Reviving a Neglected Classic 1964 Ford! (Putting Her BACK on the Road: PART 1)

[@ThunderHead289]

Hey, thanks for watching guys. What do you guys think of these ThunderHead289 Shirts? Technically for sale currently. www.junkyarddigs.com/shop/junkyard-digs-logo-z9z9j Love driving this galaxie! call me an old man, but I love the old style interiors of the late 50s early 60s and just easy cruising down the road, or around town. Thing just floats, it’s awesome.

[@rodmandealerman3297]

Thumbs up!

[@bretc9644]

I don’t think people driving newer cars truly understand just how comfortable these old bench seats were and how easy these cars drive down the high.

[@TBullCajunbreadmaker]

You know that there were 352s that were rated at 300+ h.p. that you could get in the 64s. Once you put all 600cfm to that engine you are going to be really surprised at how much power that old engine really has. I had 3 1964 Galaxie 500s back in the day. My last Galaxie was the XL and it had a 406 Interceptor engine in it from a wrecked cop car. I didn't have to do a lot but I did put an Isky cam, medium rise cast iron intake with a 780 Holley and solid lifters with factory headers that were already on the engine and dual exhaust, plus extras. It was a three on the floor and it ran like a trooper.

[@garywinters2282]

I like them, will purchase one in the near future.

[@chicagovasko]

I'd buy one xxxl.

[@harrison4ever125]

Beautiful car. Also I just want to say, you are very talented at talking and making videos. Keep it up man.

[@ThunderHead289]

Thanks so much, I wish I had someone else to hold the camera for your guys sake!

[@harrison4ever125]

@@ThunderHead289 Yeah it would be nice to have a camera guy. But tripods are a good alternative. My wife bought me one off of Amaxon for really cheap and it is VERY adjustable. I have one but I haven't used it much. Just got a GoPro so I'm wanting to start making videos. I have a 97 Yukon that needs the motor gone through so maybe I'll get to put some videos up soon.

[@clevelandmaker386]

@@ThunderHead289 no freaking way! you got that car on your celebrity.....he knew who you were! down here in the south THERE IS NO WAY....IN THE BLUE BLAZES...OR THE YELLOW CORN....OR THE AMBER WAVES ON GRAIN THAT UR GETTING THAT CAR FOR THAT CAR....HERE YA PAYING 4500 if your white 6000 if your me!

[@jasonfriend7284]

Ive had 2 Galaxies, both 63s. I had a pretty epic solo road trip in my first about 15 years ago. I was unemployed, tattoo apprentice. I drove all the way from Ohio to Utah in a crappy old Jetta. Found a 63 Galaxie with a 352 in SLC, ditched the Jetta and drove from Utah to Arizona to Texas and back to Ohio. Got lost somewhere in Southern Utah, carb caught fire in Tucson, hiding from cops somewhere in Texas, and my dump tube broke off in Austin. Epic trip. Got back to Ohio, picked up my friends, took the dump tube caps off and shook the teeth out of a traffic cop who let me go. Miss that car.

[@WaybackTECH]

This is a lovely survivor. Please keep it original and just preserve the old girl.

[@kennethmonson]

I absolutely love the sweeping speedometers of the day.

[@roberthemphill8588]

As a 65 year old, I have always liked the Ford Galaxie.. glad you have resurrected the old Ford. Good job...4 windows down and vent pulled out! enjoy all of your videos.

[@his.purpose]

Awesome! Many years ago (1979) I owned a '64 Ford Country Squire station wagon with the 352 and a 3 speed overdrive transmission. I love these old beauties, no matter the brand. Keep up the good work! One of these days I'll be driving a patina special! 🤓 👍 💯

[@garysimonson9593]

I love '64 Galaxies. My parents bought a Galaxie 500/XL two-door hardtop brand new in October of '63, I was 7 - it made a lasting impression on me. That bucket seat interior was the coolest thing my seven year old eyes had ever seen. Ours was also a 352.

[@OldCrowsClassicCars]

Awesome! Good to see another guy using a real car as a daily driver!

[@ddoyle11]

Beautiful car! We had the two-door version in white when I was a kid. I always loved the rocket engine tail lights!

[@donsmith4465]

Great to see someone actually keeping these old 4dr Galaxies alive. I have one and am very close to having a daily driver as well. Will follow you and your adventures.

