BARN FRESH 1961 Ford Galaxie 390! Will it Run After 24+ Years?

Excited to have the opportunity to revive this 1961 Ford Galaxie after being tucked away 24+ years ago! I hope you all enjoy this rescue and are ready for the full revival to come! Thank you as always for the Love and Support! I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Support the builds with Merch: budgetbuildzyt.com
Porsche 911 Rebuild: • Scrapyard Porsche Rebuild
Facebook: / budgetbuildzyoutube
Instagram: @budget_buildz_youtube_
Support the builds! Patreon.com/BudgetBuildz
Send Mail: 324 Clardy Rd Liberty, SC 29657

[@BudgetBuildz]

Hey everyone! I hope you all enjoy the video and are having a great weekend! I’ve noticed some mentioning it is not a Starliner, and you’re correct. The car is incorrectly badged and we filmed the intro before realizing they did not offer the Starliner in a 4dr. Sorry for any confusion!

[@joshwinters7290]

I was about to make the same comment. Good on you for making the correction. My ex step son has a 2 dr hardtop with the 390 3 speed that was a local drag car in 62 here in Maryland.

[@danielventura8073]

I'd love to find one of those.. there are none in Florida.

[@andrewdunbar828]

Yeah I got excited when you said "Starliner" because I think they are a fantastic looking bodystyle that is very overlooked on KZbin. Still a cool car but I find the '61 and '62 a bit ugly from the front where the '60, '63, and '64 look great from every angle.

[@1575murray]

You would not have gotten that car for the price you paid if it were a Starliner. The 4 door Galaxie was a lot more common. Not many Starliners were made in 1960-61.

[@Wooley689]

I had read that dealerships would replace the Galaxie script with Starliner, so who knows for sure.

[@toboldygo5823]

So you got it started that sounds about right for an old Ford with the lifter noises😌

[@Slimjim260]

Your so lucky to have that starliner restore it!

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

nice chunky big block - what a great find thank you.

[@jerrydineen2827]

Let her live, she is a survivor and deserves it!

[@rogertrudeau4169]

That was def a solid car for its age ! almost as old as me ! Save that 61 after 14 years of sittin waitin to be saved her prayers have been answered !

[@maxpurdy5319]

Nice you just don’t see to many 61 galaxies. You know you look at that car and you see signs of a 63 Fairlane like the top and rear end. Love the 390. Can’t wait to see the next video

[@josealfredocuevas]

My friend you and your dad did a good job getting that Ford running, looks really good solid car. Looks all original I would keep it the way it is and bring it back to life it's well worth it, thumbs up to you and your dad! can't wait to see when you guys take it on the first drive since 1998 great buy good luck...

[@richardcline1337]

I would definitely save it as it should be. Clean it up, fix what's bad and just enjoy driving it. There are enough rat rods, restomods and other junk on the road. Classics like this just need to be left as they were built and enjoy them.

[@Nothingatall794]

Great video 😊imagine my surprise when it actually ran now days it’s hard to find a deal like this.

[@terryeustice5399]

Save it. It’s worth the extra time to get it back running well. Love seeing old Iron come back life. Thank you for sharing!

[@jonathangreenwood2842]

I'm inheriting a 69 390 and I think my late uncle and pops would like to see it run again

[@garycook2355]

That 61 Galaxie brings back fond memories. My dad bought a new one in 61 it was a red four-door with a 352 ci engine a/t. my parents would not let me get a drivers license until I was 18 (for pete's sake I had been driving tractors on the farm since I was 12). to make it short I took my drivers test in the 61 galaxie, so yes very fond memories.

[@stuartkarshagen6274]

I'm a sucker for the galaxy, even though it's s 4door, it's still a big block car.👌🏻 It deserves to be saved and cleaned up properly. It could be a good restoration project for someone. Awesome episode 🤙🏻

[@ST_DCT]

I love the Galaxies too, learned to drive stick on a 63 Galaxie 500 with a 390 3 speed when I was in the service, my buddy was fortunate enough to find a coupe in a barn when doing a cleanup, the lady said 'anything you want, you can have' and that car was on blocks under old cardboard boxes. Sad that the original owner died in Vietnam, his mom wanted to keep her word and give it away, but my friend said no way and paid her for it.

[@DonnyHooterHoot]

Trunk open, It's Jimmy Hoffa! You found him! Great video!

