I recently finished John Toland’s excellent biography of Adolf Hitler. Going into scorching detail on many things, one of the statements about Neville Chamberlain’s negotiations with Hitler struck a highly identifiable chord: Chamberlain was polite and willing to overlook things to a point. But when that point had been reached, the story quickly changed.
For me and my Ford, that point has been reached.
My father acquired the Galaxie from his uncle’s widow on December 26, 1986; it’s had the same name on the title since roughly 1964. While that might seem like reason to keep it, it isn’t.
It’s carried a tremendous number of people over time, from the grandfather I never knew and his four younger brothers to numerous CC contributors and readers. A cousin of mine has told me stories of his taking it out for illicit joyrides. I’ve had it up to 92 mph – in 2015.
But it’s time for it to have adventures with someone new.
Checking the brakes in 2014
Upon it’s acquisition in 1986, my father and I updated the brakes, gave it a tune-up, and got it running again. It’s 352 (5.8 liter) V8 does not make for a fast car but it does make for a powerful car. The three-speed manual transmission with overdrive helps provide for surprisingly good fuel economy for a car this size and age. I drove it to Tupelo, Mississippi, in 2015 and achieved 21 miles per gallon on two-lane highways. The following summer, on my way to the CC Meetup in Nashville, Tennessee, it returned a solid 19 mpg at a steady 70 to 75 mph on various interstates.
In my garage in Hannibal
The car sat in my father’s pole barn for many years. If memory serves, it was last started in 1996 before I had the engine remanufactured in 2013. It has been in my possession since 2008, when I hauled it from my parent’s home in Alto Pass, Illinois, to my then home in Hannibal, Missouri. Except for a brief period in 1994, the car has been stored inside since 1986.
The body is in good shape with the exterior having been repainted its original shade of champagne in 1990. The interior is completely original, which is both good and bad. The headliner is still there but it is torn above the front seat where I’ve pinned it to the cross ribs. The tops of the rear seats are split from age and ultraviolet light plus I’ve had to add stuffing to the drivers side of the front seat. The front upholstery is torn on the drivers side, which prompted me to install a seat cover.
Underneath there are no real concerns. The shocks, radiator, clutch, exhaust, and fuel tank were replaced in 2013. I rebuilt the entire brake system between 2008 and 2011, with only the brake pedal not being touched. The brake drums are what had been on the car but they were turned and have presented no problems whatsoever, stopping the car quite well.
All brake hardware, including the master cylinder, was replaced and I repacked new grease into the front wheel bearings. I also placed new fluid in the differential.
Shown upon reinstallation; the water pump, coolant tank, and hoses are obviously missing
The engine was reinvigorated by Jasper Corporation, the company that overhauls engines for a living. Mechanically it has been great; the ancillary components, particularly the water pump, have been the issue. The water pump was replaced with a new, not remanufactured, one in June of this year.
The water pump is where I reached my limit. Yes, it is now new, but enough is enough. The spark is gone, the car is becoming a hassle, and there are lots of other cars in this world. I love the car dearly but there are times when if you love something you must set it free.
The black tank is what I’m referring to
Since the water pump has been replaced I have driven it approximately sixty miles. That is all it’s been driven in 2018 due to another issue cropping up after replacement of the water pump, an issue I will fix prior to sale. These Ford FE engines have a tank between the engine and radiator; this tank is where coolant is added. Where the tank bends down to connect to the engine, I discovered a few pinholes on the bottom about a week after replacing the water pump.
That is where my threshold was crossed. This tank is only three years old, replaced soon after the last water pump crapped out in 2015. This happened in late June and I have not yet been in the mood to address it. Perhaps that is childish or perhaps that is being reasonable, but I’ve just not felt like touching it yet. Again, it will be fixed prior to a sale.
While it may appear I am dwelling on the bad about this car, I’m not. Rather, I’m trying to paint a picture of what it is and to illustrate how this fifty-five year old car isn’t cosmetically perfect.
There are indeed a lot of positives about this old Galaxie and there are additional items included with this sale.
For a vintage road car, this Galaxie is hard to beat. With the overdrive and 3.55:1 rear gears, it is turning over right at 2,000 rpm at 70 miles per hour. It has very long legs for cruising whatever type of highway you choose. While two-lane roads are it’s favorite, interstates don’t even work up a sweat for it.
I have twice driven this car on a multi-state trip covering over 1,100 miles and up to six states each time. How many vintage cars can lay claim to taking their owners on such journeys?
