The body lines of the 1983-1988 Ford Ranger will probably always be my favorite. When I saw this truck, I felt that it needed to be preserved here at TheRangerStation.com.
This 1983 Ford Ranger was owned and built by Chick Deitz of Pennsylvania, and is a grand national champion show vehicle. After competing and winning car shows, it was eventually listed for sale at the 2014 Mecum Auction in Harrisburg Pennsylvania.
If anyone should come across more photos and details of this truck, please use the Submit button and contact us.
Highlights:
- Over 250 custom handmade parts
- Big block Chevy 454, 850 HP
- Kinsler injection
- 6-speed ZF Corvette transmission
- Old school Crower-type staggered injector setup that has been converted to EFI
- Featured body modifications, lengthened fenders 7″, lengthened hood 12″ and built for reverse tilt of opening
- Grand National Champion ISCA
- Great 8 pick for Ridler Award
- Elite 6 hot rods and customs award, Philadelphia/Oaks, PA
- Featured in Popular Hot Rodding magazine
- AACA museum’s Art of the Build vehicle exhibit
More Photos:
Click the photos to enlarge.
About The Author
Jim Oaks is the founder of The Ranger Station, one of the longest-running Ford Ranger enthusiast communities on the web. He has spent over three decades owning, modifying, repairing, and driving Ford Rangers on the street, trail, and cross-country routes.
Since launching TheRangerStation.com in 1999, Jim has documented thousands of real-world Ranger builds, technical repairs, drivetrain swaps, suspension modifications, and off-road tests contributed by owners worldwide. His work has been referenced by enthusiasts, mechanics, and off-road builders looking for practical, experience-based information rather than theoretical advice.
Jim’s hands-on experience includes long-distance overland travel, trail use, drivetrain and axle upgrades, suspension tuning, and platform comparisons across multiple Ranger generations. The content published on The Ranger Station is grounded in first-hand experience and community-verified data, not marketing claims or generic specifications.
