E-tek Restorations.....

[e-tek]

Thought I'd keep a single post for all the stuff I do in my shop....

After "finishing" the 56 Chevrolet Truck, I got "back" to my own stuff! This is my 67 Galaxie 500XL Convertible. Needs to have the torque-boxes rebuilt.

Details here: http://e-tekrestorations.blogspot.com/2012/01/1967-galaxie-500xl-convertible.html

 

[HOTFR8]

That does not look good so I hope we will see the repairs as you progress.

 

[Responder]

I too am looking forward to wathching this thread!

 

[NUTTSGT]

It looks like you have your work cut out for you.

 

[MP&C]

Is that a unibody car? I thought the Galaxies were all full frame....

 

[e-tek]

Is that a unibody car? I thought the Galaxies were all full frame....

That's the frame all right!

I had considered doing a "body off", but far as I can tell the rust is only on the lowers (of course, due to the mud/dirt sitting low). It's also a driver AND I have another "customer" car coming in soon (67 Cougar). So I have limited time to get some of my stuff done!

 

[Nighttrain]

It looks like you have your work cut out for you.

Yes he does. I will be interested in how it goes. I have learned a lot watching e-tek, maybe a little bit too much (black/pink speedo) but hey you have to have the bad with the good.

 

[PCO6]

It looks like you have your work cut out for you.

Looks like a good "Canadian Classic" to me. We're use to cutting, welding, grinding ... and eventually driving.

 

[e-tek]

Yes he does. I will be interested in how it goes. I have learned a lot watching e-tek, maybe a little bit too much (black/pink speedo) but hey you have to have the bad with the good.

Huh????? Me thinks you where imagining things.....

Today I made some tmeplates for the replacement pieces, then even got a little done on the 240Z!! Cleaned up around it, then made gussets to keep the floor from spreading when I cut the floors out.

More on the blog.....

 

[e-tek]

Even got the last bits blasted, painted and installed on the original Motocraft carb that was on the 330 I bought:

Before:

After:

 

[83Earnhardt]

Lord does this bring back memories. My first car was a 67 Galaxie 500 fastback with a 390 2bbl automatic. I learned a lot about how to work on cars by keeping it running. She was a tank but we had a ball piling everyone in and heading to New Smyrna Beach!!.

 

[83Earnhardt]

By the way, I rebuilt my first carb and it was that same 2bbl. Took me forever!! And also my first brake job, did one side and left the other intact to make sure i installed everything right. Brakes overheated a lot.

 

[e-tek]

On Sunday I got my Son Colt to help me clean up around "his" 240Z and began the work required to replace the floor pans. Made some braces to hold the area square while I cut out the floors - one at a time - and weld in the new peices.

Today I only got an hour in Zanadu, but it was enough time to get into grinder-Zen and cut out the pieces I need to patch the holes in the Galaxie Torque-boxes:

Tommorrow I'll weld them in and dress them up, then do some cutting on the 240Z. If I get bored I can always work on the 330FE rebuild. I was measuring the valves today and found they are the same size as those found in the LS1!

They'll make even better power when I connect the new 2.5" exhaust system and headers:

 

[theoldwizard1]

Ah yes, the old Ford 2150 ! We used say it was "the world's cheapest carburetor !"

If I remember correctly, the power valve was on the bottom and usually was frozen into the body.

 

[PCO6]

Today I only got an hour in Zanadu, but it was enough time to get into grinder-Zen and cut out the pieces I need to patch the holes in the Galaxie Torque-boxes:

I see you used CAD (cardboard aided design) for those patch panels. Good work.

 

[e-tek]

I see you used CAD (cardboard aided design) for those patch panels. Good work.

Good one! Can I use that on my blog?!

 

[240sxguy]

I have a buddy with a low mileage 66(?) galaxie just like that who keeps trying to sell to me for cheap. I know it needs some rust repair, I just don't have the time and money. If I am lucky it will still be sitting in that barn a few years from now so I can rescue it.

I had a 72' 240 that I miss dearly. I want another one badly, but see above LOL.

What did you blast that carb with? I have some aluminum cleanup to do and that just looks fantastic.

Evan

 

[PCO6]

Good one! Can I use that on my blog?!

I "borrowed" it from someone else so I'll say "yes".

 

[e-tek]

I have a buddy with a low mileage 66(?) galaxie just like that who keeps trying to sell to me for cheap. I know it needs some rust repair, I just don't have the time and money. If I am lucky it will still be sitting in that barn a few years from now so I can rescue it.

I had a 72' 240 that I miss dearly. I want another one badly, but see above LOL.

What did you blast that carb with? I have some aluminum cleanup to do and that just looks fantastic.

