Restoring The 1969 Ford Country Squire: A Guide

Are you a classic car enthusiast with a soft spot for the iconic 1969 Ford Country Squire? This comprehensive guide dives deep into the world of restoring this beloved station wagon, offering expert insights, practical advice, and step-by-step instructions. From bodywork and engine restoration to interior detailing and finding the right parts, we cover everything you need to bring your '69 Country Squire back to its former glory. This is a labor of love, but the reward of cruising in a fully restored classic is well worth the effort.

Why Restore a 1969 Ford Country Squire?

The 1969 Ford Country Squire is more than just a car; it's a symbol of American automotive history. With its distinctive woodgrain paneling, spacious interior, and powerful engine options, the Country Squire represents an era of family vacations, cross-country road trips, and carefree living. Restoring a '69 Country Squire allows you to:

• Preserve History: You become a custodian of automotive history, saving an iconic vehicle from vanishing.
• Enjoy a Unique Driving Experience: Relive the nostalgia of driving a classic car with its distinct feel and character.
• Increase Value: Properly restored Country Squires can appreciate significantly, making it a sound investment.
• Join a Community: Connect with fellow enthusiasts, share knowledge, and participate in car shows and events.

Assessing Your 1969 Ford Country Squire: Condition and Scope of Work

Before you start, carefully assess the condition of your '69 Country Squire. This involves a thorough inspection to determine the scope of work and identify potential challenges. Walk around the car and make notes on what you see. — Ed Gein: The Real Story Behind The Show

Body and Exterior Inspection

• Rust: Check for rust in common areas like the rocker panels, wheel wells, floorboards, and around the windows. Severe rust requires extensive repair or panel replacement.
• Body Panels: Inspect the condition of the body panels for dents, dings, and alignment issues. Replacement panels are available, but expect some effort to get everything just right. Consider paint and primer.
• Woodgrain: Examine the condition of the woodgrain trim, which is a key feature of the Country Squire. Determine if it needs to be replaced, refinished, or if it can be restored. Note any damage.
• Chrome and Trim: Evaluate the condition of the chrome bumpers, grilles, and trim pieces. Chrome restoration can be expensive, but essential for a show-quality restoration.
• Glass: Check for cracks, chips, and overall clarity of the windshield, side windows, and rear window.

Engine and Mechanical Inspection

• Engine Condition: Check for leaks, unusual noises, and overall performance. A compression test will help determine the engine's health. Document the specifics.
• Transmission: Inspect the transmission for smooth shifting and any signs of problems.
• Brakes: Examine the brake system, including the master cylinder, brake lines, calipers or wheel cylinders, and brake pads or shoes.
• Suspension: Assess the condition of the shocks, springs, bushings, and other suspension components.
• Electrical System: Check the wiring, lights, and other electrical components for proper function.

Interior Inspection

• Upholstery: Evaluate the condition of the seats, door panels, headliner, and carpeting. Upholstery restoration can range from simple repairs to complete reupholstery.
• Dashboard: Inspect the dashboard for cracks, fading, and missing components.
• Gauges and Instruments: Make sure all gauges and instruments are functioning correctly.
• Accessories: Check the operation of accessories like the radio, air conditioning, and power windows.

Sourcing Parts for Your 1969 Ford Country Squire

Finding the right parts is crucial for a successful restoration. Luckily, there are many resources available for 1969 Ford Country Squire parts: — Poinsettia Park: Your LA Guide

• Specialty Suppliers: Numerous companies specialize in classic Ford parts, offering everything from reproduction body panels to engine components.
• Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay and Craigslist can be excellent sources for used and hard-to-find parts. If shopping online, always be certain of your seller's reviews and ratings.
• Local Car Clubs and Forums: Join classic car clubs and online forums to connect with other enthusiasts who can share part sources and offer advice. This is an awesome way to tap into the knowledge base of those who have already completed the work.
• Swap Meets and Car Shows: These events are great places to find parts and meet other classic car enthusiasts.

Restoring the Body and Exterior of Your Country Squire

Bodywork and exterior restoration are often the most labor-intensive parts of the project, but they're critical for the car's appearance.

Rust Repair

• Assessment: Accurately assess the extent of rust damage.
• Removal: Remove the rust by media blasting, grinding, or using chemical rust removers.
• Repair/Replacement: Repair or replace rusted panels. Welding skills are often necessary.
• Priming and Painting: Apply primer and paint, following proper techniques to achieve a smooth, durable finish. This can be the most rewarding part of the project.

