I just bought my first Ford truck, a 1961 Ranchero. I am fairly new to the world of truck restoration, and while I can do some automotive maintenance, I bought this baby as a project, and learning tool--okay, I really bought it as a big toy! lol.
I could use any tips you guys have for restoration, and will check out any sites you could recommend. Are there any devoted to restoring specifically Rancheros?
Please, contact me throught the board, or my email at gsean7@qwest.net
I also have a Ranchero, a 1970. Though different than your 61, I too had trouble seeking info on the vehicle. One problem is there is not enough knowledge about these vehicles and not enough sites to get anything from. You might want to try and look for a site called Cyber Ranchero? Or the Ranchero Club. I have yet to join the Ranchero club, but I hear it has a lot of knowledgable people(they better know the car if they have a registry). I also had a 1960 Ranchero a few years back. It was a fun little car, had 13 inch wheels, 144 I-6 and very little get up and go; But still fun. One problem you must look out for in the Ranchero or any older car for that matter, is rust. Rust can be found on the under carriage. On the roof pillars, around the front/rear windshields, quarter panels, floor boards, etc. Other than that, the car is an easy resto. They are very simple, they use common parts and can be built relatively cheap compare to some vehicles. I would like to get another 60 some day, again, cool little cars! I hope you enjoy the car as much as I did my 60 and still do my 70.
Well, the 61 Ranchero project is going well... about the end of the year I plan on dropping a small v-8 into her, and giving her some get up and go. I do have a question, though... I am looking for advice reguarding bedliners... spray on vs. insert.
nuclearboy, I do hope that your plan for the V8 swap involves the upgrade to 5 lug v8 front and rear axles. The stock 9" drums were scary on the 6 cyl and down right deadly with a V8. Been there , done that. You can swap a 8" rear axle from a '63 falcon/ranchero straight accross with out any problems. the front suspension(upper and lower a-arms,spindles steering box) can be swapped over from a '63 with VERY little trouble. 4-piston disc brakes are an even better upgrade and it all bolts on. I've done this myself on a '62 2-door falcon. Good luck.
Eric
Proud owner of a '73 F-250 4x4 High Boy, 460 V8, NP435, NP205
And a '68 Bronco 289 v8 , NP435 , Dana 20
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Proud owner of a '73 F-250HD 4x4 High Boy, 410FE MERCURY V8, NP435, NP205, Dana 60 rear w/Detroit Locker, Dana 60 FRONT!!
'68 Bronco 289 v8 , NP435 , Dana 20
'79 Big Bronco NP-435,
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I also had a 1960 Ranchero a few years back. It was a fun little car, had 13 inch wheels, 144 I-6 and very little get up and go; But still fun. One problem you must look out for in the Ranchero or any older car for that matter, is rust. Rust can be found on the under carriage. On the roof pillars, around the front/rear windshields, quarter panels, floor boards, etc. Other than that, the car is an easy resto. They are very simple, they use common parts and can be built relatively cheap compare to some vehicles. I would like to get another 60 some day, again, cool little cars! I hope you enjoy the car as much as I did my 60 and still do my 70.