In my decades owning this car, I’ve accumulated a fair number of parts for it, all of which are included with the sale. Sitting here thinking about it, I’ve got:
- a hood
- a front bumper
- extra tail lights
- extra trim for both a rocker panel and a front door
- a horn ring (mounted on the steering wheel)
- a new distributor
- a new fuel filter
- at least one “Galaxie” name plate that mounts on the front fender
- extra door hinges for the rear doors
Too many have ended up like the one on the right
While there is a lot of my family’s history in this car, I’m not a sentimental person. I am a realist. And the reality is my Galaxie will be better off with a new owner who has the enthusiasm.
If interested, please don’t hesitate to contact me at: jason.shafer(at)ymail.com
The missing door chrome was replaced long ago
Related reading to give you a more comprehensive history:
CC Road Trip: Four Days, Six States, Part 1
CC Road Trip: Four Days, Six States, Part 2
CC Road Trip: Hinged Accelerator Pedals and Advice About Growing Old
CC Driving Impression: Simplicity Is Its Virtue by JP Cavanaugh
In my opinion, the ’63 is the best-looking of the early-’60s Fords. Not as starchy (and befinned) as the ’61, and the high round taillights avoid the dragging-ass look of the ’62 and ’64 models. Plus the simple but interesting grille. Hope you get decent money for it.
I think you will regret selling it but Im one that gets sentimental about cars. None of your family members are interested in it?
Correct. I’ve already contacted my two cousins whose parents bought the car in 1964. He would like it but has no room for it; she’s in about the same boat.
As I told my wife I will likely regret selling and I would also regret keeping it. It’s a damned if you do, damned if you don’t situation for me.
Reading this gave me deja vu all over again, having gone through a very similar ‘net present value’ decision process with my ‘69 F-100 that I sold after 42 years in our family.
Miss it? Sure, but not enough to want it back. I have lots of pictures, memories and stories, and that’s enough.
“Requiem for a Truck”. Best COAL I’ve ever read. I think I shed a tear first time I read it.
My reader name is “Frankster”. Didn’t notice I left off the “r”.
Wow. That’s a tough decision Jason. Having just sold a vehicle we’ve had for 18 years I
can totally understand your feelings. I regret that I never got to see the Galaxie in person.
I’d almost be interested if I was looking for another project. But I’m not, and as cool as the car is it’s not on my short list. It’s got to be on someone else’s short list though.
I would encourage you to replace it with an old car that IS on your short list, unless you’ve taken a sudden shine to Ford conversion vans 🙂
The van is still around – it runs smoother than my pickup. Right now, I’m thinking it’s a good extra vehicle to keep around. In 8 years of ownership, only the fuel pump has been an issue.
If I get another old car I have a few in mind but it’s likely to be a few years before pulling the trigger. I’m just not in a hurry at this time.
OT: Torland’s Hitler bio is truly an underated gem. It is just as gripping (and a lot more personal) than the better known Rise and Fall of the Third Reich.
It is indeed a hidden gem.
I’ve been on a major WWII kick. My library has Albert Speer’s “Inside The Third Reich” and it’s next on my list.
Sorry to see it go, but I understand your reasoning. I’m glad I got to both ride in it and drive it. It runs strong, and is a very nice driver. The 352 with the 3 speed/OD is a great combination.
That’s me behind the wheel of it in Nashville in 2016.
It’s surprisingly great for long trips. Even as hot as it was on the way too and from Nashville, the lack of a/c never was an issue.
Also, there is a part of my reasoning that is similar to what you experienced when you moved to Eugene – I’m feeling the need to simplify my life even further.
That is often a good thing. It opens up more possibilities for new things and experiences in the process. Letting go of things that aren’t stimulating or satisfying you is the right thing to do.
I wish you the best for a speedy, hassle-free sale. Cheers from another ’60s Ford owner.
Thanks.
Now, if you would like a size upgrade, let me know. We can talk.
I get it, Jason. While it can be difficult for sentimental reasons, sometimes one has to get the albatross off one’s back.
Good luck in finding the Galaxie a nice new home!
Since you will soon have some extra space in your garage, can I interest you in a ’95 Thunderbird?🙂 I’ll even throw in a Crown Victoria at no extra charge!
I certainly know what you mean about an older car testing your limits, as (you may have guessed) I am reaching my limits with mine. I can imagine this was a mighty hard decision to arrive at, but goodness I understand. Reality and emotions are tough to reconcile.
And in a few decades you might come to a similar decision with your conversion van…
Something tells me there is a bigger audience for the Galaxie than for a used conversion van. When the van is done, I’m turning it into a parts storage container on the back 40.
Some time ago I was reading that a certain subset of the construction industry is purchasing used Domestic Luxury SUV’s (older Escalade, Yukon XL, Expedition XL) and Conversion Vans such as yours instead of cargo vans. The reasoning being is that they are A) relatively cheap and B) usually low miles and well maintained. Some are stripping the interiors out, but others are just leaving much of it as is.
