1968 Ford Galaxie 500: Restoration Guide

Are you a classic car enthusiast eager to restore a piece of automotive history? The 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 is an iconic vehicle, and its restoration can be a rewarding experience. This guide provides a detailed roadmap, from initial assessment to the final touches, ensuring you can bring this classic beauty back to its former glory. In our experience, restoring a Galaxie 500 is more than just fixing a car; it's about preserving a legacy. This guide will help you understand every aspect of the restoration process, ensuring a successful outcome.

1. Initial Assessment: Evaluating Your 1968 Ford Galaxie 500

Before diving into the restoration, a thorough assessment is crucial. This step helps determine the scope of the project, the required budget, and the timeline. Walk around the car, inspecting the body, interior, and mechanical components. — Score Big: Angel Reese Youth Jersey Guide

1.1 Body Inspection

• Rust: Check for rust in common areas like the rocker panels, floorboards, trunk, and around the wheel wells. Rust is the most significant enemy of classic cars. Our analysis shows that extensive rust can significantly increase restoration costs.
• Dents and Dings: Note any dents, dings, or other body damage that requires repair or replacement. Our team has found that minor imperfections can be manageable with skilled bodywork.
• Panel Alignment: Ensure the doors, hood, and trunk lid align correctly. Misalignment can indicate underlying structural issues.

1.2 Interior Evaluation

• Upholstery: Assess the condition of the seats, door panels, and headliner. Consider whether to reupholster or replace these components.
• Dashboard and Gauges: Inspect the dashboard for cracks and damage. Ensure all gauges are functional or repairable.
• Carpeting: Evaluate the carpet's condition and determine whether to replace it.

1.3 Mechanical Inspection

• Engine: Check the engine's compression, look for leaks, and assess its overall condition.
• Transmission: Inspect the transmission for proper function and leaks.
• Suspension: Examine the suspension components for wear and tear, including shocks, springs, and bushings.
• Brakes: Assess the brakes, including the master cylinder, brake lines, and brake pads or shoes.

1.4 Documentation

• Service Manual: Obtain a 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 service manual. This is an invaluable resource for restoration.
• Parts Catalog: Acquire a parts catalog to identify and order replacement parts.

2. Bodywork and Paint: Restoring the Exterior of Your Galaxie 500

Bodywork and paint are critical in restoring the aesthetic appeal of your Galaxie 500. This process involves rust repair, dent removal, body panel replacement, and painting. It is very important to complete the bodywork before the painting process.

2.1 Rust Repair

• Remove Rust: Carefully remove rust using methods such as media blasting, grinding, or chemical treatments.
• Repair or Replace Panels: Cut out rusted sections and weld in replacement panels or repair the existing ones.
• Metal Finishing: Smooth the welds and prepare the metal for primer.

2.2 Dent Removal

• Dent Pulling: Use dent-pulling tools or techniques to remove minor dents.
• Body Filler: Apply body filler to smooth out imperfections and create a seamless surface.
• Sanding: Sand the filler to the desired shape.

2.3 Priming and Painting

• Primer Application: Apply a high-quality primer to the prepared metal surfaces.
• Sanding Primer: Sand the primer to create a smooth base for the paint.
• Paint Application: Apply the desired paint color in multiple coats.
• Clear Coat: Apply a clear coat for protection and shine.

3. Engine and Mechanical Restoration: Ensuring Optimal Performance

Restoring the engine and mechanical components is crucial for the performance and reliability of your Galaxie 500. A properly functioning engine, transmission, and suspension ensure a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.

3.1 Engine Rebuild

• Disassembly: Completely disassemble the engine.
• Cleaning: Clean all engine components.
• Machining: Perform necessary machining operations, such as boring the cylinders or resurfacing the cylinder heads.
• Reassembly: Reassemble the engine with new or refurbished components.

3.2 Transmission Restoration

• Inspection: Inspect the transmission for wear and damage.
• Rebuild: Rebuild the transmission with new seals, gaskets, and other components.

3.3 Suspension Restoration

• Component Replacement: Replace worn suspension components, such as shocks, springs, bushings, and ball joints.

3.4 Brake System Restoration

• Component Replacement: Replace brake pads or shoes, rotors or drums, and other worn components.

4. Interior Restoration: Reviving the Cabin's Comfort and Style

The interior restoration brings back the comfort and style of your Galaxie 500. This includes reupholstering seats, restoring the dashboard, and replacing carpeting. A well-restored interior enhances the overall driving experience.

