1967 Ford Galaxie

Brought to us from Yakima Washington, this classic 1967 Ford Galaxie 500 Fastback Gallery had seen far better days. It was purchased brand new as the customers first new car. 44 years is a long time to have a car, and it was in definite need of restoration! Somewhere along the line, his son was allowed to drive this classic beauty, which lead to the restoration needs.

A long, sleek, solid piece of artwork made in the USA thrown to the curb, or in this case a ditch and barbed wire fence. Once delivered, all trim and chrome, weather stripping, emblems and necessary glass were removed.

Before arriving at The Body Shop, some bodywork had been attempted.

Although I am sure the fence took the worst part of the beating, it certainly left its mark. Damage throughout the car from the accident, and from age, was evident from all angles.

 

Having literally no panels undamaged, including the hood and trunk lid that were replaced, a large amount of time and energy went into working the metal and smoothing out previous work done.

Once all of the bodywork was finished, it was time to mask the car and spray primer.

Once the primer was sprayed, masking removed, and body straight, a guide coat was sprayed on. This is a light coat of primer dusted over the surface of the car. The guide coat is sprayed on just to be sanded off, leaving a smooth and flat surface for top coats.

 

Now the car is all one color, has a nice flat surface, and is ready for paint. The areas on the car known as jambs are the first to get painted. These areas include inside the doors, trunk lid, and hood. When painting these areas, it is a good time to spray smaller parts and pieces, and the front core support area as well.

Once the jambs are sprayed, the top coats need a full 24 hours to dry, then the body of the car is painted.

 

 

Since the clear coat is not perfectly flat, the next step is to cut and buff the car. “Cutting” the clear means using very fine grit sandpaper to produce a flat surface, similar to the process of the guide coat. Once the entire car has been cut, it is time to buff the car. Buffing the car brings the shine and flat finish out in the clear, as seen below.

The paint process is now done, and time for the car to be re-assembled. New weather stripping is installed, glass is put in, and all the new upholstery is installed.

All finished, washed, and ready for delivery!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Customers!