Finally back behind the wheel!

[JohnG]

After years of not getting to be a Ford truck owner (we do have newish Focus on its 5th transmission repair) we finally picked up this little gem! ‘86 STX 4x4 auto. 180k miles, almost no rust. Everything is factory except a broken cassette player and the Explorer wheels... both getting changed soon.

A few bugs to work through but already in love with it and look forward to learning from all the experts here.

First question: front bumper... gloss or semigloss black from the factory?

 

[Cologne Ranger]

After years of not getting to be a Ford truck owner (we do have newish Focus on its 5th transmission repair) we finally picked up this little gem! ‘86 STX 4x4 auto. 180k miles, almost no rust. Everything is factory except a broken cassette player and the Explorer wheels... both getting changed soon.

A few bugs to work through but already in love with it and look forward to learning from all the experts here.

First question: front bumper... gloss or semigloss black from the factory?

View attachment 43867

I don't know how it came from the factory, but if the body is in as good a shape as it looks, I'd go gloss on the bumpers, and bring some shine back to the grill, too. While everybody else is busy flat blacking everything, your truck will stand out and look nicer. Just my own personal opinion, but that's what I'd do.

 

[JohnG]

Thanks for the suggestion. Gloss black will actually save me money as I many spray cans already.

 

[gaz]

It would have been gloss black.

 

[1986RangerXL]

Where do y'all keep finding all these beautiful old Rangers and why aren't you sharing the secret??

 

[Ranger850]

 

[Cologne Ranger]

Where do y'all keep finding all these beautiful old Rangers and why aren't you sharing the secret??

Just got one at my house recently for $800 bucks. My only secret was looking for the perfect Ranger for 7 years, and being willing to drive a ways to get it.

Not Exactly What I Was Looking For (better)

Your truck is really looking good. Yes, it is a labor of love, but I'd much rather work on older stuff than newer. I just look at it as "embracing the suck". Good luck!

www.therangerstation.com

 

[sgtsandman]