Building Les Ritchey's '63 Lightweight Galaxie

[johnwitzke]

Since building my first '63 lightweight Galaxie, Brannan's car, I learned a lot about how I would improve upon my next build.  With that said,  I have started another 1963 lightweight Galaxie.  This one will be Les Ritchey's Viking Blue/Beige interior car.  I figured this time I would put more detail into the engine, specifically the intake and carb areas.  So I ordered resin carburetors, Holley 4160 from Fireball Modelworks.  These carburetors have excellent detail and really make the engine look real.  I highly recommend them.  I have added addition detail making the intake and carb as close to factory correct as I can.  I will be adding to this topic as the build goes along.  Enjoy and thanks for looking.....John    

Edited September 23, 2017 by johnwitzke

[Alan]

John, that looks fantastic ! I have a ton of Joseph's resin and it is amazing !

Alan

[bytownshaker]

Looking forward to follow along while you build Les Ritchey's Galaxie.

Joesph's resin is amazing.

Edgar

[10thumbs]

John, looking like Holley carbs to me.  Excellent! 

I like them old Fords.  Very nice detailing.

[johnwitzke]

An update on Les Ritchey's '63 Galaxie Lightweight. 

Since the hoods on the '63 lightweights were fiberglass, the underside was rough and unfinished.  To replicate, I removed the bracing detail so that I had a smooth surface, then I used Scale Motorsports textured spray paint, followed by primer, then body color.  

Additionally, I added the black hose that connects between the two carbs 

 

 

Edited October 6, 2017 by johnwitzke

[Jim_Kampmann]

Looks great so far, John! Keep up the great work!

Jim Kampmann

[superbike-shaun]

Wow  John,this build is way out already,vry nice building!

[johnwitzke]

Update on engine build.  Making progress, but a lot still left to do.  The wiring will be per original firing order.  Next photo will be of the completed engine.  Until then, here is what I have done so far.  The oil filter is a true red and has the correct Rotunda marking on it.

Thanks all for your feedback

 

 

 

Edited October 11, 2017 by johnwitzke

[johnwitzke]

Update on body work.  All door and trunk seams have been scribed a little deeper, imperfections, mold lines, etc., have been removed and is now in primer status.  Tamyia white prime lays down a flawless finish.  Simply the best primer.  Moving closer to exterior finish.  I will be using MCW # 6233 Viking Blue lacquer.  

 

 

Edited October 16, 2017 by johnwitzke

[johnwitzke]

Oops, sorry about the F-100 XL 427 photo.  Not sure how that got in there.  Could this be a future project?  Stay tune, you just never know.  

 

 

Edited October 16, 2017 by johnwitzke

[Brutalform]

John.. what paint did you use to replicate the Holley carb color? That looks perfect!! Looking fantastic, can’t wait to see more..

[johnwitzke]

Thanks Tom.  I used Tamyia TS-84 Metallic Gold Spray

[Brutalform]

Thanks John. I really enjoy your Ford builds.

[johnwitzke]

Thanks Tom

[johnwitzke]

Been away from working on this one for awhile.  Prepping the engine for the ignition wires which will be routed per correct firing order for the 427 engine.  A second engine identical to this one will be built for the 1963 Ford F-100 XL.

Edited December 30, 2017 by johnwitzke

[Mikemenifee]

Were you aware the Brannan 824 car was at auction with Mecum in Kissimmee? All of what you do looks great. Thanks for sharing

[johnwitzke]

Hi Mike,

Yes, I see the #824 car is up for auction.  I have decals for that one too.  It would be a future build.  A lot of great reference photos. 

[johnwitzke]

Wiring completed.  Almost done with the engine

[johnwitzke]

I added an often over looked little detail.  The oil dip stick.

 

 

 

Edited January 1, 2018 by johnwitzke

[W-31]

Fantastic job, wow! Might want to make sure your carbs aren't on backwards, vacuum secondary pod is always on the passenger side!

[Dodge Driver]

49 minutes ago, W-31 said:

Fantastic job, wow! Might want to make sure your carbs aren't on backwards, vacuum secondary pod is always on the passenger side!

The carbs are properly oriented for these engines.

[johnwitzke]

Couple of other photos.  Correct on these Fords

Edited January 2, 2018 by johnwitzke

[Force]

You have to have the carbs backwards on the FE when you have dual carbs, otherwise you will not have any room for the distributor.
The 4160 carbs have the metering block on the premium side and not on the secondary so the carbs are shorter if you turn them so the secondary ports points forward, Ford did a special throttle bell crank and axle to switch sides wich goes between the first and second carb to get it to work.
A friend of mine put this setup on his 1964 390 Galaxie last winter.

Edited January 2, 2018 by Force

[W-31]

I appologize ,  thats what happens when you're a G.M. guy that likes to build Mopars!