Hoping Mark checks in about the headliner in Rod's '52. Would also love any updates Mark can give on his '52.

The seller says in his description the number built and restored. His numbers don't agree with what Mark has recorded. Since there were 50 some total from '50 to '56, with 30 or so built in 1950, the numbers dropped off pretty rapidly. No '56s have been found to have been built, just artist's drawings. Mark's '55 is thought to be the last. There are three '51 survivors. This one, Kevin's friend's blue hippy painted one, and my sad black one. I've tried to figure out if mine is one of these below two pictured Rangers. Sadly the detail in the pictures says it is not. Maybe the blue one is one of them. Stu

 

I agree with the others, needs larger wheels, body color wheel paint, and knobby military tires IMO. I still like that look and have come close a couple of times pulling the trigger on a 51 or 52 suburban. I just can't find one that's a driver with the patina I like, they either are concourse or rotted.

JB

 

I'm betting that the picture of the ranger with the winch on the front is now this hippy rig. My best friend owns this one and its going to be for sale

 

The front winch I'd think would be a strong connection to the truck in the pictures. The pictures are from a story in the winter-spring 1952 issue of Ford Truck Times. The article describes crews using 4wd Fords to cover the mountain region of Nevada expanding TV coverage westward. Here's the cover of the issue and the article. Stu

Edit - better pictures that don't cut off the last of the article. Stu

 

Stu, that issue of Ford Truck Times looks familiar!

 

I didn't "borrow" it from you, I promise. Think I found the issue at Iola. Probably can be found on eBay.

From the story it sounds like the Bell System, or maybe their contractor, had a fleet of 4wds. As few Rangers as there were built, the hippy truck could have been one of a few in the fleet. Stu

 

I had one and thought I sold it on ebay. I thought you bought it. I could be wrong. I will look to see if mine is still on my pile of Times and Clues.

 

It was Originally from Nevada

 

Pretty strong connection. Wish Chuck or Mark would comment. To my understanding 50+ total were built between '50 and '55/56, and Mark was told by a former Siebert worker that 30+ were built in '50 at which time Ford and/or Siebert faced the fact they were loosing money. As I heard it the contract failed to include the cost of a repaint after the windows were added. That leaves 20 between '51 and '55/56. Many of those probably '51s, and maybe several of them part of the Bell fleet. Stu

 

So there are no Rangers made from 48 and 49 Trucks?

 

Nope, 1950 to 1956. There is 1942 prototype in Don Chew's collection -pictured. It's done on a sedan delivery. There are other 48/49 sedan deliver M-Hs I've seen, similar platform to the woodie wagons. There were other M-H panel trucks 48/49 and later. Some sellers incorrectly claim numbers for them using the Ranger figures. There would also have been Siebert bodied panels that were not M-H converted to awd. Like ambulances, fire chief vehicles, etc. Stu

 

Great information and history here.


Thanks everyone!
Bobby

 

This picture makes me feel better. My '56 is sitting in a pole building like this one and just as dusty. But at least it's on concrete! I'm with Bobby, great thread and pics.

 

Just to wrap up the story, the eBay bidding on the Ranger max'd out at $45,100 but missed the reserve. And the above Ford Truck Times issue is now listed on eBay. Stu

http://m.ebay.com/itm/Winter-Spring-1952-Ford-Truck-Times-Factory-Magazine-Brochure-wv5240-/371531706070?nav=SEARCH

 

Five Star Extra Cab-Where is the lock on the glove box lid?Duel horns?If you want to get picky I guess!