| Michael Nelson's 1966 7-Litre Convertible |
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| Michael Nelson's 1966 7-Litre Convertible |
In 1966, Ford introduced the Galaxie 7-Litre, its top of the line full size vehicle. A one year model designation, the "7-Litre" moniker was reduced to an option package in 1967, and was gone altogether by 1968. The 7-Litre featured such standard features as 428 cid 4V engine, power front disc brakes, and the bucket seat interior from the Galaxie 500 XL models. Only 11,175 7-Litres were produced in 1966, and of those only 2367 were convertibles.
| As it appeared in Hemmings Motor News Online, before I bought it in Hampton VA on June 14 2001. | 
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| Out on the 4th of July 2001. This is right before I took it in to be restored. |
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| Pre-restoration photos (behind B. 1202 @ NASA LaRC) |
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| Some of the obvious damaged spots. It turned out to be much worse... |
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| Rot on the driver's rear quarter & convertible base |
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| Getting worse before it gets better. |
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| Finally! the car gets painted. Color coats, wet sanding and clear coats: |
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| The exterior finished (September 2002) and stored in the neighbor's garage. Many hard-to-find trim pieces are still missing, and the interior remains unfinished. |
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| Most of the trim finished (October 2003). The interior is finished. Picture taken in Ghent, after Hurricane Isabel. |
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Notables:
Decoding the numbers on my data plate:
VIN 6 A 63 Q 217870 | | | | | | | | | |- consecutive unit number | | | |--- 8 cylinder 428 cid (4V) (428 cubic inches ~= 7 litres) | | |------ 7 Litre 2 door convertible | |-------- assembled in Atlanta |---------- 1966 model
Data Plate 76D T 85 12D 22 4 4 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |- C6 automatic transmission | | | | | |--- 3.25:1 rear axle | | | | |------ Charlotte district code | | | |---------- April 12 | | |------------- red vinyl interior | |--------------- red exterior |------------------- 7 Litre 2 door convertible
Good resources for 7-Liter enthusiasts:
