My 87 Ranger I will be restoring soon I want to keep track of my progress and add information as I find it.

[Terrys87]

Here I primed it.

Then wet sanded it.

Then primed it again. I have two small imperfections that glazing putty will take care of. I need to remove bumper to get bottom of tailgate and get the rest of the factory striping off. A lot smoother then it was.

 

[Terrys87]

I am going to find a body shop. You may not be able to tell but in front and behind the tire is some damage that I just can’t get back to perfect.

I want to get the truck all in primer as soon as possible. Maybe I wont look like a crackheads truck and all in one color. I bought some Dollar General masking tape and it has been nothing but a pain in the rear as it just keeps ripping coming off of the roll. Letting shop air out and see if I can get some more done while I still have some time today. A step closer.

 

[Terrys87]

Im replacing the front fenders as they have rust in the wheel wells. So I am not going to prime them at this time

Truck looks better already. Now I need to go get some news paper and masking tape to get cab done. Masking is my least favorite. There is still tons more sanding to do. Just wish I could afford fenders this week but not happening. I got to get the front end rebuilt

 

[Terrys87]

I got some more done. I figure 2 more long days of sanding and it will be ready for paint. Painting is still a ways off due to cost and I will take some days off from work when I paint it. I will strip it down to paint.

 

[Josh B]

That's good work there Terry, thanks for posting

 

[jballard81]

View attachment 107433
I did quite bit of work on the dash pad. It is drying now. I did run out of LMR paint but it does look better now The metal plate was primed and satin black to prevent glare

Do you mind sharing what you used to fill in the cracks/tears on your dash pad here? I've had zero luck finding anything better at the JY and have been thinking about attempting something like this on mine...

thanks!

 

[Awesom-O]

Looking great! I actually enjoy doing bodywork. It’s tedious, but rewarding bringing a rusty or damaged panel to smooth perfection. I like your razor blade idea for the small dents. Will try that in the future.

 

[RobbieD]

Anything that involves beating the hell out of something with a hammer, I'm all in!

 

[Terrys87]

Thanks Josh B.. I have to admit, I get a smile and seeing that it is starting to look really flat and smooth. It is just one good paint job away from looking like the truck did in 88..This truck was in bad shape mecanically, body, and interior.

 

[Terrys87]

Amsom-o.. I too enjoy body work. It can make a truck that looks like junk to looking nice. I have done projects in the past and when I tell some one I did the mechanic,body and interior they seem like they did not believe me. To me it is rewarding to build a truck. For very shallow or small repairs, I think you will like the razor blade.

 

[Terrys87]

Hello Robbie D.. Beating metal back into place is a great stress reliever. Keeps tools from flying across the shop,lol

 

[Terrys87]

Hello jballard81.. I use kitty hair fiberglass to fill in the cracks and then I just use interior paint from LMR. Earlier in this thread, I started on my original dash pad. I tried using Marine Grade Vinyl. It would work for a flatter dash but is difficult when trying to do contours. Eventually I am going to get back on getting the dash covered. I have read about a 4 way stretchable vinyl but have not got my hands on any of it yet. I want my dash in perfect shape when truck is done. Filling the cracks in with fiberglass definitely helps with overall look but is not the best solution. I will eventually get back on learning what to use for re coveringthe dash.

I dont mind trying to help with information so feel free to ask. I try to scan the new threads and help out what I do know on the 2.9 or other things I might know. I really dont know the newer trucks so not much help there but will try.

 

[Terrys87]

I long blocking and where I had to weld in previous owners hack job for mirrors and big dish dent on passenger door I am really happy.

On the other side, not so much. The High spot should work itself out. The Low spot I could not see it and barely feel it but it will show in new paint. All manual labor sanding and I’m feeling my age. Have not done this in a few years. I’m just doing the flat areas and still have curves to do. One step closer though.

 

[sgtsandman]

The detail work is grueling and monotonous but it does pay off in the end. While not as pretty as your truck is going to be, I dealt with a lot of that when rebuilding my utility trailer. It seemed like it would never end.

 

[Terrys87]

Hello sgtsandman… Once you got your trailer done it was rewarding. Paint does hide all the prep work involved. Pictures really don’t show how bad this truck had been neglected and even where it is at now has been rewarding for me.