I've been considering an early 60's Ranchero as a second car/truck and was wondering what problems they might have other than the obvious rust problem. I wanted one with a 6cyl. I don't want to make a hot rod out of it, just a stock one that is reliable for everyday transportaion.

 

62's are always cool......in my opinion they got the best grill, and cool taillights. And its got a pretty cool stance. Some new wheels and a bright paintjob, Maybe lower it a little since they are a little bit high stock, that will turn some heads.

 

Thanks for that reply. How roadworthy are they? I heard that the early Falcons had problems keeping their alignment. I'm not sure if that also applies to the ranchero's.

 

Yea, falcons and rancheros are probably the same handling. Theres most likely an easy way to fix it, maybe putting in some polyurethane joints. Theres kits out there for them. Thats the problem my brother had, and he replaced all the joints and it seems to handle just fine. I haven't really heard of rancheros having alignment problems, but some probably do.

You might find what you need here. http://www.nwfalcon.com/pages/brtiwhsust.html Also, just to let you know,a stock 62 ranchero is pretty slow. 0-60 is 20 seconds. I'd say find a stock one and put a 289 or 302 in it. That will be enough power for a daily driver, and it will be reliable too.

 

I went with a '71 Ranchero as a daily driver truck. The newer Ranchero has a larger bed for me to haul stuff, and they seem to ride a lot better (a little more comfortable for me because of the size). I can easily put two of my kids in the seat with me. There are still a lot of Torinos around to interchange parts with.

 

I like the 67, it is the only year that it is a Fairlane. If you like 385 series(429-460) then you must go with the torino body. I like the FE motor. My Ranchero is a XL model wich means it has bucket seats, probably the only two seater that ford (or even anyone made except the corvette) made in 67.

 

Don't forget the shelby cobra! I think the 67 is the best year for both the fairlane and ranchero. I hope to restore one someday. And yes, it would have to be an FE!

 

I have always wanted a 57 ranchero. I used to own a 65 with a 170 six and it was a cool one, but not much top end. This is just my two cents worth. Steven

 

Yea, I was looking towards an early '60s model, one that is smaller with a 200 six. I need something that is easy to park in tight spaces and the later models are too wide. I'm not going to hot rod it, just stock and reliable. Thanks.

 

If you're set on a early model, go for a '63. It has the best styling before they screwed them up royal in '64 IMO. Biggest six was the 170 back them, only auto was a 2-speed. A stock 260 model will run the quarter in 17 sec.

My '63 Falcon has no problem keeping alignments, A-arm bushings needed replacement though, squeaked too much.

Barry

 

Thanks for the reply. Wow you live near me, I live in Rowland Heights, CA.

 

The '59 is a real nice pick for a Ranchero. Great styling and it sure rides nice. It's full sized compared to the smaller early 60's models. Replacement parts are to be found everywhere. If you can find a '59 with a 352 and a cruiseOmatic, go for it.