Evan

I've liked the 240's since my first at 18. We've raced them and I've hung onto this one for nearly 20 years now.

The carb was just cleaned (really well in bead blaster) then sprayed with Eastwoods ALUMAblast paint. They have dedicated silver and gold for carbs (and lots of other good stuff), but the ALumablast looks good too IMO.

STAY TUNED - I'm going into the shop right now!

 

[240sxguy]

Thank you sir! It does indeed, look blasted.

 

[blackgold]

I've got a 67 Galaxie 500... I'll be pretty interested in how this goes and looking for some tips and motivation.
Brian

 

[NASTYZEN]

Ahhh! The smell of cutting wheel n rust in the morning....nothing quite like it.
Last time I (patched), a white hot mig spatter got into my ear gosh darn!

 

[e-tek]

Ahhh! The smell of cutting wheel n rust in the morning....nothing quite like it.
Last time I (patched), a white hot mig spatter got into my ear gosh darn!

OOOH - now THAT's NASTY!! I kept getting them down my shirt sleve today as I was welding slightly overhead!

Here's a couple from today - all the sides patched and filled. Tomorrow I'll do the base and this side (the BAD side) will be done!

Made sure everthing was level before going too far!

Front piece dresses and solid!

Kitty-hair will keep any moisture at bay and allow me to dress the end-product nicely.

LOTS more here: http://e-tekrestorations.blogspot.com/2012/01/galaxie-torque-box-repairs-iii.html

Also today, the owner of the 1956 Chevrolet Truck stopped by with his family. It was the big reveal! He and his brother bought the truck new and it was great to see him sitting in the restored beauty some 55 years later. They even bought me a die-cast replica of the truck for my collection - very nice!

Link: http://e-tekrestorations.blogspot.com/2012/01/crozon-family-visits-e-tek-for-big.html

 

[mad57]

Looking good E!!!!

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

e-tek, the owner looks like a kid who got his heart's desire for Christmas; well done!

Say, let's see a pic of the die-cast model. Are you going to mod it and make it a twin to the one you've just restored? lol

I know your shop is just a bit 'crowded' for display space, but wouldn't it be great to dedicate a wall/corner for a display case of pictures and models of all the cars/trucks/boats/planes/motorcycles/tractors/whatever that you have worked on? Kind of like an inspirational 'Wall of Fame' for you, your family, and your clients can enjoy as the years go on. Pictures of your WoF could be uploaded to your website to give potential clients a quick overview of your past accomplishments and talents.

 

[e-tek]

Well that's a GREAT idea Ompho - as it already exists! I have a shelf (I wish it where a case) way up high with models of some of the cars I've had and worked on, plus other collectables. I'll take a pic of that and the 56 Chev Die-cast (next to the real one) tomorrow.

Today I completed the left side Torque box. The right one won't take half as long, but will have to wait until I return from a week of meetings in LV!

Strong like BULL!!!

 

[e-tek]

Here's the Die Cast the owners of the '56 Chev gave me as a token of appreciation for doing the restoration (and I totally appreciated their gesture!)

I also have many other collectibles, ranging from Vintage HOTROD Magazines, to Chili's racing gear and - of course - some Hot Wheels. More here: http://e-tekrestorations.blogspot.com/2012/01/tokens.html

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

E-tek, Maybe I missed it but are you spraying anything into the void space behind the repairs? An Eastwood product, etc?

I ask cause I've got some repairs to make on my '55 Chevy truck right at the rain gutter. I've already dug out the old sealant (that had cracked and let the moisture in the first place. Seems like I should spritz some preservative in there before I attemtp to weld it up.

 

[e-tek]

E-tek, Maybe I missed it but are you spraying anything into the void space behind the repairs? An Eastwood product, etc?

I SURE AS HELL DO!! Check my blog fpr all the details, you'll see I used Eastwoods Frame Coating with long applictor into the frame and rockers, then Eastwoods Rust Encapsulator around the repairs and RUST BULLET inside and out for finishing (they just sent me some for testing and review - s imilar to POR15, but has full UV protection.)

But you won't see me back for a few days, I have to go Las Vegs for some meetings and I booked a FERRARI track tour for Wednesday! Woo-hoo!

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

"I have to go Las Vegs for some meetings" ........ Ya, sure e-tek, 'meetings', I believe you, I do, of course I'm gullible as Gomer Pyle.

Have a good time!

P.S. - Are the model's front turn signal lenses 'clear' or 'amber'. lol

 

[NUTTSGT]

Even got the last bits blasted, painted and installed on the original Motocraft carb that was on the 330 I bought:

Original carb? Are you sure it didn't come off a '75 truck ?

