1988 Ford Ranger 2.0

[SolidSnake84]

I finally completed (mostly) my work to install my aftermarket temperature and oil pressure gauge. They did not sell the "pod" to install the gauges in, so i had some thin steel laying around so i cut one out myself, and added a trim piece that I found in the bed of this truck when I first got it!

I don't have the lights hooked up, that is a project for another day. But the gauges work great. She stays at 190F once warmed up, and oil pressure never drops to below 50, it is around 65 psi at startup...

The other factory gauges were crapping out. I was told that possibly the instrument cluster voltage regulator was bad. What would happen is you'd be driving, and all of a sudden the temp, fuel, and oil pressure guage would peg all the way on "HI". First time it happened it scared the hell out of me, i pulled right over and popped the hood, but the motor wasn't hot, even the upper hose was only warm....so after that i knew i had to replace the gauges since i was told the instrument cluster voltage regulator is not available any more. Oh well! I think it looks cool and i like these better anyway...

Oh an pay no mind to the mini tach that is held onto the steering column with electrical tape. it is not hooked up and it was just setting there in this shot - i put it there as I am testing the fitment of one - i really want to put a tach up on the dash...

This truck is getting pretty "close" to me being finished for now - the suspension, etc, will all remain stock. I'm not lowering it or doing anything like that. I just want a nice reliable antique truck, and for the most part i've got that now that the gauge issue is sorted out...

 

[SolidSnake84]

So the previous "old" ranger that I had (My 1994) had a set of the wooden side rails on it that were built by the previous owner. I always liked the things and thought it added to that "retro" truck look.

Not being a carpenter by any stretch of the imagination, i'm going to attempt to build not only those, but also a "headache" rack of sorts to protect my back window. I have an idea in my head that will incorporate a metal grating for the back window, but i'm not sure if i'm able to realize it with my next-to-none woodworking skills.

So i'm going to build it in the morning. Hopefully it won't take me too long and I can add some pics tomorrow afternoon!

 

[SolidSnake84]

So this is where i've stopped my work for today. A few issues - i've put the top board on with the wrong side facing out, will turn that around. Also, my project is on hold until i can figure out some hardware to secure the side rails to the bottom of the headboard, so the whole thing is sturdy.

To accomplish the headboard being free-standing like this, i welded in two of those stake pocket things from tractor supply company to the front of the bulkhead. this is actually very sturdy right now, the wood fits in the pocket perfectly... I am hoping to be finished tomorrow or the next day, at which point i will take it all off and stain and seal it...

This picture is sort of a weird angel - the top board does not go higher than the cab, it is flush with the cab roof. I am also going to install a mesh grating in the space where the window is exposed, as I thought it would look cool...

 

[19bonestock88]

Looks just like my old truck, except mine had no chrome... I still miss her... My new truck is just as easy on fuel, just as comfortable, and way faster, but I still regret selling my first gen... I may have some parts lying around for it if you want em...

 

[xN07xH311x]

Nice digs man! Looks super clean! Can't wait to see what all comes from this buy.

 

[86 Ranger 5.0]

That is a really clean truck. Nice find