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I have a survivor '69 Ranger F-100 short bed that's been in the family awhile. Unrestored, unmolested, numbers matching. Didn't run when I acquired it, now it runs and drives like I can't believe- a real runner. The only thing left to sort out is the emergency flashers.
So far the non stock changes I've made are front disc brakes ( a kit from MP ), a fan clutch and larger radiator fan with a re-pop shroud from Dennis Carpenter, and a Pertronix II w/ flamethrower coil.
So my dilemma is that I'm a tinkerer and hotrodder and I fear I'll ruin this truck if I take it further. I purchased lowering beams and rear drop hanger/ shackle kit along with some hot custom wheels and now I find myself reluctant to go forward. I tried to look at a '62 unibody thinking that one I could hop up and leave the Ranger alone, but I haven't heard back from the seller.
So what would you do? It's a late year production '69 with manual steering, a 302 w/ a RAT 3 spd column shift and a 3.25:1 9" rear axle.
I have a survivor '69 Ranger F-100 short bed that's been in the family awhile. Unrestored, unmolested, numbers matching. (no such thing as numbers matching).
Didn't run when I acquired it, now it runs and drives like I can't believe-a real runner. The only thing left to sort out is the emergency flashers.
So far the non stock changes I've made are front disc brakes ( a kit from MP ), a fan clutch and larger radiator fan with a re-pop shroud from Dennis Carpenter, and a Pertronix II w/ flamethrower coil.
So my dilemma is that I'm a tinkerer and hotrodder and I fear I'll ruin this truck if I take it further. I purchased lowering beams and rear drop hanger/ shackle kit along with some hot custom wheels and now I find myself reluctant to go forward. I tried to look at a '62 unibody thinking that one I could hop up and leave the Ranger alone, but I haven't heard back from the seller.
So what would you do? It's a late year production '69 with manual steering, a 302 w/a RAT 3 spd column shift and a 3.25:1 9" rear axle.
You already ruined the originality of your truck when you swapped in the disc brakes.
'Course some people prefer front disc brakes because the original front/rear drum brakes are barely adequate for todays traffic.
Did you also install the white 'wagon' wheels and bed rails? Whether you did or not, these aren't original either.
Fan clutch, larger fan and fan shroud aren't original for a 302 without factory A/C
Truck appears to have been repainted, that alone ruined its originality.
And...no Ford truck is numbers matching, because...numbers matching is a GM thing.
Personally, I wouldn't worry about it, most people haven't a clue if the truck has its original features or not.
Did you also install the white 'wagon'wheels and bed rails? Whether you did or not, these aren't original either.
Get it straight buddy, those are "boat trailer rims"
Originally Posted by NumberDummy
Truck appears to have been repainted, that alone ruined its originality.
What sucks about that is my other uncle who sprayed it for the previous owner, my now deceased older uncle, also passed away, so there's even sentimentality in that crappy paint.
Originally Posted by NumberDummy
And...no Ford truck is numbers matching,because...numbers matching is a GM thing.
Well hell I don't know, I'm trying (technically wrong, errant insyntax, and looking dopey) to say that how the truck is equipped agrees withthe door tag. Me number dummy- you number ****
Originally Posted by NumberDummy
Personally, I wouldn't worry about it, most peoplehaven't a clue if the truck has its original features or not.
True but there's still that sting telling me "don't do it!". I don't mind doing big changes to older vehicles that have alreadybeen hacked, but this truck is relatively unmolested (excuse the ironic pun inthat it was relatives who painted it, changed the wheels and added the rails).
You know what I mean though, once you start down that road it becomes something entirely different, right now it's well, a 1969 pick up.
Get it straight buddy, those are "boat trailer rims" You call them that, how many other people do?
Ford introduced styled steel white & yellow spoke wheels in 1978 for F100/150 & Bronco, but most people call 'em "wagon" wheels.
So called VIN numbers matching wheeze: Warranty Plate located on the left door face below the latch.
No VIN's were stamped on body parts, a partial VIN may be stamped on the engine block, but this was sporadic, so some blocks have a partial VIN, some do not.
If you do find a partial VIN on the block, decoding it usually makes no sense.
Personally, I think that the disc brakes, ignition and cooling upgrades are already more than one might do if they were really concerned with originality, and you may have already "started down that road". Your truck looks to be a really solid short be truck with good looking trim that isn't beat up etc. and it's now only waiting to be finished or driven as is. So, make it even nicer and what you want it to be. I think lowering it with some different wheels would look nice.
Well thanks for that KOT390, I guess it is a little silly seeing as I've already bought the parts.
I was never thinking this is anywhere near concourse, just a solid survivor in superb mechanical working condition. I just thought it warranted consideration- do I want it to be a truck or a toy?
While at one time I would've been far more adventurous with modifications, these days my thoughts are, do whatever you want in the way of modifications as long as you don't do anything that you can't easily undo. With that, keep the parts you take off, so that if you ever want to go back to original, you won't have the huge hassle/expense of trying to buy everything all over again.
Mainly, don't chop the roof, don't hack the frame, don't cut up the body. Don't ruin the interior by putting a late model car dash in it either.
In other words, aftermarket wheels are fine if they will fit without cutting up the body or frame, or hacking up the suspension. Engine mods are fine. Anything that can be easily undone. That's my advice.
While at one time I would've been far more adventurous with modifications, these days my thoughts are, do whatever you want in the way of modifications as long as you don't do anything that you can't easily undo. With that, keep the parts you take off, so that if you ever want to go back to original, you won't have the huge hassle/expense of trying to buy everything all over again.
Mainly, don't chop the roof, don't hack the frame, don't cut up the body. Don't ruin the interior by putting a late model car dash in it either.
In other words, aftermarket wheels are fine if they will fit without cutting up the body or frame, or hacking up the suspension. Engine mods are fine. Anything that can be easily undone. That's my advice.
well now you and I share an opinion on how far to take it and where to draw the line
If concerned about OEM, then limit yourself to reversible modifications.
And "numbers matching" is a misnomer on 99.9% of Fords. VIN stamps are rare on Fords... usually K-code Mustangs.... the closest you'll get is "period correct".
If concerned about OEM, then limit yourself to reversible modifications.
And "numbers matching" is a misnomer on 99.9% of Fords. VIN stamps are rare on Fords... usually K-code Mustangs.... the closest you'll get is "period correct".
yeah I'm guilty of naively misapplying "numbers matching", stock and perfectly functional is what I meant to convey.
I'd put the lowering beams on. Just save all of your stock parts in case you want to put it back the way it was. You won't regret dropping it. You'll fall in love with the lowered stance and the better handling. I wouldn't repaint or do any major body mods. Like you said, the paint job has sentimental value. I like the worn paint look, anyway. Your truck is going to look amazing with the dropped beams and some custom rims. What rims did you buy, if I may ask?
I'm kind of gambling on the rims. They're nothing super original- Wheel Vintiques genie's 17"x 8" in front 17" x 9" in back with a shallow offset for a deep dish look.
where they're a little different is that they're BPD coated reverse lip chrome centers with gloss black powder coated shells, kind of a backwards from usual color scheme
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(no such thing as numbers matching).
