1971 Ford Ranchero

1971 Ford Ranchero GT Project Car

I have a 1971 Ford Ranchero GT project car for sale.  It is originally from Bakersfield, California and then moved to my shop in Palm Desert.  I estimate the restoration is approximately 2/3s completed.

I purchased the vehicle at the Pomona Swap Meet in California 15-years ago.  The car was very rough, but drivable.  When I arrived home I decided I was going to do a complete “frame-off” (although it is a unibody) restoration.  After power washing the complete underside and engine compartment I began my work.  I personally removed every nut and bolt from the Ranchero, bagging and labeling all parts.  After disassembly I transported it to a paint shop in San Marcos, CA where the two extremely competent owners sandblasted the body (actually, using walnut shells) to bare metal.  A very small amount of rust was discovered in the floorboard behind the front seat but was repaired completely prior to priming.  No other evidence of rust could be found.  A prime coat of DP-90 epoxy primer was the foundation for subsequent coats of primer and finish paint.  The unique body panels were “block-sanded” a number of times to insure no “waves” and a flawless paint job.  The Ranchero was white when I bought it but I changed the color to the original Ford Medium Blue Metallic, as indicated on the data plate.  The paint job on this classic is contours quality.

The following are a number of significant improvements/restorations that have been completed and installed on the Ranchero:

• Rebuilt the original 351 Cleveland engine to standard specs.
• The 2-barrel carburetor is a new “correct” rebuild from Dearborn Classics
• Rebuilt the original C-4 automatic transmission
• Rebuilt the rear axle and driveline 
• The front discs and rear drums have been rebuilt
• The front and rear bumpers have been chromed
• The front seat as been restored with the correct blue upholstery
• Various miscellaneous parts/systems, including the front and rear suspensions and gas tank have been restored.
• Every original metal part I reused has been sandblasted, primed and painted with the correct color from Eastwood.

Included in the sale is an extensive file documenting the restoration to date.  I also have dozens of additional “hard copy” pictures documenting the disassembly and subsequent work.  

Why am I selling this fantastic classic project?  Sadly, I have lost interest in completing the restoration and I have other responsibilities that require my attention.

The Ranchero is currently covered and housed in a storage facility in Boise, Idaho where I live.  I will consider reasonable offers for this classic beauty.