 

[e-tek]

"I have to go Las Vegs for some meetings" ........ Ya, sure e-tek, 'meetings', I believe you, I do, of course I'm gullible as Gomer Pyle.

Have a good time!

P.S. - Are the model's front turn signal lenses 'clear' or 'amber'. lol

He He....all work and no play makes E-tek a bore....I'm actually sitting at the airport right now awaiting my flight. Meetings Monday, Tuesday, then Wednesday 5 laps in the Ferarri F430 and since my flight doesn't leave until 5pm I'll also have time to stop by a gun range and fire some iron! $99 gets you 75 rounds with a semi-auto and 12 shots with a 44 magnum. Done it a few times - and for a Canadian - it's a big rush!

Good question on the lenses~~ I didn't even look!

Original carb? Are you sure it didn't come off a '75 truck ?

You may be right NUT, but the number matches the engine. The entire 330 may have come out of a truck of that vintage. I pulled it myself and the owner swore it was a 390 - but you can't tell until tear down. When I did tear it down the rods and crank stamping told the truth. Still, it'll either be fine for a spare, or go into a rod later (came with a 4 spd).

 

[NUTTSGT]

D5TE on the tag

D= 1970's vintage
5= last year of decade
T= represent a truck part
E= part is an engine component


I'm sure you knew this but for those that didn't.

C= 1960's
D= 1970's
E= 1980's
F= 1990's

 

[James E]

E-Tek. I love the Galaxie. I had a '69 Galaxie XL convertible. Different bodystyle, I know, but still now I feel like we're kin.

I'd have been awfully mad if someone sold me a 330 and told me it was a 390. The 330 is an FT, not an FE. lots of parts that don't interchange and it's definitely NOT a car engine (it will fit where an FE fits, but you won't like it). High torque, low rpm and bad mileage. I've never owned an FT but I've been told that FE heads don't fit it and neither do FE intakes. Ford put it in mid and heavy duty trucks.

Truck 390 blocks make good build-ups because the truck blocks have heavier webbing than the passenger car blocks. A good, seasoned truck FE block would make a good basis for a car build-up. Not sure what you can to do a 330 to make it appropriate for a car.

Keep the pics coming. I'm subscribed.

 

[Jack Olsen]

I'm going to be sad to see this project finished. The picture of the owner is great.

 

[e-tek]

D5TE on the tag

D= 1970's vintage
5= last year of decade
T= represent a truck part
E= part is an engine component

Thanks Nut - see below....

E-Tek. I love the Galaxie. I had a '69 Galaxie XL convertible. Different bodystyle, I know, but still now I feel like we're kin.

HeHe, kin.... Gotta love the old Gals'. We actually have a Galaxie owners sub-forum on GJ, but it hasn't been used much....

I'd have been awfully mad if someone sold me a 330 and told me it was a 390.

Keep the pics coming. I'm subscribed.

Well, I can't say I'm 'thrilled' about it, but the guy who sold it to me likel didn't know himself and looked like he needed the $275 a lot more than I did. Karma will straighten it all out in the end.

I'm going to be sad to see this project finished. The picture of the owner is great.

The couple I've done for really "invested" owners like this are the most fun by far. It's so nice to have someone come by and be so excited to see something they had for so long come back to life. The stories he told and the memories it must have evoked for him made this a very special build. I hope he get many summers of enjoyment out of it!

 

[e-tek]

Just back from Vegas where I put some track time in this F430:

After a couple 'discovery laps' where the head instructor whips you around the track in a Porsche Cayenne, you get in your chosen ride and get to beat on it for 5 laps. While most of the other drivers where taking the first couple laps easy, I was gettin' my money's worth and I can tell you now, that no mater how many times you read about big 6 caliper brakes and 500+HP, you don't realize just how good it feels until you get to beat on one on the track! I will say however that the track was a lot shorter than I would have liked...

After the track I took in the Shelby museum (which is right next door):

Then went to a "Guns-R-Us" to fire off a few hundred rounds!





Once back home, I got back to reality and finished up the left torque-box:

Then got the "Power by Ford" Valve covers into primer:

 

[e-tek]

After:

 

[e-tek]

Got started on the right side Torque box today. Last night I ordered the $650 worth of bushings, shocks and brake parts. "Our Gal" will be a happy beast this spring!

The stickers on my lift where given to me by a GJ member several years back!

Check out all the **** that was in there:

More here: http://e-tekrestorations.blogspot.com/2012/01/torque-box-v-right-side.html

 

[M. Blue 240]

Just back from Vegas where I put some track time in this F430:

Thats a 458, not an F430, and my son and I are very jealous.