1957 Ford Ranchero

**English Impala** · 31-01-2011 10:05

After having an empty garage for eight months it was time to remedy the problem. On Saturday I took delivery of a 1957 Ranchero, purchased from Gary McCormack. A very brief low-down on the car:

Chassis blasted & painted in 2K, all suspension, body mounts etc rebuilt. Front end runs with dropped spindles, lowered springs and has been converted to rck & pinion steering with a Wurth kit. The chassis has been built to a high standard that I intend to carry on with through the build.

Body has been dipped to remove all paint & crud, this has highlighted quite a lot of rot to sort but at least there are no nasty surprises hiding under any paint! It needs sills, rear floor pans, wheel arches & numerous smaller bits & pieces.

Supplied with the car were lots of new parts. Not only major parts like body panels, but all of those small clips, screws etc that always hold up the final build. A pair of rechromed bumpers are also carefully wrapped ready to go on.

The plan? Sort out the "cab" first, replacing the sills, floor pans and other smaller repairs (gutters etc). Then the wheel arches before removing the body & mounting it on its purpose made body roller before tackling the odds & sods under the bed (a few outrigger ends need replacing. The body is arrow-straight (unusual for a pick-up) and the rust is typical for a 54 year old Californian car thats spent a few years in Blighty.

The "look"? Stock restored body with updated running gear and any changes being "reversible". I intend to ensure this is future legislation-proof. Colour & wheels currently undecided. Engine is a 302 SBF mated to an AOD box.

Pics to follow..........

**English Impala** · 31-01-2011 10:09

The car on Saturday, collected & delivered by Dusty:

Sitting comfortably in its new home (the white garage floor may be a mistake.........)

Shiney chassis

**English Impala** · 31-01-2011 10:15

Tea-bag-esque floor

Previous front wing "repairs" proving that cowboys really do exist in the US. Fortunately I have repair panels

There are many US "restoration" patches tacked in place like these. I've squeezed bigger blackheads than some of those tacks

Possible colour choice

Spot welds being drilled to replace sills. To be honest the sills aren't bad but they've been bashed about a bit in the past so new ones will keep the correct lines.

**English Impala** · 31-01-2011 10:18

The restorer in me has resurfaced & all panels are being etched & zinc primed internally before re-welding. All repair patches are being carefully butt-welded in & linished for invisible repairs. After they're finished I'll probably have the shell blasted (NOT the flat panels though). Re-dipping would be best but the cost will be prohibitive.

I do like the look of this one:

**Lee** · 31-01-2011 12:48

Well done Gary. I've got these heads whenever you want them.

**sk8erdave** · 31-01-2011 16:48

like like like. ill be watching this. im a fan a 57 fords. sorta have to be as Dad has one in the garage

**English Impala** · 31-01-2011 17:36

Originally Posted by Lee

Well done Gary. I've got these heads whenever you want them.

I'll nip over at the weekend & bring the torque converter.

**NoJive 55** · 31-01-2011 17:44

If it ends up like the pic, below then........................

to you.....

Bob...

**Blown 100e** · 31-01-2011 18:21

Nice project Gary, should keep you busy for the next couple of weeks.

Steve

**firebird68** · 31-01-2011 18:25

That looks like a very worthwhile project with a head start with the disc brakes and painted chassis.
That blue and white example looks great ,lovely for runs and shows but also useful for so many things that cars arn't.