BlacksmithSteve
New Member
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2017
- Messages
- 27
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 1
- Location
- Leechburg, PA
- Vehicle Year
- 1986
- Make / Model
- Ranger
- Engine Size
- 302 V8
- Transmission
- Automatic
Long story, short version: I built a 1947 REO Speedwagon on a 94 Silverado 3/4 ton. Took 3 years. The day before it was to get painted, the body shop got struck by lightning... I lost everything. Insurance company battled me and I settled for much less than I had in it. Pictures later (I need to figure out how....newbie).
So, starting over! Bought a 1954 F-100 out of Akron with 71 Scout 4x4 running gear. Little motor runs like a watch. BUT, after getting it home, found the frame has many, many tiny stress cracks.
Found a 1986 regular cab long bed 4x4 Ranger with a 302V8 swapped in West Virginia. It was to be a mud truck, jacked up 8" at the suspension and 4" body lift - but the truck was already mostly gutted - good for me! Got it home and found the rear end weld- locked... bad for me!
So here's the project: I want to build a daily driver resto-mod! A daily driver in Western PA with road salt, snow, ice, mud, stone chips, the works.
Basic plan:
Bullet-proof the Ranger drive train at original road height.
Keep it simple: automatic, locking hubs and manual shift 4x4.
8.8 rear end and disc brakes would be better.
Still weighing carburetor vs fuel injection on the 302.
Dip the body at MEC in Nancy-Glo, PA
Line-X underside
Paint for durability primarily, show secondary
Interior and exterior have to look original
Recycled hickory barnwood bed
Figure out a true canvas tonneau
VintageAir conditioning
Ok... small departure from stock: Bomber jack distressed leather bench seat from Springfield Ohio
We'll I have lots to do, better get busy.
So, starting over! Bought a 1954 F-100 out of Akron with 71 Scout 4x4 running gear. Little motor runs like a watch. BUT, after getting it home, found the frame has many, many tiny stress cracks.
Found a 1986 regular cab long bed 4x4 Ranger with a 302V8 swapped in West Virginia. It was to be a mud truck, jacked up 8" at the suspension and 4" body lift - but the truck was already mostly gutted - good for me! Got it home and found the rear end weld- locked... bad for me!
So here's the project: I want to build a daily driver resto-mod! A daily driver in Western PA with road salt, snow, ice, mud, stone chips, the works.
Basic plan:
Bullet-proof the Ranger drive train at original road height.
Keep it simple: automatic, locking hubs and manual shift 4x4.
8.8 rear end and disc brakes would be better.
Still weighing carburetor vs fuel injection on the 302.
Dip the body at MEC in Nancy-Glo, PA
Line-X underside
Paint for durability primarily, show secondary
Interior and exterior have to look original
Recycled hickory barnwood bed
Figure out a true canvas tonneau
VintageAir conditioning
Ok... small departure from stock: Bomber jack distressed leather bench seat from Springfield Ohio
We'll I have lots to do, better get busy.