1987 Ranger Project

[Terrys87]

Finding parts for an 88 Ford is nothing like finding parts on a Citroen. You did good on that and it does look like a gangster car. I think it is cool looking. I too like all kinds of cars. They had unique style and sometimes it was the top of the options at their time. My kids do not understand that AC, Power Steering, Power Brakes... were considered an option and not standard.

I have a soft spot for the 289. I had a 67 Mustang with a 289 in it. First time I really learned how to work on cars. Got a Haynes manual and step by step is how I did it.

You have a nice fleet of Fords in the background. I see some ugly cars and trucks being faded or dented up. Some great body work and paint can make a complete difference in what some would consider junk to great.

Looking good with the work you have done in getting the panel straight. Primer and paint hides all of the work you put into it, but it is rewarding when you know where the damage was at and then it can't be seen.

 

[Awesom-O]

Thanks Terry. Many of those are potential future projects. Definitely the 75 Ford full-size Ranger. Just a couple dents and some small rust spots and paint. Interior is almost new looking except for the shag carpet. Lol. The 52 Coupe DeVille is my fav, but it’s a total basket case. Maybe just an LS swap and it can be a Rattie Caddie? As for the Citroen, had to network with other owners on FB and one guy in PA that deals with these cars. Lucky as rust was minimal and just some dents to contend with.

How she looked the day we got it.

 

[Awesom-O]

Front fender is done. Had to redo the welded patch I originally did and added some thin rod and weld to the edge to help with the gap issue. I’m still a bit of a student/weekend warrior at this bodywork stuff but it’s fun, even with the mess and dust everywhere. Added some high build primer to smooth out some sanding scratches I made getting a little impatient with the 80 grit. Just wouldn’t come out with the 220 good enough.
This is the third time I’ve added filler and sanded it almost completely off. This fender has fought me the entire time the sumbich.
Anyways, it’s all one color again and it finally fits with some shimming. Gonna hang it tomorrow.

Got the box blocked today too. Hope to get it in primer tomorrow and set it on the truck.

 

[Terrys87]

You did do a great job on the Citroen. I started to restore a 76 Extended cab. Eventually I will as I will need a full-size truck for pulling and hauling. It had the typical rust in floors and cab corners, but when I started stripping it, some had replaced the passenger cab corner from roof to floor and did a bad job on it and just was not economically feasible. I can get a truck in much better shape. I let a guy in my area that sells complete trucks and parts have it.

Your fender does look great. Some flaws get fixed and other days you can spend 15 times trying to get it right. It is rewarding when you finally get fixed. An ugly truck is just a paint job away from looking nice. Great job!!!

 

[Awesom-O]

Got the box blocked and primed with some high build. Then I got distracted working on my faux gas station. Had to switch it up a bit from all the dust.

 

[Terrys87]

I like the rustic look of old gas stations. Looks like it is coming along nicely. A friend of mine found an old glass style pump and restored it. It was rusty and bad but he did a great job on it. Looks new now. I will get a picture of it when I get to his shop next time. Bed is looking great.

 

[Awesom-O]

Man, even with starting with such a clean box it was still quite a bit of work with all the real estate there. I’m glad it’s finally in one color and ready to drop on the truck for stripe layout. So glad I found this box though, because if you look back at the original box,… well let’s just say I see why dudes just make flatdecks. . Inching along. Progress on the faux gas station too.

 

[RobbieD]

You're moving right along. That truck's gonna be a jewel when you get it all done.

That gas pump is just begging to get turned into a keg dispenser.

 

[Awesom-O]

That gas pump is just begging to get turned into a keg dispenser.

I like your style sir! Hmmmm.

 

[Terrys87]

I never thought of a keg dispenser but that would be great.

 

[Awesom-O]

Ok, been hammering away at the gas station project so not much done on the Ranger lately. I did set the box on the truck today just to see how it looks. Still need to prime and paint the ends and cut the hole for the fuel pump access door. Mocked up the tail lights and the rack just to get some inspiration. Loving how it’s looking and can’t wait to get this thing In Raptor so I can begin final assembly. This was the kick in the ass I needed to get back on track.

 

[Awesom-O]

Wife was tired and went to bed super early. Decided to spend a few hours in my shop. Welded some 1/2” angle steel to the front sides of the headache rack so I can hide the winch and light bar wires a little more effectively. Will also protect them if boonie bashing. A skim coat of mud applied for a smooth painted finish, which I’ll block out tomorrow.
Then I spent another hour easy trying to properly fit and gap this damn driver side fender. Still not perfect but I can see the door needs an adjustment as well. Which may help the overall body lines. That’s a job for tomorrow with some help holding shit however. It’s almost 1am. I’m done for tonight.

 

[Awesom-O]

Got the fender fitting good with the wife’s help. Still might mess with the door to make it better. Got the rack blocked and in primer ready for paint.

 

[Awesom-O]

Well. Messed with both doors and got the fenders and all body lines lined up to the best they are gonna get. I’m happy with how they all look. Now it’s on to another modification before I line out the two tone. I found some aluminum track off a Nissan Titan for $30. They are an awesome adjustable tie down system that I got way too used to enjoying in my old work truck. They will be an awesome addition to the FFR!

 

[Awesom-O]

So this is my shifter floor/plate I had designed and had made. Welded 4” diesel exhaust to hold my Nissan rubber cup holders.
Then my buddy made me these designs for my rack, but didn’t realize when I gave him the dimensions that it should be turned 90*. So we will have to redo those. Spent the last 16 hours grabbing a couple 97 OBS F-350 CC 4x4 trucks for my kid from out of town so no real Ranger updates other than these parts. Hopefully after Mother’s Day I can get on it again.