Street Rod Ranger

[xkotyx]

shes a beauty! this is a really clean ranger you got

 

[jesse93]

looks great!!!...i like the 500 also, i have a mint 97 cr500

 

[snoopjonnyjon]

I think I finished all the work I will be getting done on the truck this winter. My plan is to roll it into the bodyshop, and get the final bodywork and paint done over summer so that I can work on it again next winter, and have it completely finished for spring 2013.

The first thing I did this weekend was get the fuel pump relay working. I just needed to hook one wire to ground, as it otherwise grounded through the computer.

I also made up the cable running from the alternator to the solenoid on the fender. The old V6 had the alt on the passenger side of the engine, and the V8 is on the driver's side so I needed a much longer cable. The charging system still didn't work, but after some staring at wiring diagrams I realized that not having the voltmeter and idiot light connected was the cause. I shorted the grey/yel wire to the green/red which made it work.

Next I started tracking down all the wires needed to make the new guages work. The high beam indicator didn't seem to be reacting to the test light. I had high beam, but no indicator. More time looking at wiring diagrams and I realized the high beam indicator needs the daylight running lights module to work. So I cleaned that up, painted it, and got that working. I also have functioning daytime running lights now, not that I really cared one way or the other.

Turn indicators, oil pressure, temp, fuel level gauges, as well as the guage dimming circuits were all simple to identify with a multimeter. The truck already had wiring for an electric speedo output for the computer, so I added a different connector for my Autometer sender, and used the stock wiring to under the hood. On the inner fender the connector sends these to the computer, but I pulled the two pins out and rerouted to wires that will end up in the dash area. When I get the truck back from paint I should have very minimal wiring left to do getting the guages working as all wires have already been identified and marked. I will need to program the Dakota Digital gear indicator, but it appears to be relatively simple.

 

[snoopjonnyjon]

 

[snoopjonnyjon]

First time having the fenders, hood and doors on since about 2007. I expect to have it in paint with glass in it in the next month of so.

 

[-Nathan-]

very excited for this to be completed. dringus.

 

[snoopjonnyjon]

I am too. There's many years work in this thing, and it is exciting to see the end in sight. Once it is painted, and I am actually installing parts for the last time... wow is that going to be fun.

Can't wait to take it to the Community Ham Boil.

 

[Robert_1967]

I was just wondering, you typed earlier in the build thread that you was sort of going for the old Gasser look, have you considered using the front axle out of a two wheel drive jeep and leaf springs???

I'm in the hunt for one for my 88 Ranger, there is no beneficial upgrades to using one, I my self don't much care for the twin I-beam when trying to lower one, and using a airbag setup, I don't care for the way the tires lean in when lowered.

any way your truck looks great, and good job. also have you considered using a metal flake blue on the dash to match the other blue on your interior?


Robert


posted not using tapa talk.

 

[snoopjonnyjon]

I ended up not messing around with ride height at all yet. The front end has stock springs, with 90/10 drag shocks. The dash actually is a metallic blue, and matches decent in person. I hate to be making the excuse of looking better in person than in pictures, but it does look nice in person.

But... here's some updates!

I had Robbie shave the seam at the top of the post. Also had him shave the radio antenna.

Aaaaaand, now she is painted, and new windshield is setting up! I can bring it home next chance I get.

 

[Robert_1967]

Dang, that is sharp, I may have to steal some of your ideas for my ranger.


good job




Robert




posted with a kitty cat

 

[snoopjonnyjon]

I did some work on it whenever there was some dew in the mornings.

I got the grille, bumpers, and lights in.

Mirrors from a 67 F100

White seatbelts... I will not be giving rides to anyone who has just worked on hydraulic hoses.

Under the hood is done except for a few minor pieces.

And, a little video for the sound.

http://youtu.be/qa9G6Rpg7w0

 

[Colin]

Damn that thing is beautiful.

 

[Tominator]

Damn that thing is beautiful.

That's the exact phrase I used after looking at the last pic.

Incredibly nice job!

 

[snoopjonnyjon]

Thank you. It was pretty exciting to get it to the stage where it looks like a truck again. There are still a lot of areas that need to be finished, but the end is in sight now.

 

[JoshT]

Thanks for confirming a few things for me. First, that the Mach 1 wheels would look great on a square body Ranger (first gen, in my case). Second, that those mirrors would look perfect as well.

I have a set of Mach 1s that I bought months ago sitting in the yard, but my 86 is no where near ready for them yet. If you don't mind my asking what size rubber are you running? I checked the LMC truck catalog and those mirrors appear to be identical to the chrome ones that they sell as replacements for the 83-92 Rangers. I was planning to get them instead of the black flag style, now I know that I will.

Truck looks and sounds great by the way. I find it funny you have the newer truck and are going for the older style, I have the older truck and am going for newer style. Just hope mine sounds and looks as good some day, got along way to go before that happens though.