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My 62 Galaxie Q Code Project

30K views 45 replies 14 participants last post by  6262ford  
#1 ·
Here is my 62 Q code (Hi Po 390 375 HP) 4 speed that I bought earlier this year. The car did have the 406/427 style headers, but they were replaced by lighter Jardine headers. The cast headers were in the trunk of the car as part of the deal. The 3x2 setup looks as though they were a dealer install, but can't be real sure, judging by the pitting on top of the air cleaner it would be very likely they were.

The brakes, transmission and the electrics had to be sorted out.
The seals in the wheel cylinders were shot, the master cyclinder needed to be replaced. The tranny had issues with synchros and jumping out of second gear. It is very likely that the car saw some serious action on either on the street or strip, given that the car as a vintage Ansen scattershield installed. Most of the electrics did not work and had to be sorted out.
The fuel pump also leaked and I decided to replace it with a new one and will rebuild the old one.

All these issues have now been addressed and its now onto getting the paintwork seen too. The car had spent 40years in storage under carports or lean to's either in Upland or Fontana California. The paint is badly cracked on the trunk, parts of the roof, rear fenders and hood. The interior has some sun damage on the corner of the front passenger seatback and on top of the rear seat back.

The spare tire looks as though it is the original and has never been on the car, it probably still has the original air!LOL

The car has never been in a wreck, there are no signs parking dings either in the paint or stainless. Every panel on the car is straight and the panel gaps reflect this. The bumpers will need to be rechromed and some of the diecast shows evidence of pitting. The underside of the car is unmarked, no signs of scraps, rust, grease or road grime for that matter

Still trying to decide on what wheels are going to replace the currently fitted Centrelines. Either Torq Thrusts or Cragar S/S fill fit the bill

The engine is real strong and has more than enough torque to pin ya back in the seat when the secondaries open up!

Look forward to cruising the streets of Melbourne Australia with my wife in the summer, the windows wound down, the rup rup of the exhaust on a warm summers night!

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#2 ·
that is one cool car--

what did you do with the cast exhaust manifolds -- wana give them to a really poor galaxie lover
 
#3 ·
Friend of mine died three years ago. At the time, he was working on 1962 about 15 minutes south of Fontana. It was fire engine red, came from the Long Beach Fire Dept. (One of seven ordered) but had a three speed with O.D. tranny. He found some of the parts via a place in Denver Colorado. The whole front suspension was different than normal, and they were only ones who had something similar.

I think the widow sold it to someone in Pomona area. But she (and I ) still have a lot of the parts which new owner did not have room for.

Wm.
 
#4 ·
Here is my 62 Q code (Hi Po 390 375 HP) 4 speed that I bought earlier this year.
Hey Mr. WB,
What a GORGEOUS Galaxie! Are you sure that your Gal isn't a 1963? Check on that, and then I'll tell you why I asked.

The car did have the 406/427 style headers, but they were replaced by lighter Jardine headers. The cast headers were in the trunk of the car as part of the deal.
They don't appear to be the "shorty" headers.

The 3x2 setup looks as though they were a dealer install, but can't be real sure, judging by the pitting on top of the air cleaner it would be very likely they were.
I didn't notice that any of the 62 Galaxie engines came with 3X2, though they were available on Thunderbirds.

The brakes, transmission and the electrics had to be sorted out.
The seals in the wheel cylinders were shot, the master cyclinder needed to be replaced. The tranny had issues with synchros and jumping out of second gear. It is very likely that the car saw some serious action on either on the street or strip, given that the car as a vintage Ansen scattershield installed. Most of the electrics did not work and had to be sorted out.
The fuel pump also leaked and I decided to replace it with a new one and will rebuild the old one.

All these issues have now been addressed and its now onto getting the paintwork seen too. The car had spent 40years in storage under carports or lean to's either in Upland or Fontana California.
Fontana is Ms. American 3.14159's Home Town (she was bought by my father from Fontana Motors).

