1969 Ranger - Project Glory Days!

[tylerb43]

Thanks guys, I do love my shop. It feels like it's totally destroyed and a complete mess right now, but I guess that's what happens when you dive into a project like this.

Hopefully I can get it cleaned up and much more organized once this truck starts going back together!

[tylerb43]

Well, I've been working on getting the front suspension from the '73 cleaned up and painted. I've learned that painting coil springs really sucks. I also installed these polyurethane frame bumpers from Energy Suspension, they come in packs of 2 for $13 from Advance Auto Parts. (free shipping over $75) I bought a pair for the rear axle too. The stock ones from LMC were $17 each!

I got the front crossmembers and engine mounts bolted back in with grade 8 hardware. Do I need grade 8? Of course not, but I like the finish and they are only $.50/lb more.

[Fo-Mo-Co]

looks good. Did you get new front springs?

[tylerb43]

Thanks. And no, I didn't buy new springs. I figured I'd save a little cash there and reuse the ones from the donor '73. It had a 360, and not a ton of miles - I think around 90k. Do you see an issue with that?

[Fo-Mo-Co]

I don't know I am back and forth myself. I think maybe they are softer after holding up all that weight fo over 40 years. Maybe not i dont know. Some of the new springs are progressive rate and I hear make quite a difference. I am all for old school but these trucks do need some help in that department. imo

[tylerb43]

Yeah, I hear ya - restore and improve where it makes sense. (hence the power discs) That said, I think I'm going to stick with these coils for now. That's a component that's easy enough to change out later if I change my mind, unless someone can change it now. What kind of price are you seeing on a new set of the progressive rate springs?

[Fo-Mo-Co]

I can get a set from moog for 90 bucks. I figured it was worth it so I ordered some last night.

[jp2005]

Looking good

[tylerb43]

Just a quick update guys - I got the front suspension reassembled and bolted to the frame, rear suspension is finished too with new poly bushings. Next step is the brakes front and back. I'm thinking about tearing into the engine on Saturday just to mix things up a bit and decide what direction I'm going to go there.



Like new foundation to build on:


Also ran new 6-conductor harness down framerail. The old wires were so brittle they snapped in half when bent.

[390bump]

great job - very impressed

[FormerMarine1981]

Also ran new 6-conductor harness down framerail. The old wires were so brittle they snapped in half when bent.

That's why you dont bend them in half! Jk.. Great progress man.

[67bartcat]

Any updates? I love this build, cool shop and truck.

[ta TACO]

[tylerb43]

You guys are exactly what I need! Thank you very much for calling me out on the lack of updates. I'm here to learn and share, but also to keep me motivated!

My time on the truck has been limited the past few weeks because I'm working lots of OT, and then I get a call from the Sheriff's Dept and they wanted me to wire a couple undercover vehicles for them asap. So that's what has been taking my time. The good news is the OT and SD money will go very far in this restoration, so it's actually a positive thing.

So this coming weekend I'm back at it. I did tear apart the 390 and found some bad news, a wrist pin retainer was in the bottom of the oil pan - not good. I originally planned on just cleaning and painted the engine and bolting it back on - ha! What was I thinking? So, it's at the engine builders now, and I'm waiting on a call to let me know how far we have to go with it. (MoMoney)

Engine thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... =3&t=54878
I've also decided to rebuild the C6 while it's out and separated, I called several local shops and it looks like that's going to be about $500-550. Not too bad I thought.

I did paint my new rotors and get all new bearings, calipers, and pads. I also ordered drag link and tie rod ends, so that's on the way.





Thanks for sticking with me guys!!

[dcbullet]

Looking very clean!!!