390 Ranchero!

[jimmystikx]

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.

[BruceS]

Jimmy,
try Barry Rs site: www.survivalmotorsports.com.  It will get your mouth watering...

Bruce

[mlcraven]

Pics, please!

[R-WEST]

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!!

[jimmystikx]

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.

[jimmystikx]

http://Here's the candidate. Not bad for 4 bones.

[mlcraven]

Looks a little crusty but loads of potential.  Have fun!

[jimmystikx]

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.

[fe66comet]

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.

[jimmystikx]

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.

[ScotiaFE]

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.

[mlcraven]

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. 

[jimmystikx]

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.

[MT63AFX]

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....

[Lenz]

As always stick to the plan and when that falls apart Hot Rod the hell out of it.

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..............