351C 1971 ranchero

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Dec 26, 2003 | 10:38 PM

mathew106

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From: kentucky

351C 1971 ranchero

buddy bought a 1971 ranchero few years back. No gas tank. The body is great and it was a one owner. I found that it has a 351C , 2 valve heads, 2 barrell carb, and all original dressings, with what appears to be a C4 transmission, auto. I'm thinking that it would be a good idea to buy the car, pull the engine and tranny ect, and junk the body. I don't like the body style. the car has 48,000 miles on it? The cars clean engine compartment makes my truck look bad. I'm posting hear because its a 351C. I'm giving 200.00 for the car. I'm thinking of keeping the engine and tranny, doing a complete rebuild as hobby. Wife has a 2003 mustang GT and I want a 1969 mustang. I'm thinking this would be a good engine to buy now and get it ready for the day I find the mustang. whats yur thoughts?

Dec 27, 2003 | 12:26 AM

Torque1st

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Don't junk the body, check with the guys in the Ranchero forum. It is easier to find a Cleveland motor than it is to find a Ranchero.

Dec 27, 2003 | 01:38 AM

mudcobra

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From: West Kentucky

Those '71 Rancheros are hard to find. Depending on the shape of the body, you might be able to resell it or sell parts off it piece by piece.

Dec 27, 2003 | 03:52 AM

scroob

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'71 and '72 Rancheros were the only ones who ever came close to giving the El Camino a run stylewise.

BTW, as far as this forum is concerned, is a Ranchero a car or a truck?

Dec 27, 2003 | 08:36 AM

mathew106

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From: kentucky

car or truck? Good question. The body is in such good shape I hate to rape the car of its motor! The interior and roof is trashed. But the rest of the body is great. I hear so many good things about the 351C being a great race engine. I have not messed with engines since around 16 years of age, I'm 30 now with two little ones. I want them in the garage helping me build cars! The owner said the car will screem! Says the engine is tight. Who knows, I might strip her down and redo the body and chaulk it off as training.

Dec 27, 2003 | 11:07 AM

Torque1st

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We have a Ranchero forum here even tho it was a car frame it had a pickup bed. It is about the only non truck frame SUV that we cover.

Dec 27, 2003 | 11:12 PM

'69 F150 stepside

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From: Fayetteville, AR

I would vote for practice. If it turns out, you'll have a fairly rare, good looking car...er... truck.
Sounds to me that if they help, when they turn of age, they might get to share it to use for teenage things.
After a mild build up, if they trash the car/truck they're stuck walking and you have a Cleveland ready for your own project.
Just an idea