1964 FORD GALAXIE 500 PI

And Upland is the town immediately North of where I was raised in Ontario, California. How did you find a Galaxie in Upland or Fontana from Melbourne?
The paint is badly cracked on the trunk, parts of the roof, rear fenders and hood. The interior has some sun damage on the corner of the front passenger seatback and on top of the rear seat back.

The spare tire looks as though it is the original and has never been on the car, it probably still has the original air!LOL

The car has never been in a wreck, there are no signs parking dings either in the paint or stainless. Every panel on the car is straight and the panel gaps reflect this. The bumpers will need to be rechromed and some of the diecast shows evidence of pitting. The underside of the car is unmarked, no signs of scraps, rust, grease or road grime for that matter

Still trying to decide on what wheels are going to replace the currently fitted Centrelines. Either Torq Thrusts or Cragar S/S fill fit the bill

The engine is real strong and has more than enough torque to pin ya back in the seat when the secondaries open up!

Look forward to cruising the streets of Melbourne Australia with my wife in the summer, the windows wound down, the rup rup of the exhaust on a warm summers night!
Great looking Galaxie. Congratulations on your acquisition. Welcome to the group here. Hope this finds you doing well.

JC
 
#5 ·
Yay! What a great Galaxie. I do enjoy seeing a black sedan roof with a solid lifter motor. I'm a bit lost about your Q-code and engine. A Q-code in 1962 would be a 390 4V solid lifter at 375 hp, as you describe; also that would be a HiPo car with all the heavy duty components. But your motor has the 3X2 intake, plus a 406 decal on the valve cover. Could this be a 406 6V 405hp dropped into an original Q-code 390 HiPo car? Maybe the 390 blew up? Man, the interior is really nice, too. You've got a lot of right parts in right places.
 
#7 ·
Thanks for the welcome it is very much appreciated.
According to the buildsheet which I found behind the passanger side doortrim. The Schedule Build Date is "22M" which translates to December 22 1961. As far as it being a "406" as per the decals on the valve covers, I think it was for show.

3X2 were available on HiPo solidlifter 390s and the 406s for 62s, however, they were not a production line fitment, they were installed by the dealers, thats according to some of the books they I have.

As far as the headers are concerned, they are real mystery, the 390s I believe had the "shorty style" headers. the ones that came with my car are the long 406 style. So who knows whether this car had 406 in it or not.

How did I come to find this car from Melbourne Australia?
Received an email from a friend in Queensland asking would I be interested in a couple of Galaxies. A 63 4 door with a 352 and this 62 Q Code Galaxie with a 4 speed. I immediately passed on the the 63 and requested a bit more info on the 62. I got a reply with a about 15 pics and the VIN Code.
Further checking on the 62 Galaxie registery, found that the car was not all that too common, (as far as the registery is concerned). I quickly replied to the friend and said to him to close the deal and take care of all the paperwork for the car to be imported into Australia.
So the deal was done!
Did further checking on the net, typed in the VIN code and found a link to Ebay. The Ebay page contained some interesting , incredible if not an unbelievably fanciful story about the car's history. I will post a copy of the Ebay page later on today Aus time as I am supposed to be working.

I am still not sure how my friend got onto this car as he was unaware that it had been on Ebay! Anyway the friend has no knowledge of Fords and is a Chev nut, so much so that he imports Chevs for a living.
 
#9 ·
Thanks for the welcome it is very much appreciated.
Hey Mr. WB,

According to the buildsheet which I found behind the passanger side doortrim. The Schedule Build Date is "22M" which translates to December 22 1961. As far as it being a "406" as per the decals on the valve covers, I think it was for show.

