So, I can pick up a 59 ranchero here in my small town. Cool thing is its the only one I've seen around these parts ever. That being said, it does need some work. All the trim is missing, the floors look like they need replacing, there appears to be small amounts of bondo throughout the car. Other than that it does appear relitivly complete. Its got a 351M with wires strewn about everywhere. The guy is asking 1500, which obviously seems fair for a car of its age and state. But what do you guys think? good buy or pass it up. If I got it, it wouldnt be restored quite some time, if at all. Just driven for the summer. Also what kind of aftermarket is there for rancheros is there, if at all. I am a decent fabricator. Not great but I can lay down a mean weld.
Thoughts?

CAs

 

Welcome to FTE

1959 Ford original engines: 223 I-6 / 292 2V / 332 2V / 352 4V.

Original transmissions: 3 speed standard, Borg Warner 3 speed overdrive / Ford-O-Matic / Cruise-O-Matic.

Rear Axle: Ford 9 inch.

The Custom models didn't come with side mouldings.

1959 Fords have a unique one year only sheet metal skin. Under that, it's pretty much the same as 1957/58 models.

Many parts have been reproduced. One source: dearbornclassics.com.

CAVEAT EMPTOR: Ranchero's can be rust buckets and the rust is usually hidden deep within the body where it can't be seen.

The floor pan under the bed panel is the same one as the 2 door station wagons used.

The bed panel, where it fits to the cab, along the R/L quarter panel inner sides, and at the rear where it meets the rear lower body panel used a sealant, also known as dum dum.

It didn't last too long, and the results...can be devastating!

Water seeps thru the bed floor, and congregates in the wagon's second seat foot wells.

Water also seeps thru the rear of the bed where the wagons deep spare tire well is, and under that, is the gas tank.

Gas tanks falling out in the road of 1957/59 Ranchero's, due to the rusted out spare tire wells, while not common, isn't rare either.

Find a lube rack, put it into the air...and check all along the underbody, especially the footwells and the area ABOVE the gas tank.

Beware of undercoating, especially if it looks fresh!!

Undercoating can and will hide the sins.

Salt on the roads: Look carefully at the rocker panels and the rear of the front fenders, above the headlamps, the floor pan under the drivers seat.

Lift the carpet or rubber mat, and take a look at the top side of the floor pan.

Inspect the frame, where the radiator support bolts on, the engine/transmission mount brackets and all the body to frame mount.

 

Thats great! Thanks number dummy. When I start working again I may pick it up. Not that I need another project. But I feel this one I could grab for 1250 maybe and get it running for relatively cheap. Im mainly looking for input here. Between my gas guzzling F150 and my Beetle project I just dont know if I can do it. The truck I'd like to sell but what kind of mileage could I expect out of it. Can't be any worse than the 6mpg my truck gets.

CAs

 

I've got one. They are pretty cool and certainly different. Easy to work on too! I would grab it.

Here is mine.