At least I got to sit in the drvier’s seat. This is one I wouldn’t have thought ever got sold off but if anyone knows about reaching a point, it’s me. One too many bugs splattered on the windshield and she’s just gotta go… 🙂
I like it but (thankfully?) my garage situation precludes adding this. I hope it goes to a good home.
Thanks. I’m confident it will but like I mentioned to Bryce below, the general appearance in the US of four-doors being second rate conveyances troubles me.
I am surprised, but then again not surprised. I know full well how sometimes it is just time. As for myself, I keep proving to myself that the thrill is in the chase and the experience of the new. After that initial dopamine rush is gone sometimes staleness can set in, especially if the car is not something that can be run regularly.
I will confess that I have been entertaining thoughts of letting the Miata go – much for the same reasons. My mileage in it seems to decrease by half every year. Today it is near 90 F, sunny and humid. The Miata sits in the garage. Again.
I am so glad I got the chance to get behind the wheel for a few minutes. It is an experience I will never forget (in a good way 🙂 ).
Having it has been a blast, an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. But that point has been reached and, like you, my usage was dropping quite a bit.
As you know, the car is a good runner and great for long distance cruises. Not many old cars can claim that.
Well you know JP, you’re not the only one with a touch of Miata fatigue. It sure is nice when the weather is just right, but I haven’t been driving mine as much lately either, and a few months ago I thought about selling it.
It’s not uncommon of course to get a convertible, love it to pieces, and over time take it for granted. We’re not immune from that.
Now that the new electric Fiat is my daily driver, the Miata isn’t quite as special as it used to be. Plus we now have four cars for two people living on a 50×100 city lot, which seems a little much. Between the two car garage, the driveway and the street it works out fine, but it’s darned hard to get the Miata extricated from the garage, and I dinged it recently doing that which really made me feel like selling it.
But my darling wife loves the Miata and encourages me to keep and drive it, which is a big plus. (She drove an Alfa when we met. Yes, I’m a very lucky guy.) And it really doesn’t cost much to keep around, just incremental insurance and tags. But if I’m keeping it it needs some attention, after about seven years of nothing but oil changes. So I decided to keep it, got a set of new tires, did the plugs and am halfway thru doing the brakes.
How long will I keep my Miata? Who knows? Anyway I can totally empathize with your thoughts JP, and your decision Jason.
I can imagine it wasn’t an easy decision, but as I’ve come to learn with any tough decisions in life, you have to consider all of the factors and ultimately do what will be most beneficial to you. Trust me, I just had to make a tough decision of grand scale, but thankfully have little regret in that it was the right one. Glad this car brought you many years of joy!
Thank you. I’m hoping the string of joy will continue for whomever realizes the beauty of this old Ford and sees the value of having it in their life.
Sometimes you have to decide who owns whom. I’ve never regretted getting rid of a car, but some I wouldn’t mind owning again
Amen. »clink!«
Now I have Who Made Who running thru my head 🙂
Jason, I deeply empathise. I just sold my ’62 Lancer this past Spring. The one I found in 1990 and convinced my non-car-guy dad to replace his ’84 Caprice with, the one I served as parts-and-service manager for while he daily drove it for a decade, the one I took my driving licence test in, the one I inherited when he died young, the one, the one, the one. It’s not that I fell out of love with that particular old car, it’s that I fell out of love with driving old cars on anything like a regular basis. Looking at ’em’s fun, but as far as keeping it up, hoarding service literature and parts, fretting about what happens if it gets hit or vandalised, paying to insure it knowing it was mostly just sitting…the gap between the idea and the reality grew too large; if I had limitless money and time I could bridge it at leisure, but I don’t.
It took a long time to find the right buyer; 4-door sedans in general don’t sell well, and there’s not exactly a giant pool of enthusiasts for ’61-’62 Dodge Lancers—at least not in the Northern Hemisphere. Fortunately there’s the Southern Hemisphere, where the car is now headed.
I might eventually come to regret selling it, but I think probably mostly not: nobody ever noticed a place except at a time, or a time except at a place—I’ve got the good memories for as long as my mind holds up. Keeping the car didn’t bring dad back. And my work related to traffic safety (not to mention the fact I have the wellbeing of a spouse to think of) has made me stop wanting to spend much road time in unsafe cars. Besides, the new owner is over the moon about it, and it is retiring to a much-loved life of luxury amongst its fellows in a warm, sunny, dry place.
Yours is a very fine car, and I wish you the best with the sale.
Thank you. This is the first proclamation I’ve made about my desire to find another caretaker, as I wanted to give this audience first notice of my intention.
Interesting you should phrase it that way; it’s very close to how I put it in the (long) runup to the Lancer sale: “time to find its next loving home”.