3X2 were available on HiPo solidlifter 390s and the 406s for 62s, however, they were not a production line fitment, they were installed by the dealers, thats according to some of the books they I have.
In the SA Design book "Super 60's Fords" by John Smith (which BTW, while nicely done, DOES have some inaccuracies), it lists the following Ford Galaxies:

"Thunderbird 406 High Performance (6V) V8 featured 405 horsepower at 5800rpm and 448 lbs-ft of torque at 3500rpm, carried an 11.4:1 compression ratio, solid valve lifters, and three holly 2-barrel carburetors with a total capacity of 920cfm, mounted on an aluminum intake manifold. The engine block and cylinder heads were black in color with gold valve covers and used a single oval aluminum air cleaner. Galaxies originally with this engine carried the "G" engine code on the data tag."


"Thunderbird Special 406 V8 featured 385 horsepower at 5800rpm and 444 lbs-ft of torque at 3400rpm, with an 11.4:1 compression ratio, solid valve lifters, and a single 600cfm, Holley 4-barrel carburetor mounted on an aluminum intake manifold. The engine block and cylinder heads were black in color with gold valve covers and used a single oval aluminum air cleaner. Galaxies originally with this engine carried the "B" engine code on the data tag."

"The Thunderbird Special 390 (6V) was still available hower the horsepower rating had been dropped to 340 at 5000rpm and 430 lbs-ft of torque at 3200rpm with a 10.5:1 compression ration and solid lifters. The 390 (6V) engine used the same induction system as the 406 (6V) engine with three Holley 2-barrel carburetors mounted on an aluminum intake manifold. The engine block and cylinder heads were black in color with gold valve covers and used a single oval aluminum air cleaner. Galaxies originally with this engine carried the "M" engine code on the data tag."

There was then the "P" code 390 engine at 330 horsepower, and "Z" code 390 at 300 horsepower.

The book doesn't list a "Q" code engine till 1963. And it was:

"...a 427 (4V) rated at 410 horsepower at 5600rpm with a torque rating of 476 lbs-ft at 3400rpm. It also featured an 11.5:1 compression ratio, a single 780cfm Holley 4-barrel carburetor on an aluminum intake manifold and a mechanical camshaft. The engine block and cylinder heads were black in color with chrome valve covers and air cleaner. Also available in all full size fords, except station wagons, cars originally equipped witht he 4-barrel version of the 427 carry the "Q" engine code on the data tag."

As far as the headers are concerned, they are real mystery, the 390s I believe had the "shorty style" headers. the ones that came with my car are the long 406 style. So who knows whether this car had 406 in it or not.
Are you sure it's a 390? You MIGHT actually have a 427 "Q" code engine masquerading as a 406, because in the Fontana/Upland area in the late 50s and early 60s, there were some serious SuperStock drag racers who would do almost ANYTHING to win at the Pomona, Colton, and Riverside dragstrips (the Fontana and Ontario raceways hadn't yet been built). I mean they would do stuff like take out the Heater/Defroster units (among other things) to lighten the cars. It wouldn't surprise me a bit if one of the racers in the area put (or ordered) a 427 in a 62. That would explain the "Q" code on the data tag.

How did I come to find this car from Melbourne Australia?
Received an email from a friend in Queensland asking would I be interested in a couple of Galaxies. A 63 4 door with a 352 and this 62 Q Code Galaxie with a 4 speed. I immediately passed on the the 63 and requested a bit more info on the 62. I got a reply with a about 15 pics and the VIN Code.
Further checking on the 62 Galaxie registery, found that the car was not all that too common, (as far as the registery is concerned). I quickly replied to the friend and said to him to close the deal and take care of all the paperwork for the car to be imported into Australia. So the deal was done!
Did further checking on the net, typed in the VIN code and found a link to Ebay. The Ebay page contained some interesting , incredible if not an unbelievably fanciful story about the car's history. I will post a copy of the Ebay page later on today Aus time as I am supposed to be working.
Some of what was happening in the Pomona/Ontario/Upland/Fontana area at that time was pretty incredible. As I mentioned, I was raised in Ontario, graduated highschool in 1957, and in 1959 I bought a new 1959 Studebaker Hawk, into which was put a 402 cid Packard with 4 2-barrels, Giovanne roller cam, a 4.55:1 rear end, and a 4-speed Pont a Moisson transmission. The engine had been built by Lanny Monroe for a Fiat Topolino G-Gas Coupe, and he wrecked the car, then traded me the engine, trans, and differential for the stock 259.2 cid Studebaker engine and drive train to put into a 53 Studebaker Starlight coupe for his wife.

