1969 Ranger - Project Glory Days!

[FormerMarine1981]

Looking good

[ta TACO]

What is that PRE bottle you have there?

[tylerb43]

It's just a painting and coating prep product from Eastwood, works great, I use it quite a bit. It also comes in aerosol, but seems to go further in the spray bottle. I painted the whole rotor, and then while it was still tacky, I wiped down the pad contact area with the acetone. I used Duplicolor Engine enamel w/ceramic.

[67mann]

I'm all over that Idea....when I get to the front of the truck

[F100builder]

Looking fantastic!!! I want to do this very thing to my '69 but I'm thinking on the idea of acquiring another frame in order to keep mine on the road for now. I've got everything to redo the front with discs and dropped beams, 390/C6 cores on stands with new kits for each, an all new brake line kit for a '75 F100, and another 9" with a 3.50 geared locker in it. I really want to do a frame just like yours and then drop a fresh 390/C6 onto it before swapping all the sheet metal over. It's a nice way to go so I can keep driving it except for a few weekends it will take to swap everything. I won't be painting it just yet but I'd probably prep and coat the cab and bed under bellies with something.

Again, lookin' great and keep it and the photos coming along!

[tylerb43]

Thanks Patrick, that mean a lot, I've stared at your trucks for years now. The 69 is just really cool for not a lot of money, and the 56 is awesome because of the history there - something I can relate to.

Where I'm at - I've got the P-valve mounted in it's new location and nearly all the brake lines bent and installed. I didn't want the P-valve on top of the steering box, so I made a bracket for it to mount on the frame rail.

The front and rear brakes are assembled finally. I kinda want to order the wheels and tires now because I can, but I figured they may be in the way while I'm trying to install the engine and trans on the chassis, so maybe the bling can wait a little while longer.

Oh - and very exciting - I picked up my "new" rebuilt transmission last weekend, looks great!



Ignore the line feeding the LF hose, I decided I didn't like the routing path and trashed it.

[F100builder]

Is that a blasted C6 housing or paint? Looks sharp...I'd clear coat it or something so it wipes clean easily. I might consider the Duplicolor clear wheel coating for mine. I like the clean blasted look but I hate the oxidation that follows. The wheel coating should handle a little heat and it resists chemicals...better than just a standard clear from Krylon I'm thinking.

I gotta say again, nice work! You're pictures are making me envious but they're also motivating for sure! I wish I never had to work!!! I can't wait to get out there and start wrenching again...

...and thanks for the kind words too!

[tylerb43]

Thanks Pat, I'm really happy my project can be an inspiration to you guys, as there are a lot of guys on here that were huge motivators for me jumping on this truck after so many years of day-dreaming about it!

That is paint you're seeing on the C6. I was going to paint it with Eastwood's Aluma-Blast and Cast Iron Paints, but my transmission rebuilder beat me to it. I can't swear what he used, but it looks great and I'm not going to touch it.

I've been spending a lot of time cleaning the shop lately. It's really amazing how fast a project like this can make a complete disaster out of your work space. I'm not very good at putting anything away at the end of the day either, I've got to get better and not be such a slob when I work out there!

[terry1167]

I just stumbled onto your thread and man, what an awesome project thread. You are doing such a great job. Im anxious to see your next update!

[tylerb43]

Thanks man, I really appreciate the comment and compliment. I'm currently on assignment in Switzerland, so I'm really looking forward to get back to my shop, and give you guys more updates. Don't get me wrong, this place is amazingly beautiful and I'm enjoying working here. I knew this would happen, but the engine shop called and my 390 is finished (shortblock) and ready for me to complete. I'm on here reading about all the work you guys are doing, and it's really motivating. Thanks again!

[Hemp8709]

Kudos man! Looks good! Very jealous! its motivation for myself! Hopefully in a month i can get in a garage. Currently moving to st.Louis in june. Live over by Rolla, mo now. Again Great work!

[Fordnatic]

Great work!! Hope to do my 70 soon. Am moving into a house end of the month that has a shop!! Can't wait. Oh, and then I have to figure out a way to get my dead pickup 4000 miles up to Alaska. I was just checking Canadian gas prices.....ouch! At least a grand in gas alone to tow it up just through the Canada part of the trip.

[evan_flatt69]

Man I'm so jealous. I wish I had the resources to do this type of wort to my bump.

[tylerb43]

Hey guys, thanks for the comments! I really appreciate them! Well, I'm back from Switzerland and back to the shop!

I picked up the engine (shortblock + heads) from the engine shop late last week, so I've been tinkering with that.

[tylerb43]

So I've got the engine put together finally. I finished the brake lines in the front; put in the new drag link and tie rod; mounted the wheels/tires (temp ones); put it on skates. Then I mated the beautiful engine with the transmission and dropped them into place. Even got the wife to sit on the tractor and lower it into place while I lined everything up!

Now we're cooking!

The intake/carb/breather and covers are just sitting on there. I couldn't wait I think I stood there and made motor noises for at least 5 minutes!