'85 Ranger Restomod

[sgtsandman]

The radio does, the interrupter is just a little module that lives behind the stereo.

CBM-U4 – Audio Interrupt

audiointerrupt.com

Ah! Now I see what you are doing. I have too many radios to consider that as an option. It's either dealing with the factory speaker or installing an external speaker where it is easier to hear what is being received.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Ah! Now I see what you are doing. I have too many radios to consider that as an option. It's either dealing with the factory speaker or installing an external speaker where it is easier to hear what is being received.

I can hear the cb fine, the GMRS that lives behind the passenger kickpannel not so much. Especially cruising at warp factor 12 on the interstate with the window down.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

New tape, old window



Both rear windows went back in with little incident. Whoever used a chainsaw to hog out the holes for the windows was a little loose in some places and a little tight in other, it takes a little work to get the windows back in their holes. Once in, press them home and start throwing screws at it before the thing falls out (like my biggest fear)

Yikes...



The tape pretty much gave up all along the top of the window.

I got it cleaned up and reinstalled... so 3 out of 4 windows are done so far.

And I gotta say, sitting in the back of this truck is giving me qualms about a sleeping platform. Sitting on the bed floor is about the perfect position, there is no way I will be able to sit on my platform.

 

[Curious Hound]

And I gotta say, sitting in the back of this truck is giving me qualms about a sleeping platform. Sitting on the bed floor is about the perfect position, there is no way I will be able to sit on my platform.

You’re a tall boy. I had the same problem in my f350, years ago.

When I was young, mom would take me clothes shopping and tell me to stop growing. Then I would do something stupid and she would say “Grow up,” I got confused and just kept growing taller.

 

[sgtsandman]

New tape, old window



Both rear windows went back in with little incident. Whoever used a chainsaw to hog out the holes for the windows was a little loose in some places and a little tight in other, it takes a little work to get the windows back in their holes. Once in, press them home and start throwing screws at it before the thing falls out (like my biggest fear)

Yikes...



The tape pretty much gave up all along the top of the window.

I got it cleaned up and reinstalled... so 3 out of 4 windows are done so far.

And I gotta say, sitting in the back of this truck is giving me qualms about a sleeping platform. Sitting on the bed floor is about the perfect position, there is no way I will be able to sit on my platform.

Even if you don't go the platform route, you'll want something to flatten the floor and provided a little insulation. If you can find one of the bed mats or rugs with the ribs that fill the corregations in the bed floor, that would work.

Alternatively, a sheet of plywood cut to fit will work to. It doesn't have to be thick. 3/8" or 1/2" will do. 1/2" will probably have less tendency to bow.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Even if you don't go the platform route, you'll want something to flatten the floor and provided a little insulation. If you can find one of the bed mats or rugs with the ribs that fill the corregations in the bed floor, that would work.

Alternatively, a sheet of plywood cut to fit will work to. It doesn't have to be thick. 3/8" or 1/2" will do. 1/2" will probably have less tendency to bow.

It will be getting a ribbed drop in bedliner regardless. And if needed I have a rubber bed mat that could go over that. Since it works so well for @Uncle Gump I am planning on just using an air mattress to sleep on.

Its all about compromise though. The main purpose of the platform is so I didn't have to totally load/unload the truck every day. I am only going to sleep in the thing, not do jazzersize or whatever. If I spend the trip sitting in the bed of my truck its a pretty sad trip.

I can see where a fullsize truck's increased beam would be a HUGE advantage. Could have the bed offset and still have useable floorspace as well.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Spun the screws out for the front passenger window... and freaked out when I went to pull it off. The tape was completely gone and there was just the tumblehome angle of the topper holding the window in. It would have fallen out very easy.

When I first got this thing I didn't know this topper would become a permanent fixture of the truck. The windows leaked so I tried some of that flowable window sealant at it which basically did nothing.







And I only had enough butyl to go almost halfway around the window, so in what seems to be a almost too common theme... it is on hold pending more parts.

I did switch the interrupter to constant battery power so now it doesn't care if the key/radio is turned on so I can check that off the list.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I finally got my synthetic rope for my winch, so now time to get everything switched over from that... and to get the stupid rattling license plate off my dash.



