1964 Ford 390 FE Country Squire Engine Gets A Teardown

[@DanDan-yy8sf]

Once Chad finds out the motor is better used as a ships anchor he says, "Ya know what we're gonna have to do with this one right" ? No-Sir, we ain't scrap'en it , we're gonna do a This N That Garage rebuild ! As a new subscriber and after watching several videos, it's plain to see that Chad is a master mechanic. Loving this !

[@n5ifi]

Talk about ignorant. You won the prize.

[@johndumarney1630]

My Dad had a '63 country squire in the mid '70's, 2bl 352. It was a brilliant car that really stood out in the UK. It was fully speced out and had features that UK cars could only dream of, we all loved it and he kept it for years. Only one problem was it froze once and split the block in the lifter valley, got it welded they made a beautiful job of it, and it was good to go again. Good luck with yours

[@Josemanuel19588]

It is always good to give the engine a good wash so that it takes on another good appearance. The good thing is to fix what has been cleaned, not to fix what is dirty, I say from a distance, thank you, thank you.👍

[@brandonbos3581]

You bring a positive feeling to a Shadetree mechanic

[@justingray3456]

My childhood friend grew up with a '64 Country Squire that he inherited in the seventies. It had the 390 4barrel that we totally rebuilt in the late seventies or early eighties. I think we put in 10 1/2 compression pistons and balanced the engine. That thing was a runner and hit 120mph no problem.

[@Jefferson-ht4gz]

aesrguor

[@morgansword]

Been a ford man all my life and thunderbird covers came stock on the 390 four barrel engines. I seen it also on the 352 engines in 58 high performance engines. As a fact, even the Y blocks of the earlier year also had it on them. I would not hesitate to build it as it is with what ever good parts that you have. Most aggravating was the exhaust bolts on all FE engines seemed to weld the bolts into the heads on them. I put studs in the ones that did come out and used a nut an bolt to hold on the ones that had to be drilled out. I tended to use headers when I could on those heavy S.O.B.'s and used a aluminum intake when available as their so heavy if your a leaning over a fender to put a intake on them. I just used silicon on the ends of the intake cause they do leak if they pouch out on you when bolting it down. Leave loose a bit till the silicone tacked up then tightened. I would not worry a bit if I went to a wrecking yard and pulled a piston out of another engine. Fords seem very forgiving when throwing them back together. I also used the cheapest gaskets on the heads if they were flat enough. I think felpro is way overpriced. McCormick gasket sets seemed to be just fine. Polish the crank with some croakiest cloth. I think that your going to find that its one very easy engine to work on.... when putting the oil pump on, be sure to use the oil pump shaft with that washer that slides on the oil pump shaft and keeps it from being pulled out if you pull the distributor out... they like to stick to the end of the distributor an then a bitch to get into the pump after words. You will see what I mean provided it still has the slide washer on it. When you go to a junkyard and get that spacer thing that split on you trying to turn the crank... you can grab a piston an the spacer, maybe some of the bolts that broke pulling this one down, pack the oil pump with vaseline before putting it back together. I would use all your crank rods from the original engine an just swap the piston. Also very important.... don't forget the oil slinger that is next to the crank as it will throw oil like crazy if you forget it on the timing chain area. Don't know why fords did it so bad but I have forgot one, one only, when putting a timing chain cover on. I also just used the heavy duty single roller timing chain as its only got to go another 100,000 thousand miles and if its a steel gears set with that chain, they hold up just fine... its all about the price and which is cheaper

[@Wanous-hv7zo]

Ford engines are junk

[@patbaldizan6168]

I once pull 406 heads of an old navy pickup It had gold valve covers. They were the next generation valve covers. The boxy

[@harrywalker5836]

i bought a 62 f100 4x4 from susanville,ca. im in aus..they guy fitted a 352 & 9"".. [ swb truck]. ill re build it. it got me with 4 broke bolts, in the truck, not on stand..i have an alloy intake. headers..will fit mid cam & parts. disc the front diff. i have a spare d70. so might sell the 9"" as worth 1200 here in any cond,,for the holden,[gm], commodore nuts..

[@mikef.1000]

I had an 390FE in a speedboat and I LOVED working on that motor!

[@TerryLawrence001]

Always a pleasant time watching you work. Keeping the suspense going is working too!

[@jeremyTallen1]

I have become addicted to this channel

[@ThisNThatGarage]

Preshate it! 👍

[@jmiller638]

bought a load leveler like that back in 80s, cut that handle off and welded lug nut on, put a impact on , makes for much faster job

[@DanDan-yy8sf]

I was thinking that...