[@Fractal_CZ]

One of the best videos. Great mix between education and atmosphere!

[@lvsqcsl]

That is what they brought me home from the hospital in. I was hoping when you raised the hood I would see gold valve covers with "Thunderbird" stamped in them. The 352 didn't have that. Still got the old Cruise-O-Matic. My dad bought one of those new and I would sit on the console when I was little. It had that gearshift with a black ball at the end. Great video!

[@scottpetersen8386]

I bet that just floats down the road ,these old cars are fun to drive! Great cruiser!

[@buffdelcampo]

I bought a '64 Ford Galaxie in 1970 for $395. It had a 289 and later a 351 Windsor that I built. My dash looked exactly like yours. I sat behind that dash for 17 years and 225,000 miles. It was a southwest car with no rust. I wish I still had it. Thanks for the video.

[@garywinters2282]

Great vid Luke, it's very cool you have made her your everyday driver!

[@67Stang]

Great to see the old car performing so well. Can't wait to see what happens when you get that carb straightened out.

[@ThunderHead289]

Me neither! Hopefully it doesn’t send the transmission out the bottom of the car, it’s like restrictor plate racing right now!

[@ksingleton101]

Being 62 years old makes me appreciate this video much more. I had a 68 Ford Galaxy 500 that I wish I still had. Being 17 I was stupid to trade it!

[@ThunderHead289]

We’ll see, I’m on the other side - I never sell anything and probably should!

[@JDWorkshop-wn9tt]

I did a Pertronix upgrade on a ‘61 Buick I had way back. It really brought the starting and, driving to life! When I would start it up, it was like a fuel injected car. Just boom. Up and, running.

[@murraykriner9425]

Finally pulled 500 out of mothballs and starting to rap away at it. You have a real nice looking car all the way around. Wished my interior was even close to that, but it must be dealt with in time. Thanks for showcasing your honey. Beautiful.

[@raymondmumford6255]

Your a very clever man. Love your videos, love to listen to you, your knowledge is amazing. Please make more videos.

[@MrModelworx]

Love this car ! Ever since you started posting photos of it over on Instagram. The 64 Galaxie has always been my favourite, looking forward to that carb swap. Great video as always.

[@ThunderHead289]

Thanks! I’m looking forward to it too! It should make a big difference!

[@taco472]

Nice ride. Rebuild that carb or put a Holley on it (#83310). Since life is short if you really want to cut that 0-60'time try a Ford Motorsport Hi-pro 390/427 cam or Crane 'Blazer ' cam about the same spec. Had a friend that did that, you'll love how that 352 FE will run. You will end up replacing the rear tires more often though.

[@keeponpainting9465]

You are a good teacher. thanks for this. I learned a lot.

[@bryanbrumfield3533]

Awesome old cruiser! I really hope you can rebuild that 4100! Those things are pretty neat reliable carburetors. One tip I can share on installing a distributor, and everyone has their own methods and there is no wrong way of it works! But I’ll usually put the crank timing marks at the base timing I’d start with. And then the rotor pointed straight at the no1 post. It will fire right up without needing much adjustment. I always end up checking it anyway. But it could be a handy method in a bind if a timing light wasn’t available.

[@ThunderHead289]

You are absolutely correct, I f you even want to be really accurate, you can energize the ignition with the crank at the initial setting, and turn the distributor with the engine off - the unit will spark when it’s aligned, which at that point you are good to fire!

[@bryanbrumfield3533]

ThunderHead289 that’s a great idea! Always neat to see different methods on that sort of stuff.

[@SayyShhh]

Just picked up an all original 64 farilane 500 with 33k miles. love it

[@littlevinc.8577]

An old soul and a old car.. 👍 Good times. Thank you for these great educational videos.

[@jerryb1234]

As knowledgeable/technical as ever, I see people trying to fake this kind of wisdom all the time, it is fun to watch some of them try, lol, great video Luke, thanks for sharing.

[@chicagovasko]

Luke your cool man I appreciate all the teaching. I can not afford school or have time for it but I do have time for thunderhead289. Peace buddy.

[@ThunderHead289]

Thanks so much, I just try to put out the info that I wish I had when I started in on learning this stuff about ten years ago!

[@Gkitchens1]

I'm just glad to see the art of el carburitto y distributadors adjustimas is not dead.

