1966 Ranger
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Trailering
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 18
Likes: 12
From: Southeast Wisconsin
1966 Ranger
I'm working on my 66 Ranger restoration. Does anyone know what the correct color is for the inner fenders? I've seen flat black, satin black, gloss black,and body color.
How did they come from the factory???
How did they come from the factory???
Lead Gopher
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 10,040
Likes: 1,590
From: Seattle
Ford only specified black and they used some crap paint that didn't hold up particularly well over time. I'd suggest it isn't a gloss paint since they were never glossy like the oil bath air cleaners, but also not flat when new. Somewhere around a satin or semi-gloss it about as close as I can tell. They chalked up and lost most of the sheen over time and engine heat cycles.
Lead Gopher
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 10,040
Likes: 1,590
From: Seattle
I haven't been given access to update the main list on the Slick 60's forum, but I do keep a running list of any I can confirm. So far, I have 25 from 1965 and 48 from 1966 for a total of 73. The registry shows 56 total and I have all of those in my list plus some I've run across since then. Do you want me to add yours to my list?
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,670
Likes: 370
From: PHX AZ
Kinda like the enamel paint jobs. With today's compounds they will shine like a mirror but back in day not so much.
The nicest AZ inner fenders and frames I have are actually quite glossy. Same with core supports. Which would today be similar between satin and gloss. Like anything that is aged 56-57 yrs the shine goes away.
Lead Gopher
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 10,040
Likes: 1,590
From: Seattle
Don't let him fool you - Boss can get a coconut to shine.
Here's about the best under hood original factory photo I've found so far. Black and white picture. Definitely a bit more gloss on these inner fenders. I think some they hit lighter than others depending on the day or who was doing the spraying, or any number of factors. I've never seen anything that holds up as well as the shine on the oil baths. And right in the thick of the heat no less.
This is a fairly low mile Ranger that used to be in Washington state, but the inner fenders are still covered with a light surface rust. Very common even in the desert.
Here's about the best under hood original factory photo I've found so far. Black and white picture. Definitely a bit more gloss on these inner fenders. I think some they hit lighter than others depending on the day or who was doing the spraying, or any number of factors. I've never seen anything that holds up as well as the shine on the oil baths. And right in the thick of the heat no less.
This is a fairly low mile Ranger that used to be in Washington state, but the inner fenders are still covered with a light surface rust. Very common even in the desert.
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Trailering
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 18
Likes: 12
From: Southeast Wisconsin
Thanks for the info. My restoration is going to be amatuer at best but I'm having fun with it. I just want it to be a nice driver because I know the Rangers are rare. Good retirement project. Maybe the next owner will give it the restoration it deserves. Hopefully that will be about 30 years from now. 
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Lead Gopher
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 10,040
Likes: 1,590
From: Seattle
From what I can see it looks like a solid starting point. Shortbed, black paint with black seats and I'm guessing it would have had black carpet. Really a good find. Looks like you have some spares, too. Maybe an original wheel next to the seats in the one picture.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,215
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Hopefully, in the future, Ford releases more professionally taken photos from back in the day in COLOR! The elements and time have a way of altering the way things once looked. I see some dust and dirt already accumulating on top of fenders.
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Trailering
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 18
Likes: 12
From: Southeast Wisconsin
Thanks for reaching out. It came with a 1967 390 engine that I have completely rebuilt and installed so I can move it under its own power now. Took it to a custom exhaust shop and had dual exhaust put on. Now I'm just cleaning up parts while I'm waiting for the body shop to get it in for paint. So far turning out great. The body shop guy is an old Ford truck enthusiast which helps. He looked at the truck and was amazed at how nice it was and is excited to work on it.