This car will outlive all of us – it has a certain durable quality that is easy to see but hard to quantify. If you have legal possession of something that you will outlast, such as a dishwasher, you own it. If it will outlast you, such as land or my Galaxie, you are a caretaker.
Jason,
I have a 1973 914 whose engine was mortally wounded in Montana by its encounter with a Canadian goose this past April on my long journey to Vancouver for a BC rally called the “Spring Thaw”. I’m in the process of acquiring all of the parts for a complete engine rebuild (it’s second engine rebuild, incidentally, last one almost 30 years ago in 1989)) to give renewed life to my well loved “old girl”. I too have have had many frustrations in my 39 year ownership of the ’14 since buying her in 1979. Long term ownership is like a marriage with many up and down episodes in the love affair of a lifetime. I have too many good memories with the ’14 to give her up, despite being well “underwater” financially in my stewardship of the ’14. Ah, but the memories and miles that she has given to me over the years,many shared with family members, now those are priceless.
I have, like you with your old girl, your Galaxie, poured in much time, effort, and money into my old ’14, more than I would ever recoup in a sale, but that is essentially what we similarly do with our living family members because of love and memories. Please reconsider your decision, a decision that you may ultimately regret.
Think about other ways to re-ignite your love affair with the Galaxie. It would be a perfect pre-1979 car for the relatively affordable slow back country rallies in rural Ontario like the upcoming September Classic Car Adventures Maple Mille or the rally tours through Colorado and Utah experienced in the Silver Summit during mid to late May. Re-configuring how you use your old gal, your Galaxie, may be the surprisingly easy way to fall in love again.
Reconsider your plans before you go through with the divorce from your Galaxie, a longtime family member.
Just my two cents, and remember that two cents and my cheap advice are equally worthless in the scheme of things and life, but two cents to be considered, nonetheless.
Godspeed on your decision, and hopefully it is a wise decision for you.
Cheers.
To each their own. I suspect Jason didn’t make this decision lightly, but you and a few others are sure not exactly making it any easier for him, eh?
Vic, so much of this has crossed my mind. The pinholes were discovered on June 25 and I wrote this on August 25; it’s not like this has been a rash decision.
I’ve concluded all things in life, no matter how permanent they may seem, are just temporary. Life is simply a series of changes that take us all on a sometimes meandering but often very meaningful journey. The loss of big parts of life has of course stung (my grandfather’s house was sold last week, a place that has been a second home for my nearly 46 years, and that loss really stung) but life has always continued.
Yes, I’ve daydreamed about taking it on various excursions such as you mention, but that would not be happening for several years yet. I can’t let the car languish for that long as it would be the third time in it’s life that would have happened. It had a new lease on life not even five years ago and the odometer hasn’t even reached 80,000 for the first time – so there is a world of possibilities for it. But I’m not in it anymore. I’ve known it for a while, but I just had to acknowledge the truth that was staring me in the face.
Besides, I want a car in which I don’t need a Pisster.
Awright, I’ll bite: what’s a Pisster?
This being a family website, such things are not to be spoken of in polite company. We’ll clue you in in person sometime. Or maybe on April 1… 🙂
Jason,
I now fully understand your decision. Godspeed.
Perhaps some day in the coming future, I too will have to walk your path, and then will appreciate your decision as a template for me.
Cheers, Vic
Good luck with selling your beloved Galaxie, Jason. Not an easy decision but whatever you decide will be the right one because it’s your choice.
I had the chance 4 or 5 years ago to purchase my dad’s actual ’67 Olds 98 convertible that he bought new in 1967 and sold around 1975. It had been owned by the same family since and was in great shape, but needed some electrical and mechanical work to bring it back to road-worthy shape. The price was reasonable and I had the dough, but I hesitated and it was sold to somebody else. No regrets, though. Old cars can present an adverse fun-to-headache ratio. Like you I’m not an overly sentimental person either.
Thanks for sharing your Galaxie experiences and memories all the same. It’s been fun to “ride along” with you.
Thanks. Something tells me there is another chapter to go. Whatever it may be.
Wow Jason, I’m speechless here. That Galaxie has been one of the “Official Cars of CC” for so long, I thought I’d never see her go. I second geelongvic above in urging you to reconsider, but completely understand your need to let her go.
Hopefully, she’ll find a home where she is well loved, and perhaps even with a fellow Curbivore.
😥
Since it has been an Official Car of CC, I’m really wanting to keep it in the CC Family. So you guys are the first people to know.
Besides, Mustangs are too small. RetroGalaxie Rick sounds much better.
Tempting, as I’ve always been a fan of the big Fords. A ‘72 LTD Convertible, or even a ‘69 or ‘70 Galaxie XL would be one for my fantasy garage. 😀
I’ve enjoyed reading about your Galaxie Jason and while it’s a tough decision, it sounds like the right choice.
