1969 Ranger - Project Glory Days!

[F100builder]

Yeah...I think I'd add one diagonal brace spanning the front and one for the back if it were me too. It looks like it could possibly 'rack' to either side if persuaded. The casters look fine though as long as they are rated for 150 lbs. each or better. Not sure what a stripped and bare cab weighs but it's gotta be pushing 400+ lbs??? Plus, if you were gonna be rollin' around inside while prepping or painting.

I built this one for my '56 cab and plan on another of maybe slightly different dimensions for the '56 bed. It might be hard to see it clearly being on its side and covered with 'stuff' but I didn't want to drag it out!

[killakobra]

a stipped cab weighs almost nothing. it's the doors and class that are heavy. but 150 lbs casters are still a good idea.

[elgemcdlf]

Ok what is your headroom in your garage? If a "normal" garage found on most residences the ceiling height is low. Are you going to be able to get the cab up on it without hitting overhead trusses?

[F100builder]

a stipped cab weighs almost nothing. it's the doors and class that are heavy. but 150 lbs casters are still a good idea.

Yeah...two people can lift one but they're still fairly heavy. I had 4 friends help me get the '72 cab onto my '69. It still had the windshield and back glass in it but no doors. It took several of us because we had to set it in place between the 390/C6 and the bed that were still on the frame without bangin' it up. I'm pretty sure my bump cab weighs more than my '56 cab too but it's been a while since I've lifted my '56 cab and I'm not getting any younger!

[killakobra]

i've got one completely gutted and 2 people can move the thing around like nothing. it must be the glass.

[F100builder]

You've satisfied THIS nervous Nelly! I've been thinking about trying Summit's paint...something makes me think it's made by Dupli-color or maybe it's a budget PPG or Dupont (House of Color and Hot Rod Flatz is something like that too I think). Either way, I think it's a pretty good bang for its buck according to reviews and I'm thinking about tryin' it. The cab is looking fantastic and has really made me get the urge to start wrenching, cutting, welding, etc. on my '56 again now that I'm close to a good stopping point on my '69. Keep up the great work!

BTW...I found a picture of my '56 cab dolly from when I built it. I still need a couple of cross members or a plywood top though.

[tylerb43]

I'm motivation for someone else?? Well, glad to return the favor! Thank you sir for the compliment.

Last night I tipped the cab onto two furniture dollies. By myself - no, it doesn't weigh 400 lbs, but it is awkward to deal with. This height is great for working on the upper surfaces, and it allowed me to finish cleaning the seam sealer out of the drip rail. (did most of that while it was on it's back) But I built the tall dolly for a more comfortable working height to replace the cab corners, I do not want to do that so close to the floor.

[tylerb43]

Ok what is your headroom in your garage? If a "normal" garage found on most residences the ceiling height is low. Are you going to be able to get the cab up on it without hitting overhead trusses?

Hey man, good question. My ceiling height is 12' 2", so it won't be a problem. This is in my detached garage, which I call my shop. I'm lucky enough to have space for both - attached garages on the house for parking, and a detached garage for playing!

[F100builder]

I'm motivation for someone else?? Well, glad to return the favor! Thank you sir for the compliment.

Last night I tipped the cab onto two furniture dollies. By myself - no, it doesn't weigh 400 lbs, but it is awkward to deal with. This height is great for working on the upper surfaces, and it allowed me to finish cleaning the seam sealer out of the drip rail. (did most of that while it was on it's back) But I built the tall dolly for a more comfortable working height to replace the cab corners, I do not want to do that so close to the floor.

[ Image ]

Yeah...I had to replace the left, front corner in my '56 but that's been done forever ago so I built mine low for doing the roof, block sanding, and painting. Plus, my ceiling is NOT 12'-2"!!! One day I will have a shop or at least a bigger garage (it's a 3 car now).

You know??? I'm not sure why I don't have a couple pair of furniture dollies yet!!!

[FoPAR]

looks great, the cab is going to be next for me.... dam rust Keep it up and soon there will be no rust in sight

[tylerb43]

Well, we all wanted to know, and curiosity got the best of me, so here you go. A stripped cab (just the metal) weighs 320lbs.

Now, I don't know who killakobra plays Defensive End for, but if he thinks "a stripped cab weighs almost nothing", I want him on my team! Just kidding man - It's not a ton of weight, but would be a lot more manageable if I had a helper or two. Unfortunately, I'm in the shop alone 99% of the time.

I may end up using my hoist to lift it onto the tall dolly, it just makes me a little nervous is all..

And the proof... (The cab is only a few inches off the dollies)

[F100builder]

Good to know...I was only guessing with the 400. Mine didn't have doors but it had all four door hinges, windshield, back glass, gas tank, heater assembly, and gauge cluster still in it so I'm probably real close to my 400 pound guess. Two of us could lift it but not maneuver it over one frame rail and onto the frame which had the bed and 390/C6 in place. Four of my buddies and myself got it done though! The next time I have to wrestle it, none of that stuff will be in the way.

Speaking of buddies and helping, I sure wish I lived closer to some of you like-minded guys to help out and get help or even gather for some cruisin' and bench racing! Actually, you guys need to live closer to ME...I'm NOT moving!

[FoPAR]

Speaking of buddies and helping, I sure wish I lived closer to some of you like-minded guys to help out and get help or even gather for some cruisin' and bench racing! Actually, you guys need to live closer to ME...I'm NOT moving!

only 4 hours 35 minutes / 280.72 miles from Nampa, ID to Pasco WA (where I live) still leaves plenty of day light for wrenching....

Well, we all wanted to know, and curiosity got the best of me, so here you go. A stripped cab (just the metal) weighs 320lbs.

wow yeah I think mines a bit closer to 400 with the glass and the dash. Moving it by myself and the engine hoist sucks, but it works.

[67mann]

thats why my back hurt after me and my buddy put mine on the frame and to think it's almost time to do ( )again Tyler..cabs lookin real good...

[19ford71]

Looks good. Your project is an inspiration! Good luck with that patch panel that you're looking for.