I hope this doesn't put me on the black-balled list with FTE, but I bought another classic Ford that isn't a Fat Fendered Ford.

My newest acquistion is a 1957 Ford Ranchero. The Dad of a college buddy has owned it since 1980 and I purchased it from him a few weeks ago. It is unrestored and packs a balanced 312 with a mild Isky cam mated to a 3-speed w/overdrive. The Ranchero hasn't been driven in 10 years so I spent the last 2 weeks changing the fluids and tuning her up. I got her tagged and titled last week and have driven her around some. It is a lot of fun cruising around listening to the clatter of the solid lifters and that cam. Here are some pictures.

Here it sits the day I picked up the Ranchero.
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A pic of me and my Dad with the Ranchero.
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Loaded on the trailer.
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Back at home and about to unload her from the trailer.
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Parked next to the '48 F4 in the garage.
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A face only a mother could love.
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Since the photos were taken I rubbed out the paint and brought some shine back. I plan on driving the Ranchero pretty much like it is until I finish the restoration on the F4.

Should be lots of fun!!!

 

Blackballed?!.. no way.. BUT you may have to supply frosties and cookies to everyone!!

its like a half truck kind a thing.. looks great tho..

more pics..

so, after the 48 is done, what do you want to do with this new toy?

Sam

 

Well it is still a Ford truck! I mean it's not like you went out and bought a C7E$Y or anything. But I think Sam is right, Frosties and Cookies.....

 

Frosties and Cookies it is Sam!!!

You know, I'd really like to do a "period" hot rod out of the Ranchero. Nothing too drastic though. Factory restored Rancheros are nice but they are too "prim and proper", I want something with a little more Umph! The Ranchero was repainted at some point in its life and originally it had the stainless trim that ran all the way down the side (I can see the filled in holes in the fenders) and it was two tone green and white.

 

Sweeeeet! I had a 57 convertible when I was in high school and I have always liked the styling on that year. Sounds like you have a good powerplant in this one as well.

 

What a great find!!!!! I am soooo jealous! I love the 57's. Kudos.

 

Thanks Charlie and Randy!

My first encounter with a '57 Ranchero was in high school when I helped my music teacher's husband pull his out of its "resting place" and have wanted one ever since. The Ranchero I just bought is in pretty good condition considering its age. The floor pans behind the seat are rusted and there are some spots in the bed that have rusted through as well. The overall body is in good shape with just some minor surface rust.

 

Here are a few more pictures after I rubbed out the paint. Again, it won't win any "best paint" awards but it looks better.

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The Interior. The seat isn't original, but I'm not sure what it is out of.
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And the motor. I replaced the air cleaner as the one that was on it was rusted and home for some dirt daubers.
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Man that looks great!!..

congrats

sam

 

Very cool! And in great shape too!

 

did some one say cookies?

 

"R" is letter of day. Rrrr.....Rrrr..... Stand for Ranchero.

Oh, me want to EAT letter of day....Yah

COOKIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Amm amm amm

 

Man if you pass me on the road I would have to turn to take a second long look. That's a nice looking ride.

 

Very nice ride. The '57 and '58 are my favorite Rancheros. Great find.

Gil

 

COOOOOOOOOOOOL dude!! That thing is AWESOME!! Congrats on the cool find dude!!