I am still not sure how my friend got onto this car as he was unaware that it had been on Ebay! Anyway the friend has no knowledge of Fords and is a Chev nut, so much so that he imports Chevs for a living.
From the looks of your Gal, he done good! :)

Anyway, hope this finds you doing well, and I'm looking forward to the "fanciful" tale of your Gal's history.

JC
 
#8 ·
You have a sweet car. That car is in exceptional condition for a 62.
 
#10 ·
As far as it being a "406" as per the decals on the valve covers, I think it was for show.
I was going to tell you to shove a stick down a spark plug hole and measure the stroke, but the 390 and 406 have the same stroke. Maybe there are some date codes you can find on the block or heads somewhere. Really, there are three facts that suggest it could be a 406:
long headers, albeit in the trunk
the decal
the 3X2 intake, which of course could have dealer-bought and installed on many FE motors.
I agree with Domino--despite some exterior wear, bad paint, etc. you have a really solid car there. Just a paint job would really lift it up...the interior is so nice already.
 
#11 ·
As promised earlier, following is the ebay ad - the html code has been edited out as well as the phone and email information. Seems I made a mistake on the tube headers, they are Hookers not Jardine!
Everthing including the stated mileage checks out with the mechanical condition of the brakes, steering, suspension, transmission as well as the contact with all the previous owners except the first owner.

If I had seen the ad first, the car would not be in my garage now, the ad reads like a scam!!

Fact is stranger than ficiton!



1962 Ford Galaxie Q code tri-p|Research 1962 Ford
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1962 Ford Galaxie Q code tri-power


[B]Title:[/B] 62 Galaxie 500,390 tri-power,4speed,9200 original miles [B]Mileage:[/B] 9,645 miles [B]Location:[/B] orange,ca [B] Vehicle Information[/B]
[B]VIN:[/B] 2J63Q133006 | [URL="http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:void%280%29"]Get the Vehicle History Report[/URL] [B]Inspection:[/B] [URL="http://pages.ebay.com/ebaymotors/services/inspection/inspection.html"]Order an independent inspection[/URL] [B]Warranty:[/B] Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty [B]Vehicle title:[/B] Clear [B]Condition:[/B] Used [B]For sale by:[/B] Private seller [B] Features[/B]
[B]Body type:[/B] Coupe [B]Engine:[/B] 8 Cylinder [B]Exterior color:[/B] Blue [B]Transmission:[/B] Manual [B]Fuel type:[/B] Gasoline [B]Interior color:[/B] Blue
[B]Disability equipped:[/B] --
[




Description ([URL="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemRevisionDetails&item=220309415770"]revised[/URL])


[FONT=Arial]][B]1962 Ford Galaxie 500 Tri-Power 401 hp 390 Q code bought off the second owner . This car is all original inside and out with prestine stainless. The original owner went to vietnam and did not return. Car sat shortly after purchased for 30 years in Texas . After the mothers passing, the family sold it to a man in 1993 where he put it on the road with some centerlines and hookers, keeping the original cast headers. He took it off the road almost immediatly because his fear of it being stolen when driving it. The Original miles is said to be 9645. The reason why I believe it is true, is the pedals are like new, the scids the undercar very clean no rust or ware and the kick panels are like new. Rubbers in door no ware and 50 other things that make the story easy to believe . One of which, knowing where it was sitting since 93. If the story is true he also had changed his order from the factory 390 tri-power to 406 tri-power 405 horse and because of the sudden mid year change the motor is marked with 406 stickers by factory. Such things did happen I am told from 40 year veterans of Ford Motor company. Spare tire and trunk walls are still there un scaved un used as well as the mat and interior shows a little heat ware in head liner and a little fadeing. The first 30 years was covered but not properly, the paint blistered. The second owner did not want to paint it because it was original and left it . He had it sitting in an out side metal garage. Runs great, body exceptional, no rust, stainless like new. Wish I could keep! As you can see the motor is stamped 406 but the "Q" code refers to a 390 tri-power high output 401 horse power. If you have any questions please call, Jim xxx-xxx-xxxx. Email address IS [/B][EMAIL="caliocs100@yahoo.com"][B]xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx[/B][/EMAIL][B]. Thank you! Also, please visit this website for any questions about the engine codes and so forth [/B][URL="http://www.collectorcarmarket.com/content/profiles/ford_6264/62-64Fordxl.htm"][B]http://www.collectorcarmarket.com/content/profiles/ford_6264/62-64Fordxl.htm[/B][/URL][/[/FONT]
 
