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FE Power Forums => FE Technical Forum => Topic started by: jimmystikx on September 07, 2014, 09:17:06 AM

Title: 390 Ranchero!
Post by: jimmystikx on September 07, 2014, 09:17:06 AM
So I got a mostly complete, Ranchero minus the heart and selection stick.  Its going to be a full restoration process.

I located a 390 bare block, and once I get checked for cracks and it passes I'm looking to do a relatively mild build, I'm just looking for resources right now to find build info and parts sources.
Title: Re: 390 Ranchero!
Post by: BruceS on September 07, 2014, 07:27:17 PM
Jimmy,
try Barry Rs site: www.survivalmotorsports.com.  It will get your mouth watering...

Bruce
Title: Re: 390 Ranchero!
Post by: mlcraven on September 07, 2014, 08:04:54 PM
Pics, please!
Title: Re: 390 Ranchero!
Post by: R-WEST on September 09, 2014, 09:42:46 PM
Quote
I'm just looking for resources right now to find build info and parts sources.
Well, you're at the right place!!  ;)

Yes, pics are in order!!
Title: Re: 390 Ranchero!
Post by: jimmystikx on September 26, 2014, 09:40:26 AM
Pictures will have to wait until I get back to VA. I may also do this as a get her on the road build. No need to take twenty years on it.
Title: Re: 390 Ranchero!
Post by: jimmystikx on October 13, 2014, 02:55:36 PM
http://(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/jimmy_stikx/Ranchero_zps74529642.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/jimmy_stikx/media/Ranchero_zps74529642.jpg.html)Here's the candidate. Not bad for 4 bones.
Title: Re: 390 Ranchero!
Post by: mlcraven on October 13, 2014, 03:33:13 PM
Looks a little crusty but loads of potential.  Have fun!
Title: Re: 390 Ranchero!
Post by: jimmystikx on October 15, 2014, 09:38:13 AM
Yeah. I wasn't expecting a lot for $400, but she's mostly there. I managed to score a 3 spd version of a toploader, so that'll hang out behind a sbf while I build up the 390.

Once I get the block washed and magnafluxed, I'll see where I need to go with the bores and start hunting the small parts.
Title: Re: 390 Ranchero!
Post by: fe66comet on October 15, 2014, 02:16:38 PM
A friend just sold a 64 Ranchero with a 427, top loader and Holley 750 mechanical secondary. Otherwise it was a stock engine including iron intake and manifolds. It had to be caged and some serious cross bracing added to hold it together. Also the brakes had to go as the drums will not stop a 289 much less a big block. The 8.8 grenaded shortly after he sold it so the next owner replaced that  with a 9"and installed a mustang II front end to support the heavier engine and make it so it would handle reasonably. A lot of work is ahead, plan on some fabrication.
Title: Re: 390 Ranchero!
Post by: jimmystikx on October 15, 2014, 03:17:22 PM
This one originally had a 390 in it so it's got the 9". I planned on converting to disc in the front and probably put the 11" drums in the back from an early 80's f-series. I'm going more fore a driver than a racer, though an occasional race would be nice.
Title: Re: 390 Ranchero!
Post by: ScotiaFE on October 15, 2014, 03:30:51 PM
So this is a manual Ranch originally? Very rare.
What's the engine code?
Hell what are the rest of them. Break out the decoder rings. LOL
I have done the disk swap twice on Lanes and done the 11 inch rears. Pretty much off the shelf stuff and fair prices.
Unless you start popping wheelies on a regular basis the chassis is pretty tough as long as it is sound.
As always stick to the plan and when that falls apart Hot Rod the hell out of it. ;D
Title: Re: 390 Ranchero!
Post by: mlcraven on October 15, 2014, 05:06:50 PM
Having the majority of the body/trim pieces is a big head start.  Fortunately, there's reasonable aftermarket support for this baby, at least by FOMOCO standards. 
Title: Re: 390 Ranchero!
Post by: jimmystikx on October 16, 2014, 03:10:57 PM
I'll throw the VIN up when I get home, but as far as I know, supposedly a manual originally, came with everything but a front bumper, and like 3 trans crossmembers.
Title: Re: 390 Ranchero!
Post by: MT63AFX on October 16, 2014, 11:13:27 PM
66-67? 66 is based on the Falcon yet shares parts with the Fairlane. 67 is based on the Fairlane and still shares some parts with the Falcon....
Title: Re: 390 Ranchero!
Post by: Lenz on October 17, 2014, 10:54:02 AM
As always stick to the plan and when that falls apart Hot Rod the hell out of it. ;D

LOL, great stuff from Howie.  Funny thing though, that's what usually happens when anyone starts doing a "relatively mild build" ;)

So then the plan should be:

1.  get 'er rollin' safe.
2.  Go slowly overboard as time goes by.

Good looking project. Should be fun with a dash of challenging and some bloody knuckles along the way too, all ingredients for success..............
Title: Re: 390 Ranchero!
Post by: jimmystikx on October 17, 2014, 05:52:01 PM
So then the plan should be:

1.  get 'er rollin' safe.
2.  Go slowly overboard as time goes by.

Good looking project. Should be fun with a dash of challenging and some bloody knuckles along the way too, all ingredients for success..............

That's the plan, put 302 in to get rolling, make driveability upgrades, build 390, swap in 390, make more upgrades. Try not to die during R&D.

It's a 67, so Fairlane front, Falcon everything else, which should mean Mustang parts should built in for suspension upgrades.

I need to expand my FoMoCo literature  :-[
Title: Re: 390 Ranchero!
Post by: jimmystikx on October 19, 2014, 11:39:52 AM
My toploader is a RAN-BT1, should be good for the temp motor. Likely not so much for a healthy 390. I'll cross that bridge later.


VIN is 7K48Z203xxx  66B W 4U 04E 25 4  5

Title: Re: 390 Ranchero!
Post by: ScotiaFE on October 19, 2014, 12:04:40 PM
Oh Baby. That's a rare one. lol
The Z is a 390 4V, but different than an S code.
W is Medium Aqua Met.
4U is Parchment Vinyl.
04E is May 4th.
25 is the district. Richmond
4 is the rear gear. 3.25
5 is the trans. 4 speed.
Nice Ranch.
Title: Re: 390 Ranchero!
Post by: jimmystikx on October 19, 2014, 07:13:31 PM
That's good to know that my rear should have 3.25's.