'69 Galaxie XL GT

[Falcon Ranchero]

Wanted to build one of these for a while, and was finally able to order one for $26. Went together pretty ok, the front end was a bit wonky to fit but it's ok. But the decals. Holy smokes. Lately i've been noticing that AMT's been cheaping out on their decals; every time now it seems when I have an AMT kit with large body decals, and even emblem decals, they are absolute c-r-a-p. The decals you see on the car have ripped in many places, and on one side they're peeling off. Fought me every step of the way; must've been an hour trying to perfect them. It was really bad; I did not enjoy applying these decals. 2 years ago I built a same year Fairlane GT, also AMT, and as I recal the body stripe decals were actually ok. So I don't know what's up with AMT decals nowadays, but it was frustrating. That being said I do like how the car looks; has Duplicolour Maui Blue paint; a GM colour but looks good on this car. Also I robbed the set of hubcaps off my '77 Ford Van since they resemble more of the XL GT rims and actually the sporty full size Canadian 1970 Meteor S-33 (Which is like an XL GT) came factory with those hubcaps. I like them on this car anyway.

[espo]

The paint color and finish do look great as does your Fairlane in the last picture. The vinyl roof and body trim are all cleanly done. The decal issue, is the kit a recent reissue or maybe older inventory that would account for the decals degrading with age? 

[Falcon Ranchero]

3 minutes ago, espo said:

recent reissue or maybe older inventory

It is I believe a 2023/2024 issue so really it shouldn't be that bad

[espo]

9 minutes ago, Falcon Ranchero said:

It is I believe a 2023/2024 issue so really it shouldn't be that bad

You wouldn't think so if they are that new. 

[Can-Con]

Looks really good to me too. Too bad about the decal problems. I understand there's been a few issues with Round 2 decals lately.

BTW, pretty sure only the latest reissue of that kit ever had the side stripe decals.

[karbuildr]

Very well done build. I'm hearing more and more folks having the same issues with decals in reissued and new AMT kits. Nice paint work on your kit.

[johnyrotten]

Great looking galaxy. I really like the overall look you got, it's classy from some angles and means business from others. Awesome work 

[Rattlecan Dan]

Car looks sharp. You did a nice job.

[TarheelRick]

Extremely nice-looking Ford. That color does look good on that car. Very well built.

[bondo bill]

sweet build

[maxwell48098]

Outstanding build.  I worked at a Ford dealer prepping new cars back in the late '60's - early '70's.  I prepped several of these, but my favorites were the Mustang Boss 302's and 429's.  But you cpould break the rear tires loose even on the Galaxie GT boats! 

Looks right on.

 

A.J.

[Bainford]

Good looking Galaxie. Bummer about the decals, but a handsome cruiser nonetheless. 

[Sledsel]

Looks good, Nice color combo

[Carmak]

Nice build Nathan! The hubcaps really make it stand out, well done.

[NOBLNG]

Nice looking Galaxie Nathan.👍 It looks like you tried applying the decals as one piece? Next time try cutting them into sections at the door jambs. You can lay a full length strip of tape down as a guide to keep the chunks aligned. After all, they would be applied in sections (or cut at the seams) on a 1:1.

Edited June 3 by NOBLNG

[charger74]

Looks really good 

[DoctorLarry]

Very nice build. I remember those cars running around town when I was a kid.

[slusher]

Those are beautiful builds!

[Dragline]

On 6/2/2025 at 1:58 PM, Falcon Ranchero said:

Wanted to build one of these for a while, and was finally able to order one for $26. Went together pretty ok, the front end was a bit wonky to fit but it's ok. But the decals. Holy smokes. Lately i've been noticing that AMT's been cheaping out on their decals; every time now it seems when I have an AMT kit with large body decals, and even emblem decals, they are absolute c-r-a-p. The decals you see on the car have ripped in many places, and on one side they're peeling off. Fought me every step of the way; must've been an hour trying to perfect them. It was really bad; I did not enjoy applying these decals. 2 years ago I built a same year Fairlane GT, also AMT, and as I recal the body stripe decals were actually ok. So I don't know what's up with AMT decals nowadays, but it was frustrating. That being said I do like how the car looks; has Duplicolour Maui Blue paint; a GM colour but looks good on this car. Also I robbed the set of hubcaps off my '77 Ford Van since they resemble more of the XL GT rims and actually the sporty full size Canadian 1970 Meteor S-33 (Which is like an XL GT) came factory with those hubcaps. I like them on this car anyway.

AMT seriously need to step up their decal game for sure. The 340 Duster I just finished was a nightmare. The rear black out panel decal broke just by looking at the bloody thing.

They are tooooo thick and tooooo fragile. They work lousy with solutions, and registration can be shoddy.

Edited June 5 by Dragline

[ChrisR]

Nice.

[Ragtop Man]

Nice job on the "Michigan Strong Boy" - IIRC, the last year that you could get a 4-speed in the big car.  Several documented '69s... dunno on '70s. 

Question to the group: would clear coating the new/recent AMT / R2 decals help? 

This build is very well done, love the contrast, looks just like they did backinnaday cruising around Dearborn.

Sure would be swell if the 3Dverse had the die cast Galaxie wheel covers for '67-70 - I think the closest in any kits were the '68-9 Jeepster from MPC. 

[PappyD340]

Looks great!