First off I pulled the old cable out because I knew there was a good chance I would have to replace the screw for it since the synthetic cable end is usually thicker.



Yeah, a tad too short.



So that was a trip to town and I didn't get back before it got dark so spooling the new rope on was out. I had a lot to do before that point anyway.

Ripped the roller fairlead off and got to work with the new stuff. I had to unbolt the winch from the base and slide it over to get the fairlead bolts out.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I bolted the rope onto my Ranger/winch, situated my F-150, tied the rope on the back of the F-150 and backed the Ranger down the driveway to take the slack out of it. I got out and just let the Ranger idle so I could adjust the steering to keep the winchline feeding nicely as we dragged ourselves up the driveway.





And then I put the front plate/plate frame on for real.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

My wife showed my kid my wish list and he decided I needed traction boards, so I got traction boards for my birthday. They would have been handy to have last winter that is for sure so I am not complaining.



To mount the things for the Vagabond trip, I am going to move the fuel can inside the truck and hang them on my swingout. Which means I need to make a bigger plate to accommodate them.

Holes are drilled for the boards.



And holes for the fuel can mount (which I will put back on in between trips) and to mount the plate to my swingout.



Remember the long threaded rod I used to clamp my grille guard together? So did I.



Not really a proper hook but these chain repair links make good ones. The end is curved up so they don't catch on things too.





Spritzed it with some water for car cruise night.





A few days later I went out on a dirt road to take more pics. Kinda neat to see turkey tracks.

 

[Corey H]

Checked out the last 10 pages or so of the thread and just want to say I really enjoy mix of life and truck stuff! I definitely will attempt to read through as much of the whole thread as I can when I have a month with nothing to do haha!

Either way awesome truck!

 

[Curious Hound]

My wife showed my kid my wish list and he decided I needed traction boards, so I got traction boards for my birthday. They would have been handy to have last winter that is for sure so I am not complaining.



To mount the things for the Vagabond trip, I am going to move the fuel can inside the truck and hang them on my swingout. Which means I need to make a bigger plate to accommodate them.

Holes are drilled for the boards.



And holes for the fuel can mount (which I will put back on in between trips) and to mount the plate to my swingout.



Remember the long threaded rod I used to clamp my grille guard together? So did I.



Not really a proper hook but these chain repair links make good ones. The end is curved up so they don't catch on things too.





Spritzed it with some water for car cruise night.





A few days later I went out on a dirt road to take more pics. Kinda neat to see turkey tracks.

Y’all take some great calendar photos.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I have been battling the doors most of the summer. I snagged plastic sleeves and that instantly fixed the passenger side. Drivers side I pulled the fender off twice and got the door realigned... it did NOT like the plastic sleeve. A low bar but both doors work better than they ever have.

I had the front driveshaft out for the shifters/shift boot and noticed the front driveshaft bumped the exhaust. So I slipped the crossover pipe out and customized it in the bench vice for a little more clearance. Spent the last two nights fighting that getting it back in and not leaking. Also managed to get my first third degree burn on a header (did you know those things get like really hot? ) Noticed it when it happened but I kept working. Glanced over later and I had a flap of white skin blowing in the breeze and it was seeping so that is fun.

But anywho, doors open and exhaust isn't leaking. I took it for a spin around the section to get it good and heat soaked so I can retorque the hardware for that pipe and double nut the collector bolts... and get the driveshaft back in it.

 

[Curious Hound]

Maybe you just need a skinnier drive shaft.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Maybe you just need a skinnier drive shaft.

In a perfect world.

I even had a rear one from a '84 Bronco that would have been perfect to shorten. They have a solid steel shaft and a slip seal rather than a boot. In the middle of my 5 speed swap I threw it in with my C5 to sweeten the deal and basically gave it away. While researching alternatives I discovered that the front driveshaft of a squarebody S10 is the same style, has the same joints and is within an inch of what I need. Luckily dad scrapped my grandpas the year before.

Its on the list and I need to snag one before they dry up as aftermarket ones are ridiculous (especially for my application) Its been a rough year... so just trying to get what I have to work for now.