Replacement Ranchero

[Hal Cogburn]

Here are some pictures of the "replacement" ranchero. I took them as I was taking my initial look at it. Not the best and I hope to get better ones a little later.
You might have seen it listed on Craigslist. Exceptionally clean everywhere and everything works with the exception of the odometer.
The paint job is far from show quality but very presentable and just fine for me. The previous owner appears to be very honest (what a pleasant surprise given my recent experience). It is obvious he took a lot of pride in the rig. It has a 5 speed manual with mustang bucket seats. The engine bay looks like it just came off the showroom floor. Drives great, straight, and no slop. Drum brakes take a little getting used to but just fine.

Hopefully my uploading of pictures work....otherwise will try again.

[Jeff W]

Very nice and congratulations.

I love the paint on the valve covers.

[Hal Cogburn]

I also like how it is done. The paint is a pretty "calming" color. If anyone has an interest in a matching air cleaner and valve covers let me know. Like a lot of other parts they are just lingering in the garage.

[642dw]

Where is the like button :) Looks to be very nice, color is great, interior stands out,engine compartment clean. Looks like something you can just get in and drive and enjoy [thumb]

[BadBird]

Very nice looking Ranchero. Whoever the owner was did indeed keep it in good shape. Love the looks of the engine bay. Larry

[Luva65wagon]

Very nice. [thumb]

Have you had a look in the hidden compartment yet? :NERVOUS:

[Hal Cogburn]

Roger, are you referring to the compartment beneath the front of the bed where the bed panel can be removed? If so, yes I have:banana: There appears to be one small area that has been patched and done well....the rest of the area looks to be solid and sealed well.

The bed has had the roll on type liner on it and looks to be very solid.

I am anxious to get some miles on it.....so far the miles I have driven have been fun....but a guy needs a strong left leg for the clutch.

Finally happy to get what appears to be a solid rig that has been treated well.

I will have to get to some of the shows this year that you guys go to.

I still need to peddle the hot rod....bite the bullet and take the loss. The one offer I have is lower than would like....but space is an issue with me so am considering it. I guess the sooner it is gone my disgust with the whole purchase will start to go away.

Hal

[BillP 98201]

Very nice Ranchero! :BEER:

[Luva65wagon]

Hal - yep, that was the area I was talking about. Glad to hear of one that didn't get rotted away from 50 years of neglect.

Would have liked to have seen the sellers of these telling the new owners, "Now you be sure and remove that panel every year and clean out the crud you find under there - or it'll rust away to nothing." Somehow, I don't think they made that suggestion to new owners back then.

Like how many of you know that many new cars today do not include a spare tire? I found out my new Soul didn't - on YouTube - not from the dealership.

http://newsroom.aaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Vehicles-without-a-spare-tire_Aug_20131.pdf

[SmithKid]

Same with my 2011 Sonata. I found out the hard way...... my RR TPMS valve stem broke off while checking tire pressure b/4 a trip to Walla Walla. My "tire inflator/leak sealer" did me absolutely no good. Fortunately I was in my driveway, not on the road somewhere, and the dealer had one in stock (not a normal stocked part per the service department). But had to go back 2 days later to have the computer reset for the stem change. All in all, not a fun thing to find out the hard way.

The service manager told me the practice started around 20 years ago by Mercedes, and was followed by Ford a few years later, and now most manufacturers are on the same bandwagon. The "claimed" reason is for fuel economy by weight savings. Ha Ha Ha.

Guess I'd better quit hijacking this thread.

[Luva65wagon]

Guess I'd better quit hijacking this thread.

Actually, I did. Sorry Hal. Just pointing out that car dealers have not changed. Still not telling you everything you need to know.

Back to your regularly scheduled program... :3g:

[Hal Cogburn]

No problem on hijacking a thread....heck, it is all about cars anyway. Not only do car dealers not share everything but neither do car sellers of old cars. I know the few old cars I have sold the buyer knows everything I know about the rig. I sleep at night knowing I have not misled anyone and so far the buyers are very happy.

But I have to stop buying an old falcon, pouring money in it, getting it just right and then selling it. But in a couple of cases the car has a new lease on life and will be around a lot longer than if I had not owned it.

The little ranchero that I just bought will do me just fine for some time to come.
Hal