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First time here, and posting. Great reference site for sure!
I just picked up a 1966 Ranchero Base, with the Fairlane front-end. Was told by the previous owner that this was done for most of the later model 1966 Ranchero's that ended up in Canada (this was originally sold in Canada - I am in the USA, but it has a super cool "Dominion Saskatoon" dealer emblem on the back!).
The car has been modded over the years, but still maintains the look. It has a later model (likely late 1960's) 289, holley 4 bbl, mild cam, headers, magnaflow exhaust and electric ignition/dist. Needs some work however...
It is currently at my local shop getting:
1. 1-wire alternator
2. New sending units for gas/temp
3. New air shocks in the rear
4. Timing/tuning
5. fix exhaust leak
6. Hurst quarter stick shifter: long story short... the car was converted from 3/tree to floor shifter back to auto on the column through it's history... was poorly done, and will not stay in park. Also starts in any gear which is scary. I wanted something that will provide secure shifting, and will not pop in/out gear.
I put in a new starter when I bought it, and also new tires all around.
What a sweet little ride!
Next after all this is paint, but will enjoy it for a while before doing that. It's a big investment! The car has very solid body, but I do see some filler in areas. The area under the gas tank is also starting to fade. In fact, the car was once a red car, that was (poorly) painted black. Looks like a discount paint job, not stripped down first. I can see traces of red in many places, and the thin black coat is started to show "red sparkles" through... anyone know if there is anything I can do other than a full paint job? For now, at least make the black look nice. I am afraid to buff it/wet sand it, as I don't want more of the red showing.
When I do get around to paint, I will bring it back to it's red glory!
Picture of the car as-is stands today (I am a proud owner for sure!!!)
Congrats on that score. That looks pretty good as is, considering the age and some of the stuff done to it.
Not sure you are going to be able to save that paint--it will never be right.
Check the floor pan under the back of cab. These were built on station wagon chassis and the bed will leak water into the cavity below it, where the seat and footwells would be in the wagon. Not sure about the rear window leaking, but check that too.
I would think twice about air shocks. Some aren't very good shocks, and the shock mounts are not designed to carry the weight of the vehicle. Add a leaf if you need more beef back there.
These were built on station wagon chassis and the bed will leak water into the cavity below it, where the seat, footwells and spare tire well would be in the wagon.
Not sure about the rear window leaking, but check that too.
Ranchero's rust from the inside out, as the rust is hidden below the Ranchero's bed pan. This is the case with all 1957/79 Ranchero's.
06-04-2015, 09:37 AM
