Reworked 63 1/2 Galaxie 500

[FoMoCo66]

This is my take on a 63 ½ galaxie, lowered in the front on american racing 5 spokes. If I were to have a real one this is how I would build it. This is the Prestige edition, I got it from my aunt when she was cleaning out her father in-laws house after he passed. The Prestige kit is very interesting, it comes with everything in the regular 63 galaxie kit along with a display stand and even a little sheet of BMF (definitely not enough to cover the miles of chrome on this car, and the quality was iffy). 

This kit came from the ’63 annual, so it was originally based on a screw-bottom design. That meant the screw posts on the radiator support had to go. I shaved and filled those, then added top bracing along with a fan shroud. The engine had a large hole from the metal axle, so I filled that as well. While I was at it, I added plug wires and fuel lines. I also stripped the molded wiring from the engine bay since it never looks right to me.

On the chassis, I replaced the original A-arms with full-length ones from the Revell ’57 Ford. The exhaust was modified for a custom setup with chrome tips. The body was finished in MCW metallic blue, but before painting I applied BMF under the emblems and brought them out with lacquer thinner.

The hood features a grafted teardrop scoop from the ’64 Thunderbolt kit, with the intakes opened up. Both bumpers and the grille assemblies received heavy modification—headlights were drilled out for clear lenses, taillights reshaped with fins, and all mold lines removed before rechroming in FusionFirm chrome.

Inside, I reworked the seats to sit more upright and reshaped the fronts for a smoother look.

Overall, these changes really elevate the model from its original form, something I really enjoy doing.

Heres the WIP:

https://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/202540-63-galaxie-bye-bye-screw-posts/

Thanks for looking everyone, I really enjoy your comments and questions!

Elliot Hamm

Edited Saturday at 07:01 PM by FoMoCo66

[SpikeSchumacher]

Very nicely done, Elliot!

[johnyrotten]

Beautiful work,Elliot. That's one serious ride, you've nailed the perfect look on this one.👍👍

[espo]

I followed your extensive changes to the basic kit. The finished build looks much like a modern kit of today with everything you changed. Beautiful paint color and finish. The stance, wheels and tires along with the hood look great. 

[Kanada Kustoms]

Nice looking Galaxie... Mean stance and great color!

[karbuildr]

Beautiful build, excellent color choice, very nice details.

[BKIN10SECS]

Nice lil hot rod.....very nice work!

[XYHARRY]

One of my favourite Fords. You did a great job making this kit into a very nice cruiser. Detail and undercarriage weathering looks great. Well done Elliot. 

[ChrisR]

Very nice.

[Mattilacken]

Beautiful build! One of the best looking fords there is.

[falcon wagon]

Yes very nice

[MeatMan]

Sweet!

[Khils]

Very nice ride young man! 😎 

[Kah puts]

Excellent detailing, great colour choices 👍

[dragstk]

Nice build, Elliot. The color and the stance really make it!

[bogger44]

That is one great looking Galaxie!  Stance is really on point.

[Quiet Eric]

Turned out really great, the stance is perfect and I love that hood.

[slusher]

Beautiful Ford!

[STU111]

That’s one tough looking Ford. You say you built the model how you would build a 1:1 version, well, that’s one Galaxie I’d like in my driveway. Top stuff. 👍🏻

[Bainford]

Very cool Galaxie, Elliot. Your modifications have really brought this kit around. All round cool style, too. Very nicely done.