[@dginia]

In 1973 my cousin and his new wife had a '61 Galaxie that was quite run out. She and I took him to the airport in Des Moines for a job interview trip. On the way home while still in Des Moines, I realized I had no brakes as I coasted slowly through a red light! We poured in some brake fluid and drove carefully home and parked it!

[@michaelpennington7800]

Beautiful. Glad you plan to save her.

[@motocrossedful]

390 4bbl, 3 on the tree and factory duals. OMG I am in love with this.

[@turtlekoff1]

A "Barney Fife" special. Love it !

[@MrJF777]

This is a nice car of this wonderful era, brings back lots of memories. I was only 4 years old when this car was available at the Ford dealers.

[@Countryboy9129]

Love seeing these old fords. I have a 63.5 ford falcon sprint that I have completely frame up restored using all original parts. It has a 260 with a 4 speed. Grandpa bought it new and it’s been family since. Still has original chrome all the stickers that came on the air cleaner everything that car had in 1963 is still there. I even spent a lot of time and money tracking down an original trunk latch when mine failed.

[@MrDons3]

I have a '64 Marauder that's been sitting about as long with low miles. Wish I had a buddy like you to help out. GREAT video.

[@sorshiaemms5959]

what a beauty 390 starliner would take one any day

[@aljohnson5992]

You and your dad are living the dream !

[@shirleypersinger3614]

I'd be nice to see it back on the road and to come across the missing side finder skirt..lol What a cool 390 old Ford 😎🇺🇸

[@MichaelHoranzy]

390 four barrel with a 3 on the tree?ultimate sleeper survivor

[@davecaron1213]

My father was selling Fords back in 61. His "demo" was just like your car except it was all white and an automatic. Good looking car. I bet yours will clean up nicely. Keep up the good work.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

Dave Caron, no such car as a 1960-1961 Ford Galaxie four doors Starliner.

[@missingremote4388]

Clean or repaint the valve cover Then reinstall

[@joebufford2972]

I was born in 61, and I love all the chrome before and after that date more from the better 🇺🇲👍

[@47mossie]

61's are my favorite Fords, absolutely gorgeous!!!

[@bozodog428]

That old FE is running sweet!

[@bobroediger6121]

Great video bringing the life back of this classic Galaxie! Really enjoyed your video.

[@waynemuehlenbein2281]

I grew up in a Ford family during the fifties and sixties. You could never have told us there was anything finer than that big ole 390 . . . ! 😀

[@herbertlittle2699]

Good job gentlemen I love the way that big block run and it didn't smoke.

[@MrMattDat]

That was the best $650 you've ever spent! GREAT car!!

[@DjBud_VinD]

Nice found, maybe should restore it. Big Up!

[@billpar]

love the car reminds me of my grandmother 62 Galaxy 500 she bought new , hers had vinyl seats and the new car smell was heaven

[@jeffreypinder9398]

Great save and I'm not even a Ford Guy. Noticed Dad didn't get in the car to start it. Great sounding motor.

[@user-tn1hk6zm2freedom]

Them 4100 carbs are a good carb. I bought one at a garage sale for $20 and it works fine.

[@jimcummer681]

I love that you got it running!! I had a 1962 Galaxy 500 crown with a 390 Thunderbird and it was a beast of a motor with a cast iron transmission. Have fun with it!!!

[@donsrestorations]

Unbelievable. What a find!!

[@robertcmatthews460]

hey guys I love watching your videos and enjoy watching you gets these old engines up and running! Im a mechanic and have been turning wrenches for 60 years! but just wanted give you a little tip on freeing up those noisey lifters try a quart of either Marvel Mystery Oil or Rislone in place of a quart of oil with your oil change and see what happens! good luck!

[@markg3506]

It's beautiful!

[@robertmancus0541]

I AM GLAD THAT YOU ARE GOING TO SAVE IT. ITS GOING TO BE A BEAUTY

[@zimmzttocs]

Great cruiser!

[@James-vq7mg]

My 1st car was a '69 Galaxie w/390, my graduation gift in '82, lived it it had 6k original miles

[@billhoward7730]

I could not help but to notice a beautiful Porsche Targa in the other side of the shop WOW!!!!!!!. A 390 4 barrel with three on the tree, what a great find. Bill

[@aslandama]

Very cool car, one of my fav American cars.

