My wife and I are expecting our first child very soon. We had a false alarm early on in the week that required her to go to the hospital. While she was in the hospital getting checked out, I had to run to the store. Don't worry, her mother was with her. While I was driving through the neighborhood, I stumbled on a moving sale that yielded this vehicle.



It's a '58 Ranchero. I asked the older lady if she was selling it. She was and only for $100. No, I'm not kidding about the price. I drove back to the hospital, got my wife's approval (luckily she was medicated) and went back later in the evening to pay for it.

It came home Friday night.



It's completely original and stock. It's 100% complete. The front bumper is in the bed. It even has both original license plates, wheels, hubcaps, ignition key and replacement gold trim for the left side (it's damaged). Of course the floorboards are rusted through and it needs both rocker panels below the doors, but otherwise it's solid. It doesn't run and doesn't have any brakes, but it steers and shifts. I had the VIN decoded and obtained very good info. Originally, it was painted a two-tone color, white and gold. This is the Custom Ranchero version. Only 8,479 built (combined Custom and non-Custom versions) for the '58 model year. Hopefully I'll have some time next weekend to clean it and change out the wheels to the originals with hubcaps.

Don't know yet what I'll do with it. Either keep it and make it running or sell it and use the funds to make my '52 Panel run again.

On Saturday I also purchased a very nice front clip that I've been after for a few years. A locar used/NOS Ford vendor had it in his warehouse. I finally talked him into selling it. Paid $400 for it. I don't think that it's a bad deal considering the shape of it. I need the fenders and lower valance for my '51 Panel.



Only rust-through is in the left fender. It's not as bad as mine or as I've seen. Shouldn't take too much to patch it.



This is the bottom of the right fender.



Also finished painting the nursery. Still have some mouldings to paint and put up. This baby could be here sooner than expected. The wife is home and on bed rest.

Ilya

 

What a Major Coupe, good on ya, mate!

 

It is always a good weekend when you find something like that. Especially at that price. Good luck with the kid. When ever it decides to come out.

 

You should buy a megabucks ticket.

 

I have warned Ilya to be careful. The way he finds these deals pretty soon he won't have to worry about looking for them they'll just chase him home.

I really like the Rachero.

 

Not only do you have great luck but you must have cajones the size of grapefruits.
Wife's in the hospital about to deliver and he's out running around stealing trucks.

What a great find! Especially for $100. I had a 59 Ranchero and regret ever getting rid of it. Great score on the clip also.

Hope the wife's ok and everything goes smooth when the kid decides to pop out.
Bobby

 

If your not going to buy a lotto ticket, maybe you could suggest a few numbers?

Nice score and best of luck with your wife and baby!

 

Lemme see if I got this right. You scored a '58 Ranchero for 100 bucks.... WHILE your wife was in the hospital, (pregnancy complications) right? It's a "no-brainer"! The car belongs to the child! What a FANTASTIC legacy! Pick away at the car when you can (you've got 16 yrs.) use it once in a while (just to make sure its mechanically sound, you see) and then give it to your son or daughter when the time is right.
Congratulations on the baby, hope your wife is better. Keep her hydrated! Best of luck!

 

Thanks for the well wishes, everyone. The wife is doing a lot better. She started having some contractions and was dialated when she arrived at the hospital. However, it wasn't severe enough to deliver. She was kept for a few hours inorder for her body to relax. She's resting at home now and on medication to slow down her contractions. She's drinking plenty of fluids. She's only 31 weeks and a few days. The doctors want her to stay pregnant for at least four more weeks, but looks like she's ready to pop.

Oh, it's a boy!

Thanks again, Ilya

 

I can remember wonderful days in my past when I fell into deals like that, enjoy them while they last.

Rod 51F1

 

What a great story! I'm with buying the lottery ticket and naming your son Ranchero no no just goofin around, but this Ranchero should be his when the time is right!
Thanks for sharing such good news and take care of your wife and son!

GW

 

some people have all the luck, great deal on the Ranchero, I've owned 3 57's in my lifetime, wish I still had one..gave up alot of cars (6)for kids(3) over the years..but you never get back out of cars what you do the kids..good luck to you and wife, and new son

 

Check out these;

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/car/177229278.html

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/car/176221295.html



Rod 51F1