I am normally in the diesel section but have started looking for a restored classic I can drive without breaking out the 1 ton truck. I have found a 79 ranchero completey restored w/ rebuilt drive train, repainted outside and engine compartment, ungercarriage etc. The only thing missing is the silver trim on the wheel rims which are all currently black. It also comes with a spare parts car.

I have not been dealing with the ranchero much and am going to be looking at it again in the next 48 hours or so. I was hoping to get some advice on what I might be looking for. He is asking $7500.00 but is willing to negotiate the price. Based on the condition and inclusion of the parts car what he is asking seems reasonable. But once again I would like the opinions of members in this forum.

Thanks in advance

 

Not a bad price. For me it would depend on which engine/ transmission it had... and the general condition and the way it's been maintained, or not maintained as the case may be....

 

The ranchero side trim interchanges with the Tbird and Cougar from '77 to '79, making parts relatively easy to get. If the trim is the phony wood grain, that will be a problem--it is extremely scarce and other than on the Ranchero, the only place you can find it is on a Cougar Villager wagon (had one). Price sounds about right, but watch out if it's a 400--cracked blocks are a problem. My '79 Cougar, with a 302, got about 15mpg in the city and 18 on the highway, and as much as 24 when it was running well.

 

I'm usually in the DIESEL/SD/EXCURSION forums too. but I do own a 79 RANCHERO 500 w/302 and ORIGINAL (YES) 23K miles which I bought 10 years ago from the original owner...and there it sits in my garage...begging me to put a diesel something something in it! Enough of my rant, so back to your question.

The price you got sounds pretty darn good (and negotiable too ). I paid 3K in 1998 as a no rust, low mileage, 1 owner, etc., etc. As previously suggested >>>>CHECK THE ENGINE<<<< and check for signs of accident related damage (frame ) and EASY ON THE BONDO. The rest is fixable if needed. That's my $0.02 worth.

Ernie.