My 87 Ranger I will be restoring soon I want to keep track of my progress and add information as I find it.

[Terrys87]

Hello Alway FLOoRed.
The Stud Welder I got from Harbor Freight. About 5 years ago it was around $75. Now you can buy the same thing with a Dent Puller

The Dent Puller was around $30. The locking tab for the studs I always have to tap in and can create the dent again. I welded a pair of vice grips and I think it works better. I have also my dent puller to pull bearings, and one time I grabbed on to a lug nut stud to pull an axle. Really a versatile tool.

 

[Terrys87]

I thought I had some tires out of balance. Went to have them balanced and they are cupped and just really thin. I was not exactly ready to do tires and rims. Just replaced the back two tires

I want to eventually do 31 inch tires. These look like pizza cutters to me but will work. I need front tires but Steering is shot. Ordering complete kit to rebuild then replace front tires.

I did get my Front Wheel Bearings replaced. My Dust Shields are rusted up. They are off for time being but will order and replaced them. They bolt in without removing wheel hub.

 

[Terrys87]

Going to work This week truck just would not run high rpm. All said and done it was weak Fuel Pump in the tank. Old Fuel Pump would read 1/4 or less on Fuel Gauge. Now with new Fuel Pump Fuel Gauge reads Full all the time. Probably a ground issue. Truck bed is coming off so I can do body work on cab and look at Fuel issue. Zip tie the tail lights to bumper so I can still drive to work.

It was costly this week end. $100 for Fuel Pump, $127 for Wheel Bearings and $260 for rear tires. It is eventually getting better though.

 

[Josh B]

Cool deal man

 

[Terrys87]

Thanks Josh B. I am slowly making progress.

 

[Terrys87]

These are just measurements so when I two tone it again. I did wrap tape measure to bottom

The bed is from an 89 or newer truck. 88 the stripe goes over wheel well. 89 it is just on the bottom and not over wheel well. I will see which I like better when I paint it.

 

[Terrys87]

Starting to get rust off of roof and in primer. So far just 5 hail dings

Got rust killer on minor rust. I have the whole Steering Assembly on order except Pitman Arm. I will need to do an alighment and still get front tires.

 

[Terrys87]

Danny 74. I got it cut out today and will get it in the mail in the morning.

 

[Terrys87]

I got the rust killer off and just letting the fumes from primer clear out of the shop. Once primer dries I will fill dents in roof and start back on some other dents in bed rails and doors.

 

[RobbieD]

Now you've done it . . .

. . . you've RUINED that beautiful patina!


Just kidding; you're making great progress. Carry on!

 

[Terrys87]

Thanks RobbieD. Yea the patina is disappearing. I’m actually a purist. I had it my way they would all look brand new. Since this truck was a rough truck, I really don’t mind doing a few twist with it. It has newer door panels and might get a slightly different paint job. It’s an 88 but could have the newer paint patterns.

 

[Terrys87]

I actually lucked out. Only 5 hail dings on top. On dents that are too small to pull, I like to use a razor blade as a bondo spreader. Saves a lot of sanding without adding so much bondo

I got some interior paint from LMR. I ran out when painting the dash. I am going to put another coat of paint on the dash.
When I have the funds I buy parts and materials. When piggy bank says no more funds, I have plenty of bondo and sand paper that keeps me going. So my build will jump back and forth between body work, interior, and mechanical.

 

[RobbieD]

I’m actually a purist.

I do understand.

I used to be a Purist, but I got kicked out for drinking beer on Sunday.

 

[Terrys87]

It may not look like it but the wheel wells had several dents. I am not sure if I want to paint bed to body color or spray in bed liner. Truck will get light use and bed will get some body work

Here is after hammer work. A lot smoother. I won’t be working on truck until Wednesday but all and all am happy with what I got done thus weekend. Fuel Pump, Rear Tires, Front Wheel Bearings and some Roof in better shape. I have done 80 grit then 180 grit. Still need to do the 320 grit but truck is getting smoother. Next weekend I hope to have Steering Rebuilt,Alighnment and Front tires.

 

[Terrys87]

I forgot I had the day off as wife had an overnight procedure at hospital tonight. Nothing serious so I get some more time off for the truck.

Been working on several other areas. I did start Long Blocking. I should have found this dent at my finger. Long Blocking won’t lie to you. It shows issues. All Manual labor but does a great job

2 spots Long Blocking found for me.

Long Blocking bed rails. I will use more primer then normal. This is my daily driver as my other truck needs work. When I paint most of this will need sanded off as it will be contaminated