1969 Ford LTD Country Squire- Restoration

Start of restoration:

Here is what I have to start with as of 03/24/13:




More pictures to come.

Phil

 

looks better than 1/2 of mine that I drive

 

The ugly, part 1.

Fiberglass trim:

 

The ugly: part 2.

Rust through in rear quarter and cargo hold areas.
Cargo: just one of many rust through areas.


Left Qtr well:


Right Qtr well (spare tire area):

 

The ugly, part 3.

Something appears to have struck the vehicle hard in the area above the fuel tank, causing the interior floor to buckle slightly and the cargo well to have been crushed inward, also slightly. The fule tank is dented a bit on the bottom too. I would guess that someone jacked the car up via the fuel tank, but that seems unlikely. Won't know the real story until the fuel tank comes off. I won't pull that for a little while though. I did see a fuel tank for sale (NOS) somewhere online...

Phil

 

It sure looks like you have a good solid car to start with, even with the areas of rust to deal with. It LOOKS, in the pictures, like the fiberglass trim is in good shape except for the lack of the graining. If my memory serves, that grain was a transfer film, so it gets damaged pretty easily. It can be painted back on, though, if you know someone good with an air brush. Not impossible, especially with the trim off the car. Good luck with the old girl. Make sure you keep us up to date. We're pulling for you.

 

I'm very envious of you and am very interested in seeing the old girl get a facelift.

 

Zal, This is something I have wanted to do since I lost my old wagon (it rotted out terribly) back in 1981. I now have the chance to show my kids how things work and how to fix things yourself. I do the same thing with my house, I suppose. Room addition, deck, and now a barn for the wagon. I'll tear the car down in earnest in mid Apri. Pictures to come! Heavy on how to. Stay tuned. Phil

 

Tailgate: 69 Ford LTD Country Squire, prior to restoration

I opened the tailgate to examine the inside area.
First thing: inner kraft liner was removed.
Second thing: someone installed a new switch and wiring harness for the glass lift! Thank-you!


Inside was relatively rust free.
Left, Center, Right
http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/gallery/files/5/1/1/0/imag0755_thumb.jpg[/IMG]

Bottom and right side, safety sticker exterior: excellent shape.

 

The Ugly, Part 4: Dash Panel

Not a pretty sight for this dash panel. Maybe beyond repair but I'm going to try anyway.

 

How do you plan to do that? Recover, fill and paint, or other?

 

Dash pad repair.

I thought I saw a website where the dash pad was rebuilt and recovered. I've been on too many sites in the last week to remember now. I'll return to that search over the next few days.

I don't think filling will work too well in the long run but my pad is so far gone that it's worth a shot. An NOS pad would be ideal and I saw a recent sale for one on EBAY ($500+). That would be the easy way out!

All suggestions for repair are appreciated.

Phil

 

Interior Restorations

These guys are looking like a good option. Not just for me, but for others.

Phil

http://www.justdashes.com/?gclid=CKanitrdn7YCFaZFMgodEEkAyw

 

Yeah, I bet Just Dashes would make that dash look great, but wonder how much do they cost? That NOS dash at $500+ might start to look like a bargain!

I've never seen the cruise control steering wheel on the full sized Fords. Looks so wonderful! I'd love to see a lot more photos of your Country Squire, as the '69 model is one of my all time favorites!

David

 

Maybe you should have bought the one on Ebay?
To recover that one it will be well over a thousand bucks. You can try to fix it but they normally don't turn out too well, not to factory or show car standards anyway, always worth a shot though.
Find that NOS fuel tank you were taking about and grab it if it's still around too! You have to strike when the iron is hot, you may never see those parts available again and even if they aren't needed until way down the road you grab them anyway, bird in the hand thing.
I'd try to find a decent original dash pad myself.