My idea of a Shelby Ranger if there would have been one.

[multiranger]

So the Ranger has the truck type mirrors. Those won't do for my project so I ordered the paddle type on Ebay. Anyone remember back when those were a dealer item only and they were around 70 bucks? Any old hoot.. Had two holes in each door to deal with.
I used 2 pieces of scrap metal and some 3M panel bond since welding wasn't an option. Took a pic but i don't think it's worth posting... So is there anything wrong with a guy that has more pics of his truck than he has of his girlfriend / wife or kid? Or am I normal and everone else is strange?

 

[Jim Oaks]

This build is off to an awesome start. I love the look of the motor and what you've done to the intake.

Saleen did early Rangers for a little while and kept the factory 2.9L.

Using the biggest Ranger motor and dressing it up is definitely a good start to building a "Shelby" Ranger. Really though, look at the so called Muscle Cars of the past including Detroits attempts in the 80's. A good exhaust and lower gears will give the truck the sound and feel that you're looking for in an every day driver.

 

[CopyKat]

So is there anything wrong with a guy that has more pics of his truck than he has of his girlfriend / wife or kid? Or am I normal and everone else is strange?

Not a thing wrong with that in my book.

 

[multiranger]

This build is off to an awesome start. I love the look of the motor and what you've done to the intake.

Saleen did early Rangers for a little while and kept the factory 2.9L.

Using the biggest Ranger motor and dressing it up is definitely a good start to building a "Shelby" Ranger. Really though, look at the so called Muscle Cars of the past including Detroits attempts in the 80's. A good exhaust and lower gears will give the truck the sound and feel that you're looking for in an every day driver.

Thanks Jim! My plans are to use some looks and styles from the 70s and 80s muscle car era.. Including some of the style from a Trans Am... As for the sound I just don't want it to sound like a rice burner or be all that loud.. Just a slight growl is perfect for me. I am going to run a 3.42 rear end.. I thought it was a 3.73 but.. Still tons of power and 400 miles on a tank of gas...

 

[multiranger]

Sun Roof came in... Cut the hole in the roof for it and test fitted.. So far everything seems like such a good time... Pits in the intake, Double wall roof... What's next?

 

[dangerranger83]

I could have told you that it had a double wall roof. Thats how I got away with using screws to put my overhead console on my roof and not have them poke through. I like the build so far keep it up.

 

[multiranger]

I could have told you that it had a double wall roof. Thats how I got away with using screws to put my overhead console on my roof and not have them poke through. I like the build so far keep it up.

I knew it too... It just made it twice the work on the old recip saw... Nothing better than the blade coming out cause it won't tighten down good only to fall in the floor of the cab so you have to climb down and get it.. But hey it only happend like 10 times.. I shouldn't complain.. It could have been 11 times huh? All the TV shows about workin on trucks make it seem so easy!

 

[mn_smokeater]

heck of a build!

 

[dangerranger83]

I knew it too... It just made it twice the work on the old recip saw... Nothing better than the blade coming out cause it won't tighten down good only to fall in the floor of the cab so you have to climb down and get it.. But hey it only happend like 10 times.. I shouldn't complain.. It could have been 11 times huh? All the TV shows about workin on trucks make it seem so easy!

Everything looks easier on tv.

 

[multiranger]

Good thread man! Don't let up and to hell with 56k. Post a ton!

Thanks Nitro!

 

[multiranger]

Decided last minute to flip the tailgate handle.. Used some I have no idea how thick it is metal but it took 3 cutoff wheels to cut it to flatten the tailgate out... That is one heavy tailgate now.. I figure it should help with putting traction on the pavement from the torque monster up front! I plan on using a dare I say it s10 third door handle on the back side to open it... Or i thought about notching a rectangle hole on both sides and use Chrome plated bolts and double nut it to where the rods connect to the latch.. Other than it taking both hands to open it... Should work fine.. Funny Story for you guys.. Back in 88 I worked in a body shop at a local Ford dealer. One day a stolen and recovered ranger came in.. They stripped it from the door glasses to you name it.. The funny thing is they took the time to take out all those Torx screws to steal the stainless trim from the tailgate... One could steal 5 tailgates faster than taking off just that one thing...

[/IMG]

 

[multiranger]

Did some shopping on Ebay... Found a white gauge face kit, all new lights, new door handles and dream beams... I already have a Bell Tech 4" Hanger Kit for the the back. Also found a Stillin body kit on clearance for cheap at a custom truck center up in Virginia. Bought it too! Next question is to paint or not to paint? Gold stripes the length of the truck.. Think Hertz Shelby Mustang....

 

[jaymegriffiths]

After about 9 hours of sanding starting with 80 grit then moving to 180, 320, 600, then 1500. (80, 180, 320 were dry on a sander. 600 andf 1500 was wet sanding. Still a long way to go before it is done.. There are still a lot of pits needing to be sanded... If it wasn't for those it wouldn't be so bad.

[/IMG]

do you think this could be done with a 2.9 intake too?

 

[multiranger]

Updates today... Did what little body work the doors and fenders needed. Sprayed primer on them.. Got the tailgate mudded up but still have to work it.

[/IMG]


Painted the drivers door just to see if I could still lay paint on like I use to...

 

[Downey]

^^^ why not