[@ThisNThatGarage]

Not only that but put some bearings on it too. This one was digging in metal to metal pretty bad.

[@tyrvidar]

Great break down, can't wait to see that thing go back together/run. Heavy SOB!

[@ThisNThatGarage]

Very heavy!

[@johnprager7804]

Enjoy watching you work Keep rescuing old cars!

[@DanielWilliams-ry6ub]

I just watched him tip his dolly over with the engine on it and I am telling you this guy is so me. He is a lot more experienced than I am,but some of the things that happen to him it is like a video of me. He always gets where he is going maybe not always the best way,but he gets there. Bravo Chad. Keep safe man.

[@beammichael]

My Grandmal and grandpal had a red 64 2 door hard top. I’ll never forget riding in it. That’s why I’m a ford guy today.

[@87758]

Thunderbird 390 Motor, hope to see it running soon!!

[@Daniels0919]

I know nothing about being a mechanic but still watch your videos for the sheer entertainment of them. Thanks for the laughs and the know how.

[@bozodog428]

Your Country Squire was top of the line back in the day.

[@DanDan-yy8sf]

Thats one sexy car !

[@DanielWilliams-ry6ub]

Of all the big wagons that country squire was one of the sharpest body styles.

[@daleh645]

Good video, I have no doubt that you’ll have that engine purring like a tomcat sitting on a sunny window sill very soon! God bless 🙏🏼🇺🇸

[@roycarpenter5344]

Get yourself a lyft you will absolutely love it, I'm 78 years old and I'm on my way about 3:00 pounds and I certainly don't get under cars anymore was anymore so the 2 post left is absolutely greabsolutely great Roy carpenter sweet home Oregon

[@ThisNThatGarage]

Hope I can soon!

[@OnlyDubai]

26:40 🤣😂❤️ the way u r laughing is amazing. I’ll be laughing too if it happens to me، glad didn’t make much damage to the front grill ❤️ I’ll keep watching till the end ❤️

[@hmhm8990]

Absolutely legend. The real mechanic. Looking forward to the rest.

[@fordnut4914]

Nothing like working on an old car in the shade on nice summer day.

[@jamesmcdonald5868]

I subscribed about 3 months ago. I just got outta the hospital after said 3 months. Now I get to enjoy your channel, and I dig your content!

[@ThisNThatGarage]

Preshate it. Glad you made it out! 👍

[@johnnybgoode6466]

Well done Chad, looks like the 390 block could go another round in the TNT garage !!! keep em coming

[@brucemasters9132]

Like seeing this old wagon again, in 66 I took a road trip with my uncle and cousins in one just like this one. Slept in the back for 4 nights, what a long Strange trip it was.

[@jerrylalonde1199]

You are one hell of a worker.I like your new shop .

[@richarddavis3007]

Get the crank turned and the block decked and new cam bearings put in

[@rustedjunkgarage3316]

Great job, an Airco welder, I used to work for Airco back in the 80’s. 👍

[@AH-dr4xi]

In 1966 my dad bought a wrecked '64 Country Squire with the 390 just like that one. Needed a new front end. He rebuilt it, had it painted, and we had slick ride for a us 10 kids.

[@dirtyberniesgarage1194]

I was just sitting here hoping for an update on this one. Presto!

[@DanDan-yy8sf]

I come strictly for the singing....

[@jftureson]

Saw your video come up and knew it was going to be a good night. You remind me of my grand dad when I was a kid 30 years ago the way you love your work and go about things. Love your show.

[@jasongross9458]

I love this old wagon that side trim is so cool

[@jessestout8646]

I just noticed at 36:40 that it says on the engine Block 352! You also should go back to the junkyard and grab the roof off of the other station wagon!

[@ThisNThatGarage]

All FE blocks have 352 cast into them.

[@fasttruckman]

Inside of engine pretty clean. I wonder if this engine had rebuild on it. Could be the head gaskets were installed incorrectly blocking a cooling port causing the over heating problems.

[@mikemccardle5153]

On a cool fall night them old fords come two life like a jekyll and hyde

[@nbayungboyscuzin7669]

I am so looking forward to the rebuild videos for this!

[@henrymartinez8202]

Great skills and love for the auto mobile make these channels the best shows on video. Thank you. I can't get enough of these revivals and how you all keep these first time machines going.