#12 ·
Very interesting story there.
I think the only way to find out exactly what engine it is, is by checking with some casting numbers.

And another Aussie too!
 
#15 ·
Hey All,
Take a look at the engine code table here:

1962 - 1963 - 1964 Ford Galaxie XL

The only thing that is different about Mr. WB's "Q" code 390 is that he says it is 375 horsepower, and the table says that the 390 HiPo "Q" code was a 401 horsepower engine.

JC
 
#17 ·
JC,
According to Rebuilding Your Big Block Ford, by Steve Christ, the webpage you cite here is missing one of the codes. In 1962, the 390 6V 401 was an M-code. The Q-code was a 390 4V HiPo at 375 hp.

Other: I would be surprised if Ford would, in response to a customer's "changed" order, slap a 406 sticker on a 390 and send it out the door. I know I would be pretty mad to find out my ordered 406 was really just a 390. On the other hand, I could see where a car ordered with a 390--and issued a VIN and engine code--could have been changed on the production line to use the different engine...without changing the code and VIN. But whether a 390 HP or a 406, why doesn't this engine have gold valve covers? (And in the unlikely event that the engine is a 427, you'll know by the main bearing crossbolts on the side of the block.) Well anyway, I guess the answer is en route to Australia to a lucky and deserving owner.
 
#18 ·
JC,
According to Rebuilding Your Big Block Ford, by Steve Christ, the webpage you cite here is missing one of the codes. In 1962, the 390 6V 401 was an M-code.
Hey Mr. QCRC,
In doing the research into this "Q" code thing, I'm finding all kinds of info, and much of it is conflicted. I looked in "How To Rebuild Your BIG-BLOCK FORD" by Steve Christ, but found no references to the "codes". BUT in the "SUPER 60's FORDS" by John Smith, the "Q" code didn't appear until 1963, and it was a 427 cid. And what you reference as "M" code is listed by Smith as being 330 horsepower, and had chrome valve covers and air cleaner.

The Q-code was a 390 4V HiPo at 375 hp.
As I said: Smith doesn't list a "Q" code till 1963, and the webpage I cited lists the 1962 "Q" code as a 390 HiPo w/ 401 horsepower.

Let me also remind you that none of this info is of MY own knowledge, but rather just the product of my book-worm-ish-ness! About all I know of my own personal experience is the 1964 Ms. American 3.14159, with whom I have more than a modicum of quite intimate knowledge and experience! :)

Other: I would be surprised if Ford would, in response to a customer's "changed" order, slap a 406 sticker on a 390 and send it out the door.
I have to agree. That would be pretty unusual, if not downright dishonest.

I know I would be pretty mad to find out my ordered 406 was really just a 390.
:)

On the other hand, I could see where a car ordered with a 390--and issued a VIN and engine code--could have been changed on the production line to use the different engine...without changing the code and VIN. But whether a 390 HP or a 406, why doesn't this engine have gold valve covers?
The "SUPER 60's FORDS" lists the "Q" code in 1963 as having Chrome Valve Covers, and Air Cleaner.

