46k mile 1988 Ranger “Outlaw” 4x4 Restomod and Build

[sgtsandman]

As long as it seals the hole, it's a win.

 

[Franken5liter]

But I did finish the second coat of por15 chassis coat black and got the dash cap on. After the silicone on the floor plugs cure, the carpet finally in what feels like forever will go in. A quick spray of por15 top coat on the Radiator support and higher level visible areas is in order as the base coat isn’t UV stable. Thank goodnees the machine shop is backed up because storage space is at a premium. But someday in the future that fire breathing 306 will be here. “Fire breathing” in terms of late 90s NA pushrod tech. Some coyote folks probably snickering no doubt

 

[Franken5liter]

As long as it seals the hole, it's a win.

Ha! Comment reminded me of an old salt who used to say “Seal a hole? Yup any port in a storm!”
haha its a kinder gentler DoD now. I think

 

[Franken5liter]

Updates:
Por 15 metal prepped the back half of chassis and finally got the core support bushing mounts off... what a pain, took all the tools and three different methods between Jar Head Monk and myself to get those ?*@&s off!

 

[Franken5liter]

14SEP2020 Update:
Sprayed the tops of the inner wheel wells with black satin vinyl dye and they turned out pretty nice. Finally got the 3” body lift and poly mount bushings in. Of course the the bolts dedicated for under the core support did NOT work. Got some hardened all-thread that did trick tho. The Jar Head Monk gave me a lot of help and pointers to keep from getting dead too. Also got me a cool side by side photo.
Slowly but surely...

 

[Franken5liter]

19Oct2020 Update:
Still haven’t coated frame, my first 99 rust Ranger is acting up so some time there but made the following progress/wins-

• Scored a FRPP 93 Cobra intake and another set of GT40P heads for $500!!! Cleaned up, resprayed and added a new emblem
• Spent way too much time grinding, sanding, scrubbing, cleaning, cursing, painting and polishing the rims to as close to new as I could stand. haha what a hassle guys, ~30 hours later my advice is just buy new rims or something
• Got the freshly rebuilt engine back from the shop: .030 over, 3 angle valve job with port and polish on the GT40P heads, healthy cam research cam, fully balanced rotating assembly with forged pistons crank and rods and a hi-cap oil pump. Took a pic with the originally planned EX intake but the engine will be installed with the Cobra intake.
• Disassembled the front hubs, drive axles, suspension components and TTBs. Gonna drop off the font and rear diffs the gear shop for a check up and refresh.
• Interior is at about 75%. Had to redo the headliner. Scored 2 yards of maroon vinyl and adhesive at Joanne fabrics for $22!!!
• Cleaned up and resprayed the automatic hubs. Scored new metal 4x4 adhesive emblems from TorqueKing.com for $8/each plus shipping. They’re slightly smaller (2” vs. 2.25”) than originals but with some rattle can I think they look good
• Planning to do the front portion of frame treatment early this week and rear in latter half

Starting to see and hear the final product in my mind
Hopefully all is good with y’all!!!
Until next post, happy Rangering