this seems like the closest forum to post this, so here it is
i was thinking about picking up a 1978 courier for better mileage than my full size 4x4, the one im looking at has a service body on it... will a ranger box fit? it seems like about the right dimensions but havent actually taken out the tape measure and measured it, also whats the best way to take off that dark tree sap film vehicles get when sitting under trees for a long time? thanks

darrin

 

Wow...my first Ford was an 80' courier. I don't think a Ranger body will fit because the courier is a narrower truck....get the tape out and measure, but it shure seemed like it was not as wide as the rangers...now maybe you can modify and make it fit???

 

What motor has it got? The body lines would come nowhere near matching, plus I'm positive Waves is right in saying the Ranger is wider. Great find for mileage though! As far as tree sap goes, I personally use Malco products, their tree sap remover is GREAT, but Malco products aren't all that easy to find. Just remember to test the product before dumping it on your hood or roof, some tree sap removers will dull or even remove the paint if left on too long. Always finish by buffing with a light compound and waxing, to keep the paint from oxidizing where you removed the sap.

 

its got the 2.3 4 cylinder and a 4 speed
with the size of the body and being a stick i figure it should get about 25 mpg. i used to have a 87 nissan 2.4 stick and it would get 25 mpg... i miss that little pickup, but im glad to be rid of the exgirlfriend that killed it

 

maybe id be better off making it a flatbed... its probably the only way to get rid of the service body, plus it would shed quite a bit of weight- and take alot of strain off the 4 cylinder. but regardless it will still never be as gas conservative as a pinto or a fiesta

 

You might check some salvage yards, maybe a bed from a.....forgive me for saying this, but a bed from a older toyota or nissan might be the proper width for that truck. As I recall on mine, I think on the title it's weight was 2800lbs...pretty light to begin with. Anyway good look, great truck, absolutely loved mine -

 

Try to find a Mazda pickup bed of the same year. It should be an exact fit since Mazda made the Courier for Ford back then. Might even find one on line if some of the foreign car wrecking yards don't have any in your area.