(And in the unlikely event that the engine is a 427, you'll know by the main bearing crossbolts on the side of the block.)
I'm eager to hear from Mr. WB about what he actually HAS. The possibilities are numerous.

Well anyway, I guess the answer is en route to Australia to a lucky and deserving owner.
And at this point, even HE (Mr. WB) doesn't actually KNOW what the TRVTH is.

Isn't this fun?

HTFYADW!

JC
 
#19 ·
I looked in "How To Rebuild Your BIG-BLOCK FORD" by Steve Christ, but found no references to the "codes".
page 48-50, see also 390 HP text on page 29.

Let me also remind you that none of this info is of MY own knowledge, but rather just the product of my book-worm-ish-ness!
Same here. We book worms gotta stick together!

Your own earlier post lists gold valve covers for all three (should be all four) HiPo engines in 1962. That would be 406 4V and 6V and 390 6V (M code) and the missing 390 4V (that's the Q-code). If Wreckingball's car should have come originally with a 390 HiPo solid lifter NASCAR engine with 4V intake. Evidence here suggests it was replaced with a 406.

And yes, it is fun! Now, I'm off to wrassle the driver's door glass.
 
#20 ·
page 48-50, see also 390 HP text on page 29.
Hey Mr. QCRC,
There is IS, right there in black and gray! Thanks for the reference.

Same here. We book worms gotta stick together!
Yeah, but at least you actually HAVE an "R" code Galaxie.

Your own earlier post lists gold valve covers for all three (should be all four) HiPo engines in 1962. That would be 406 4V and 6V and 390 6V (M code) and the missing 390 4V (that's the Q-code).
AND the "P" code engines ALSO have gold valve covers.

If Wreckingball's car should have come originally with a 390 HiPo solid lifter NASCAR engine with 4V intake. Evidence here suggests it was replaced with a 406.
But the "Q" code in 1963 came with chrome VCs, but it was a 427. And doesn't Mr. WB's engine have chrome VCs?

And yes, it is fun! Now, I'm off to wrassle the driver's door glass.
Before you start to wrassle the DDG, you might try intimidating it like the wrasslers on TV do to each other. You might use the incantation (WYNGGDDMFSOAB!) that I posted some time back. It's pretty intimidating! :)

Also, be careful. Them regulators are spring loaded!

HTFYDW!

JC
 
#21 ·
Yeah, but at least you actually HAVE an "R" code Galaxie.
Hey, a solid-lifter FE of any stripe is nothing to sneeze at. Cop motors qualify.
 
#22 ·
According to the 62 Galaxie Registery 62 Ford Galaxie Registry - Home The Q Code 390 HiPo was phased out in late 62 or early 63 to make way for the 406 options.

I will take a look at the casting code on the block and also the heads, will post the results later on today.
Who knows it could have a 352 with solid lifters in place of the 390!
 
#23 ·
Ok here we go, went out to the garage checked the casting numbers on the heads, they match and the number is C1AE-A.

According to George Reid"s book "High Performance Ford Engine Parts Interchange - 221-CID TO 460 CID"
ISBN 1-884089-33-X

These are 352-390 High performance heads which were available 1961-1963, which would be the correct for the year and in all probabilty came down the production line in the car.

The block is a another story, it is not a 352! whew!!
The casting number is C2AE-J, Mr jimmife you were right! You correctly identified what it could be. Guess the original block was probably taken home in a bucket after some heavy competition on a street or strip somewhere.

Don't know whether to keep trying to find more information, or just get on with getting the old car back to its former glory and just enjoy this piece of American automotive history.

I really appreciate the interest, comments and suggestions you all have shown and will keep you posted.
 
#24 ·
Yep, my book tells me the block is a solid lifter 406, and the heads are 352-390 71.2-74.2 combustion chamber.

Sounds like you can get back to normal now and enjoy the car!
 
#25 ·
The deconstruction has begun with the removal of the side trim and there were no surprises, that is not quite correct. I was stunned when I removed the stainless at the bottom of the quarter panels, there is no sign of rust!
The scale that you see in the first pic is in fact some goop that had been applied at some stage. It rubbed off really easily and so getting it ready to the paint stage will relatively quick.

