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..........
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