by Jon Mikelonis

Introduction
Take one good look at the FordMuscle Reader's Cars section and you'll find that one particular group of Ford enthusiasts make up the virtual K-member that supports the FordMuscle powerplant. We've known this since our origin in the late 1990's and while we have worked hard to praise the fragmented but vast "non-Mustang" Ford contingent, lately we've neglected the enthusiast group that deserves homepage presence almost every issue. Through shear forums participation and a willingness to support www.fordmuscle.com, arguably, this same group of enthusiasts are the reason FordMuscle still operates today. Who are they? Don't let the Wimbeldon White 1967 Galaxie 500 of Scott Sartrys (sar-tris) give it away. That's right, they are Galaxie owners.

The FordMuscle staff is hopeful this issue's designated Feature Car serves as consolation for what has been long overdue. Over the past few months we combed through our own message boards to find a Galaxie owner who embodies the essence of FordMuscle. What's the essence of a FordMuscle reader you ask? Well, if you've got a Ford project vehicle and are interested in modifying or restoring it, but most importantly you want to contribute to a large part of the labor involved, then you're eligible to have your car featured on FordMuscle. Scott and his 1967 Galaxie 500 fit the bill perfectly. Let's take a look at his car and find out a bit about Scott himself.

Aquisition and Modifications
As a youngster, Scott Sartys (know in the FordMuscle forums as psivory)
recalls being carted around town in the 1967 Galaxie 500 he now calls his
own. Scott purchased the '67 from his best friend's father in August of
2003, the Galaxie was a family daily driver until 1984 when it was stored.
Upon aquistion, the Gal's odometer read 76,000 original miles. The paint,
chrome, and glass were still factory original.

Initially, Scott intended to keep the Galaxie stock but like most of us,
he was bitten by the performance bug. The first winter he owned the car he got his hands dirty replacing the radiator, water pump, carburetor, and adding some ancillary engine dress-up items to the mild 289-2V. But what's the point of uncapping an original motor only to replace aging components with stock replacement parts? Some say there is no point and Scott seconded the motion with his actions by adding an Edelbrock Performer intake and 4-barrel Holley. Well, that's all it took. Where Scott lives in Rhode Island, winters are for working on cars and summers are for driving. Winter of 2004 meant engine performance for Scott when cut loose on the top end and really went for a power increase. With the help of the benevolant crew in the FordMuscle Galaxie Forum and FordMuscle All Ford Tech Forum, Scott and his best friend added World Products Windsor Jr. Heads, dual valve springs, roller rocker arms, Edelbrock cam and lifter package, Performance Distributors DUI (Davis Unfied Igntion) and Live Wires, aluminum high flow water pump, 1-wire alternator, Flex Fan, Holley 670 Street Avenger Carb, Hedman shorty headers, and a dual exhaust with IMCO mufflers.

Other than the Torque Thrusts and some other minor aesthetic enhancements, Scott has kept the Galaxie appearing fairly stock. This past winter he focused on the Galaxie's chassis by installing new stainless steel brake lines, rear springs, urethane bushings, air shocks, and a 1-1/8" front sway bar. Most recently, Scott swapped out the original WER for a 9-Inch posi with 31-spline axles and 3:55 gears. The transmission was rebuilt this Spring with a 2400 RPM stall converter and mild shift kit. With the exception of the dual exhaust and tranny rebuild, Scott has proudly performed all of the work on his Galaxie himself. In an age where Barrett-Jackson bound project cars are soulessly subbed-out for restoration and resale, do-it-yourselfers are a dying breed that should be held-up for their minute in the spolight.

Set adjacent to a barn on the Aaron Smith Farm in Burrillville, Rhode Island, Scott's Galaxie is calendar-worthy.		The Gal is popular at local Rhode Island car shows like this one that took place the Summer of 2005 in Portsmouth, RI.
Scott ordered an upholstery kit and freshened up the interior. Love that original steering wheel.		The Galaxie was purchased from the Tasca Ford Dealership in Rhode Island. As a Ford sales leader and major influence in the creation of the 1968-1/2 Cobra Jet Mustang, owning a classic Ford from Tasca makes the Galaxie a conversation piece.
To match performance increases realized under the hood, these American Racing Torq-Thrust D Rims made for a more aggressive look.		Here's the new 9-Inch rear end with new brake setup before they were installed. Scott found the 9-Inch housing through Ebay from a guy in Tiverton, RI. The unit was from a 67 Galaxie Police Interceptor and came with 31 Spline Axles.
Like most of us, Scott's garage serves double duty. He makes due and gets the job done without the luxury of a dedicated shop. A real FordMuscler.		No matter how nice that stock steering wheel looked, Scott isn't afraid to remove an original part, pack it away safely, and add an aftermarket part like this Grant Wheel. Thumbs up!

Question and Answer Sometimes still photos and laundry lists of speed part don't capture the whole story behind man and machine. We took a few minutes to ask Scott questions regarding the human process and commitment involved in bettering his 67 Galaxie.

Q: What is the biggest challenge in making modfications to your Galaxie?

A: I suppose the biggest challenge I have had in making modifications to
my Galaxie has been knowledge. I am by no means a mechanic by trade but have been able to do most of the work on the car myself. Online forums like FordMuscle, my father, and friends have all helped me to achieve what I wanted. I also do a lot of research on a project before I get started.

Q: Is there somebody in the FordMuscle forums that has influenced you or helped you accomplish your project goals?

A: I would have to say wildosvt01, he is always positive and has always
answered my questions.

Q: Have you defined a goal for your Galaxie? When will you know it's time
to take on a new project?

A: Well, my initial goal when I bought the car was to restore the engine
back to original, but that has since changed. I don't really have a
specific goal for the car now, but do have a list of projects that I will
continue with. My next major project for the car will be a front-end
rebuild and disc brake swap.

Q: If and when you do take on a new project, will it be a Ford? If so,
what kind of Ford do you have you eyes on?

A: Most likely it would be a Ford product. Right now, I have my eyes on a
1966 Galaxie 7-Liter that is for sale locally.

Q: What turned you on to wrenching on cars?

A: Growing up in my fathers Arco Station. He owned one for 40 years.

Q: Do you have a family? If so, what is their attitude about the Galaxie?
Do they get involved in any way?

A: I have a wife, a 6 year old son, and a 7 month old son. My wife loves
the car, as does my oldest son. I go to shows and cruise nites with my
oldest son, and often my wife will join me there with our youngest. To
some degree, the Galaxie is a bit of a retreat for me. It gives me the
ability to have some time to myself and a buddy of mine.

Q: From your perspective, what is the best compliment you could receive
about your Galaxie?

A: It is always nice to have people ask me who did the paint job and how
long ago. You should see there faces when I reply "Ford Motor Company,
1967". Most don't believe it is the original paint. The best compliment is
when people appreciate that I have done all the work myself.

Q: What is the most unique aspect about your Galaxie?

A: Probably the original exterior, and that it was purchased at Tasca Ford
here in Rhode Island. Also the fact that I used to ride in the Galaxie
when I was a kid!

If you would like to learn more about the lineage of the Ford Galaxie, we suggest visiting Dearborn Classics for a break down of each model year.