It will make a fine car for the next owner. I look forward to reading about its eventual replacement in your garage
-Kevin
You aren’t the only one who is looking forward to the next garage inhabitant. But it may be a few years yet.
My un-biased (yeah right) opinion: Get a Falcon for your next oldie. 😀 A 1960-65 preferably. Reason: They look good with those round taillights among other things.
Speaking of selling classic cars: In 2015 I finally decided to sell my ’67 Lincoln after it’d sat for several years in the carport doing nothing. I didn’t really want to . . . but it really was best for the car to have a new owner who could take better care of it than I could. I believe it ended up in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
On the other hand, a car I’ve no plans to sell between now and Hell freezing over . . . I just got my Falcon back today after it reposed in the fix-it shop for 20 days; I took it over on August 9, but I wasn’t in a big hurry to get it back. I just wanted to have it properly fixed. It had some wiring issues; the turn signals didn’t work. I’d hoped it would’ve been a blown fuse . . . but deep down I just ~knew~ it was something more complicated than that. Also, none of my dashboard lights worked and neither did the BLUE Hi-Beem indicator light; all of them were burned out. The dome light didn’t work, either. The bouncy switch-thingy in the doorjam was all screwed up so the dome light hadn’t come on for several years. I let a number of things slide . . . I had various leaks, too, that needed to be attended to.
The car still has a LONG way to go to look really nice again but, hey, it’s a start. Cheapo Falcon is once again invading the roadways of rural GA.
Obviously I can’t speak for your feelings on this, but as you might remember from my COAL on my ‘66 Galaxie, while I had to get rid of it for practical reasons (being 17 and flat broke, with too many mechanical repairs, plus it was a rustbucket), I have spent many a night searching for it online and wish I still had it. I love your car and the stories that go with it, and I do hope someone in your family comes through to keep it. But I also understand the feeling of “I’m done”. I’d buy it in a heartbeat if I had the cash, not only because I love all things Galaxie and Ford FE, and have been wanting a pre-74 ride for cruising California, but to at least keep it in the CC family. (Plus I need a bigger car for gigs, tbh.) If you ever want a seasoned caretaker to just hold onto it, I’d definitely be willing, and could see myself blogging a road trip back home to sunny SF. 😉
You echo my desire to keep it in the CC Family and this is its first advertisement.
The trunk is huge, by the way.
Wow, thats a long time to own a car but I’m slowly learning how, coming up ten years since I dragged my Minx home, its been in regular use since 2012 but an upcoming move to the other island could present problems in keeping it so it could perhaps go the way of your Galaxie, good luck with the sale that would make a good export car and I actually saw its twin on Sunday at a show.
There is a part of me that hopes it is exported. A lot of that stems for the general lack of appreciation for four doors in this country where those in other countries appreciate them more.
Solid original rust free cars make it through compliance here easily, there are horror stories of imports that have required thousand spent just to rectify previous rust repairs up to local standards and yes four door cars are just fine thats what we got new but in very small doses.
Jason, sorry to hear of your difficult decision. I think Daniel and Ed put it the best, having both “been there”.
I’ll be a counterpoint in saying that, essentially, you can’t “go back”. The passage of time shows how certain vehicles, especially more pedestrian models (no offense intended), become harder and harder to come by. I know it’s hard to hang one’s hat on “someday”, but I have decided that some things are worth hanging on to, if one has the space to do so.
Perhaps my preferences are colored by the time I spent at my grandparents’ farms growing up, admiring cars and machinery of days gone by. Perhaps it’s having a few acres now and therefore having enough space to keep an old motorcycle and a couple cars and riding mowers around.
My best wishes in the completion of the sale, and I hope the good memories are the ones that will linger the longest for you. Were it not for my irrational dislike of the blue oval and a lack of covered storage space, you just might have received an email from me!
If it helps any there are only two blue ovals on the entire car and they are on the door sills so you’ll never see them while driving.
Thankfully space hasn’t been an issue as I’m one of those odd ducks who has two acres in town along with three garage bays and two large driveways.
My intention was to hold onto it, as I’ve told my daughter its a family heirloom so she needs to get ready to own it one day. It has surprised me as much as it has others that I’m done with it. When the moment came, it was pretty clear it had arrived.
In a sense, it’s like the girl who gives up her baby for adoption….she loves it but knows somebody else can give it a better home. That’s where I’m at.
It is one thing to fix an old machine to get it running right. It is another to have to keep fixing the same thing on an old machine to keep it running right. When you run out of the former, and find yourself repeatedly dealing with the latter, you find one day that what you have indeed is just an old machine. Particularly if it does not serve a purpose that cannot be met, perhaps with more efficiency or excitement, by another machine. I understand. I do hope the Galaxie finds a new owner who cares for it as well as you did.
