OK finally got off my butt and got some serious work done on the 62 Ranchero. So far I have put on new exhaust, new tires, powder coated the wheels, replaced the entire front suspension, replaced the entire steering system, and ??? Good thing I have been colecting junk, I mean parts for a while now.
I had to replace the head gaskets and reset the valves and so forth, but she is running like a champ now. The new Radiator will be here today and that should fix the last of the cooling issues. I think the PO used the 6 cyl radiator with the 289 conversion. Sure looks the same as the one in the 65.
Anyway one more trip to the alignment shop and she will be driving around. Hopefully I will keep this one around for a bit and bring it over. So here are the long awaited pics I promised about a month ago...
Looks like a pretty solid runner from here. Those seats look familiar.
I see what looks to be water on the floor inside, is that coming from the cowl? If so, they make a magnetic cover for those - you can get them off ebay for $20 or so - and will keep the cowl dry-er. If you want venting during the summer, take it off and stick it to the back wall.
The water is from the secret compartment, I need to reseal the seams but the rust is very minimal. After the Radiator tonight on to the small detail stuff...
Uh hum...
the secret compartment is below and fed from the cowl area. As you know, I'm sure. That lip above the rubber booty is supposed to be high enough to hold back the tide. Or not have any holes in it. I know, I know... details, details.
Not that secret compartment, the one behind the seating area. The one you sealed off for your stereo box. I have to pull that panel up and seam seal it back up down there. It has a very small leak at one of the pinch welds.
OK, so the new radiator is in, Had to get a shorter fan spacer to clear the fan. Got that in last night between snow flurries. All runs well and fan clears perfectly. No heating issues, I let it idle for about an hour, so I think we are good. Now if this snow will stop and or go away I can start to drive her around. I was going to bring it over for the meeting but 8" of snow has put a stop to my travels.
I left home this morning and it was snowing hard and had about 7-8 inches in and around my neighborhood. The further I drove south the less there was and at around the King/Snohomish county line it was all bare and wet and not much snow anywhere. They are still saying a LOT of snow for tomorrow, so don't feel too bad.
Glad you are getting your 'yetanotherchero going. My new gas tank was on my porch yesterday, so as soon as the new filler hose comes in, which I hope goes over the Jag cap tube better, I will be putting that tank in, with the new sender, and then will feel far more confident to drive it 150 miles round-trip.
Sounds like a plan. Should we see who can make it to the other side of the water in their chero first??? Maybe you and Gene can follow each other just in case??
I'd like to get a few trip on mine before the over sea crossing..
OK you make it over here and the Toneau cover is yours. If I make it, my delivery becomes your next project??? Just kidding I don't think I could afford the pace you work at. Hmmm we will come up with something.
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