1966 Ford Ranchero Custom - 302ci | Hurst Auto Stick | Magnaflow | New Tires

Trying to simplify my life... I have too many toys, nterests, obbies and work too much to enjoy this.
1966 Ford Ranchero Custom
Mileage Unknown, ut listed/titled at around 90k (likely way off, ead more below).
What we have here is a nice, omplete and fine running 1966 Ford Ranchero Custom. Original dealer printing on the rear of the car has this coming from Saskatoon! Has the 1967 Fairlane/GT Ranchero front end - was told by the former owner, nd was also confirmed by several online owners "in-the-know" that Ford did this for the late 1966 model years. I do not have 100% confirmation on this fact, ut what I do know, s that it certainly has the 1967 Ford Fairlane GT / Ranchero Front End. Much nicer in appearance than the 1966, n my opinion. Side Note: I was actually offered $1500 recently for the front end by a local guy looking for a 1967 front end for his Fairlane.
The car has been customized throughout the years by it's several owners, ncluding myself. I bought the vehicle 2 years ago, nd it was not running when I bought it (although I was told it was a strong runner...) A little on that in a bit.
A bit about the car, rior to my acquiring it:
1. A mid 1980s 302 engine was put into the car about 5 years ago... The engine itself runs strong, uiet and cool. A mildly aggressive cam was also installed.
2. The engine was mated with a late model 4 barrel holley carb, ith a manual choke. This carb is wonderful, nd was tuned not long ago.
3. The engine also had a dress up kit installed, ut it is a bit older, nd has some dirt. Would clean up well.
4. Headers were put on, ut are showing surface rust. The exhaust system is a Magnaflow exhaust, bout 5 years old. Sounds amazing!!!!
5. Points were changed over to an electric ignition, ith a flame thrower ignitor.
6. Much of the suspension was rebuilt.
7. New(er) transmission installed (c4 from the early 70's). Convert from manual to auto (the clutch is still there, ucked away under the dash like a fossil, ol).
8. New front seats installed. I think these came out of a 70's lincoln... big and plush. And power...
9. New headliner
10. Tonneau cover!
When I acquired the car, he starter was junk, he alternator wasn't charging and a few other things needed repair prior to putting it on the road.
Since then, 've:
1. Last Month! The tranny was pulled, ll gaskets replaced, ranny service kit installed. $600
2. Last Month! New rear main seal and oil pan! $300
3. Brake lines bled, nd new brake fluid. $80
4. Put a new starter on (October 2014) ~$100
5. Changed the alt to a 1-wire "Tuff Stuff" performance alternator (Feb 2015) ~$120
6. Rebuilt the e-brake mechanism and spreader bars (Aug 2015) ~$100
7. Turned all 4-drum brakes (August 2015) ~$200
8. Replaced the passenger manifold gasket (August 2015) ~$80
9. Rebuilt the steering system (June 2015 this was a big one...). This involved getting a NEW steering box, nd a rebuild of the power assist system. Altogether ~$600. Handles and steers like butter!!
10. New front tie rods (Dec 2014) - ~$120
11. Converted the column shifter which was having issues (wouldn't stay in park!!!!) to a Hurst quarter stick floor shifter. HUGE improvement! (June 2015) ~$500
12. Put in a guage package from Sunpro for alt/temp/oil (August 2015)~$150
13. New Tires all around (June 2015) - 14" cheapo, ut NEW from Sears ~$550
14. Installed rear air shocks with a separator kit - each shock is independently controlled (June 2015). ~$250
15. New battery (Oct 2014) ~$80
16. New Radio - Kenwood with bluetooth and USB ~ $150
17. New big air cleaner $80
So, n the last 18 months, have put about $4000 into this car (on top of what I paid for it... yikes)
What does it need?
1. I "hear" a small leak coming from the exhaust manifold in the front driver side. We did the passenger side not long ago, ut the driver should be looked at. Not major. Cost me $80 to do the passenger side at my mechanic (should be the same for the driver side).
2. Paint/minor body work: The car needs a paint job. From 20 feet, t looks great, ut up close it is noticeably in need. A prior owner took the car from the original red to black (not sure why). I suspect it was the $500 Maaco special. They didn't prime the car down prior to painting, o what's there is a black paint job, ith "red sparkles" coming through. Some people see the car and remark "WOW What a Cool Paint Job!!!". Little do they know that it's not supposed to be that way :)
3. As with any 50 year old car, eeds odd's and ends"... some minor rusting underneath in non-support areas, as some bolts missing, nterior could use some touch-up, tc.
4. Needs a fuel sending unit... the gas gauge doesn't work (more of an annoyance than anything). The alternator light and temp gauge have also been disconnected, ith a Sunpro guage cluster replacing them for more accurate information.
The car drives and handles awesome. ... it is a 50 year old car, ith a built up engine that excels between 25-50. Once the car is in third, t moves. The car handles amazingly well for a 50 year old car. With the rebuilt suspension, ew steering box and rebuilt power assist, t likely handles better now than brand new.
The powerplant is amazing to listen to. Someone did a super nice job with it. Not much (if anything) is needed for the engine/cam/carb/radiator/accessories, tc... Brakes were recently all looked at/adjusted and were bled.
Minor leaks here and there... but again, e just did a full transmission gasket and service (pulled apart the tranny and installed ALL NEW GASKETS), nd also while the tranny was out we did the rear main seal!!!
The car runs at a constant 190-200 degrees... stays cool even in hot weather!!! New radiator, an, elts, tc... Does not overheat even standing at a light in 90+ degree weather.
Car passed an inspection (Sept 2015)... the car does not have reverse lights - when I switched to the hurst shifter, did not install a reverse light switch. Can be bought on Summit racing for about $40. Otherwise, he likely will pass again, nless you know an inspector that would overlook the reverse light.
As-is, he car is road ready, ould be a DAILY DRIVER, s comfortable and has plenty of power. With some love could be a show-car, nd with a restoration could be a $35k trailer queen.
Interior needs some odd/ends, eeds some love could use carpet, tc. Headliner is awesome.
I drive it weekends and some (nice) days to work. Never driven (by me) in any bad weather, ept in my garage (every night parked inside).
I cannot remember a time I drove it that I didn't get nods, humbs up, eople stopping to look and remarks about the car. It is a fairly uncommon car (most ask what year El Camino it is... lol).
Brought to 2 shows this past summer, any smiles for this car!
I wouldn't hesitate taking this car cross-country as it is.
Welcome to come and take a look at it, ut please only come if you are serious about buying it, nd have the resources.
I have a clean/clear MA title in hand. It is currently registered, nsured and inspected.