jimmyTron
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• Fayetville, AR, USA |
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• Registered on 6/21/2018 |
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• 1 post |
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 Posted:6/21/2018 20:27 |
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Hey, I\\'m 23 and I\\'ve been fixing things for the past few years. Now I\\'m looking for a car to fix and I\\'ve stumbled across a rusted out, rat infested, 1978 Ranchero.
My question is, are these good cars to start a project on? I\\'m ok dealing with rust down the road and I\\'m generally good with wiring, so that wont be a problem. I\\'m just a noob wondering if this would be a beginner friendly job or if it would be wise to try and find a different model to start out on.
Thank you! |
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dnevins
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• Subscriber since 12/29/2009 |
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• San Diego, CA, USA |
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• Registered on 12/28/2009 |
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• 228 posts |
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It can be a good first project, but a rusty one is only a good starter if the rust is in the right places.
Mechanically it's friendly. The '77 to '79 Ranchero is built on the LTD II: old-school body-on-frame on a 118 inch wheelbase. The factory engines were carbureted Ford V8s with two-barrel carbs: a 302 standard, with a 351 and the 400 optional (the 400 was dropped for '79, so a '78 can have any of the three). That is plain, well-documented Ford V8 and big-car chassis work, and if you're already good with wiring, you're ahead of most beginners.
The body is what decides it. On a body-on-frame car you can fix a lot, but rot in the frame, floors and bed floor is where a cheap project turns into a long one. Before you buy, get underneath with a flashlight and a screwdriver and poke the frame rails, the floor pans and the bed floor. Then look up prices for whatever sheet metal and trim it's missing. If the frame is solid and the rust is mostly in bolt-on or patchable panels, go for it. If the frame and floors are gone, a cleaner Ranchero will cost you less in the end, and you'll be driving it sooner.
About the rats: assume the wiring is chewed, and plan on going through the harness, which suits you. Clean out the nests safely. The CDC says not to sweep or vacuum droppings dry, because that puts them in the air. Wear rubber or plastic gloves, spray everything with disinfectant or a fresh mix of about 1.5 cups of household bleach per gallon of water, let it soak 5 minutes, then wipe it up with paper towels and bag them.
Dana
https://partslogic.com |
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