- Joined
- Jul 12, 2015
- Messages
- 342
- Reaction score
- 48
- Points
- 28
- Location
- USA
- Vehicle Year
- 1987
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Type
- 2.3 (4 Cylinder)
- Engine Size
- 2.3L
- Transmission
- Manual
- 2WD / 4WD
- 2WD
Currently stockpiling parts to address the front suspension and the interior. OEM coil springs and upper ball joints for a first gen Ranger are more scarce than anticipated. They're on hand now and I have a couple of reasonable NOS suppliers to keep this project original and on budget. More to follow as I find the time to tear out and replace/refurbish my little front end noise maker.
In the interior, the top priority is to clean up the dash and instrument cluster. The original ammeter and coolant temp gauges either don't work or only work intermittently. I've already replaced the temperature sensor and sending unit so it's time to replace the temp gauge. I picked up an instrument cluster at the Pull A Part to practice before I ripped into mine. I could have gone NOS on the gauge but for the cost of one gauge and a little needle paint I can get all four plus a speedometer (but have no need for it).
Cost of instrument cluster = $34.95
Before pic of oil pressure and ammeter gauges:
After a bit of cleaning and needle paint (picked up from eBay):
Final product:
Gauges now sorted. Total cost = $41.90 ($34.95 cluster + $6.95 needle paint)
Next up is the complete overhaul of the front suspension and more interior work.
As a test of progress I took it to a local cruise in. When you pull up there's an attendant that directs traffic...cruisers one direction, spectators another. I pulled up trying not to tip my intentions. He waived me in and this is where he parked me. Not sure this is the right league, but it is what it is.
BTW as many people checked out the Ranger as they did the rest of that line up...quite surprising. A ton of people have owned these gems!
In the interior, the top priority is to clean up the dash and instrument cluster. The original ammeter and coolant temp gauges either don't work or only work intermittently. I've already replaced the temperature sensor and sending unit so it's time to replace the temp gauge. I picked up an instrument cluster at the Pull A Part to practice before I ripped into mine. I could have gone NOS on the gauge but for the cost of one gauge and a little needle paint I can get all four plus a speedometer (but have no need for it).
Cost of instrument cluster = $34.95
Before pic of oil pressure and ammeter gauges:
After a bit of cleaning and needle paint (picked up from eBay):
Final product:
Gauges now sorted. Total cost = $41.90 ($34.95 cluster + $6.95 needle paint)
Next up is the complete overhaul of the front suspension and more interior work.
As a test of progress I took it to a local cruise in. When you pull up there's an attendant that directs traffic...cruisers one direction, spectators another. I pulled up trying not to tip my intentions. He waived me in and this is where he parked me. Not sure this is the right league, but it is what it is.
BTW as many people checked out the Ranger as they did the rest of that line up...quite surprising. A ton of people have owned these gems!