[@todddenio3200]

With a few performance parts (pistons, cam, intake, carb, and headers thrown at that 390, that ole Country Squire could be a lot of fun and be a great rat rod. I’m looking forward to the updates

[@davidgraham7325]

Not a rat rod i dislike 😤 those things but yeah with some good performance parts that engine will come to life

[@markgamble8377]

Had a V 6 boat motor inboard.cooling plugged. Poured evapo rust in it.let set few days. Did the trick

[@hfdzl]

Years ago before I had an overhead hoist, I would usually pull the radiator support and grill also. Just gives you more room for low height problems. The elves and trolls come in at night and hook up them starter wires - I swear! Great content as usual! Just a loyal subscriber always waiting for new content.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ !!

[@jjock3239]

I had a heart attack, when I thought you were going to wipe out that beautiful grille. I use a 50/50 combination of Diesel fuel and ATF, with heat if necessary. That combo works for me most of the time. The Thunderbird valve covers, were installed on 390s, with certain upgrades. On some years, Ford also put a pot metal Thunderbird emblem on the front fenders, in front of the lower door hinge. It was a reasonable performer.

[@jayh4185]

Gonna be an awesome ride when it's done. Save the wagons 😃😃😃😃

[@FREDOGISFUUN]

I love the lines on that car. I could see myself cruising in that car. A piece of art, not a piece of Sh#t lol Awesome rat rod, will turn heads! Total make over, will turn heads!

[@docwight]

They used the 390 in the T-Birds. In 1967 they took the T-Bird engine and T-Bird interior in a Galaxia body and called it a XL390.

[@terrywiebe5616]

The patience you have is both incredible and inspiring 😊

[@tylermaguire616]

Thank you for the awesome video was wondering about this cool cat of a car! Really dig your channel hoping to see it grow as you really deserve it

[@ThisNThatGarage]

Preshate it! 👍

[@docwight]

Removing the grille and crossmember will make it easy to install the engine.

[@contraband1543]

A lot of Ford core supports are spot welded

[@DanDan-yy8sf]

lolol, I don't think there's much you can tell Chad that he hasn't already forgotten 😝

[@ernmeister54]

Lots of things to keep track of pulling a motor like that in the yard. Reminds me of the old days. It actually is a nice motor when you get it done.

[@quinnswett2926]

don't worry about it worn down to the brass my brothers got a 390fe in his dumptruck going strong everyday 10 Years now since last rebuild maybe on day well get around to all that

[@maddog45auto66]

I would like to see the follow up on the 390 build

[@632Harrison]

I got 2 pieces of 3/4 and 7/8 if you need it for future repairs to boom lift

[@russelblackwell6041]

have you ever had an argument with yourself and lost the argument you are one funny guy love your videos thanks for sharing

[@ThisNThatGarage]

I talk to myself quite a bit! 🤣

[@Signme0011]

You sir? Are hilarious 😂 I could turn wrenches with you and call it fun anyday! Thanks for doing what you do!

[@frizzellracing]

I’m a FE fanatic. I’ve been building them for a lot of years. I have a few videos on budget rebuilding them. I run them in my street cars and my drag cars. I’m the guy that will FE swap anything. Lol. I’m not sure where you are but if you need some stock replacement parts I probably have some I’ll be glad to help you out with your project and get you some parts. If your close to my area I’ll gladly help you out

[@ThisNThatGarage]

I need at least one piston. Email me at [e-mail]

[@Castrucksandtractors]

I hope this one comes back to the channel soon

[@dennishinkle5010]

FE series big blocks had hydraulic lifters. Some of the 63 and 64 models had what was called a Thunderbird Special motor factory 410 horsepower 500 pounds torque. Its all cast iron.

[@billdyke9745]

I do like an engine teardown. (Especially when someone else is doing it)... The big trick is to do it for minimal expenditure. Anybody can buy a heap of new parts and build a 90% new engine. Save your money, Chad, and get a shop. I remember all too well crawling under cars, hoping that it wasn't going to be a really, really bad day... Nice to see those subscription numbers going up. Well deserved, feller. 👍

[@ThisNThatGarage]

Where in the world have you been?? Haven't seen you comment in a few weeks. Had me worried!

[@billdyke9745]

@@ThisNThatGarage Your concern, sir, is noted and appreciated. I've just been busy lately. Something I try to avoid. You make 'em, I'll watch 'em, of that you can be sure. 👍

[@ThisNThatGarage]

@@billdyke9745 👍

[@TBullCajunbreadmaker]

If that old boy said it was getting hot it is probably because he never got all of the air out of the engine. What you should do when you go to put the engine back together you need to take the therostat completely out and run the engine without the thermostat in it. After you have run it for a good period of tie then you can open the cap and use a waterhose to continuously and slowly flush the system out. Once it's flushed you can place the thermostat back in it. That should take care of your overheating problem. Always use a 180 degree thermostat in it. I have had to run a 406 without a thermostat for a couple of months in order to get the trash out of the cooling syste, but on those FE blocks that is the best way to clean and flush the cooling system.

[@johnoneill9539]

Looking forward to seeing it run!…

[@BMfixit]

Got a 460 that is rusted cooling ports. My 352 ran cool all the time. The 352 is stuck now, havnt started it in 12 years

[@tonypaul2987]

Sir I had a 1967 ford Galaxie 500 4 door . Had a 390 4 barrel carb. My valve covers was ford blue and said powered by ford. Great engine. Pass everything up except gas station lol. I loved that car. Pulled her out of a brair patch. Been sitting 8 10 years. Found out why mine run little hot because didn't have that tank you took off with thermostat in. Loved the tailights on my 67. Wish I still had her. Keep up good work.

[@tonypaul2987]

Them factory manifolds are bad about leaking. I fixed mine by having them both shaved and installing good gaskets. Also I replaced all my exhaust bolts with new stainless steel ones with never seize. No more leaks . I put dual exhaust on mine with 1 foot glass packs.

[@MrGozer23]

The engine is right for the car. It is the same engine they would put in a thunderbird. Both being top of the line fords, it makes sense.

[@mikewhaley1068]

That's a really cool engine Chad 🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@jeremyTallen1]

I had an old jack like that I used to lug all over the farm until someone stole it from me. It was the best thing that ever happened to me 🤣

[@ThisNThatGarage]

I've got an aluminum harbor freight jack but it's tied up right now.

[@GeorgiaRidgerunner]

The teflon timing gear was done for noise reduction Years ago i did one in a 67 falcon with a 289 mine actually had 4 or 5 teflon teeth broken off found them in oil pump pick up at that moment i said no vehicle i own will ever have a plastic timing gear as long as i own it

[@valjames1203]

This guy is hilarious. He is an older Vice Grip Garage type. I don't know anything about repairing cars, but I enjoy the suspense of what's going to happen next.

[@Mr.mopar71]

You are the only person I've ever seen with a motor manual. Me and my brother's inherited our grandfather's collection.

[@tomklinar8848]

Hi Chad, I had a 62 ford xl. That had a 390 cube. It also said thunderbird on it, the color of the valve covers was silver , nice project, I think staionwagons are getting popular again , have fun. 😊

[@scottbrown5801]

That's how we did it back in the old days started in the garage fixing stuff then took it out there in the yard and toward all the pieces again rebuild it and do it all over again that was the hillbilly way LOL

[@davidwilson5046]

Chad is there anything you can't fix? your just awesome.

[@boydbaxter]

I find it easier to pull the motor out without the transmission attached. Although I have done it both ways. Just the lift angle to get the motor clear with the transmission not to mention the added weight adds to the difficulty. Your lucky you didn’t smash the whole front end when the motor fell. 😬

[@jaundicedoutlook7247]

I like the cut of your jib young man. Love these old automobiles getting some 'TLC'. Great stuff. Now subbed. Love it 👍

[@davidragan5791]

Love those station wagons

[@wolfgangweimer737]

If you can believe this I was removing the Number Two Engine Strut off a 737-800 and we forgot to remove the ground strap.It's very similar to a ground cable on a car.The results were similar but we weren't dragging the airplane with a tractor.

[@TheAnimute]

The Thunderbird 390 was the high compression premium fuel, 352's didn't get those valve covers.

[@Profabdesigns]

Just have the crack polished to -.010 and get new Clevite bushings properly over sized and you'll be fine. Those older FE blocks are tough. New cam and hydraulic lifters would be best rather than the solid ones. Looks like a salvageable engine.

[@richarddeckard6104]

When you was using the 2 LB. Sledge with the brass drift. It made me think of the old “Ironsides” series. I absolutely love all your videos!!!

[@joeboxer3365]

Too bad motor had to be pulled, but I give you credit for pushing through all the problems you've had with it with a little bit of hillbilly ingenuity, you tell it like it is, showing us most of what you do, so everybody can understand it, this car will be fun once it runs, you take your time but you get it done

[@aldoovercomer5473]

That car looks like it was under water. I always prefer adding a large tire and wheel under the car where I'm working as a backup to the jack stands.

