1964 Ford 390 FE Country Squire Engine Gets A Teardown 

Once Chad finds out the motor is better used as a ships anchor he says, "Ya know what we're gonna have to do with this one right" ? No-Sir, we ain't scrap'en it , we're gonna do a This N That Garage rebuild ! As a new subscriber and after watching several videos, it's plain to see that Chad is a master mechanic. Loving this !

You are the only person I've ever seen with a motor manual. Me and my brother's inherited our grandfather's collection.

My childhood friend grew up with a '64 Country Squire that he inherited in the seventies. It had the 390 4barrel that we totally rebuilt in the late seventies or early eighties. I think we put in 10 1/2 compression pistons and balanced the engine. That thing was a runner and hit 120mph no problem.

Been a ford man all my life and thunderbird covers came stock on the 390 four barrel engines. I seen it also on the 352 engines in 58 high performance engines. As a fact, even the Y blocks of the earlier year also had it on them. I would not hesitate to build it as it is with what ever good parts that you have. Most aggravating was the exhaust bolts on all FE engines seemed to weld the bolts into the heads on them. I put studs in the ones that did come out and used a nut an bolt to hold on the ones that had to be drilled out. I tended to use headers when I could on those heavy S.O.B.'s and used a aluminum intake when available as their so heavy if your a leaning over a fender to put a intake on them. I just used silicon on the ends of the intake cause they do leak if they pouch out on you when bolting it down. Leave loose a bit till the silicone tacked up then tightened. I would not worry a bit if I went to a wrecking yard and pulled a piston out of another engine. Fords seem very forgiving when throwing them back together. I also used the cheapest gaskets on the heads if they were flat enough. I think felpro is way overpriced. McCormick gasket sets seemed to be just fine. Polish the crank with some croakiest cloth. I think that your going to find that its one very easy engine to work on.... when putting the oil pump on, be sure to use the oil pump shaft with that washer that slides on the oil pump shaft and keeps it from being pulled out if you pull the distributor out... they like to stick to the end of the distributor an then a bitch to get into the pump after words. You will see what I mean provided it still has the slide washer on it. When you go to a junkyard and get that spacer thing that split on you trying to turn the crank... you can grab a piston an the spacer, maybe some of the bolts that broke pulling this one down, pack the oil pump with vaseline before putting it back together. I would use all your crank rods from the original engine an just swap the piston. Also very important.... don't forget the oil slinger that is next to the crank as it will throw oil like crazy if you forget it on the timing chain area. Don't know why fords did it so bad but I have forgot one, one only, when putting a timing chain cover on. I also just used the heavy duty single roller timing chain as its only got to go another 100,000 thousand miles and if its a steel gears set with that chain, they hold up just fine... its all about the price and which is cheaper

My 67 390 ran hot all the time, also had to replace the exhaust manifolds on both sides.

My Dad had a '63 country squire in the mid '70's, 2bl 352. It was a brilliant car that really stood out in the UK. It was fully speced out and had features that UK cars could only dream of, we all loved it and he kept it for years. Only one problem was it froze once and split the block in the lifter valley, got it welded they made a beautiful job of it, and it was good to go again. Good luck with yours

If I remember correctly the intake weighs 85 lbs it's self. That's a beast of a engine. Put one out of a t-bird in my 66 f100. What a screamer.

Also had to put a new fan with extra blades, also a transmission cooler, helped a lot.

You bring a positive feeling to a Shadetree mechanic

bought a load leveler like that back in 80s, cut that handle off and welded lug nut on, put a impact on , makes for much faster job

I like this guy. He's goofy, but not stupid. No, this is a proper, genuine, backwoods engineer. I Love the look of this wagon. It screams 1960's.

Awesome to see a FE build, this wagon is going to be great!

Always a pleasant time watching you work. Keeping the suspense going is working too!

I have become addicted to this channel

You do some great work Chad, looking forward to seeing this 390 run again 👍☮️🇺🇲

It is always good to give the engine a good wash so that it takes on another good appearance. The good thing is to fix what has been cleaned, not to fix what is dirty, I say from a distance, thank you, thank you.👍

Great video. I was waiting for the engine stand to fold, watching it wobble the entire time. I love your never give up attitude.

Great break down, can't wait to see that thing go back together/run. Heavy SOB!

Good video, I have no doubt that you’ll have that engine purring like a tomcat sitting on a sunny window sill very soon! God bless 🙏🏼🇺🇸

Thunderbird 390 Motor, hope to see it running soon!!

26:40 🤣😂❤️ the way u r laughing is amazing. I’ll be laughing too if it happens to me، glad didn’t make much damage to the front grill ❤️ I’ll keep watching till the end ❤️

I know nothing about being a mechanic but still watch your videos for the sheer entertainment of them. Thanks for the laughs and the know how.

Your Country Squire was top of the line back in the day.

Enjoy watching you work Keep rescuing old cars!

Well done Chad, looks like the 390 block could go another round in the TNT garage !!! keep em coming

BTW: I love your tractor mounted hoist. I have used off the wall hoists such as, a beam mounted in a Bobcat bucket with a come-along, and a come-along strapped to the arm of my excavator. Like Mr Mom said, "220 or 221, whatever works".

