1988 Ford Ranger XLT Supercab 4WD 5spd, Blue Baby Bull

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Test fit successful. Classic Regatta Blue Vinyl, padding and new trim pins enroute.

View attachment 149898

Nice work!

 

[Jim Oaks]

Test fit successful. Classic Regatta Blue Vinyl, padding and new trim pins enroute.

View attachment 149898

Please take pics of the process when you finish them!!

Can't wait to see how they turn out.

 

[acreature]

Right now, I am settling on just a simple flat layer of the vinyl with 3mm of padding, but am constantly trying to figure some kind of pattern, texture, something similar or better than what Ford did. I just have no clue how, as it seems, these borders were melted in? Ideas? Anyone done similar?

 

[SenorNoob]

I'm gonna guess that involved a large press to stamp that pattern all at once. Though I do wonder if leatherworking tools would have the same effect.

Something like this:

https://tandyleather.com/products/craftool-pro-embossing-tools?variant=45233553932419

 

[acreature]

I'm gonna guess that involved a large press to stamp that pattern all at once. Though I do wonder if leatherworking tools would have the same effect.

Something like this:

https://tandyleather.com/products/craftool-pro-embossing-tools?variant=45233553932419

Something to ponder. I ordered 2 yards, so I will have plenty to try something before I commit to wrapping the cards.
Thanks

 

[bobbywalter]

clearly this thing will be nothing but problems for you.....you can just drop it off at my house if you want .... just drop it off with 50 bux and the title.... i will deal with this problem for ya.

 

[acreature]

The annoyance of living on the Outer Banks... we have major box stores here, auto and building supply, but out of the dozens of places that can get me a 2-3/8" rounded spindle lock nut socket, not a damn one has it in stock. It is rather frustrating.

 

[acreature]

Vinyl, padding and trim push pins all came in, but as is par for the course, no one around here has high temp contact cement, so Amazon to the rescue for delivery mid next week.

The vinyl itself isn't an exact match, but again, horseshoes and handgrenades.

 

[acreature]

Rotors, calipers, brake hoses and pads replaced, hubs/spindles rebuilt & repacked. No more worry about that brake seizing up and straining the old girl.

 

[SenorNoob]

Pictures make that original grease look like nickel anti-seize...

 

[acreature]

Pictures make that original grease look like nickel anti-seize...

It was deff grease and a damn lot of it. Way over-greased IMO, but I didn't snap any pics when I first pulled the hub covers. I was more strategically conservative with the grease and targeted with trans fluid.

 

[acreature]

Hindsight always being 20/20 and your first time for anything being a mess, this is what I've accomplished. The foam backing I used wasn't very forgiving, so I opted for the center rather than the entirety so as to give a little texture/edge around the foam. Then was it when I realized I did not accound for that little bit of push pin retainer texture. I let it eat and went with it. Also, I did not use heat around the edges of the foam, so it didn't hold and pulled out overnight and/or I just didn't allow the cement to flash enough (or too much). Next try will have more of a fluffy type of foam and it will be laid the entirety of the board so the pins will not be noticed on the interior and the edges of the foam won't be as ridiculously inconsistent as they are now. These will stay until other more important refreshening is done to the old girl, then I'll get back at it with better knowledge and hopefully more patience.