[@davidfischer5945]

Thank you for the video. It brought back many memories for me. My parents had a brand-new 1961 Fairlane; same body shell as yours but very plain trim. Ours had an inline 6 and column 3-speed. The year before I learned to drive with it (1969), I helped my dad put a new clutch in it. I was always easy on the clutch because I knew how much work had to be done to install one!

[@BudgetBuildz]

Absolutely, I hope you enjoyed! 😊 Those are some really great memories!!

[@BrightStar3862]

It's great that you and your fabulous Father can engage in a mutually beneficial activity - getting them to run. Hooraah, Theo.

[@jeffreydaigle5917]

Great job guys! I gotta admit, it's I get a kick outta watching you guys tinker!

[@BudgetBuildz]

Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoy 😊

[@simonwoodward438]

Seriously cool find, please do some more on this cars of this era are fascinating and this one looks a great survivor

[@paulplack490]

@20:40 - Autolite was the OEM plug for a brief period in the '60s, so those probably were either the factory originals, or installed during a tune-up done at the dealer.

[@bradpritchett3161]

Y'all need to ride up to Mount Pilot and visit Thelma Lou!

[@jackcurtis5784]

Great Video. Brought back a lot of Memories. I had a 1963 Galaxie Conv. ( it is the one car that I had, and wish I had it back), which we put in a 390 because the stock 352 was junk. I loved listening to that 390 again. Can't wait for the next video of this car.

[@danielharder2052]

Love the respect you show for these old friends

[@daniellebcooper7160]

an interesting and enjoyable 33 minutes...keep up the good work.

[@TheChaztor]

I love '63s but this is a keeper. Nice find.

[@JMc.D]

It blows my mind that you can still find these cars out there. What a classy looking car. And black on red as well. So happy to hear you are going to clean it up soon. Probably my favourite car you have had on the channel outside of the Porsche.

[@ReedParkinson1974]

That's a Fairlane too! The Galaxie Starliner had 3 star medallions in the fastback slope next to the rear window on each side in the 2 door versions only. It was actually a car made for NASCAR at the time.

[@joelsmith4816]

Absolutely LOVE watching these old engines coming back to life. Great car.

[@edchenal821]

Watching you work on the old Ford brought back memories of my youth. Good job. My son has a 62 T-Bird which sat in a garage for 21 years. He will be following your lead on getting it started.

[@highway445]

It's a keeper I guarantee my friend.

[@robertvance1873]

Great job and I'm glad you are fixing her up, she's going to be SWEEEET WHEN YOU GET HER DONE

[@thomasguthrie5938]

Love these old Galaxies. Loads of style. I have fond memories of my 65 2 door Galaxie. It had a 352. I swapped in a 428 police interceptor and its matching C-6 transmission. Man was that one fast car! Sad to say it went away when I got the ring.

[@Leima1]

That Galaxy is beayty, needs full restoration and it is worth it👍

[@SouthernShadetreeMechanic]

Nice score. That’s definitely worth cleaning up. You rarely see four doors around. And you gotta love the 390/3-speed combo! I’m also diggin’ the later GT wheels. FoMoCo bought the Autolite brand in ‘61 so it’s possible the OEM spark plugs would have been Autolites. Carb might be an Autolite, too. Motorcraft didn’t come along until Ford was forced to divest Autolite in ‘72.

[@railtrolley]

Those wheels were also used on the Falcon GT351 here in Australia. The wheels were nick-named "12 slotters"

[@williamandrews1683]

Yeah. I use autolite plugs in almost everything.

[@johnbourgeois1414]

It sure looks like a Autolite carburetor to me and like you said Motorcraft was much later I think the tag is on it

[@jeffrogosz9995]

Sadly the moreDOORS because parts cars for 2 doors,,save the longroofs 👍👍👍👍

[@jeffrogosz9995]

***BECAME * *** parts cars

[@markbrittell2001]

Love to see you polish that old car.

[@stratoslekakis7287]

Hello from Greece! Amazing skills dude,you really know what you doing to those baby’s!!!

[@mikekozi-lester3887]

Hi Mike and his Pop nice video 📹 and workmanship

[@1978ranger]

Im building a 390 with my grandpa. Good engine and amazing car

[@BudgetBuildz]

Awesome!! Thanks!