I just watched him tip his dolly over with the engine on it and I am telling you this guy is so me. He is a lot more experienced than I am,but some of the things that happen to him it is like a video of me. He always gets where he is going maybe not always the best way,but he gets there. Bravo Chad. Keep safe man.

Wow, this motor fought you all the way. I can imagine you are looking forward to working in the new workshop with a bridge and all. Less stress on your body and way safer. Thank you for spoiling with a whole hour of top class entertainment and knowledge.

I love the lines on that car. I could see myself cruising in that car. A piece of art, not a piece of Sh#t lol Awesome rat rod, will turn heads! Total make over, will turn heads!

I was just sitting here hoping for an update on this one. Presto!

In 1966 my dad bought a wrecked '64 Country Squire with the 390 just like that one. Needed a new front end. He rebuilt it, had it painted, and we had slick ride for a us 10 kids.

My Grandmal and grandpal had a red 64 2 door hard top. I’ll never forget riding in it. That’s why I’m a ford guy today.

I remember my father's country Squier wagon it was a 1964 can't wait to see the engine rebuild if I remember right the back gate and window was electric and the key turned one way for the window to go down and turned the other way to open the gate if I recall right your videos are awesome 👌

Thank you for the awesome video was wondering about this cool cat of a car! Really dig your channel hoping to see it grow as you really deserve it

Like seeing this old wagon again, in 66 I took a road trip with my uncle and cousins in one just like this one. Slept in the back for 4 nights, what a long Strange trip it was.

With a few performance parts (pistons, cam, intake, carb, and headers thrown at that 390, that ole Country Squire could be a lot of fun and be a great rat rod. I’m looking forward to the updates

26:45 I’ve never seen that happen but have wondered what it would look like. I joined the channel.

I’ve got a 77 F250 4 speed 4x4 with a transplanted 390. Runs pretty strong. I’m going to pull it this winter and do cam intake and heads and just a overall “freshen up” on it. Word of warning tho, FE parts, especially speed parts, are $$$$!

It's tough working alone! Too bad you didn't have a helper at least when you pulled the motor. That fall sucked!! I enjoy watching you work!!

I am so looking forward to the rebuild videos for this!

Saw your video come up and knew it was going to be a good night. You remind me of my grand dad when I was a kid 30 years ago the way you love your work and go about things. Love your show.

Get yourself a lyft you will absolutely love it, I'm 78 years old and I'm on my way about 3:00 pounds and I certainly don't get under cars anymore was anymore so the 2 post left is absolutely greabsolutely great Roy carpenter sweet home Oregon

I subscribed about 3 months ago. I just got outta the hospital after said 3 months. Now I get to enjoy your channel, and I dig your content!

Hi Chad, I had a 62 ford xl. That had a 390 cube. It also said thunderbird on it, the color of the valve covers was silver , nice project, I think staionwagons are getting popular again , have fun. 😊

They used the 390 in the T-Birds. In 1967 they took the T-Bird engine and T-Bird interior in a Galaxia body and called it a XL390.

I had a heart attack, when I thought you were going to wipe out that beautiful grille. I use a 50/50 combination of Diesel fuel and ATF, with heat if necessary. That combo works for me most of the time. The Thunderbird valve covers, were installed on 390s, with certain upgrades. On some years, Ford also put a pot metal Thunderbird emblem on the front fenders, in front of the lower door hinge. It was a reasonable performer.

I think it was actually a smart move to whack that crank with the wooden block. Better than putting the torque on the snout. Glad it worked.

Just started watching your videos and I surely enjoy them. I won't never miss any of your new videos

Absolutely legend. The real mechanic. Looking forward to the rest.

You are one hell of a worker.I like your new shop .

You're just having too much fun! Really enjoyed the video....thanks!

Of the hundreds of engines ive pulled, ive never tumped the whole thing over with a battery cable still attatched lol! left plenty of other stuff attatched but that was classic! thanks for the chuckle and thanks for sharin

Years ago before I had an overhead hoist, I would usually pull the radiator support and grill also. Just gives you more room for low height problems. The elves and trolls come in at night and hook up them starter wires - I swear! Great content as usual! Just a loyal subscriber always waiting for new content.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ !!

Love the content and I have to say the inside of that engine was the cleanest I think I ever seen one after setting that long keep up the good work

Inside of engine pretty clean. I wonder if this engine had rebuild on it. Could be the head gaskets were installed incorrectly blocking a cooling port causing the over heating problems.

Clumsy but a nice video, thank you! The Ford 351 Cleveland was the Darling of the Ford 351's! That Ford Station Wagon series was a strong Chassis! Love your engine tare-downs, re-builds and Runnings! Ron PTL USA

I love this old wagon that side trim is so cool

Gonna be an awesome ride when it's done. Save the wagons 😃😃😃😃

You must really love that old Ford meat wagon I know you'll get it going again because if you could put that old truck back together in the middle of the woods you can do anything.im just glad it's you and not me you are the hardest working guy I ever seen .take care and good luck and watch out for snakes..

