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I’d like to let you in on something. There are two websites you need to know about. You will find this information very useful. It concerns a couple of lesser-known websites that you should be aware of. One will let you know your car’s value, the other will let you know what your ride’s correct paint hue should be. First, let’s talk about your classic’s value. Here at Eckler’s, we often get asked, “What’s my 19__ Chevy ________ worth?”
This stunning 1963 Galaxie 500 XL belongs to Gary and Kae Wise of Molalla, OR. Gary acquired his love of Fords at 20 years of age, when he started working for the Holman-Williams Ford Dealership in Molalla, OR. In 1960, Gary and his wife Kae bought their first Ford, a 1960 Red Starliner, 352 3-speed car. In November of 1962, the 1963-1/2, Sports Hardtop with the 427/425 engine became available. The couple just had to have one. Kae's color choice was Rose Beige metallic, with a black interior. This made the Ford 500 XL the prettiest car in town. Gary chose the R-code 427 engine, 4-speed transmission, 4:11 rear end gears, alternator, and transistorized ignition to round out the powertrain.
How does a car guy go about beating the winter blues?
Well, old man winter has gripped the nation – in most parts of the country anyway. As I’m writing this, I’m reminded that I live in a pretty decent part of the USA, where winter is virtually non-existent. Central Florida can be downright nasty during the summer months, but come mid-October, the weather here can’t be beat. So attending local car shows and being able to work on cars this time of year is a great privilege. Before you start with the hate comments, know that I’ve only lived here for the last 5 years. Before that, I lived in the mountains of southern Oregon. I know what long, cold winters are! I remember venturing into our unheated garage only on sunny days to work on my old Buick Skylark, or my wife’s Ford Galaxie. Even then, after an hour or so, the cold overcame the joy of turning the wrenches. Back in those days, come wintertime, I found other ways to satisfy my old car hobby itch…
The Next Generation: No doubt about it, we’re all getting older. Sorry for the reminder, but it’s true. I’m 58 years old and hopefully still have many years ahead of me to enjoy this hobby, amongst other things! As the years roll on I wonder who’ll carry the “classic/muscle/hotrod” torch in my family. For me, most likely my son- in-law. My own son isn’t a car guy. He grew up with a dad who was (and still is), car crazy. My father was definitely not a car guy. I grew up with a Fiat and a Rambler– it was rough! When my son was a teenager, I asked him what his favorite “old car” was. He said he liked the ’68-’72 Novas. Ah, a flicker of encouragement! I still hope to find one of those cars and turn it into a father/son project with him. Right now, he’s entrenched with his career and our new grandson.
My buddy’s dad bought the car in ’81 drove it for about 10 years. Then he got a new car in ’91 and let it sit until 2013, when his kid turned 16. They got it running and he drove it for 2 years. The car was then sold to a guy I work with in May of 2015, but he just let it sit. So I gave him an offer and got the car the same day, which was just 2 days ago (November 15, 2015). The reason I bought it is because I love the 2nd generation models I had been wanting one since I was about 14 (I’m 18 now). The reason I really like it though is because I paid for it myself and I’m ready to get this bad boy on the streets. It has a 350 in it but there is a knock in the engine, I also need a new driver’s side door and front bumper. It has about 93,000 miles on it.
I never thought I would be writing about one of my cars for Chevy Classics. This has been a dream of mine for decades. When my classic car addiction began (when I was 15), I would read the car magazines and wonder what it would be like to have a truly unique automobile. I never thought it would happen. More recently, in my adult life, I also never thought I would have yet another project car! I already have 1955 and 1957 Bel Air convertibles; and they both took a lot out of me. I thought I was done! However, I’ve had significant influences…
In 1963, I bought a new red Fairlane. I met my wife, dated, went on our honeymoon and brought our daughter home from the hospital in it. In 1968, I traded it off for a ’68 Torino, but I always wanted another 1963 Fairlane. About 14 years ago I found this one. It was in very bad shape. $30,000 later and a lot of hard work, I think it turned out pretty good. It has a strong 302 engine and a C4 transmission. I narrowed the 8" rear end so I could fit larger wheels and wider tires. It has classic gauges, a Flaming River steering wheel and tilt column, and a Lokar shifter with a custom console. Front seats came out of a Mitsubishi Galant. Wheels are Cragar 390s. The color is 2007 Mustang Red. Hope you all enjoy the pictures!
Quick Tips: Installing New Fan and Fan Belt in Your Corvette
Time: 1 hour
Tools: standard socket set, standard wrenches, long screwdriver or pry bar
Cost: approximately $40-$70
Tinware: replacement or aftermarket engine fan, aftermarket fan spacer (if needed), fan belt
Tip: Always be careful of loose clothing, jewelry, or hair when working around engine fans. Keep an eye out for any wiring or tools as well.
Performance gains: increased airflow and cooling capacity, horsepower gains from lack of drag on the motor at high RPM
La Carrera Panamericana is a competitive vintage race/rally format consisting of a two person team in each car: a piloto (driver) and co-piloto (navigator). It is the only road rally in the world with sections allowing unlimited speed, in which the road is closed until the racers pass through on their way to the northern Mexican border.
A little history about the event: It all started in 1950 by the Mexican government, which invited international race car drivers and car manufacturers to come and race on the newly paved Panamerican Highway through mainland Mexico. It was a tremendous success and attracted lots of attention, until the last race in 1954.
Come check out the Southeast’s Largest Corvette Show & Swap Meet!
38th Anniversary Winter Regional Meet,
January 20th-23rd, 2016, Lakeland, FL