[@taylormayberry4826]

Haven’t put a set of points in a car in a long time early 90’s had a dual point in my 289 lol

[@jasmith1867]

I hope you change out the intake manifold. You'll know what I mean if you've ever lifted one off the block. I suspect they weigh almost 70 lbs.

[@CountryAndClassics]

I used to have a 1963 Mercury with a 390 in it along with the 4bbl. & that was the best V-8 I ever had and even got 22 miles a gallon without putting My foot into it. I would most defiantly keep it & restore it. Always like the style of the galaxies from 61 to 64. My buddy had a 62 Galaxie 500 & He just did a few minor changes to it & it looked so cool.

[@007galaxie]

Great video and excellent shots. You give me encouragement to start a restoration on my 67 Galaxie convertible. I parked it back in 95 and have always wanted to dive back into it.

[@JonnyBadmoon]

I enjoy watching old cars being restored and cared for.

[@johnnyhawk329]

I had a 1962 galaxie 2 door hard top with the same 390 4 barrel carb. engine when I was in high school back in the early 70s. Man that car would fly. Just so big it was hard to handle. Good memories.

[@gulliver3644]

I had a 390 in my 67 TBird. Loved that car. On a honeymoon trip to Wyoming from Northern PA we stopped and had the oil changed in Denver on the way home. The guy failed to tighten the drain plug and I blew oil until noticing the oil gauge and turning down the radio and hearing tappets from hell. We spent the nite in Anita, Iowa off the interstate under the roof of a country gas station. He opened at 7. I ended up having the valve guides replaced and few other things back in PA. But that 390 got us home. Over my 76 years and many cars. There is always 4 quarts of oil and a tool box in the trunk. And I only listen to talk radio.

[@jeffhammond8969]

Autolite was Ford OEM plugs from back in the day. Definitely one to save! Might be able to pull carpet and do a hot water extraction to bring it back?

[@jamesfrady272]

Lenoir, NC. My old cruising grounds. I had a ‘66 Plymouth Sport Fury. Cruised up and down the main drag and out to the bowling alley. That was ‘82-‘84. I may have passed this old girl on the street. I’ll never know, but it’s a fun thought. I miss those days. I’m glad you decided to save her. I look forward to seeing her fixed up.

[@mikeslattery8715]

Very , nice Barn Find!

[@JorgeDiaz-ly5qp]

SO many wins in this episode - from price to state of the ride to getting her started. All those 352's-390's wanna do is RUN! Once you give it the classic BB treatment, that ride is gonna be the belle of any ball. Cheers!!!

[@markhall6306]

Bro I live in Minnesota most cars rust out because the salt used to melt snow ❄️ that 61 looks good

[@jeffsmith2479]

Very cool car. I just liked and subscribed after you said that you were saving it. I look forward to seeing future videos. Good job.

[@whiskey392]

I can’t believe that’s your dad! Looks like an older brother, how old is he? I found this channel today and have been binging while I work. Thanks!

[@whiskey392]

And now I feel like an idiot - you might be saying “Ted” and I’m hearing “Dad” haha

[@BudgetBuildz]

Haha 🤣 he’s definitely my Dad…he turned 46 today and I just turned 25 last month. Thank you so much for watching!!! I really hope you’re enjoying 😊

[@whiskey392]

That’s a great thing you guys have going! You’re very lucky to have a young father that’s able to share in your hobbies. I’m very much enjoying the content. Take care!

[@grayhounddaddy62leake83]

This was the best video yet! I love the older 60's Fords and remember them when they were new! This was a rare find especially since it appears pretty solid and you got that ol'big block to fire up and Idle on its own! Will be following along on the revival of this Ford, for sure!!!

[@jasmith1867]

I was really surprise that carb worked. I expected it to die, backfire and leak. He got lucky with that part.

[@Simplyput3451]

The Porsche looks great in the background. Congrats on the Ford.

