Frame Offs?

[ThirdDiv]

Sorry if someone already posted, but have you heard of a genuine frame off resto on a 4X4 lb Ranger of 90's to 2010's era? May sound crazy, but with the price of trucks starting to move up, frame offs are looking good. I'd need to insist on a hot dip galvanized frame this time. Besides, maybe Ford will come around and admit a slip up. Somethings can still go and still it could keep the value. Manual lock hubs, no vacuums, maybe small block 8 carbed. No electronics. UV protected badges, etc.

How much does something like this cost?

Surprised Leno hasn't thought of it.

 

[Dirtman]

If you're not doing the work yourself, it'll cost more than a new truck would and it will never be worth the money you spent doing it.

A fully restored ranger is still just a ranger even if you spent 30 grand fixing it.

 

[09fx4guy]

A restoration / maintaining before it gets too bad, is something I have been considering for mine over the years. I think that you could do a somewhat basic restoration for a decent price if you are capable of doing the work yourself. When my Ranger is no longer my DD, and I happen to have a large enough garage, I will start doing what another member on here did for his Ranger. Check out this thread https://www.therangerstation.com/fo...1998-ranger-4x4-ground-up-restoration.174245/

 

[RonD]

Well, Rangers are not collector cars so not sure what the point would be for a frame up restoration IF..........you are just going to drive it daily, like a new truck

Usual point of a frame off would be for a show type vehicle, not a daily driver, used in parking lots at a grocery store, lol

Jay Leno did buy a new 1991 GMC Syclone, 4.3l turbo V6, as a daily driver but as far as I know he didn't restore it just drove it, and still drives it when he feels like it

You can take the bed off a Ranger clean and paint the frame and other parts, put a V8 in it and clean it up for use as a daily driver

 

[TDI Ranger]

Back in 2010 I completed a "rolling shell" restoration on a 1981 VW Rabbit turbo diesel. It looked like a show car back then, and it has been a daily driver for the most part since then. I have driven it about 150,000 miles in the past 10-11 years, averaging around 50mpg. It has sat outside since then, but it has been taken care of. It has weathered just like any other well taken care of car over the years. If I could buy a new one, I would...

I am at the point where I am going to drive restored older vehicles over buying new for a few of reasons. #1 no manufacturer will sell a vehicle I want to buy (here in the USA anyway, diesel- manual transmission...) and #2 cars have reached a tipping point where they are way over complicated with electronics and emission equipment, and #3 prices have gone stupid. How is the average truck $50k plus... Who can afford a $85k diesel F-250 and not be choking in debt?

After I finish the motor swap on my ranger and get everything sorted 100% I'm going to tear it back down for a frame off restoration. Since Ford refused to sell it, I have no choice but to build what I want myself.

 

[RobbieD]

I am at the point where I am going to drive restored older vehicles over buying new for a few of reasons. #1 no manufacturer will sell a vehicle I want to buy (here in the USA anyway, diesel- manual transmission...) and #2 cars have reached a tipping point where they are way over complicated with electronics and emission equipment, and #3 prices have gone stupid.

Amen, brother!

Cars and trucks are not machines any more; now they're just big "devices", that you happen to ride around in.

 

[JOLENE_THE_RANGER]

youd be better off flying to CA to buy one for 3k and driving it home and giving it a good detail...maybe even paint job. taadaaa

 

[dvdswan]

I guess in a sense I've done a frame off. It's more so a custom build though. I've spent some change doing it but no where near a brand new 4wd.

Where my time and money go, when I have it.

Well quick back ground for this ongoing project. Due to work, time and money it has been sitting for (cough, cough) 5 years now. I figure I need about 30-40 hours to finish and get it started, another 10-15 hours for all the little things not drive wise. I bought the 96 Nissan D21 4wd in 02...

www.therangerstation.com

 

[Roert42]

Also check out @smudvapor's build.

Time for a restore......again.

I'm following this with interest, and must say that I like your workmanship. It's really looking good!

www.therangerstation.com