1967 Galaxie Thermostat question

[dcott45]

Hello All,

I'm replacing both of my radiator hoses on my 1967 Galaxie 500 390 2V. While I have the top hose off, I might as well replace the thermostat. I got the housing off, took the thermostat out, scraped the old gasket off, got the replacement thermo I ordered with the hoses out of the box and I noticed the diameter is much smaller (2 1/8") than the old one (obsolete Rotunda brand 2 1/2"). I wondered if I got the wrong part and looked online for a replacement and they all seem to be the 2 1/8" size recommended for my vehicle. The 2 1/8" thermo barely fits the opening and I don't know how they stay in place. Is there any brand or store you would recommend for me to find a proper replacement?

I'm not a complete idiot, but does the spring side of the thermo fit into the housing side or go into the engine side. In the process, I didn't take notice on how the thermo fit on the car. Just trying to not cook my motor.

Thanks in advance for any advice/answers!!

[bertha66]

The spring goes into the intake. The hole for the stat and the housing are the same size, right? If they are you will need the larger stat, take it to the parts house and have them match it up. The older FE engines ran the larger stats, so it should not be to hard to find.

[lincolndriver]

I agree with bertha,you might want to verify the casting number on your intake.I got mine from advance auto.Their listing was for an older model(1964)

[dcott45]

Everyone. Thanks for your help and taking it easy on me for not remembering which way my thermostat went in.

Bertha: "The hole for the stat and the housing are the same size, right?"

Yes they are. I ordered the stat with the hoses and new cap from MAC's. Rock Auto also lists the replacement stat for my '67 Galaxie at the 2 1/8" diameter as well.

Lincolndriver: "I got mine from advance auto."

I made it to our auto parts store in town right before they closed and they had it listed correctly.

Again, thanks for all your help!!

[jkucyj]

Advanced hugh? Big surprise. I won't go there ever again. Has to be Autozone or O'Reilley. What temp did you end up going with?

[lincolndriver]

i live 1 mile from advance and 15 miles from autozone. yes i feel the same way that you do.but this time az didnt have what i need. i think the secret is to make friends with the manager and ignore the "sacrificial counter help". The old joke is," Advance is the only place where if you want to buy a headlight for a 1980ford truck, they will ask you what engine size"

[jkucyj]

Nice! Couldn't agree more except for the fact that the advanced here in Fort Walton Sucks. Go there with a part # and they still want to know what kind of car it is. Autozone is cheaper and has better parts from my experience. They all have good and bad, just like Ford, Chevy and Dodge.

[fordman289]

I don't recall if I tried Advance when I was looking for a stat (I have the same intake and housing that requires the larger stat), but I know Autozone didn't have it.

I went to Napa and told them I needed a stat for a '67 Ford LTD and it needed to be the larger diameter and he knew right away what I was talking about.

Just speaking for myself I've always had better luck with Napa for the older cars. Big A was good back in the day when we had them out here as well.

Greg

[lincolndriver]

Originally Posted by jkucyj

Nice! Couldn't agree more except for the fact that Autozone is cheaper and has better parts from my experience. They all have good and bad, just like Ford, Chevy and Dodge.

i agree 100%. btw, im using 160 degree

[bertha66]

Originally Posted by lincolndriver

im using 160 degree

I use 180 stats in my FE engines. They seem to run better up here in Oregon running a little warmer.