[@rasher1000]

I love the way you and dad approach the revival of these old treasures, looking forward to this particular car, she will scrub up well 👍👏🚙

[@richardkawucha1232]

My first car was a "black 1961, Galaxie" like yours. Woven vinyl bench seats, 390 V-8, 4bbl., auto, "Armstrong" power steering, dual exhaust. The engine had a crack in the water jacket so we replaced it with a 351, same carb. The trans went, so we installed a C6 auto. I installed deep-dish chrome reverse rims on the rear. This was with Goodyear, white letter, wide Oval tires (F70x14) on them. Up front, I put Montgomery Ward "red line" wide ovals (F70x14) on the stock black rims. I installed chrome trim rings and chrome baby moon hub caps. The exhaust was dual "Cherry Bomb" mufflers with full length pipes. Used to race it on US-24 Telegraph Road, and Woodward Ave. in the Detroit area. Ran great, sounded fantastic. Despite the carb choke, being held open by a wire, two pumps of the gas pedal, turn the key and it fired up. No matter what the temp, it never failed to start.

[@onlyme112]

My grandfather had a beautiful white '61 Galaxie. It's a classic design and I hope you have success fixing up the car. P.S. I came here while searching for news about the Boeing starliner space capsule!

[@aubcivil98]

Keep in mind that Autolite was “Motorcraft “ before Motorcraft existed. Ford and Autolite had a very close relationship then. Great work on the old Gal.

[@Fred-vt7kd]

I came here to say exactly this. Autolite would have been the stock plugs in the 60s

[@ramblerdave1339]

Owning is a very close relationship!

[@austinkey6776]

Man You Guys Came Right Threw My Neck Of The Woods To Get Them Cars Would Have Been Nice To Run Into Y’all Anyways Good Luck Fellas

[@jeffzekas]

My son owned a 68 galaxy, it was a lot of fun to work on

[@smokengearsgarage]

Awsome to see a 61 ford Galaxie on here getting revived. We have 3 of them. Galaxie 2 door hard top, Sunliner, and a Starliner. The Starliner had been parked in the corner for 41 years. Hoping get a rivial video of that here on my channel in the future! Cool video man.

[@Tealmoney8571]

I love that old galaxy! Looks like it'll clean up pretty good!! I live in NC as well.

[@jasmith1867]

If that was my new car I would go to bed and dream about working on it the next day. All my old Fords always needed working on the next day.

[@WeeShoeyDugless]

That car is definitely a saver, no way should you part it out. Give it the works inside and out & let's see how she scrubs up👍👍

[@martinlambertlambert6170]

Keeper

[@haydenuk02]

She sounds good. Can’t wait to see the next one. Top work and thanks for sharing this with us take care

[@jasmith1867]

I guess we are going to have to subscribe to see the next video. So I did.

[@byrdsdoityourselfgarage7330]

I cant believe that carb! Unreal haha. Start, and idle, after 24 years!

[@sib4780]

Making memories with your pops is amazing! His laugh has me laughing every time! Love from 🇬🇧

[@MaxGiganteum]

Yes, I know this is an old video but I've only recently found the channel so now is the time to comment. I've said it many times before and I'll keep preaching the message - when resurrecting an old engine, ALWAYS pull the valve covers before cranking over the engine. You're looking for nests built by vermin as well as inspecting the valvetrain for damage/corrosion. Also, pull the distributor and spin up the oil pump to build pressure. Continue spinning the shaft to the oil pump while slowly turning the crankshaft by hand. Go through at least two complete revolutions but I recommend 4 or more while observing the rockers. You do this to ensure that all the bearings are lubed, the lifters are primed (hydraulic lifters), oil is already flowing at the top end when you do crank the engine and that the lifters/pushrods/rockers are all functioning correctly. This is especially important for engines with hydraulic lifters because of the potential to bend pushrods due to the lifters not having oil buildup after long periods of inactivity. The FE engines are famous for bent pushrod syndrome - and the bent pushrods often come about due to the ignorance of those trying to get them running again. The bottom line is that you eliminate risk when you prime the system BEFORE cranking over the engine and you'll find that long dormant engines are usually far easier to start and keep running as well. Best wishes! - Max Giganteum

[@StressedYeti]

A friend of mine had a '69 galaxy fastback with a 390. That thing was a beast and relatively easy to work on

[@chriskowalsky992]

Guy she's a keeper you found a golden egg, a real cruiser car. Guy's wash it compound it and polish it, clean up the interior, roof liner rugs you'll have one sweet ride. NICE FIND YOU DID GREAT BOYS.

[@erniescarano1522]

Great video.....especially nice that the car was restored to the point that it became a dependable driver....show car restorations seem way off the money because they're so "PERFECT" they stop being a mode of transportation and become "artwork?"...

[@martinm4961]

That's a beauty! Look forward to seeing more on this one!