1988 Ranger Restoration - Keeping a Promise

[Uncle Gump]

I've never seen the seat delete tool boxes or the rear cover...

Maybe I just didn't ever look close enough... post up the tool boxes when ya get that far... I would sure like to see them. I'm gonna delete my left rear seat for storage options... not sure yet what it will be.

You just keep pluggin away... that poor old truck you bought just gets better everyday.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

I've never seen the seat delete tool boxes or the rear cover...



Maybe I just didn't ever look close enough... post up the tool boxes when ya get that far... I would sure like to see them. I'm gonna delete my left rear seat for storage options... not sure yet what it will be.



You just keep pluggin away... that poor old truck you bought just gets better everyday.

Will do. I had seen the toolbox/storage deletes on newer trucks. Never thought they were available on the first gen. The tonneau is so freaking cool. I'll probably be photobombing as I start the interior changeover/re-color.

Found out since the last post that my new carpet is for a standard cab. Joy. More stuff to hunt down. And now a ton more to sell off. Anyone want to buy most of my old interior? Lol

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[85_Ranger4x4]

Well, noise barrier on the floor is finished. That was a MASSIVE PAIN IN THE ASS. Next up is the walls, etc. Saving the ceiling for last.

Word of experience with the Noico butyl noise barrier: spring for the Noico brand name roller. I tried the clear/green knock off one, and lost a day to it. Had to order the brand name one immediately. The Noico brand name one makes the job go very fast (by comparison) and shows you wherewith bonded vs. not.

When I got mine in the reviews it sounded like the almost ball shaped wooden roller was the way to go, that is what I have. Haven't tried it yet...

What is the black stuff on top of the Noico stuff?

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

When I got mine in the reviews it sounded like the almost ball shaped wooden roller was the way to go, that is what I have. Haven't tried it yet...



What is the black stuff on top of the Noico stuff?

Black stuff is the "Noico Green". Just a high density foam. Figured try a box and see what happened.

Takes the last "ring" that transmits through out of sound coming up through. Also is one hell of an insulation layer.

I also completely did my transmission cover both sides with the butyl and the foam. Just cut an X for the shifter and sliced for the transfer case. Dead silent now. Not even funny how big of a difference.

Also put it on the backs of the interior door skins. Massive difference when in traffic and driving along walls/Jersey barriers.

I can see a wooden ball working well. There were a bunch of spots I used a plastic screwdriver handle or a tennis ball where the roller wouldn't fit.

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[bobbywalter]

I'd definitely be interested in the FM146. I thought about doing the m5od conversion, but after I get this little headache back to factory-ish, I'm considering starting a collection for the parts to swap it to a 5.0l.

I figure I've built quite a few Mopar motors, and a few ancient air cooled Honda bike engines, so might as well learn Ford v8 while I'm at it. If it ever happens, it would be with the goal of building a sleeper that looks updated, but mostly stock.

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fawk that....put a 340 in it.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

fawk that....put a 340 in it.

......hm.

Only if someone custom makes a blue oval for the front grill that says "Mopar" in Ford font.

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[PetroleumJunkie412]

You know what... F*** red interiors

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[PetroleumJunkie412]

Interesting day at the junkyard today.

Installed it and took the truck for a short run... Not sure how much difference it has actually made.

I'd ask for tips/input, but I've read the throttle body swap threads...

Keeping the old one around in case my fuel economy goes to hell.

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[PetroleumJunkie412]

I've never seen the seat delete tool boxes or the rear cover...



Maybe I just didn't ever look close enough... post up the tool boxes when ya get that far... I would sure like to see them. I'm gonna delete my left rear seat for storage options... not sure yet what it will be.



You just keep pluggin away... that poor old truck you bought just gets better everyday.

Killing two birds with one stone here.

Before and after shot of one of the factory jump seat deletes.

Paint is Dupli-Color Vinyl and Leather Flat Black. Stuff is weird to use, but once you get the hang of it and the prep work, the parts come out stunning.

It also makes you feel like you took a long inhale of an air sample from the Woodstock Concert after 10 minutes of using it. So, the parts may look great, or I may be somewhere between Willie Nelson and Syd Barret right now. The pink elephant sitting next to me hasn't told me yet.



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[PetroleumJunkie412]

Experimenting with an idea for protecting the rad from larger bugs, birds, stones, etc.

Never had 3M marine adhesive fail on anything I've used it on, and the black coating is plasti dip. Just trying to get a feel for what I want to make the front end blend with the smittybilt bumpers.

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[Uncle Gump]

Those interior panels look really good... I would have never thought of using vinyl and leather paint. I wish they made those for seat delete panels for my 06... but maybe they did... and I've just been living under a rock too long.

They make all kinds of grill inserts for my 06... not so much for the first gen rangers... I think your idea with the mesh looks really good... as long as you can keep it in place.

I also seen that you are looking for a 4.0L and a 5 speed to do a swap... I have a complete truck that has everything you need. I doesn't make a lot of sense logistically but it is exactly what you need. I was going to build it but that day never came and I bought my 06... my focus changed. If interested drop me a PM and we can discuss it.

 

[Shran]

Man. You are ambitious. We have road salt out here but most don't look like that. Most of the rusted out floors I've dealt with are from windows rolled down/broken out for years or mice living in them. Those are the worst.

Sadly I scrapped several trucks last year that were in a LOT better shape than yours.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Finally got the right size tires back on it. $100 for a full set. Not bad.

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[PetroleumJunkie412]

I've hit a decision point with the driveline, and I keep going back and forth. So, input is welcome.

There's three ways to do this: do a Pat Kunz to the 2.9 and maybe tinker with megasquirt and forced induction as I go, pull the 2.9 for a 4.0, or go testicles to the immediate perimeters and do the forced induction 4.0/302/340(heh) and swap axles, etc.

Without getting into it too much, longevity, fun to drive, and fuel economy are the three equal priorities.

Budget is holding me back on the v8 idea. Plus, that is a LOT of work

The 4.0/forced induction 4.0 is tempting. Moderate work, intriguing results.

The option I'm leaning on is a Kunz 2.9. Rationale is originality, and learning everything from porting to megasquirt to forced induction (always wanted to build a forced induction motor; never have) is very tempting. Just concerned all that time will go into an antique that underperforms the 4.0. Plus, would need to track down a set of world heads.

The left field option is importing a 2.9 DOHC 24v cosworth. Don't know where else to find one other than to bring one in from Europe or AU/NZ.

Opinions very much wanted!

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[alwaysFlOoReD]

Short on cash = 4.0