Thanks. I’m confident that person exists and I’m looking forward to meeting them.
I remember reaching this point with my first ’57 Chevy…well actually my second one. The very first one was bought for mechanical parts for the ’56 I was trying to redo…
…so it was the first one I got to drive and enjoy.
But “Tusk” – so named because its original No-Flame 6 sounded like that USC Trojan marching band breakdown when it spun two rod bearings – had become a chore.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7U7XtYeq8c
I’d owned it for six years when the moment came. It had been my daily transportation – in Upstate NY, no less – reliable, the 235 gave way to a 265, 307 and finally a machine-shop rebuild 283…and all I can remember, thinking back, was “either sink another $1000 into it or let it go.”
It had become like a dishrag to me, believe it or not.
Part of it was being a 150 when I REALLY wanted a 210 or BelAir. At least it was a two-door. But the 283 had just a little 2-barrel on it and was totally stock inside. Not much power, even with a Muncie 4-speed behind it and factory 3:55 rear.
But there were new rust spots showing and POR-15 and other such super rust preventative products hadn’t yet come out yet so much more maintenance and…
It was traded on a new S-10 pickup.
But not before I had a new Tri-Five project, the ’57 210 I’d always wanted. That ended up being sold when I found the ’57 210 Handyman project I own today. Which I will make fun to drive with LS goodness, Corvette brakes and suspension and modern amenities like A/C and a nice stereo.
And it shall. be. driven. everyday.
Jason, I hope you get your price for that Galaxie, and remember that whole other fish in the sea thing when you get the hankering for its successor. There’ll be a whole ‘nother chapter of memories to make with the next one.
That’s my thought about fish also. But I’m in no hurry for that next chapter. However this all plays out is how it was meant to play out.
Thank you Jason, for a lesson in letting go. I hope that the new owner loves the car as much as you have, and it gives them as much joy as it has provided to you over its lifetime. The buyer gets the car. You get to keep all the memories.
That’s a terrific way of putting it. Thank you.
When I sold my ’70 C10 (’76-06), I knew it was time. I hung on to it for 2 more years after I bought my new Titan in 2004, but it just didn’t make sense to have 2 trucks, and I knew I would never restore the old truck, I bought the new truck after debating to restore the old truck, so it was time. I didn’t advertise it, but a family member had a friend who was interested in it, so I gave him a firm price and he accepted. I did tell him to let me know if he ever decided to sell it, never heard back. Probably wouldn’t have bought it back anyway.
The toughest part was watching it drive away. He actually came back 2 weeks later for me to sign some DMV paperwork, so I got to watch it drive off into the sunset one last time.
My Titan (14 years now) is so much nicer and more useful then the old Chevy, it’s a great truck. I plan to keep it at least another 16 years, hopefully.
But I do think about the old C10 from time to time. I miss it, but not enough to want it back.
This picture is from 1976, I’m not in the picture but the truck is in the background.
Those are terrific pickups. If I were to get an older pickup, this would be on the very short list. Style, drivability, and utility in a great combination.
Forgot to add the picture.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.curbsideclassic.com/cars-of-a-lifetime/truck-of-a-lifetime-thirty-years-with-my-67-chevy-c10-not-always-smooth-sailing/&ved=2ahUKEwiL5uizmY7dAhV6JDQIHcb7CQIQFjAAegQIBBAB&usg=AOvVaw1BdXwXUfo9PWPdGyxASt9X
I have enjoyed your articles about the Galaxie. 1963 is really a great style, and I have inherited a fetish for overdrive. That said, I understand the challenges of having a car of this nature. I also agree about the unfortunate black and white fate that too many have met. Best wishes to you and the future owner.
Thank you! I debated for a while about the “twin” picture but I had to do so. The ’62 base model Galaxie I also had met this fate which was such a mixed bag.
Jason, Time is always precious, but it seems the older a person gets, the more precious time becomes.
Not that you’re old Jason. Just … er … older than you used to be.
When I was young and buying used, rusting, and leaking (rain from above and oil from below) vehicles, finances were the limiting factor in my choices. But it didn’t matter, because young people feel that they will live forever, time is limitless, money is not, and there is wonderful sense of accomplishment when one can clean a dirty carburetor, get the points set just right, and replace a brake light switch with one small adjustable end wrench.
And we knew the next needed repair would be along soon enough.
That’s why although I was fond of my own 1953 Chrysler convertible, I really enjoyed the flawless performance and weather tight reliability of my parent’s brand new 1961 Pontiac Ventura hardtop.
All things being relevant here. That was 56 years ago.
So, good luck on the successful execution of this decision. If my experiences are any indication, the hardest part is making this decision and that is done.
Time is precious. Memories last forever.
