Time for a restore......again.

[smudvapor]

I have owned my Ranger for about 26 years. I rebuilt it a couple of times over the years and it is time for another. I know it is going to cost, I know it isn't anything special, I know it will be a lot of work. I DON"T CARE! I love this truck! It has taken my wife and me through 36 states, pulled more than it should have, hauled more than it should have, taken me to work and back through every kind of weather that you can think of, and never let me down. She has earned it! I will post pics as I progress. If this post is in the wrong place, please put it where it belongs. Thanks, guys!

 

[Uncle Gump]

She sure is gonna need a bunch of love... but for 26 years of reliable service... she deserves it.

Good luck going forward... looking forward to watching it progress.

 

[MikeG]

I'm going to invest in Rustoleum stock......

 

[ericbphoto]

Love that front bumper.

Good luck. She's definitely showing some age.

 

[ericbphoto]

I'm going to invest in Rustoleum stock......

Smudvapor should invest in tetanus shots.

 

[4.0blue98]

Most of that'll buff right out.

Good luck! I'm looking forward to seeing progress reports.

 

[smudvapor]

Good day, today! I found out that the seat tracks are too far gone, I will have to find some. Other than that everything else looks good. It all needs cleaned and repainted but good.

 

[Roert42]

She’s a little rough. Nothing you can’t fix with a grinder and some paint.

Good luck.

 

[racsan]

coat everything you can with por-15, that stuff is pretty good.

 

[smudvapor]

Didn't get a lot done today, got a late start, and I quit early to watch the playoffs. Now that I am in here I think I am going to go all-in and clean and paint everything inside as well as outside. No sense in half doing it. I think after this, no more winter for this girl!

 

[DILLARD000]

Love that front bumper...

Bumper looks custom for pushing dead cattle off the road; real handy.
Another 36 states & 26 years ahead.
Consider a full makeover for the wife too while your at it!

 

[smudvapor]

There is always one.

 

[Roert42]

Have you considered having the frame and other major parts powder coated?

If if planned on doing a restoration of a vehical, I would heavily consider it. Would pricey I bet, but probably worth it if I was going to keep it for a long time.

 

[smudvapor]

I thought about that but that would require taking the drivetrain out and I don't plan to do that. I am just going to do my best to clean up the frame and repaint it. After this rebuild, I am going to retire it from winter driving and it will be kept in the garage so it should last much longer than the last time. Plans could change though, I have to finish getting it apart and really access where I am time and money-wise.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

On my '85 the seam sealer stuff dried out and it leaked water into the base of A pillar behind the DS kickpanel. It festered in there for eons until it created a drain hole and drained onto the floor pan... and then it rotted the floor pan out.

It is dark in your pictures but it looks like you might have something similar going on.