Grill, Falcon v/s Ranchero
 

The parts book shows different numbers for the 66 Falcon grill and the 66 Ranchero grill. The vehicles use the same sheetmetal, same radiator support, and the same grill brackets. The top holes in my grill (installed by body shop in 79) do not match up to my 66 Ranchero brackets.

Anybody know the difference between the grills???

The 1966 grilles (C6DZ8200A & C6DZ8200B-Ranchero only) are the same shape, the only difference...as I recall is the center emblem.

The problem you are having is...someone either used 1967 Falcon upper grille brackets...or possibly a 1967 Falcon grille was used with the 1966 brackets.

1967: The grille is a totally different style than 1966 (C7DZ8200A vs 1966 C6DZ8200A or B) as are the mounting brackets (C7DZ8A278A vs 1966 C6DZ8A278A). The headlamp doors are also 1967 only.

The 1967 grille has a wide moulding thru the center (it's part of the grille).

You cannot go the illustration in the parts catalog (which shows a generic view of 1966/70's), you have to look up the actual part numbers to find this out.

Grill
 

Thanks for the comeback Bill. On the grill I knew that the grills had to be the same except for some minor detail. I will look into the emblem angle.

The grill bracket problem was a two part problem. The grill brackets previously installed were 68-70. They are 1 1/2" to short. I have purchased the correct 66 pieces. My bracket spacing is 21 1/2". It should be 20" for the 66. The problem is that a body shop has installed a 67 radiator support from a wrecking yard. Probably explains why this rig had 67 fenders also. Anyway the 67 support was last listed as being 66-67. In fact the correct support was C6OZ-16138-A and was superceded by a -C, and then superceded again with the 67 unit C7DZ-16138-A. I will retain the current radiator support. I milled new slotted holes in the top of the grill 3/4" to the outside.

Thanks again. Ken

You are very well informed inre to parts for your vehicle. Most FTE members haven't a single clue, have no parts catalogs, or Ford literature of any kind.

IMO, it's shameful since many parts catalogs are available on CD's for cheap.

C7DZ16138A (replaced C6OZ16138A & C6OZ16138C) .. Radiator Support / Obsolete

Fits: 1966 Fairlane & Falcon / 1967 Falcon.

No Ford Dealer or obsolete parts vendor has any of these radiator supports.

btw: 1967 Fairlane: C7OZ16138A.

In September 1966, Ford obsoleted the 1966 fenders, replaced them with 1967 fenders for use as service part replacements.

I'll never forget. In 1967, a lady customer had the left front fender of her 1966 replaced with a 1967 fender at Ralph Williams Ford's body shop in Encino CA.

She noticed the difference immediately and raised such holy he!! that we had to find a new original 1966 fender to replace it with. We got it from a dealer in KS. Ralph didn't make any money off this gal!

At one time, Ralph owned dozens of Ford, Dodge/Plymouth/Chrysler dealerships in CA, WA & AK including Rudolph Ford in Federal Way. He was under indictment and subject to arrest in WA for many years.

Vin
 

Bill, thanks for the update on the number.

I owned an auto repair and engine machine shop for 24 years starting in 1969. I quit the over the fender stuff in 75 to concentrate on the engne side of things. I continued on in the trade working for 3 other shops. I retired 5 years ago but kept by business license until this past January as I still did some field work for others.

Yes I remember Ralph Williams when he was here in Washington. My little brother bought a new Road Runner from him when he came home from Viet Nam. He was to receive $1800 from the Gov. toward the purchase of a speciality built car as he had lost a leg. He bought a Road Runner with a troqueflite. The Gov. check was slow in coming to Ralph Williams so they pressured my brother for the 1800. He paid to get them off his back. He never did get the 1800 and when the State Dept. of Revenue siezed the dealership my brothers Gov. check was in Ralph Williams unopened mail. The State of Washington kept my brothers money.

Thanks for the help, Ken