Lots of things to keep track of pulling a motor like that in the yard. Reminds me of the old days. It actually is a nice motor when you get it done.

Excellent video Chad :) thats Thunderbird motor is correct on vavles covers and looking forward more videos on this engine also transmission plus car to and amazing on that one piston on rings part wow !

Removing the grille and crossmember will make it easy to install the engine.

The patience you have is both incredible and inspiring 😊

I just noticed at 36:40 that it says on the engine Block 352! You also should go back to the junkyard and grab the roof off of the other station wagon!

Great video. Keep up the make it work with what you got vibes.

That is good that you are trying to save it keep up the good work Love your channel man

I like the cut of your jib young man. Love these old automobiles getting some 'TLC'. Great stuff. Now subbed. Love it 👍

That's a really cool engine Chad 🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🇺🇸🇺🇸

Great video!! Can't wait for the next one.

That made for a really nice sunday afternoon, watching that Motor come apart. Beautiful car, happy to see it get a new lease on life. Thanks for uploading and greetings from germany. 🙂👍

I had an old jack like that I used to lug all over the farm until someone stole it from me. It was the best thing that ever happened to me 🤣

Nothing like working on an old car in the shade on nice summer day.

Great work man love watching you

Once again. Great channel because nothing ever goes according to plan. You have to fight ever step of the way. Well done

When you was using the 2 LB. Sledge with the brass drift. It made me think of the old “Ironsides” series. I absolutely love all your videos!!!

A feller was dreaming about the day he would have a lift and now he’s got one…💪🏼 I can’t wait to see it in use. I’m glad I found your channel, I’m really enjoying it… Where abouts does a feller live in Tennessee? I’m in the north west corner of Georgia. About 10 minutes from Chattanooga.

You sir? Are hilarious 😂 I could turn wrenches with you and call it fun anyday! Thanks for doing what you do!

I had one of these I like to say it was a 78-79 country squire. Same exact colors for sure. For sure a 🚀 rocket land yacht. Emphasis on rocket.

Sir I had a 1967 ford Galaxie 500 4 door . Had a 390 4 barrel carb. My valve covers was ford blue and said powered by ford. Great engine. Pass everything up except gas station lol. I loved that car. Pulled her out of a brair patch. Been sitting 8 10 years. Found out why mine run little hot because didn't have that tank you took off with thermostat in. Loved the tailights on my 67. Wish I still had her. Keep up good work.

Enjoyed seeing the teardown

New subscriber from central Ohio. I really appreciate you taking what comes your way and putting in a solid effort. I'm a Ford guy around your age. I watch you and me knees hurt ! Like you, I don't give a darn about GM, Chrysler, Ford, International, AMC. Heck, a toyota or nissan that looks serviceable is okay. Like your way man !

Great job, an Airco welder, I used to work for Airco back in the 80’s. 👍

Get the crank turned and the block decked and new cam bearings put in

Looking forward to seeing the engine back in and driving. Great vids

The "Thunderbird" valve covers came on 390, 406, and 427 engines. They were referred to as Thunderbird Special engines and were painted black with gold valve covers and air breathers. 352's were painted the familiar Ford blue (entire engine) with "F O R D" stamped valve covers. Remember, this dated back to a pre-Mustang era where the Thunderbird was the true flagship of the brand. Any update on this car? Doesn't appear to be any videos on it in roughly a year or so.

I can't wait to see the next video on this rebuild.

Awesome stuff.

That could be a super cool automobile,thanks for saving it.

If you can believe this I was removing the Number Two Engine Strut off a 737-800 and we forgot to remove the ground strap.It's very similar to a ground cable on a car.The results were similar but we weren't dragging the airplane with a tractor.

Brings back a lot of memories we had one when I was a kid always had to put oil in it was worn out but kept going

This guy is hilarious. He is an older Vice Grip Garage type. I don't know anything about repairing cars, but I enjoy the suspense of what's going to happen next.

Great Vid Chad...Thanks bud

Been waiting for some FE stuff. Like it

If that old boy said it was getting hot it is probably because he never got all of the air out of the engine. What you should do when you go to put the engine back together you need to take the therostat completely out and run the engine without the thermostat in it. After you have run it for a good period of tie then you can open the cap and use a waterhose to continuously and slowly flush the system out. Once it's flushed you can place the thermostat back in it. That should take care of your overheating problem. Always use a 180 degree thermostat in it. I have had to run a 406 without a thermostat for a couple of months in order to get the trash out of the cooling syste, but on those FE blocks that is the best way to clean and flush the cooling system.

I have built few FE motors and that intake ways a ton. They do run well with performance upgrades.

don't worry about it worn down to the brass my brothers got a 390fe in his dumptruck going strong everyday 10 Years now since last rebuild maybe on day well get around to all that

Looking forward to seeing it run!…

On a cool fall night them old fords come two life like a jekyll and hyde

50/50 mix of auto trans fluid(non synthetic) and acetone for freeing things that are stuck. It works good.

Great content! Keep it up!