No panel work will be required, no yards of bondo like you see on American Hot Rod, Overhaulin' or that other show Wrecks to Riches.

I am stunned at the amount of filler that is used on some of the cars that I seen on the shows, the size of some of the sanding boards puts most skateboards to shame.
 

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#27 ·
Have nearly completed the teardown process, the bumpers will going to the platers this week, orders have been sent off to the vendors for a bunch of parts. Had a good look underside of the car, the frame and the floors are clean, almost factory fresh.

The mufflers and their hanger brackets were held in place by bailing wire to the bumper brackets. I could not find any holes the muffler hanger brackets should have been fastened to. Curious!

Yesterday the weather was really lousy, it rained most of the day, we need the rain real bad as we have been in drought for nearly 10 years. Would not mind at all if it rained all during the week and in working hours. Tried sanding the top of the rear quarter panel with and orbital sander, which did little, then decided to use something more agressive.

Had a look at the Josco Brumby StripIt disc,
Josco* |* Brumby Strip-it Discs
Found that it was too agressive and could develop too much heat.
So it was off to the local Repco store
Repco Limited - Shop Internet site
Bought 5 litres of paint stripper and going to apply it to the whole car.
Did contemplate getting it media blasted, the price which some folks are asking is just ridiculous and would rather put that money towards the parts that the car will need.

Went to the paint store and stocked up etch primer filler, thinners, sand paper, masking tape etc. Will pick up the paint during the week, just need to get the paint codes for the Oxford Blue and light blue metallic for the dash and window surrounds.

So the full monty paint strip will commence at the end of the week!
The fair Mrs Wreckingball has offered to lend some of her elbow grease to strip the old Gal back.
Mrs WB has also offered to tackle the refurb of the steering wheel, it will be her first time, she has seen a couple of wheels being done and opines that it should not present too much of a challenge! So now she is getting intimate with a Dremel, a 3 sided file and has used 2 part epoxies in her craft making days.

Mrs WB's generosity has also extended to making the suggestion that we should save a number of weeks and airfreight all the parts that we need, including, carpet, seat trims, headliner, full rubber kit, emblems etc etc.
Me thinks Mrs WB has seen too many episodes watching Overhaulin and wants the car done much sooner than later!

Just now we are waiting on on the vendors to come back to us with weights and dimensions of the packs.
 
#28 ·
As promised some more shots. Some of the underside of the car and the pitiful start on removing the paint. The hood, roof, trunk and the tops of the rear quarters are the only areas where the paint has crazed.
Will post MRs WB's handiwork as she is doing the steering wheel.
That's all for now.
 

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#30 ·
Thanks xlford, we met earlier this year at the American Car Show and you had your R Code there.

There has been progress made all be it a little slow in the paint removal, hope to have it naked on the weekend and then in etch primer sealer.
The bumpers went to the platers a couple of weeks ago and will back sometime in a couple of weeks.

The polishing of the shiney bits has started, the headlight rings are done, as is the rear window molding and some of the emblem bezels. Have started to do the long spears. Been spending a couple of hours at night in the workshop buffing, thats just real dirty job.

I have been waiting on confirmation on the availability of the on the big list of parts that I ordered.
Got confirmation today that the shipment will leave the States in 4 weeks as there is a few items that have to be made up. I ordered new seat trim, carpet, mats, headliner, interior door handles, window winder handles, shift boot, shift ring, emblems, full rubber kit including the fuzzies and a bunch of other items. Also got a quote on the air freight, for the price I would have paid locally for the rubber kit alone worked out at the same for the as the US price of the full kit plus airfreight. The carpet and all the other stuff will ride free!

Do have some pics of in the early stages of the paint stripping, the car is further advanced than in the pics.

You can see on the hood that the metal has been etched and why it has go to bare metal to get a good base.
 

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