Got ranchero fever bad, I've owned many 60's and 70's fords, falcons, mustangs, etc, I'm wanting a 1971 model with 302 engine for my daily driver, anything I should be looking for as I scout my new purchase? Looking forward to posting up questions and photos as I get things going my way. I'm a retired mechanic and can take care of most of the needs of an old Ford, plus I have a stockpile of 289 and 302 engines and performance parts.
Check for rust! Especially the front part of the bed & inside whee wells! Good floor pans can be purchased & they fit well but the bed floor is not. Quarters & inner fenders are not either. I bought some lower quarter panels that were supposed to fit a 70-71, they were unbelievably bad, ended up cutting them up & using what I could. The contours didn't even come close to looking right the way they came! On the good side, 70-71s are some of the sweetest Rancheros ever! Mine is far from done but it will be worth it when it's all done! Good luck finding yours! This site is awesome!
Welcome. Another place for rust is on top of the cowl under the front fenders near the A pillars. Good luck with the search.
Welcome Chris! Yes,Try to find rust free chero.Couple here locally.(71-72)Supposed to be in good shape.Ill take a look if ya like. http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/cto/5907080645.html http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/cto/5897922236.html
Yeah, that 72 looks to be in much better shape than my project 72 GT. LS Chero knows of what he speaks!
Before you buy one, remove the shock access panel in the bed, along with the other spots mentioned above.
