1973 Ford Galaxie 400
Summary:
They don't make them like this anymore!
Faults:
The heater was fixed by dealer when he sold it to me; it stopped working again just before I sold it.
The A/C leaked, but was jury-rigged/fixed with a leak seal kit and a freon conversion kit, and 3 cans of R134-A from Wal-Mart. It slow leaked after that, but I'd just charge it and add one can of seal in May, and the A/C would blow cold thru next year. Way cheaper than an A/C shop!!
Anything else was my fault because I couldn't keep from tinkering with it!!
Oh yeah, the driver's side window crank wore out.
Most reliable 30 year old car I've ever had!!
This was a base Galaxie, with manual windows and locks.
General Comments:
It had a 400 Modified block and a C-6 transmission. The rear was a 8.7 with 2.73 gears.
I had some excess bucks, so I put in an Edelbrock cam and intake package and a 600 CFM Edelbrock carb. I also added a dual exhaust and Flowmaster mufflers, chromed open air cleaner and a Pertronix electronic ignition.
Once I got it set up right, I could get an honest 16 MPG at 65 mph with the A/C off. I also would cruise at 90 hauling a trailer, and my wife would hear me chuckling at how much power it still had left.
I never did find out how fast it could go; the speedometer bottomed out at 120. Second gear was good til 80 mph and was really strong.
I found the steering to be numb like any typical 70s American car, but the power brakes were great!
I let the car go once gas prices became impossible... but I still miss hearing that big V-8 sucking in that air. It was comfortable, could haul me and my family in comfort, and was quiet on the highway. Parts were cheap and readily available, and upkeep was minimal.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 24th June, 2007