cars is a breath of fresh air.

[@Isthatyoudermot]

Omar's channel is awesome. It's great to see the Barnfind guy check in on him. Nice job.

[@asimplehorseman4648]

Thanks Tom, thank you Omar for doing what many of us once delved into. I hope you find a 428 block.

[@bd0727]

Omar's channel is one of my favorites. It is great to see him get this recognition.

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Thank you so much it is really appreciated!!

[@paulketchupwitheverything767]

I thought that the cut-ins from Omar's restoration videos worked really well in this. Thanks!

[@skylinegtr-gd2lg]

I'm impressed - - very smart dude going about it the right way for sure! Thanx for the reconnect Tom!

[@shemwhitehead9517]

This is what the car culture is about. Mad respect, Omar!

[@colehara]

Brings back memories. I had a 68 Mercury Cyclone back in the day.

[@earlt_vw]

Omar, you are famous! Great work and I hope you find the 428 soon!

[@ralphbillick1210]

Best of luck Omar , you have a great attitude for this kind of work ❗️🇺🇸

[@affordablevs]

Great episode - Omar is living the dream right there. You are right Tom it's rare nowadays that people have the guts to just have a go without reaching for the cheque book first. Good on him.

[@a-dub]

Thank you Hagerty for highlighting people like this. Omar, you just got one new subscriber, me. I'm sure a lot more viewers will subscribe after watching this, too.

[@1911MikeinOregon]

Tom, I was really surprised to see you doing a show with Omar. I found his channel right after he started it, and have watched all of his videos. He seems like a genuinely good dude, and I admire his passion and determination. I felt so bad for him when he finally fired up the 428, only to find out that the block was cracked.

[@Z-Bart]

Omar would have loved my 62' Galaxie 500. Jet black with a red interior.

[@gregsmith3366]

Tom you are a true legend you keep our sport/hobby/ business alive by promoting what we love to do which in turn brings through the next generations 😂I’m getting old too 😂

[@hayukeen1127]

26 years old and love and cherish my 75’ Triumph TR6!

[@swisshogthunderbolt1287]

What a cool young man with an old soul! Love it! I just subscribed to his channel to support him!

[@markmartin9671]

Really appreciate Tom and Hagerty for promoting this kind of content. Encouraging and interesting. I will start to follow Omar and his projects because of this channel. Thank you

[@FalconXE302]

Omar is a true car guy... much respect.

[@TokyoCraftsman]

We need more young men like Omar, great for Hagerty to showcase this guy, well done. Omar, I subbed to your channel. Cheers from Tokyo!

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Very cool! From Tokyo! Wow!

[@jongib6096]

Cool, talented guy! He needs to open up his own shop for sure

[@waynebuzzell2483]

This is the same premise as Uncle Tony's Garage. The backyard mechanic that does nice work with what they have. Goodluck Omar.

[@therealnigel5613]

good to see those old birds not wasting away at a yard :)

[@BillyJupiter]

Noway! I remember that 428FE a couple of years ago! Respect to that dude

[@mrfishbulb7187]

Great work Omar, will be checking out your channel.

[@CarlWithACamera]

That Torino has some of the sweetest wheels I’ve ever seen on a car.

[@stephenholland5930]

Magnum 500 reproductions. Got some on my '68 Mustang Fastback in the UK.

[@SILVERHORSE347]

Great guy, had to learn a serious lesson about checking the engine block.

[@jamesonpace726]

Wish I lived next door to Mr Omar....

[@cigarmerchant2238]

What a welcome collector Omar is. Wish I liked Fords but really admire his talents in doing most of the work himself and wish I could dive into every aspect of restoration like he does. He has the right perspective about restoration, modification or just leaving things the hell alone when warranted. Thanks Tom for bringing guys like this to the forefront and hope Hagerty members reach out to help him out. Good luck finding the block...

[@xxxxrock32xxxx]

Good for you Omar!

[@thedoctor7198]

Follow your dreams, regardless of everything that stands between you and your dreams💪

[@byler390]

$400 for a tripower! Good grief Omar. That’s how much I paid for mine in 88. BAM! I can barely keep up with one car. You must have a very understanding wife😉 love it bro

[@boblill8476]

A Hagerty member here , I’m glad you’re recognizing Omar and his hard work . His well done videos are an inspiration to me in my work on my ‘64 Galaxie .

[@williammc3183]

The Comet Cyclone is sweet. Definitely better looking than your average build.

[@TheGrimStoic]

He's living MY '60s dream...

[@rayhubbard1367]

Tom & Omar 2 of my favorites, I love it.

[@TaylorHomeCare]

This dudes awesome. Another great episode Tom.

[@joesgaragedoorservice7506]

Omar's channel is one of my favorites

[@hdbikerdave5835]

Great story. Thank you for sharing. Well done Hagerty! Well done Omar!

[@JC-gy4xs]

You have a lot to be proud of Omar!

[@truthray2885]

That Torino looks great!

