I took delivery of my newest baby, a very original and rust free 73 Ranchero 500. Man I love these things. It was either this, or a tuner for the 06. I think I have chosen wisely.

 

That unit looks fine. You were lucky to find one in that shape!

 

I think you chose wisely too. You can buy a tuner anytime...finding a Ranchero in this condition is rare today. Hell, it was rare 20 years ago!

 

Congrats on the Ranchero

 

It wasn't so much "luck" as it was willingness to look all over the country. Anyone from mid-Missouri will tell you that unless it's been restored recently, there just aren't any older cars around in any decent shape. Those that exist locally are quite pricey. So I had to go all the way to Portland Oregon for this one. Luckily I had a contact up there who could physically view the car, so that helped. Bought it in early April and just got it Monday. Honest to goodness, other then very minor surface rust in the bed, there's not one single spot of decay on this baby, and no prior repair work either. As original as an original can get.

Thanks for the kind words folks. So, on to a little of the "not so good":

Somewhere between the transport company and the PO, the key to the locking gas cap was lost. How can I get it off? I don't care to salvage the cap but I would like to avoid damage to the filler neck or body.

 

I would call a few locksmiths, settling on the one that would pick it for you. Be
prepared to prove your ownership. If your cap is like mine, it'll damage the filler
taking it off by other means.

 

Locking gas caps came with two keys originally. Look in the ash tray and the glove box for the spare key. There also may be a magnetic hide-a-key on the backside of the bumper, under the hood, or?

 

fl1a, thanks for the advice. I was leary about forcing it off, I think I'll be more careful.

NumberDummy, good suggestions... I'll have to look around it.

 

The lock in a gas cap is a very simple 4/5 pin tumbler. there ain't more than a few hundred combinations. Some times using any key that will go in works. Any halfassed lock pick will open it. You can even make your own using a large Paper clip, Flatten it out with a hammer and use a pair of C-Clip pliers to provide the turning pressure. If you have a slide Hammer (Dent Puller) the lock will pull out with little pressure.