[@toms1348]

Nothing like the sound of an old school carbureted V8.....gleg, gleg, gleg, gleg.....love it! Great car too. I wouldn't mind cruising around in that baby.

[@jkholley1118]

Badass ride, I would daily that too. Rock on.

[@tomadkins2866]

I started driving in 1977 and always drove an FE powered Galaxie XL or Thunderbird. People then were practically giving them away due to rising gas prices. It's hard to pick a favorite model year Galaxie, they were pretty unique from year to year. If pressed to choose, mine is the 66, with 64, 63 and 69 lumped into second place. Out of the 10 or so that I had over the years, 5 of them were 66 Galaxie XLs, 3 of which were 7-Litres. (I never knew how rare they were until they were long gone). The 352 and 390 were the workhorses back in the day and cheap as chips. Now, as an officially old guy, your awesome 64 4-door would be like reconnecting with an old friend. Under $2k for that car was a heck of a deal. Nice find!

[@enjoyingretirement4846]

Dude you are good at this video stuff and you are outstanding at sharing your knowledge. Thanks.

[@Sulfuron41]

That old coil certainly seems to be the original factory coil. I just pulled that same exact coil off of my 1965 T-Bird. Kept it just because it was so cool! I'm excited to watch your vids as it will help me better understand my car in some small ways. I also have that same ancient distributor in my car, and am now seriously considering replacing it. Thank you so much for all the vids!! Looking forward to the next ones!

[@jeffkelly636]

Nice Galaxy! I saw a restored red one at a car show and had to get my photo sitting in it. My dad had a burgundy '66 Galaxy.

[@craigwilson8420]

Great job Luke 👍

[@joeygeisler3506]

Awesome video. I am very impressed how well and accurately you YEETED that old distributor out

[@Stahodad]

Nice to see a project on the road..👍

[@ThunderHead289]

I put all my projects on the road - if I don’t plan to drive them, I won’t buy them 👍 Maybe that makes me a sucky KZbinr, idk 🤷‍♂️

[@Stahodad]

@@ThunderHead289 That it is the smart way to go. See a project through ...or sell it to someone who hopefully can...Cheers from Chris in Canada.

[@jefferysmith3930]

Thanks uncle Luke for the ignition tutorial. I saved this video to refer back to later

[@TheCarlsson96]

It's seems like a nice car and it's a old v8 so always cool with old ford v8s

[@trickyricky12147]

I appreciate the general knowledge that you have about carburetors and distributors. No matter Ford or Chevy, Olds, etc they all pretty much work the same way, regardless of the different firing orders, they were almost the same. I could talk about various carburetors, but if you have the general knowledge of them, you could figure out all of them! Thanks

[@ThunderHead289]

That’s what I love about old cars - basically all the same principles!

[@erikjohnsen6679]

Just love your videos Luke . 👍

[@beboboymann3823]

Wow! You brought back wonderful memories Luke. I’m a boomer so somewhere in the dark recesses of my tool box hides a timing light and dwell meter both purchased when there were still Sears & Roebuck stores around with mesmerizing tool departments. I lived and breathed FE engines for a few weeks years ago when I pulled a very tired six cylinder out of a ‘69 Ford Stepside pick-up and dropped in a junkyard 390 out of a Galaxy and a Toploader 4-speed out of a Fairlane. The huge shock was when I struggled to pull that cast iron manifold off the 390. I thought there had to be a hidden bolt holding that sucker on. The 390 camshaft had no wear so I drove it over to Holman-Moody in Charlotte and had them grind it to work with the Holley carb and Eldlebrock aluminum manifold I ordered for it. It worked out really good. I built it to pull a very heavy Wilderness travel trailer and that FE did a wonderful job. Anyway, you and Dillion and the guys working on the old stuff are preserving and showcasing a very special time period for cars and trucks and I am always excited to get a notification that one of you has a new post. Please keep up the marvelous work! Sorry to ramble here but you started it.

[@ThunderHead289]

Don’t apologize, I very much enjoyed reading it! This era of cars is very near and dear to my heart - it’s sad to think that someday in my lifetime there really won’t be any, but for now while they are still here I aim to enjoy them as much as I can!