4.1 Upholstery

• Seat Restoration: Reupholster the seats with new fabric or leather, or replace the seat covers.
• Door Panel Restoration: Restore or replace the door panels.
• Headliner Replacement: Replace the headliner.

4.2 Dashboard Restoration

• Crack Repair: Repair any cracks or damage to the dashboard.
• Gauge Restoration: Restore or replace gauges.

4.3 Carpeting

• Carpet Replacement: Replace the carpeting with new, high-quality carpet.

5. Electrical System: Ensuring Functionality and Safety

The electrical system is crucial for the Galaxie 500's functionality and safety. Restoring the electrical system involves inspecting, repairing, and replacing components to ensure the car runs smoothly and safely.

5.1 Wiring Harness

• Inspection: Inspect the wiring harness for damage or corrosion.
• Repair or Replace: Repair or replace the wiring harness as needed.

5.2 Lighting

• Headlights: Restore or replace headlights and other lighting components.
• Tail Lights: Restore or replace tail lights and other lighting components.

5.3 Gauges

• Restoration: Restore or replace gauges to ensure they function correctly.

6. Sourcing Parts and Materials: Finding What You Need for Restoration

Sourcing the right parts and materials is crucial for a successful restoration project. Several resources are available for finding the necessary components.

6.1 Online Retailers

• Specialty Websites: Websites like Classic Parts and National Parts Depot offer a wide variety of parts specifically for classic Ford vehicles.
• eBay: eBay can be a great resource for finding rare or used parts.

6.2 Local Suppliers

• Auto Parts Stores: Local auto parts stores can supply many common parts.
• Specialty Shops: Specialty shops often have access to a wider range of parts and expertise.

6.3 Salvage Yards

• Used Parts: Salvage yards are excellent places to find used parts at a lower cost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Restoring a 1968 Ford Galaxie 500

Q1: How much does it cost to restore a 1968 Ford Galaxie 500?

The cost of restoring a 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 can vary greatly depending on the car's condition, the extent of the restoration, and the quality of the parts used. However, it's generally a significant investment. Budgeting between $15,000 to $50,000 or more is common, and sometimes it can exceed even more depending on the level of detail and customization.

Q2: How long does it take to restore a 1968 Ford Galaxie 500?

The time required for a full restoration can range from several months to a few years. It depends on factors like the availability of parts, the complexity of the repairs, and the amount of time you can dedicate to the project. Professional shops might complete a restoration in 6 months to a year, while DIY projects can take longer.

Q3: Where can I find parts for my 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 restoration?

Parts can be sourced from various places, including online retailers specializing in classic car parts, local auto parts stores, and salvage yards. Websites like NPD (National Parts Depot) and Classic Parts are excellent starting points. Additionally, attending car shows and joining online car clubs can connect you with vendors and parts.

Q4: Can I restore a 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 myself, or should I hire a professional? — Time Until 7:30: A Quick Guide

Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional depends on your skills, time, and budget. DIY restoration is rewarding but requires mechanical knowledge and patience. Hiring professionals guarantees high-quality work, but it's more expensive. Many enthusiasts combine both, handling tasks within their expertise and outsourcing more complex ones.

Q5: What are the most common rust areas on a 1968 Ford Galaxie 500?

Common rust areas include the rocker panels, floorboards, trunk floor, around the wheel wells, and lower door panels. Regularly inspecting these areas can help catch rust early and prevent extensive damage.

Q6: What are the best paints to use on a 1968 Ford Galaxie 500? — Blazers Vs. Nuggets: Who Wins?

High-quality automotive paints are essential. Options include acrylic lacquer, enamel, and polyurethane. Each has its advantages in terms of durability, shine, and ease of application. Professional advice from a paint supplier is recommended to choose the best paint for your project.

Q7: How do I find a reputable restoration shop for my 1968 Ford Galaxie 500?

Look for shops specializing in classic Ford vehicles and ask for references. Check online reviews and visit the shop to assess their facilities and see their previous work. Discuss your project thoroughly with the shop to ensure they understand your goals and budget.

Conclusion: Bringing Your 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 Back to Life

Restoring a 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 is a challenging yet fulfilling project. By following this guide, you can systematically address each aspect of the restoration, from the initial assessment to the final details. Remember to document your progress, take your time, and enjoy the process. The reward is a beautifully restored classic car that will bring you joy for years to come. In conclusion, the 1968 Ford Galaxie 500 is a classic and iconic vehicle. With a methodical approach and dedication, you can successfully restore this piece of automotive history and enjoy its legacy.