72 Ranchero

[Adam]

I hardly have time to work on anything, but picked up another car this week. I've always liked the looks of the 72-76 Ranchero, and ultimately think this will make a nice console-hauler.

It's got a 302 / 2 barrel, and a 3 on the tree (which I've never seen in a 72-76 Ranchero). It's been sitting for a while, it idles kind of rough, but is ok once it gets going. Dual exhaust - but its full of holes. Transmission seems fine, but there's something up with the shift linkage, it's hard to get into first, and the clutch is super stiff (which I'm not used to). It has power steering, and the unusual combination of manual brakes - and front discs. No A/C.

There's a big dent over the rear left wheel, and the front right fender is full of bondo which is beginning to crack and fall off. (I took that picture very carefully so you can't really see it.) But there is no rust to speak of. The grille is badly damaged - I'll be looking for another. The tailgate is stuck closed. The rear tires are new, the front tires are bald. But I want to replace those chrome wheels with just regular 14" steel wheels and hubcaps anyway. (I have 2 of the original wheels, need to dig up two more).

The interior is not in the best condition, all upholstery / carpet really needs to be changed. Speedo doesn't work, neither does temp gauge. The original AM radio is still there, but somebody disconnected it and put a CD player under the dash. I plan to ditch the CD player and replace the original radio with a factory Ford radio with an 8-track (one of those quad ones if I can find it).

I have next week off, but plan to mostly try to finish replacing the heater core in my 83 Continental, so I can start using that car as a driver again - then park this in the garage and start working on it.