1963 Ford Galaxie

Introduction:

Ford offers a full-sized model car named the galaxies which proved to provide an exceptional experience of comfort and performance. Due to the style offering variability of contrasting power train packages and trim levels, many families chose it to be their mode of transportation. The 1963 Ford Galaxie model added trim, fastback roofline, and four-door hardtop of 500/XL. All of this was included along with reshaping the windshields to enhance the Galaxie looks.

These big cars were made competitive on the tracks of high-banked ovals in NASCAR. As a result, they have features of having a less aerodynamic lift and reduced drag when moving at high speed. The 1963 ½ model was known as the “Sports hardtop” which was preferred by buyers and was available in Galaxie 500 along with Galaxie 500/XL Trim. The 427-powered special lightweight model was considered a performance icon in the 1960s.

1963 Ford Galaxie:

In 1963, full-size FE series 352 were offered by Ford along with 390 V-8 three versions: police, regular and high performance. Each trim allowed for as well as 5 variable transmission options. On all the models, manual column shift of 3-speed was customary except that heavier duty 406 V-8, which would require Borg Warner 4-speed manual transmission.

The 3-speed manual was hardly ever ordered and was elective. The 2-speed Ford-O-Matic having a small-block V-8 and six-cylinder was common. Although 352 and 390 big blocks having 3-speed Cruise-O-Matric with automatic transmission were ordered by the majority. The obtainability of numerous distinct rear end ratios, in addition to eight different engines and five transmissions, headed to an enormous number of changed driveline combinations for the 1963 Galaxie. The 352 V8 was considered the most produced combination of Galaxie & Galaxie 500, having three rear-end ratios and Cruise-O-Matric. Ford’s names for body styles “Club”, “Victoria” and “Town,” were discharged in 1963 and they were interchanged by standard tags which are named as “2-door”; “4-door” and “Hardtop”.

Drafting the changes:

Charting how ford galaxies lightweight varies from its mainstream vehicle’s production and features. The motivation of the lightweight 1963 Galaxie was legendary 427ci Ford’s V-8, which was furnished with various sporting dual Holley, 4 barrel carbs, aluminum low riser, a camshaft of 324 degree-mechanical tappet, and 425hp was its factory rate. Aluminum Safety Bell housing for 480lb-ft high torque (produced by 1963 ford) was installed. The drive ratio spun of 4.11 creates a set of rim width 8.20-15 of firestone Dragster cheater slick, while the bias-ply tires which rolled up the front had a set of 6.70-15 of firestone polyester.

To take things to an end, every car had a police interceptor low-fade installed at 11×3 inch brakes. Ford Galaxies molted about 425 pounds by means of fiberglass placed at the front screens, hood, inner screen linings, and decklid relative to hardtop Galaxie 500XL, which is fully equipped. Moreover, the Galaxie was made on a diet by shedding its further weight through the utilization of aluminum on the rear and facade bumper supports besides a lightweight structure. So, to give it a lightweight and high-powered Galaxie many of the entertaining and comfort equipment was deleted. The Front seat was switched with Bostom lightweight seats. Polythene flooring was used instead of carpets to achieve the target.

Owner’s Manual

The 1963 Ford Galaxie Owner’s Manual covers the specs, operation, and routine maintenance of the vehicle. Manuals for other years of the Ford Galaxie are also available, as well as a wide array of Ford Parts Manual and workshop repair manual types to fit the needs of your project or repair.

Driving:

Considering a drop-top Galaxie being driven in the traffic is carefree. The 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 signifies a mixture of performance and driveability. It has a steering wheel so big, thin, and close with a style 3,500 rpm clutch arrangement. The car is not like the modern one, a little of perhaps an F-600 truck more alike.  Most of the intakes were a little slow and they require some significant effort. The single-handed steering had a deliberate ratio that would require a lot of effort in turning. Moreover, it feels actually heavy below approximately 10 mph.

Shifting

Since the column shifter, yet approximately offhand had an elongated throw and talking clutch pedal then it had extended travel from no matter what. The 352 Galaxie had a lot of torque but it is considered a “Super-Torque Ford”.

Acceleration

The overdrive was also explored. It would shift into overdrive just once which could be done in either second or by solely lifting off the accelerator for an instant.

Cruise Mode

As it had an in-built feature that would settle down in the cruise mode while parking. Similarly, it could be engaged when you will turn to low-speed maneuvers. The Galaxie steering was a bit tight, but it moved rightly wherever steering was turned or pointed along with contemporary circular tires. The car gave the driver a smooth driving experience without any kind of vibration. These vintage cars will not allow you to forget their age, then again it also confirms the capability of their elements.

Exterior and Interior:

Let’s have a glance at the 1963 lightweight ½ Galaxie 500 with an engine of 427 ci or 425hp V-8, the rear end of Ford 9-inch having 4.11 gears and semi-floating axles. According to the parts catalog it had Wheels made of 15×5.5 factory steel, while the Tires had 6.70-15 of Firestone Polyester bias-ply at the anterior side and 8.20-15 of Firestone Dragster cheater slicks at the rearmost side.

As was discussed before, the seats were replaced with Bostom buckets which were lightweight, moreover, a spare tire and jack were removed as they were not required on the strips. Other than that, the radio, armrests, defroster, heater, and carpets were all deleted in order to save weight as every ounce counts would affect the drag strip. The battery was mounted by the factory underhood, but many of the car racers for the sake of improving weight transfer relocated it in the trunk.