[@qtig9490]

That thing you mentioned about the resistor wire on the Ford ignition is a huge source of problems when people dont know about it. Many Pertonix are installed by just connecting that lead directly because folks dont read the instructions that come in the Pertonix box and they end up with only about 6-8volts instead of the 12 that the pertronix needs.

[@munnsie100]

Very interesting to see the US Fords have the distributor driven oil pump. I had to replace the distributor on my EB Falcon (Australian with the 4.0 SOHC 6 cylinder), not a fun job at all with the manifold still on. I found it a bit troublesome to get it all to mesh together thanks to the oil pump being slightly rotated but I got there in the end. Would've been a walk in the park if it had access like that engine! Love that car.

[@michaeljablonsmi4686]

Nicest car yet. thanks for sharing

[@Brooksinc1976]

Great stuff. And good listen. I just got a 64-500

[@davidryan573]

Cool video, thanks she runs great, very original car, awesome find even in a four door.

[@upfactoryracing4148]

Words of wisdom there at the end!

[@E7DMG]

4 months of Summer. Really! we're lucky to get 2 weeks here in the UK!

[@alexminichello9804]

Yeah that’s the original coil for sure, I have a couple orginal NOS ones with different date codes most all 60’s, you wouldn’t believe what they sell for !

[@georgebonney90]

Great video, im really looking forward to the carb rebuild video

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Beautiful old Ride

[@johnallen2771]

I'd like to see the '64 Plymouth with all the chrome. That's a pretty good looking car.

[@brianhdueck3372]

As always, another great tutorial video! You do an excellent job of explaining the important details. IMHO the model year 64 is about as good as anything gets. The only word for the styling is classy. Great music too! Thanks Luke!

[@ThunderHead289]

Your welcome! So glad you enjoyed!!!

[@makaylaslater5247]

They don't quit either. Ford used to make good cars back in the day. My dad had a 67 F250 Ranger motothome with a 352 it just keept going and going. I put a Pertoronix kit in it and an edelbrock intake and carter 600 4bbl for extra tow power and it loved it.

[@peadarmacewen4710]

As I recall, the 4100 was a desired carburetor - and with good reason. The view is special from behind the wheel of a '60 sedan.

[@mpowers56]

I have that exact same car. Great cars, I need to get mine back on the road.

[@MrValhem265]

always cool with old ford v8s

[@sr71blackbirddr]

Awsome technical advice as always, can't wait to hear her purr with the carb sorted/swapped.

[@DylanC828]

Absolutely beautiful car. You found a true gem, down to the way the paint is chipped and worn on the (seeming to me) FACTORY air cleaner. A true survivor driver! You just can’t replicate this, but I would also save the original parts just to keep them for the fact they still work, and if you or someone else wished to put it back could do so.

[@DjoSimd]

I like this kind of content, very interesting ans educative ! Keep them coming !

[@ThunderHead289]

Thanks so much!

[@2003cobramustang]

Great job look forward to you swapping out the carb! Love the old fords!

[@richardlarson2969]

That's a great video. Very informative. My parents had one of those when I was 10 years old. I thought it was a cool car back then too. Wish I lived closer and could take it for a drive.

[@justinphillips6136]

She’s a beauty.. keep her rolling!

[@5.3pachyderm15]

Can't wait for the carb video!

[@ThunderHead289]

Me neither - should make a huge difference

[@5.3pachyderm15]

@@ThunderHead289 😂 I sure hope so

[@glenbo2464]

Thats in great shape throughout ! Runs awesome !

[@gordman6860]

I love that 64 and she's sure a beauty and hey If you want to buy me an oldie i'll sure drive the wheels off it ..lol

[@shannonbrown7659]

Sweet ride !!! Great video as always !!! Thanks for sharing !!!💯🧨

[@jwelchon2416]

The first car I bought with my own money was a 1964 Galaxie TuDor hardtop. I would love to have another.

[@sonnyjordan1911]

Glad to see your 64 I have one. It's a fastback 👍

[@mrbig4514]

You're awesome for having a 4 door classic car.

[@kerrylewis2581]

I really love this car.

[@MattySlimz]

64 Galaxies are slick!

[@3653-w2s]

friend 40 years ago had a 1966 f-250 with the 352. Not quick but no lack of power. Posi rear. Never got stuck.

[@El_Chompo]

Man what a cool car! Looking forward to seeing it get tuned up properly!

