One more frame to get off the chassis table, then my '67 is going back on for the rest of the suspension, cage, and more tin work. The hood is extended about 4" and now opens in the front. Wish I had more time and money so I could get it done this summer.....oh well, there's always next summer!!!!

 

I like the 70 & 71 Rancheros. I have a 71ranchero 500 . According to the vin. it came with a 429 ( I put a 302 in it ) Does any one know how many 71 Ranchero 500 's were made with the 429 w/ C6? Looks like someone has the same idea about making a 2 door wagon. I need to find another 70 71 ranchero project to start my 2 door wagon. I cant cut up a clean 429 Ranchero.
chris

 

I've seen a number of possible candidates on eBay lately, some of them were on the West Coast... Might want to take a look there.

 

I like the first year with a 144 + 3-speed/OD for a minimum, economy truck. Some friends of my folks owned one. What a sweet vehicle!

I had a '64 Falcon Sprint and always thought the '64-'65 Rancheros were pretty cool, esp. the '65 with a 289 + 4-speed.

 

I own a 1967 ranchero and I think that they were the best year for them.

 

Wow! I think this thread has been around almost as long as the Ranchero...LOL!

By far, my favorite is the first one, 1957 with Fairlane 500 side trim option.
Second place 1959 with Galaxie 500 side trim option
Third place 1966/67 with GT hood option.
Last 1972 Ranchero GT, being the absolute end of the Muscle Car era.

77-79 were just LTD II station wagons as far as I'm concerned. Even though the end of the era body sat on the same chassis as the 1972, the 77-79 looked as heavy and bulky as they really were. The end of the line could have all the accessories of a Thunderbird but still looked like a barge. The GT option was a joke with the 85 MPH speedometer, but there was a tachometer too, so you could see how many RPM it took to almost break a single tire spin (on wet asphalt pavement) with your detuned 400 2V engine. From 1977 on, they should have come only with the Squire option, painted only lime green, and called the Sportwagon (Like Grizwald's).

On the positive side, if Ford had made the choice in 1977 to put the Lincoln Mark front end, and instrument cluster, on these car/trucks and billed them as the ULTIMATE PERSONAL TRUCK, much like the Lincoln Mark LT is today, I believe the Ranchero may have lived on another decade.

No offense to those who own 77-79 Ranchero's. Just my opinion.

 

The parts books don't show the Fairlane 500 side trim for a 1957 Ranchero, nor do the brochures. Only the plain side trim was available, or no side trim at all. Many owners (including myself) added the gold trim, beginning in 1957. There was never an Edsel Ranchero either...despite what some people think. The front clip from a 1958 Edsel Pacer or Ranger is a bolt on swap. Adding the Edsel side trim and the station wagon taillights completes the look.


The standard '57 Ranchero (66A) came with no side trim, and the bed mouldings were painted. Until they were reproduced recently, it was impossible to find the upper corner trim...the ones that were painted originally were going for $500.00 a set at swap meets.


My favorite: 1957 Ranchero in Willow Green/Colonial White, or Flame Red an optional color. Body style 66B, the one with the chrome/stainless bed trim, and the side mouldings, among other things.

 

I never said the 1957 Fairlane 500 trim option was available, I happen to like it on the 1957 Ranchero.

The 1959 Galaxie 500 side trim option was never available either. I just happen to like it on the 1959 Ranchero.

Speaking of front clip swaps, Ford did just that for the the 1958 Ranchero, the remainder of the body was 1957.

The "Edchero" was a really cool swap, and yes, I agree the station wagon tail lamps made the look complete.

And BTW....all the trim is getting harder and harder to find in good condition. Especially the upper corner painted trim as you mentioned....and the Fairlane 500 tail lamp extension fin chrome.

 

1957 hands down. It's what I want someday.

 

I know you didn't say that about the trim, didn't mean to imply you did.

All the 57/58 2dr HT-Vicky/Ranchero side trim is reproduced, including the mylar gold inlay. The bed corners have been done too. The 60/63 Falcon corner trim has just been done. It's so much easier today to find all the "goodies," all you do is open up a catalog. Kinda takes the fun out of "The Hunt." dearbornclassics.com has a vast selection. No truck parts except Rancheros...lots of stuff for the 60/64 Galaxies...it's mindboggling today what's reproduced.

 

 

iam a 60- 63 ranchro nut. looking to buy one, any out there for sell. please let me know.

 

Iam a 60-63 ranchro nut, looking to buy one, any out there.

 

I like the 1966 Ranchero, 1 year only based on a 1966 falcon, 1967 went to a failane based ranchero

 

I happen to like the 64-65 model years best. I',m in the middle of a complete restore/hotroding of one now. Its all apart, been sand blasted and and soon will be the replacement of the rust behind the rear wheel openings. Plan to keep the body mostly stock, two tone paint (yet to be decided) a 289 w 5 speed. already have front wheel disks and rear end out of a granada installed.