1969 Ranger - Project Glory Days!

[Cipher43]

Amazing work Tyler! Cant wait to see more.

[tylerb43]

That truck is beautiful. Good luck with the project!

Thank you sir!

Congrats, Tyler! You've given me hope for mine.

Thanks, Randy! You'll be on my heels before you know it.

Amazing work Tyler! Cant wait to see more.

Thanks, man. And you can count on it, hearing this thing finally roar is a huge motivator!

[tylerb43]

Oh - forgot to show you guys - I did have my gauges operational for the first start. I mounted them in the the flat steel plate I had cut out just to build the harness and fire the engine. The will get re-mounted in the aluminum machining later.

[Alstoyz]

Tyler. It is looking SAWEET!!! Love that blue. Great detail work...

[johnboy72]

Really impressive work out of that small town, . I used to hang out with my buddy in Union. I'm impressed with the shop as well. You clearly are doing alright in your chosen profession! Keep up the stellar work my friend!

[Coupe5oh]

Looks good! Any close ups of the gauges in the truck?

[Coupe5oh]

^just noticed you only had them installed temporarily.

[Florian]

Love the white steering wheel & column!

[tylerb43]

Thanks guys! I appreciate the comments!

Really impressive work out of that small town, . I used to hang out with my buddy in Union. I'm impressed with the shop as well. Keep up the stellar work my friend!

HA! You're judging me by where I live? I can use this internet doo-hicky thingy too, purdy sweet, huh? Thank you sir!

^just noticed you only had them installed temporarily.

Yeah, I don't have a better picture right now, but they're just in a boring flat steel plate at the moment. The machined bezel will go in, but I was working on mounting tabs for it, so I just used the plate to not delay the firing of the engine.

Love the white steering wheel & column!

Thanks! It's actually a light tan/cream color. I was really on the fence about that, but once I got installed it looks awesome. I'll have to take some better pictures for you guys when I get the dash together.

[elgemcdlf]

Tyler, you guys make me sick! I want paint so bad & I am still so far away. Can we say jealous? Nice looking truck sir you are doing an awesome job!

[tylerb43]

Tyler, you guys make me sick! I want paint so bad & I am still so far away. Can we say jealous? Nice looking truck sir you are doing an awesome job!

Ha! I remember that stage, You've come a long way on yours - you'll get there! - Thanks!

[tylerb43]

Radiator showed up last night - boom! I'll be installing this beauty today, along with a new 195 thermostat (after I test it on the stove before the wife gets home), and a new 24F battery from Napa. Question - should I change the oil and filter now, or can I run it again for 10 minutes to make sure it's cooling properly, and then shut it down and change it?? Surely another 10 minutes won't hurt it.

[adm5223]

Hey Tyler, Thanks for posting your updates and for all the details I just read the thread from post 1 in one sitting. I bought a '71 Ranger a bit ago, and I want to fix it up but I have only ever changed the oil on my car up until now. Your posts make me feel like I can learn if I take my time. Thanks again, I really appreciate your thread.

[tylerb43]

Hey Tyler, Thanks for posting your updates and for all the details I just read the thread from post 1 in one sitting. I bought a '71 Ranger a bit ago, and I want to fix it up but I have only ever changed the oil on my car up until now. Your posts make me feel like I can learn if I take my time. Thanks again, I really appreciate your thread.

Wow, thank you sir! If you read from the beginning I'm sure you noticed how unsure I was in regards to what I could do and how. Now, I've tackled so many other projects because of the confidence and skill I've learned from working on this truck. It's fun to have an idea and say "I can build that!" Of course, that can get you in trouble sometimes too, ha! But the guys on this board have been a big help, as I'm sure you'll find out when you start your thread and dive into that '71!

[tbone6]

Well, I have been anxiously following this fantastic build, and I must say, you are an inspiration to us lesser beings... You have done one great job on that truck, but inquiring minds want to know...how is it doing? What's the final verdict on the temperature issues? Is she purring like a kitten (or actually, roaring like a lion)?

On a different note, I spent my career (I am now retired) working with Aerospace/Electrical Design Engineers and we had some good ones and some not so much. In my opinion, the very best ones were the ones that came out to the work area when things didn't "fit" and rolled up their sleeves to help with the "non conforming" designs. I suspect you are one of those guys! Your layout board looks as though you have lots of experience with them. I don't suppose you work for the big "B" Aerospace company in St. Louis? If so, I have been in your facility. My icon is not one of their products but I think you can figure out which Aircraft I was there for based on it.

I am just starting my install of the Vintage Air Mini Gen and your work has been a gem of a find. Do you know if your compressor bracket would work with a 302? I just posted to another thread discussing mounting options and I must have missed your design, it is the best one I have seen yet. The bad news for me is if I go your route I will have to re-do my lines to the condenser, but that would be a small price to pay for such a clean looking install.

Anywho, great job, thanks, and keep it "shiny side up"!