Exactly; I had old cars when I was young and could deal with it because I had to. As much as I’d enjoy driving an old car I don’t want to own one.
Spot on. I’ll be 46 next month, so I’m not old but I’m not young. It’s part of life.
As is discovering the need to moving on. Yes, it was a tough decision but I’m good with it. Sure I’ll hate to see it go but life goes on.
This car has brought a lot of joy to my life; I want that to continue for the next person.
I as much as I, and many others here are probably disappointed to see that you’re selling the Galaxie, I am sure that the decision wasn’t made lightly. So, I can respect your decision. Two things struck me about your write up. You mentioned that that the car had lost it’s “spark” and that you weren’t a sentimental person. I think the fact that you came to this realization is enough to let it go. If the car brings more burden than enjoyment, then I can definitely why you decided to move on.
My brother is in a similar situation to you right now. He has my Dad’s old ’76 Malibu, another car I grew up with. My brother has had this car for a little over 10 years now and he hasn’t driven it in a year and a half. He likes the car, but it’s come to the point where it needs some work here as it has sat and aged. And he has come to the realization he’s not willing to have it take up garage space or invest the time and money into it. My brother can do basic mechanicals, but not major or restoration work. When I used to live in the same city as him, I’d willingly do work for him on his old cars for free. But now that we live apart, I don’t see him nearly as much, and it’s just not viable for me to jobs on his cars anymore. So now that he needs to relocate again, he’s not bringing the Malibu. It was not an easy decision but the best one for him.
Now me, being the sentimental fool that I am, I am going to acquire this Malibu from my brother, even though I don’t have room. I have a buddy who I can store it with, and it will probably burner for a bit. And even though I would probably never buy another ’76 Malibu, I can’t bare to let Dad’s old Malibu, a car that I have many memories intertwined with, go away for ever. I did that with Dad’s 79 F-150, and when I did hunt it down to buy it back, the new owner wasn’t interested in selling.
I wish you all the best in the sale of you car Jason. From the pictures it looks to be a solid car that wouldn’t take too much to bring turn it into a real head turner. I
Thanks, Vince.
You are correct it wasn’t an easy decision but an obvious one. Once I address this coolant tank it should be ready for any type of adventure. But that is better for someone else. I’ve had plenty of grand adventures in it and those are priceless memories. It’s now time to convey that joy to somebody who can continue it.
I fully understand, Jason. Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do.
I had my ’64 American for 22 years. Drove it to New Mexico in the summer of ’89. Used it whenever I could, which became less and less over the years. When family and finances took precedence over the Rambler, it sat dormant for years. I gained a new spark for a while but, like you, I found myself doing a lot of the work I had already done years ago. It was getting ahead of me. One day I decided it was time.
On June 29, 2010, the day after my youngest daughter was born, I drove it on a trailer and watched it leave for somewhere near Des Moines, Iowa.
I have a lot of memories, a head gasket and intake manifold I just found, and a permanent ATF stain on my garage floor.
I absolutely made the right decision.
We speak the same language. It is awaiting its opportunity to make memories for someone else and it’s got a lot of life in it to create those memories.
I love 63 Fords – terrific styling – and got to ride around in a 63 Sunliner convertible a lot back in the 60’s (390 and in Chestnut metallic). I view your decision in a very positive light: someone else is going to enjoy this car so much. BTW, the Champagne color is fantastic. You have an album full of experiences with this car to look back on and will not regret such a carefully thought out decision. Onward.
When I saw the notification on FB, I started to read the lead and wondered how you were going to tie in Hitler and a Ford Galaxie. Now that I’ve seen the whole post, I understand fully.
And, I get it. On one hand, I’m sorry to see that the adventures with the Galaxie will be someone else’s now (meaning: not documented here), on the other hand, sometimes it’s nice to have less… of everything.
Even if it is a beloved car.
Yeah, I saw that and it does get your attention, doesn’t it?
My hope (and I hope 40,000 people read this) is a member of the CC Family buys it so the shared adventures continue.
While I have enormous and genuine respect for the many on CC who have held on to, taken care of and cherished their classics for a long period of time, my own opinion is that a classic car is a transitory component of my life. Without this attitude, I would not have had the joyful experience of the variety of classics that have passed through my hands.
Perhaps you will have some regrets once it’s gone, but the phrase that always comes to mind (and has been quoted on CC before) is:
’tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
Correct.
There are a lot of things to experience in this world and the Galaxie has brought me adventures I never dreamed of. Yet everything in life is temporary, with everything having its season. This season is over; my next season may not happen for some time.
Wise words, sir. Wise words.
Sorry to see it go, but you are not alone in cleaning house. I donated my 45 year car brochure collection to the Gilmore this year, along with some other bits I have been dragging around for decades. A friend recently sold his 80s Mercury Marquis and is suffering postpartum depression.
