1987 Ranger Project

[Awesom-O]

I sorted out the reverse light. Somehow when I plug in the light for the trailer hitch it makes the reverse lights pop on instead of the brake lights. So unplugging it made the lights work normal. I’ll figure out that little bugger later. Bigger fish to fry for now.

 

[Awesom-O]

Been a while since I posted. Had to do a bunch repairs as I finally got it on the road. Windshield and alignment done. Repaired the speedo (had loosened from the trans). Idle is normal, but the tach isn’t calibrated properly. Found out I needed a new clutch, clutch kit, had the flywheel machined, new steering box, new power brake booster, front brake callers were sticking, so those were replaced. I was hoping the cleaned up ones would suffice but no luck there. Also wish I would have known about the clutch when the cab was off. Uggg. Always 2 steps forward one step back. lol. Also got the tailpipe installed. I snuck a vacation with family visiting from Australia in since my last post as well exploring the province. Will be tackling the stereo install this weekend too. Just wanted to thank Shran for the TOTM nomination and for anyone that voted. It really was an honour to even be nominated and congrats to Rick for the win. He has one impressive custom truck that should clean up trophies at car shows!
First real cruise after all the above mentioned repairs yesterday and it felt good to be behind the wheel after all this time. Going to drive it some more and give it the shakedown tests and see what if any other weak links show themselves. Going in to get my custom bumper measured up and made on the 17th with my buddy that has the CNC table. Finish line should be around the corner.

 

[Awesom-O]

Sorry for the lack of updates. I should have one soon as we are currently in the process of designing and fabbing my custom front winch bumper. It’s going to be a hybrid of plate and tube style. I’ll coat it with Raptor and adorn it with some LEDs of course. Trying to make something that fits with the old school style and looks like it still belongs there.
Product update. The headlights I installed for this truck are absolutely amazing. They are better light than many OEM lights in newer vehicles and the cutoff is perfect. Highly recommend. Let’s hope they last a long time.
The Auxbeam switch control is awesome. Highly recommend. It memorizes the lights you had on and you can turn them all off and back on real quick with one button.
The stereo is installed and sounds great. I’ll post some pics soon as I forgot to snap some.
Also going to make a custom mount for an electric inverter I’ve hardwired and probably fab a 2 unit gun rack for the back wall. Other future plans will be a removable chainsaw mount to the box for those blown in roads. We have a lot of old burns that have trees come down daily so it’s always good to pack a saw.
And thanks again for the nomination and support of those that voted for me for TOTM for November. Truly flattered. Thank you.

 

[Awesom-O]

Well I have a cardboard bumper so far.
Making the template for the winch mount. More to come soon.

 

[Awesom-O]

Bumper progress is coming along. Will be a double tube bumper, and a small hoop over the winch. Also, remembered to get a couple shots of the stereo setup.

 

[Awesom-O]

Now we are thinking no hoop over the winch. Thoughts?? Anyone decent with photoshop? lol.

 

[SenorNoob]

I'd want something up there to protect that beautiful grill and headlights. But then kinda a shame to hide 'em too.

 

[Awesom-O]

Yeah not sure what to do. The grille is a beautiful piece to cover up but also beautiful enough to want to protect. I just marked up the photo as an example. Thoughts? Low and mid bar

 

[RayInStl]

Personally, I like it without. But the mid bar option doesn't look bad either. Your mockups have pretty thin lines. Would it be that thin or made from thicker tubing like the bumper tubes?

Edit:
Also, your wiring on that amp is cleeeeean. I like.

 

[Awesom-O]

Thanks! The mock up is just the paint brush on iPhone. If I went with it I would use the same tubing as the sides.

 

[Awesom-O]

I think I’m going with this.

 

[RobbieD]

I think I’m going with this. View attachment 119676View attachment 119677

I am amazed at how much your drawing skill improved in such a short period of time.






Seriously, your added bar in metal looks good, and it looks "right".

The more I look at this truck, the more I love it.

 

[PNW Paul]

Wow, just found this thread today and have enjoyed the read. . . What a great build - - great attention to detail and customization. . .

Well done.

 

[Awesom-O]

Just need to weld a bracket for the winch control module, and it should be ready for Raptor liner. Very happy with how it all turned out.

 

[PNW Paul]

No disrespect to your son, but that Ranger is a shit-ton better than any Nissan Frontier . . .

Just sayin. . .