79 Ranchero
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79 Ranchero
Could someone please help me decode the VIN?
Thanks in advance
9H48H114008
I bought it with a 460 in it but when I look for various parts I only find a 351 referenced for this vehicle. I smell a swap?
It has the interior markings of a GT Brougham.
Thanks
Thanks in advance
9H48H114008
I bought it with a 460 in it but when I look for various parts I only find a 351 referenced for this vehicle. I smell a swap?
It has the interior markings of a GT Brougham.
Thanks
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 266
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79 Ranchero
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 01-Aug-01 AT 11:03 AM (EST)[/font][p]Everyone should buy the book "Ultimate American V-8 Engine Data Book: 1949-1974" available through Barnes & Nobles for about $20. In there, it breaks down specifications by year and lists casting numbers. Using that, you should be able to find the intake, exhaust, head and block casting numbers in order to get a good idea what you've got. Access to some of them may require disassembly - so start with the intake which is visible (presuming it is a Ford part). Also check for a VIN number stamped into the back of the block - that will tell you the year and model of the donor vehicle - and will narrow down what engine you've got.
This book is indispensible for finding all about a particular engine, and determining which engines you want and which to stay away from. I use it all the time. Note that some of the information extends past 1974 - and is still a good reference for later engines. If you can't find the casting numbers you need, be aware that the casting numbers typically had the year in them - see the book. As far as where specifically to look for the casting numbers - that also is in the book...
Tom
This book is indispensible for finding all about a particular engine, and determining which engines you want and which to stay away from. I use it all the time. Note that some of the information extends past 1974 - and is still a good reference for later engines. If you can't find the casting numbers you need, be aware that the casting numbers typically had the year in them - see the book. As far as where specifically to look for the casting numbers - that also is in the book...
Tom
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79 Ranchero
I would like to know if you could help (me) i have been looking at a 79' ranchero it is green has a 351w in it there is little rust and has been sitting out side for quite some time maybe two years now the guy is asking 1200$ or best offer what is a fair ammount too offer him?
Thanks wildlifeman
Thanks wildlifeman
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 266
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79 Ranchero
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 15-May-02 AT 12:35 PM (EST)]>I would like to know if you could help (me) i have been
>looking at a 79' ranchero it is green has a 351w in it there
>is little rust and has been sitting out side for quite some
>time maybe two years now the guy is asking 1200$ or best
>offer what is a fair ammount too offer him?
> Thanks wildlifeman
That sounds like a pretty good price - though I would personally be looking for one with a 400 (for that year). What you should do in deciding to buy any classic vehicle is to decide what the minimum condition is when you imagine yourself driving it a year from now. Consider what role you want to have it fill: show vehicle, daily driver, grocery getter, street hot rod, racing, etc.
Right off the bat, figure on spending $2000+ if you want to do anything with the body (less if you do it yourself). Figure that there is at least $1000 worth of mechanical work to do. Lastly, figure on $500 worth of maintenance items (belts, hoses, tires, battery, oil change, transmission service, etc). These are general estimates varying by vehicle and expectations.
Go over it carefully, and note anything which is known to be wrong with it, or questionable. Then sit down and figure out how much work and money it will take for you to get it from the current condition to what you want. I turned down several seemingly good deals based on this method. Be sure to check the undercarriage for rust through - particularly the floorboards. That can be costly to fix.
Expensive things to consider: Engine, body, and interior.
Moderate things to consider: Transmission, suspension, brakes, steering, electrical.
Cheap: Consider everything else cheap - but remember that cheap things add up.
I've learned this the hard way: by paying too much for a vehicle I wanted, when the bill to bring it up to my expectations exceeded the price (and worth) of the vehicle.
Lastly, if he is starting at $1200, offer him $800 and meet him at $1000 - if you truly want it. If you have more detailed info, I (and others) can help with your decision...
>looking at a 79' ranchero it is green has a 351w in it there
>is little rust and has been sitting out side for quite some
>time maybe two years now the guy is asking 1200$ or best
>offer what is a fair ammount too offer him?
> Thanks wildlifeman
That sounds like a pretty good price - though I would personally be looking for one with a 400 (for that year). What you should do in deciding to buy any classic vehicle is to decide what the minimum condition is when you imagine yourself driving it a year from now. Consider what role you want to have it fill: show vehicle, daily driver, grocery getter, street hot rod, racing, etc.
Right off the bat, figure on spending $2000+ if you want to do anything with the body (less if you do it yourself). Figure that there is at least $1000 worth of mechanical work to do. Lastly, figure on $500 worth of maintenance items (belts, hoses, tires, battery, oil change, transmission service, etc). These are general estimates varying by vehicle and expectations.
Go over it carefully, and note anything which is known to be wrong with it, or questionable. Then sit down and figure out how much work and money it will take for you to get it from the current condition to what you want. I turned down several seemingly good deals based on this method. Be sure to check the undercarriage for rust through - particularly the floorboards. That can be costly to fix.
Expensive things to consider: Engine, body, and interior.
Moderate things to consider: Transmission, suspension, brakes, steering, electrical.
Cheap: Consider everything else cheap - but remember that cheap things add up.
I've learned this the hard way: by paying too much for a vehicle I wanted, when the bill to bring it up to my expectations exceeded the price (and worth) of the vehicle.
Lastly, if he is starting at $1200, offer him $800 and meet him at $1000 - if you truly want it. If you have more detailed info, I (and others) can help with your decision...