Bodywork and Panel Alignment

• Dent Removal: Carefully remove dents and dings using body hammers and dollies. A professional body shop might be necessary for serious dents.
• Panel Alignment: Ensure proper alignment of body panels, doors, hood, and trunk lid.
• Surface Preparation: Prepare the surface for priming and painting by sanding and smoothing.

Woodgrain Restoration/Replacement

• Refinishing: If the woodgrain is in good condition, refinish it by sanding and applying new finish.
• Replacement: Replace damaged or missing woodgrain with reproduction or custom-made panels.

Chrome Restoration

• Removal: Remove chrome parts for restoration.
• Refinishing: Have the chrome re-plated by a professional shop, or consider using a chrome-look paint.

Engine and Mechanical Restoration

Restoring the engine and mechanical components is essential for a reliable and enjoyable driving experience.

Engine Rebuild

• Disassembly: Disassemble the engine, carefully labeling and organizing all parts.
• Cleaning: Clean all engine components.
• Machining: Have the engine block, cylinder head, and crankshaft machined as needed.
• Reassembly: Reassemble the engine with new parts, following factory specifications.

Transmission Overhaul

• Removal: Remove the transmission from the car.
• Disassembly: Disassemble the transmission, carefully labeling and organizing all parts.
• Inspection: Inspect the internal components for wear and damage.
• Rebuild: Rebuild the transmission with new seals, gaskets, and friction plates.

Brake System Restoration

• Inspection: Inspect all brake components, including the master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, and drums or rotors.
• Replacement: Replace worn or damaged components.
• Bleeding: Bleed the brakes to remove air from the system.

Suspension Restoration

• Inspection: Inspect the shocks, springs, bushings, and other suspension components.
• Replacement: Replace worn or damaged components to improve ride quality and handling.

Interior Restoration

Interior restoration can significantly enhance the appearance and comfort of your Country Squire.

Upholstery

• Removal: Remove the seats, door panels, and headliner.
• Repair/Replacement: Repair or replace the upholstery, using new fabric or leather.
• Installation: Install the new upholstery, ensuring a tight, professional fit.

Dashboard and Trim

• Restoration: Repair cracks and fading, or replace the dashboard.
• Trim: Restore or replace interior trim pieces.

Gauges and Instruments

• Restoration: Restore or replace gauges and instruments to ensure proper function.

Putting it All Together: Final Assembly and Detailing

Once the major components are restored, it's time for final assembly and detailing. — Susie Wiles And Chris LaCivita: A Political Powerhouse Duo

Final Assembly

• Body: Reassemble the body panels, trim, and chrome pieces.
• Engine: Install the engine and transmission.
• Interior: Install the interior components, including seats, door panels, and headliner.

Detailing

• Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the entire car, inside and out.
• Polishing: Polish the paint, chrome, and trim to a brilliant shine.
• Final Inspection: Perform a final inspection to ensure everything is in proper working order.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How much does it cost to restore a 1969 Ford Country Squire?

A: The cost of restoring a '69 Country Squire can vary greatly depending on the condition of the car, the scope of work, and whether you do the work yourself or hire professionals. A complete restoration can range from $15,000 to $50,000 or more.

Q: How long does it take to restore a 1969 Ford Country Squire?

A: Restoration time can vary from several months to several years, depending on the complexity of the project and the availability of time and resources.

Q: Where can I find parts for my 1969 Ford Country Squire?

A: You can find parts from specialty suppliers, online marketplaces, local car clubs, and swap meets.

Q: What are the most common rust areas on a 1969 Ford Country Squire?

A: Common rust areas include the rocker panels, wheel wells, floorboards, and around the windows.

Q: What engine options were available for the 1969 Ford Country Squire?

A: Engine options included various V8 engines, such as the 390 cubic inch and the 429 cubic inch.

Q: Is it worth restoring a 1969 Ford Country Squire?

A: If you have a passion for classic cars and enjoy the restoration process, then restoring a '69 Country Squire can be a rewarding experience. It's also a good financial investment.

Q: Can I do the restoration work myself?

A: Yes, it is possible to do the restoration work yourself. However, it requires time, patience, and some mechanical skills. You may want to enlist help on some aspects.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Restored 1969 Ford Country Squire

Restoring a 1969 Ford Country Squire is a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience. By following this guide and dedicating time and effort, you can bring an iconic piece of automotive history back to life. Embrace the journey, and enjoy the feeling of cruising in your beautifully restored classic. The thrill of the open road and the admiring glances of fellow car enthusiasts will be your ultimate reward. So, take the plunge, start your project, and experience the joy of driving a piece of American history!