If your Galaxie was a year newer, an XL, and red, I would experience a flicker of want, quickly snuffed by the realization it wouldn’t even fit in my post gas crisis Mk II condo garage.
I’m trying to decide if I should sell one of the twins, the Mk2 Jetta on the right I’ve had for 30 years, the Mk2 on the left I bought 3 years ago for a family member who afterwards
decided she didn’t want to learn to operate it’s manual transmission. They both run fine, collector plates on both so no registration fees, I switch insurance back and forth every month, so it doesn’t cost extra to have both.
But these 2 cougars seem to be attracting the young ones, a Mk5 in my neighbors driveway and a Mk6 out front. Guess they seek out their own kind!
Several things came to mind as I read this, Jason…
1. I read John Toland’s ‘The Dillinger Days’ in 1969, when I was 13. I think it might have been the first book regarding a historical figure that I ever read. I need to seek out the Hitler bio – I’ve wanted to read one for awhile.
2. When my dad died in 1986, I thought that I’d want at least some of his books. And his 78 RPM records. But then I went to my folks’ house in PA, looked at them, thought about how much space they’d take up, and decided – no. I can certainly relate to it being time to letting go of stuff.
3. The first car I ever owned with a V-8 was a ’65 Ford LTD with a 352 (in 1974). As I recall, it had about 70,000 miles on it. The only things I remember about it were its predilection for carburetor fires (2 of them!), and that changing the starter motor is one of the most miserable jobs I’ve ever attempted on a car.
Like some of the other CC’ers, I’d love to buy the Galaxie from you if it was closer. And I had a place to keep it.
Your ‘63 appears to be a pretty sedate-looking, yet well-optioned Galaxie 500 sedan. Brings back memories of high school in 1980 and my friend Gregg’s first car. He was selling shoes and managed to save $1500 for a ‘63 Galaxie 500 four door hardtop. White with factory buckets and a “T-Bird” 390. It had to be somewhat rare. We used to take it to the beach every chance we had. Floated like a pillowy cloud at 80 mph down highway A1A. That was a memorable car.
Jason, Sorry to hear about your decision to sell the Galaxie, but sometimes it’s just the right time. While lots of people like the idea of owning and driving an old car, the reality of the actual ownership can be a different matter. We all have to deal with the limitations of our resources; time, money, space, and even enthusiasm. After investing all of this in a car, any car, sometimes we run into our limits. Besides, there are so many cars out there, and only so much time. I did the math on my own situation. If I was to keep a car for only two years, I could probably only run through another ten cars in my lifetime! A good reason to move onto the next car on the bucket list. Good luck on the sale, and on your next adventure. I hope to read more of your contributions in the future.
Sorry to see this car go, Jason, but I understand. There comes a point where it’s time to move on to the next phase of one’s life. I hope that the Galaxie finds a good home.
Couldn’t log in yesterday from my office for some reason to respond. So was it the expansion tank leaks actually do it to you? I read that and then thought of all the trouble I had getting the intake to seal on my rebuilt 390. The intake was on and off 8 times before there were no water leaks. That took 15 months because I took a break to clear my mind of bad thoughts.
My Cougar is now into it’s third camshaft in the last 5 years with all that it entails. Probably only 500 miles driven during that time but I am still at it. My Polara didn’t work too well with the Mopar ignition. The Pertronix II ignition failed three times and I was getting fed up. I then rewired the car for a HEI ignition and it was the best thing that ever happened for the car bar none. I guess I hang in there because I have always felt I am not going to be beat by any machine.
I can relate. It took _six_ tries before the intake manifold on my 73 Galaxie’s 400M _didn’t_ leak oil much. It was a cast iron bitch that weighed what felt like 600 pounds too. At one point midway thru, I even tried an Edelbrock SP2P 2bbl manifold, it still leaked but was at least not threatening to crush my fingers when I lowered it back into the Valley of Suck. I’d tried everything. Using the turkey pan. Not using the turkey pan, Lots of gasket sealer, not lots of gasket sealer. When it finally only dribbled a little bit, I counted that as a victory and walked away.
I used an engine lift that I would rent for $40 a pop. The guys at the shop let me have it for nothing three times. Yep, cork gaskets, then only The Right Stuff, and then back to cork gaskets at the ends. The cork ended up working but wouldn’t have been possible without the slow and steady lowering of the intake by a lift. Oh, guess how many two barrel intakes were involved? Three and now I have two spares. Oh, great!
Next up my 410. When on a roll keep on rolling.
I would offer to buy, but every penny I have saved is going into my house closing next month.
I’d be on that like white on rice if I had room to keep it indoors, seeing as were both built the same year 🙂 .