Anyone familiar with Galaxies? Trouble spots, or things to look for. Any info (other than saying they suck) greatly appreciated. :thumbsup:

Heavy cars, what engine is in the car?

What year? I've had a few and worked on lots of them.

'64 with a 289 and automatic

Engine choices were 223 six, plus V8s of 260, 289, 352, 390 and 427 c.i.d. Strong differentials and good manual transmissions. The 3-speed was offered through the 300-horse 390, plus overdrive was available behind it. The 4-speeds I think were still Borg-warner T-10s but might have switched to the Ford top-loader in '64. 1964 was the last year for the Ford-O-Matic 2-speed (up to 352 V8), but the 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic was offered on all engines except for the 427s.

It was the last year of the rigid perimeter frame and rear leaf springs; for 1965 the cars were all new an had some flex capability built into "torque boxes" on the frame. This was done to smooth out the ride.

A kind of neat version was the XL 4-door hardtop. It came with buckets and a console despite being a 4-door.


For restoration stuff you'll want to do a search for Greg Donahue Restorations.

The 64 289 will have a different bolt pattern for the trans and a different trans bellhousing, yes the bellhousing is removable on the automatics.

Ford changed the bolt pattern in 65. The 64 and older 289 where built on the 260 block. In 65 they redesigned the 289 block.

I have thought for a long time that the
64 Galaxie 500XL was the best looking car ever built.

(head ducking from all the beer bottles tossed by the forum members)

Thanks for the info guys! :thumbsup:
updates to come Saturday...:secret:

Eric. I had one a Galaxie 500. All white interior with bucket seats automatic on the floor. 390 4 bbl Maroon with a white top. Rode like a dream. Was one long car! Never had a problem with that car. Just that it was a long car

(head ducking from all the beer bottles tossed by the forum members)

ya better do more than duck,I'm throwing a beer KEG @ ya!:D

My uncle has a beautiful 64 Mercury Marauder, which I think is basically the same car. It has a 390 and 3-speed automatic. It is a really sweet car.

My dad had one, dark green ragtop XL 500 with tan interior. Seemed fast but I was only 4 when he got it.

I had a 64 Galaxie 500 4 door medium blue with a white top, blue interior. Had the 4 barrel 289 and automatic trans. That was one of the sweetest riding/driving cars I ever owned. A little under powered, especially if you used the air conditioner! Over all one of if not the best looking year for the Galaxie!:thumbsup:

my friend has a 64 country squire, it has a warmed 390, and the thing is, when i drive it, you get the feeling of security, there isn't much out there that's as big, it feels wide and stable, it handles fairly well, and runs with modern traffic just fine. it just feels like a capable car. they do tend to rust in the rockers, and i don't think i've even seen one that the power steering pump didn't leak. they are low, wide, roomy, and just fun to drive.

some cars show thier age in modern traffic, my 59 truck sure does, but some cars like the chevelle, cutlass, skylark, big pontiacs, big fords, just seem at home no matter what they're doing, whether it's just putting around town, or out on the open road. the galaxie is one of those cars...

My uncle used to have two 64's, a Maroon convertible w/black top, white interior, 289 auto, and an XL500 hardtop, Maroon, black interior, 390 auto. Both were immactulate, and driven all around New England for shows back in the 80's. I spent 3 summers as a young teen up there, cruising around to shows every weekend. :cool: Post up some pics when you get it. :)