1967 Ford Squire wagon restoration

Sorry to hear about your set back, here's hoping for a speedy recovery so that you can get back to wrenching.

Cheers

 

We worked on the Country Squire for the first time in months last night. We actually were able to get the passenger side buttons on every fastener. If anyone has used these aftermarket button sets, they do not go on easy! In fact they have to be hit rather hard and trying not to dent them is very difficult. I have had to even grind down two of the four tabs on some of the fasteners to get the buttons on! There is no way they should be this difficult to get on.

Also, we re applied new woodgrain on the tailgate and I will by putting the faux wood trim on the tail gate this weekend.

Next will be applying the 6 rails that go on the roof for the roof rack. Not going to be easy since no one is making the rubber that fits under them and the spacers for under the screws either.

 

Doc she came out great. Hard to believe it has been 4 years.

 

Cliff,
I had to actually check that out...but yes it has been 4 years going on 5 in November. I dont think I would have taken on the project if I knew what I was up against. However, I am happy with the wagon as it is now.

 

You have done a amazing job. Restorations are never easy.

 

And, when they are completed, there is a sense of accomplishment you don't get too many other ways.

Great looking wagon Doc...

 

Its impossible to find the original hard rubber spacers that fit under the roof rack slats. So I after a lot of thought and searching for ideas online, I finally made some.


I used corrugated rubber floor mat and cut it to fit. The edges of the slats fit in the groove perfectly.



I used some heat on a punch to make the holes


Then I heated the end of the roof rack slat and melted the rubber mat so it would lay flat on the car. I used 3M caulk to seal the holes so there will hopefully be not leaks.



Here it is on the car. I am very happy with how it turned out!

 

Here are some pictures with ALL of the stainless steel buttons in place. Not and easy task. Each clip had to be hit with a grinder before the buttons would go on.



How about that...her badges are back on letting everyone know who she is.


Here it is at its First car cruise. It was only a small one and I was just there long enough at the local DQ to get a quick bite to eat.

 

Looking good there Doc!

 

Looking great and thanks for the update. Are you planning to stick with those rims?

 

I am leaving them for now. I do plan on going back to the original wheels and hubcaps. I need to find 4 15x6 rims. The 6 inch wide wheels only came on wagons and they are hard to find.

 

darn Doc....she awful pretty

 

Is your bolt pattern a 5X4 1/2? If so, they are the same rims that Ford used right through the 70s, 80s and into the 90s on the Torino, Montego, Cougar, LTD II, Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis sedans and Ranger and Mazda B-series pick ups that were factory fitted with 15 inch wheels. The Country Squire and Colony Park through 91 used the same rim in a 6 1/2, and is extremely easy to find. Hope that gives you some ideas for donor vehicles. Actually, in Canada, the local parts/tire stores can get the 15X6 1/2 inch rim over night for about $40 a piece. I prefer the 6 1/2 simply because the tires wear more evenly, and the half inch difference doesn't even show!

 

Hey Mike T,
Thanks for all the info. Ill check that out.
Dr B

 

Somewhere around 95, the sedans went to the 6 1/2 inch rims as well, so they are much easier to find. The 6 1/2 were included in the Trailer Tow III, Performance Handling, Taxi, and Police packages on the sedans up until they went to them being standard across the board. What I have found is that it is impossible anymore to get a GOOD whitewall tire in either the 215/70R15 or 225/70R 15 size. I got a set of Sumitomo blackwalls, 215/70R15 100T that are very good. Next tires I'm going to up grade to the 16X7 rims from American Racing and get a set of the Pirelli P6 in a 225/60R16 98H. Much better handling. IF they still make them by then!