[@gregferguson9987]

Good video. Lot of information.

[@williamhelms9942]

Class! My dad's '58 Fairlane had a 352. He illegally street raced, and only twice he had beaten one car that was faster than his, a Plymouth Savoy with either a 392 Hemi or a crossrammed 413 Wedge.

[@walterwhitaker1395]

Hey Luke! I pulled a Ford distributor for a young fella and replaced it with a more modern one. Buttoned things up and sent him on his way....... two days later he called and said his engine was knocking? He brought it back and sure enough it was! Apparently the oil pump rod came out with the distributor and had fallen into the pan!!!!! Well the damage was done I ate the cost of a new crankshaft and found out that this is a common FORD problem!!!! So theres my tale of woe! Time for a beer!

[@ThunderHead289]

Ford oil pump driveshafts have what is called a “tinnerman collar” that often gets removed and discarded for whatever reason. It prevents the oil pump drive shaft from coming up. Often folks assemble an engine and then try to put the drive shaft in from the top after oil pump installation. If assembled correctly, that drive shaft will never ever come out 99 percent of the time. Someone botched a rebuild slightly it sounds like is all - not completely your fault.

[@paulgunter1538]

1964 was always one of my fav years for a Ford, kinda liked the '92 Gran Torino too !

[@413x398]

1972 Gran Torino. I have one with factory 429.

[@waynegouin939]

Im old school Ford. I love this!!!

[@scottsmith3381]

Love the old Galaxy definitely would be a fun car to drive I really miss those

[@MrBillsfishin]

Cool informational video.

[@pastadarasta8131]

Glad you posted this. I'm about to swap my distributor in my 58 Thunderbird with the 352, but I know nothing about them. The car isnt getting spark

[@MLFranklin]

Very nice video.

[@allenshearer]

Wow Luke you're bringing back a lot of memories. My first car was a 63 Galaxie 500, 4-door, 352, Cruis-o-matic transmission, factory air, power steering. I'm still kicking myself for letting it go. On the plus side however I'm still driving my old 76 F-150 i bought new not long after letting the Galaxie go.

[@ThunderHead289]

I love the old galaxies, so much personality - but the 70s f series were great trucks. Not ashamed to sport both, even if they aren’t pristine by any means!

[@neilkinney6600]

Nice car!! I have a 64 Galaxie XL W a 390 4BBL. I still have the 390CFM carb but want to replace it with a 600CFM. My favorite car to drive though is my 1965 4 door Mercury W 390

[@B1Springfield]

That is pretty good mileage to start with. Excited to see how everything turns out, I have FEs lol.

[@shedenvy691]

Your dry humour cracks me up

[@newton366]

I use a old gutted out dist to align the oil pump plus you can put a drill on it to preoil

[@ThunderHead289]

That is actually usually what I use, a distributor with the gear removed. BUT, I just wanted to simplify the process for the viewers who may not have that, but I do completely agree with you - that’s by far the easiest way

[@billbowgaggens306]

I swear I keep waking up to your videos shits great

[@ThunderHead289]

I don’t follow a typical schedule for uploading, HA

[@leroydonnelly2909]

Another awesome video Luke. I can't wait to see how she goes with the carb rebuilt. 👍

[@donellmuniz590]

I'm so glad to see 4 doors getting rescued and loved on. For far too long, they've just been parts cars and demolition derby cars. I used to enjoy demo derbies, but not anymore.

[@donellmuniz590]

I like those old brass expansion tanks.

[@Paulman50]

Your a keen man dayley driving 70 miles a day with all those old water hoses on. Nice car, good score for a couple of grand.

[@Scrambler85]

I've had several 352's and they were all dogs. But very reliable

[@AMBUMAN121]

My first car was a '64 Ford 289 3 speed four door Custom model that I bought while in college in Iowa City in 1968 for $735. Loved that car, wish I'd kept it, but I foolishly traded it in on a1969 Mercury Cyclone Cobra Jet 428 four speed in 1970 which I totalled in 1971 while in the Navy in Jax, Fl.

[@tallboy2234]

Good job, Luke! 👍😁

[@grouprocox]

Thanks Luke! I'll definitely be using your tips on my 62! Just waiting for pushrods and a new rad. Once work slows down I'll be able to start dropping videos of my engine/trans swap

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Good work on the swap luke