Two rancheros in sick bay

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

Been awhile since there has been anything posted on the 74 and 79. Both are in sick bay right now. The 74 is getting some upgrades/repairs to the instrument cluster. When the car was restored the first time back in 1990 the rally gauge cluster received some auto meter gauges in place of some of the stock ones.( when the frame off was done in 1999-2001 the cluster was just cleaned up a bit and put aside) Now the fuel gauge has failed and a new one is supposed to be in transit as this is being written. Also at this time like many of us have experienced  this gauge lighting is very dim. The filters where removed many years ago and that worked "OK" for a few years. But now the lighting was so dim it could not even be seen well on a very dark night on a unlit country road. Replaced the headlight switch and that brought it back up to a useable level, but The bulbs will also be upgraded to LED. Going to try them first with no filters to see how well they work/look. If it doesn't work out the filters can be bought and those will be installed as well. That car will also receive a set of dimpled and slotted front rotors and new semi metallic brake pads. The tires are now working on 15 years old and are showing it! That will be a spring time project. New rims will be in order too since all the chrome is peeling of the almost 27 year old one on the car now. Those things once done will now make the car safe to drive again. There are still plans for a fuel injection system (MSD) and a gear vendor over drive unit/trans rebuild. But the money has to loosen up a bit before those two things can be tackled.    

 Next the 79 Ranchero MX When Susan and I went to the Fairlane nationals last year the car developed a "clunk" when it would pull away from a stop. Felt like something was loose in the back of the car. After checking everything from the possibility of the brakes hanging up to bad bushings, u joints, broken rear trans mount what was found it the noise was coming from the carrier. The driveshaft was removed and the axle was spun and you can feel nothing but the thing binding. Without the engine torque you can see/feel how bad it is binding . Happen to have another 2.50 carrier that works fine sitting in the shop. That will be cleaned up and used. A 16 tooth speedo gear will need to be bought to keep that all reading correct. There is a 2.75 in there right now. I don't race and this beast sports a nice 460 so pulling away from a stop should not present and problems with the higher gear. This one's engine was done in 2010 and has about 25K and a water pump is now due (leaking from weep hole) Not real happy with the short life of the pump but a new one is sitting in the shop (already painted ford blue) waiting for installation.  Otherwise that car is good to go. The frame off on that on one was only 5 years ago vs. the other being done 16 so I would hope that there would not be to much else wrong.

 The plan is to get the 74 ready to drive to Tulsa, OK for the Fairlane nationals in may. So that one is a priority to get safe first. That is all for now just thought I would "share" what's happening @ Dan's place!  