1964 Model Year Specifics? Fairlane vs Fairlane 500

**drdano** · 10-30-2009, 07:42 AM

Howdy folks. I'm a Galaxie owner who is going to look at a '64 Fairlane this weekend and wanted to get some information about the model. It is advertised as a '64 2dr post sedan with a 260 V8 and I'm weighing its options as a potential Thunderbolt clone starter. Can you experts help fill me in?

What is the difference between a regular Fairlane 2dr sedan and a Fairlane 500 sedan, was it just a trim level option, or is there more to it?

Are all models factory with the torsion bar front suspensions or were they regular a-arm suspensions on the V8 models?

Finally, are the '64 model year cars unibody constructions or are they full framed?

Thanks all,

Dano

**FEandGoingBroke** · 10-30-2009, 09:08 AM

The 500 had a lot of chrome trim and the regular did not. Simple as that.

**Jetfixr320** · 10-30-2009, 03:21 PM

Torsion bars like a Mopar? None of the 64's have them or other year Fairlanes.

Just upper and lower A- arms with coil springs that sit on top of the upper arm. And massive shock towers protruding into the engine compartement.

Jet

**cartoad** · 10-30-2009, 03:31 PM

Pretty sure the T-bolts were all? sedans. The best clones are also post cars. Nothing wrong with the hardtops, Got one, fun cars.
All are unibody.
Toad

**iwantmore** · 10-30-2009, 05:09 PM

It was trim and option levels back then. There was a slight difference in interior trim and it said 500 so every one knew. Dash trim may be a little different. The main thing in looks is the 500 side trim is about 2" wide with a painted center and the base was just a single narrow piece of chrome.

**coosbaylumber** · 10-31-2009, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FEandGoingBroke

The 500 had a lot of chrome trim and the regular did not. Simple as that.

I think this is correct.

Was a few different items "inside" too.

The fenders carried a different part number as they had pre-drilled holes for the emblems. If you are handy to brazing, then that should not be a setback then.

Wm.

**Abe Lugo** · 11-01-2009, 09:12 AM

One thing to look for if your going to be doing a thunderbolt clone is to get a post coupe with the trim around the post and rear qtr windows, If you take a a look a 500 4 door sedan the post around the windows has stainless trim. This a particularly hard set of piece to find for a coupe.

**FEandGoingBroke** · 11-01-2009, 10:39 AM

It's a TRIM option. That is the Only difference, inside and outside trim.