New guy here with a 66 Gal

Howdy all. New guy here. Just picked up a 1966 Galaxie 500 Hardtop. Been eyeballing it for a while then finally picked it up. But I do have a couple of questions about it.

I have been looking for some kind of parts interchange manual but havent been able to find one. I've searched the threads and found a few things bout it but not enough. Looking for what brands/years will interchange but mainly for trunk/floor pans.

Are the Crites 429 mounts worth the money? The car came with a 302 but he threw in the 429 with it.

Also I picked up a 69 disc brake setup will this fit? This is from the original car that came with the 429. So I guess I will need to take it all springs, sway bar ball joints etc.

Thanks for everything in advance

Welcome new guy. Great forum here. Your questions about interchanges should be answered by the people on this forum. Although I have not done either of your swaps on my 66, I've read that the disc brake swap is not difficult and there are many possible donors for parts such as newer cars like 72-79 Torinos, T-Birds, LTD II,s etc. The 429 will make a fine powerplant for your Gal also. I want mine to stay original, so the 390 stays, but there is nothing I would like better than a 429/460 swap.

Welcome to the Forum. Post pictures of your Galaxie (pictures excites us).

Originally Posted by gotyurback

Welcome to the Forum. Post pictures of your Galaxie (pictures excites us).

You nut! But yes, we have to have pics!
Welcome to the forum new 66 owner! Great bunch here. As for engine swap, the only thing I can say towards yeah or nay is one uses less gas but the other has more power.

Deb

Thanks. the engine swaps gonna happen. This will be my first big block build done plenty of 302/351/400's so I'm looking forward to this one.

Heres a pic. It's been parked in a field for a few years. She definitley aint pretty now but in a couple of years she'll be a totally different monster. Got a couple dents on the fenders and the trunks gonna have to get cut out along with new interior. But its gonna be fun. My wife cant wait to get started.

Thanks for the pic. Shoot a little cleanin and it'll look just fine. Sounds like you are rarin to get started too! Keep up the enthusiasm!

Deb

Your 66 looks like a decent piece to work with. What you have there is a spring special package. Ford in spring of 1966 decked out some plain Galaxie 500's with some fancier trim borrowed from the XL and 7 Litre cars. Included were the chrome spear down the center of the hood versus no spear and the Ford crest emblem. Also, the lower quarter panel trim behind the rear wheels and also the fancy mag style wheel covers with the lugnuts sticking thru. Will be watching for more photos.

Dave

If you have bad trunk/floor rot, take a good hard look at the frame just above the rear wheels in that area. These cars were built with frames that just plain collect sediment, and rust like hell to the point that it isnt safe in my opinion. Give the whole frame a good look and tap in questionable spots with a ball peen hammer.

Check at the front torque boxes also. That is where the frame sections are welded together right behind the front wheels. Another trouble spot.

thanks for the info. I wondered why some of the trim was differnet from some other 66's ive seen. just thought some was left off. I should be able to get some more pics soon. hopefully the car will be delivered next week. i'm in the middle of redoing the garage(wiring/making it a little more habitable)so it'll be a few days before I get my hands on it.