[@scottimusgarrett15]

Wow, he's got a lot of commitment! He's got his work cut out for himself, that's for sure!✌️❤️🙂🇨🇦

[@pauljohnson7382]

I'm liking how Tom subtly offers advice to Omar...not telling him "you need to do this/that because..." Very few young men are into "old classics" anymore...I blame Fast/Furious...kinda hoping Tom would have mentioned that flipping the lid on a carbed vehicle adds XX herspers...(or whatever)... Great Upload... Fantastic Young Man!

[@patrickreid2767]

I’ve subscribed to Omar long ago and he has a great channel.

[@Kofi.86]

Respect to Omar greetings from Jamaica 🇯🇲

[@brentmcmillan646]

Omar has it going on!!! I really appreciate his preferences for automotive preservation. If I had no intended purpose for the 428 CJ currently sitting on my engine stand I might consider selling it to him just for his love of Fords. Keep up the good work Omar!!!

[@ryanmundt9628]

Awesome! Love his passion and dedication to the craft! It’s very clear to see Tom’s admiration too. Best of luck dude!

[@bluesteel6612]

Good on him - best of luck with the projects

[@GTP427cobra]

Omar i love your cars I am a Ford man I hope you get ever one of them run and drivable and enjoy them

[@davidbarnsley8486]

I have been following Omar for a few year now doing up his galaxy

[@arminkierylak9620]

Modest and ambitious🙂🇵🇱

[@branditio2674]

When I grow up I want to be like Omar!

[@carchub]

This is the life I am working towards. 28 now

[@waynegrant9594]

Great video!! And then add Tom makes it outstanding !! Keep them coming !!! Thxs to all involved !!!!

[@andrewdudley3905]

Enjoyed this!! Great job Omar and I subscribed to your channel!!

[@tonydowd8566]

Gonna subscribe to Omar's channel. Thanks for the heads up. I owned a baby blue 64 galaxy 352, 4V. Miss it.

[@darinclark1853]

I discovered Omar through that first video... So cool to see him on BFH.

[@LetsDoThisSkipton]

Such a great episode!

[@FrankF-vp4pt]

Very cool! I like to see the guy who works on his own stuff and has passion like Omar!

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

Just subscribed to Omar's channel. I can't afford to build anything right now. So I just watch everyone else do what I want to do

[@corporalclegg914]

Omar’s got it going on…age is irrelevant. cool is cool & Omar’s a connoisseur of badass rides

[@SnowDawg]

Thanks for this, Tom. Omar is a super cool guy with a lot of talent and a great vision. I will definitely subscribe to his channel. Nothing like a outside garage and some determination and creative thinking.

[@coxwayland5841]

Love your videos shouting out from Greenville NC ❤

[@jeffgibson184]

🇺🇸👍 I’ve been following you since the beginning. I was one of your first 100 subscribers. I think Tom did a good job, but I feel you’ve done so much of this on your own not only to learn, but who can afford to pay anybody to do this is ridiculous, it’s how I do it is I’ve got more time than I have money so I just do it. Keep up the good work. See you on the next one. 👍

[@OmarRamirezGalaxie]

Much appreciated Jeff. Thanks for the kind words !!

[@user-Brad37Ford]

Hi Tom 👋 another cool story ! Keep Cruzin' !! 👍

[@bennyboogenheimer4553]

TOMMY!!! Thanks for Spotlighting Omar. So often you talk to just other guys with white hair, and your experiences. I get it, it's comfortable. But did you see his smile, when you asked who does your welding?? Advice to Omar, is the same Jay Leno gives away. Join the car club for your type of car. They all know THAT GUY who knows where things are, or how to set things up, to make your life easier. God Bless you Omar, and Tom!!

[@danniejones2032]

Please keep us updated on Omar's block search?

[@cudak888]

Ditto. Anyone in Los Angeles with a Ford 428 block to spare? Posting here for search engines to grab it.

[@MrAmartin8]

Great job Tom . Been watching Omar for a few years now . Was really saddened when he test ran the 428 FE .

[@isalmankhan1]

Awesome Thanks for sharing Tom👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 What an Awesome person you've introduced to us👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Definitely would follow his channel😍😍😍 Also Tom I'm eagerly waiting for an update on the Pantera😍😍😍 Special Thanks to Hagerty👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@TrashcanGarage]

Nice! 😎👍 Teaching myself everything here too. @63 years.

[@boingkster]

That's the way mate, get stuck in and get your hands dirty and yard filled with awesome projects. All the best from downunda, I'm doing my best to bring back a Ford Falcon XF ute, basically an '86 Foxbody 'stang with a tray.

[@danswrld]

What an awesome score on that FE Tri-power. In my neck of the woods, those are $1,200-$1,400 all day long

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

Go Omar Go !

[@jackjohnson65]

Love this show, and especially the people you meet.

Well played Omar, subbed! Thanks Hagerty, great video as always 👍🏻

[@kitmarshall4084]

nice collection! would love to see it all running!

[@dirtyoldfarmhand3]

Awesome. Thanks for the video.

[@zvotaisvfi8678]

God Bless This Man !

[@stnkyp8]

Just subscribed… Omar ensures the hot ridding passion will live on.!