[@dannysettles5646]

I had a 390 head fall on top my foot taking it off block I was bout 21 at the time I 66 now and it was first thing cross my mind when u went take head off right be for u told us same thing happened to u small world lol grate viedo thanks

[@dannybenfield1164]

I had a 61 country squire and I miss it wish I still have it today

[@gixerbike1]

Sleeperdude pulled a 390 out of a wagon of that same year and the valve covers also had Thundebird on them

[@texas_guy_85]

I can't wait to see the next video on this rebuild.

[@matthew8086]

Great video. Keep up the make it work with what you got vibes.

[@OldCarAlley]

Ford use three "standard" size pistons from the factory. One is standard bore size, piston, top painted red. The .002 over has a blue painted top and .005 over has no paint on the top of the piston.... I think thats the sizes for the colors. Ford considered all those sizes standard. Often a yellow number is painted in the lifter valley for the bore oversize, so the correct piston can be installed on the assembly line. Often even on high milage engines, if you carefully clean the pistons, you will still be able to see reminisce of the paint on the piston top. I do show that in some of my videos on restoring a 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 convertible. Are you sure that is a 390. The block casting states it's a 352. It has a Autolite 4100 that was used on the 352. Most of the 390's used a two barrel. With the ware on the bearings, I wonder what condition the transmission is in....... The other wagon in your past video looks to have a solid roof. You should cut it off that wagon to weld to this wagon..... unless you're planning on repairing the roof rot. I show in on of my videos kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJyuiqmOf8eIi6Msi=hHbluMb6tuBBpEBK the numbers in the lifter valley on a 1966 352. I have a whole play list on the Galaxie restoration, and show the blue paint on the 352's pistons, a different video that the one here. Enjoyed your video..... looking forward to seeing that neat old Country Squire moving under it's own power again.

[@ThisNThatGarage]

A lot of FE blocks of various sizes have 352 cast into them. That doesn't mean they are a 352.

[@Ben-rj7xs]

I think those bolts are breaking off because of the location of where the car was setting. I remember before you pulled it out as soon as you opened the hood by the look of the rust on the engine I could tell those bolts were going to be a problem.

[@dleblanc3592]

The exhaust manifold is cry because the engine is running hot. It’s that simple.

[@MegaWireman]

i had more than a few of them 390s, the reason the pistons get ruined in the older ones is from runnin low octain gas.. they need 92 or higher octane, the pre 1972 motors ran 10.6 compression.. probly why it was overheating

[@circuitboarddudegaming5700]

Ooh new video

[@backyardbuilttrucks1]

A SBC or BBC will bolt into FE tower stands using 63 ish engine mounts . Done it many times. Done dozens of the FE engines. Solid engines I love them other then the 90# intake

[@abrahambreban2793]

The Count in Arizon would buy that wagon from you for the right $$$ price to roll over and sell it to the right buyer just keep that motor & trans . Call the Count you be doing us a big favor and you be gatting some too on your chennel too !!!

[@dougberry7044]

Looking forward to seeing the engine back in and driving. Great vids

[@norndev]

Love your channel, much love from Northern Ireland

[@ThisNThatGarage]

Preshate it northern Ireland! 👍

[@joeychaseable]

I'd like to see ya make it more stout.. 4oo hersepowers! Aluminum heads and a hot cam should get ya close

[@ThisNThatGarage]

If I had the money......

[@Experternas]

im not interested in cars at all and i suck at knowing mechanical stuff. im a coder so im technical in that way. anyways. still, im not at all your target audience but i found this fascinating for some reason, the idea of watching progress has a lure. also it helps with an interesting host, the way you speak to your tools and make different voices all the time is cool. so good luck, cool to see.

[@jacobrothermund4685]

That's one way to put the engine on the ground lol😅 like watching your videos

[@stevenfan1218]

Ford did put those on different cars.but I don't know about them ones.fairlines in the 57 to 59 had those covers.they called those engines thunderbird specials.

[@pdrake2572]

New mains and rod bearings will take some of that loss out..I used to do it with V W engines that had a little wear..of course you already knew this..Paul in Ohio..

[@vorperaxeses3187]

Really wanted to see the state of the water pump, steel doesn't like water that much and you won't get much cooling with missing impellers. I had a 1968 Ford falcon. Kept overheating due to no impellers and a blocked radiator, replaced both and it never overheated. Using coolent instead of tap water helps

[@kirk467]

Really should be heating the outside of the block at the pistons my friend and you can use diesel and gasoline or diesel and transmission fluid as a cheap penetrate!

[@markcollins5026]

Man. I would have taken a leaf blower to the engine compartment before taking out sparkplugs, and check the air filter for rodent nest !

[@corydriver7634]

It really didn’t matter at that point he knew once the motor was locked up he was going to rebuild it.