1st gen interior upgrades

[Beef52751]

Ok, i just got an 86 Ranger regular cab, i'm gathering parts to get the interior straightened out. So, ive been looking around and gathering some ideas.
Couple questions:

Did first gens come with a tilt steering wheel column?

Is there any way to shorten the column?

What would you recommend for door handles on a diamond tread door panel?

(Ive thought about plastic and others but this is a hunting/work truck so i want something super durable and easy to wash off.)

Thanks
Beef

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

My '85 has tilt, dunno about shortening it.

In another thread somebody mentioned using shower towel handles. Pretty much a chrome tube with two 90 degree bends and decorative bases.

 

[Bondo]

Ive got a couple 1st gens with the tilt steering (all XLTs), but Im not sure what packages offered that as an option.

 

[Beef52751]

my xl doesn't, its got an aftermarket steering wheel that is set towards the driver and me being 6'4'' theres not enough room for my lanky ass arms!

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

my xl doesn't, its got an aftermarket steering wheel that is set towards the driver and me being 6'4'' theres not enough room for my lanky ass arms!

I am running into that with my Grant, which irritates me because I love the look of the wheel.

 

[Beef52751]

i think mine is a grant too, it looks just like yours iirc.

 

[RangerFabWorks]

mine is a grant. and has no options other than power steering and brakes. but came with a tilt wheel.

much nicer for fat old me. but im going to swap in some 60's stang bucket seats for a bit more legroom

 

[Tony Raine]

yes

not sure

rebar (did this on an old ford work truck, very beefy)

 

[Beef52751]

ok, next question.

Staying on the work, hunting truck style, what should i put on the floor???
again i want it to look good but be durable and easy to clean. So I dont think carpet is what i want

 

[RangerFabWorks]

HERCULINER bed coating. tough as nails and a good sound deadner.

 

[Tony Raine]

ok, next question.

Staying on the work, hunting truck style, what should i put on the floor???
again i want it to look good but be durable and easy to clean. So I dont think carpet is what i want

durabak and some other brands of DIY (do it yourself) roll-on bedliner come in colors. get a shade of tan than looks similar to your local dirt, that way the dirt will blend in between hose-outs.

 

[Beef52751]

how thick does DIY bed liner go on??? dont they make vinyl floor covers or something??

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

With the PCM behind the PS kickpanel I would be leary of hoseouts.

My truck has a vinyl floor for the moment, it is super easy to vacuum out. There is nowhere for the dirt to hide. A bedlined floor would be the same.

 

[Mudhound]

For the thickness of the bedliner, you can go with what is suggested on the can, or, if you are really rough on things, put on a couple of extra layers, just make darn sure to follow the directions on dry time to help minimize the chances of the 'liner trying to lift.

 

[Sighman]

Roll on bed liner works great in my Jeep and hasn't lifted. You can roll extra layers with no problem and touch up as needed if it wears off in spots.