1966 Ford Ranchero Custom - 302ci | Hurst Auto Stick | Magnaflow | New Tires

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Make: Ford
Model: Ranchero
SubModel: Custom
Type: Coupe-Utiliry
Trim: Custom
Year: 1966
Mileage: 250,000
Color: Red
Engine size: 302 / 5.0 From Early 1980s
Number of cylinders: 8
Transmission: Automatic
Drive type: RWD
Interior color: Red / Black
Vehicle Title: Clear
Location: Hudson, Massachusetts, United States

Description

Trying to simplify my life... I have too many toys, interests, hobbies and work too much to enjoy this.
1966 Ford Ranchero Custom
Mileage Unknown, but listed/titled at around 90k (likely way off, read more below).
What we have here is a nice, complete and fine running 1966 Ford Ranchero Custom. Original dealer printing on the rear of the car has this coming from Saskatoon! Has the 1967 Fairlane/GT Ranchero front end - was told by the former owner, and was also confirmed by several online owners "in-the-know" that Ford did this for the late 1966 model years. I do not have 100% confirmation on this fact, but what I do know, is that it certainly has the 1967 Ford Fairlane GT / Ranchero Front End. Much nicer in appearance than the 1966, in my opinion. Side Note: I was actually offered $1500 recently for the front end by a local guy looking for a 1967 front end for his Fairlane.
The car has been customized throughout the years by it's several owners, including myself. I bought the vehicle 2 years ago, and it was not running when I bought it (although I was told it was a strong runner...) A little on that in a bit.
A bit about the car, prior to my acquiring it:
1. A mid 1980s 302 engine was put into the car about 5 years ago... The engine itself runs strong, quiet and cool. A mildly aggressive cam was also installed.
2. The engine was mated with a late model 4 barrel holley carb, with a manual choke. This carb is wonderful, and was tuned not long ago.
3. The engine also had a dress up kit installed, but it is a bit older, and has some dirt. Would clean up well.
4. Headers were put on, but are showing surface rust. The exhaust system is a Magnaflow exhaust, about 5 years old. Sounds amazing!!!!
5. Points were changed over to an electric ignition, with a flame thrower ignitor.
6. Much of the suspension was rebuilt.
7. New(er) transmission installed (c4 from the early 70's). Convert from manual to auto (the clutch is still there, tucked away under the dash like a fossil, lol).
8. New front seats installed. I think these came out of a 70's lincoln... big and plush. And power...
9. New headliner
10. Tonneau cover!
When I acquired the car, the starter was junk, the alternator wasn't charging and a few other things needed repair prior to putting it on the road.
Since then, I've:
1. Last Month! The tranny was pulled, all gaskets replaced, tranny service kit installed. $600
2. Last Month! New rear main seal and oil pan! $300
3. Brake lines bled, and new brake fluid. $80
4. Put a new starter on (October 2014) ~$100
5. Changed the alt to a 1-wire "Tuff Stuff" performance alternator (Feb 2015) ~$120
6. Rebuilt the e-brake mechanism and spreader bars (Aug 2015) ~$100
7. Turned all 4-drum brakes (August 2015) ~$200
8. Replaced the passenger manifold gasket (August 2015) ~$80
9. Rebuilt the steering system (June 2015 this was a big one...). This involved getting a NEW steering box, and a rebuild of the power assist system. Altogether ~$600. Handles and steers like butter!!
10. New front tie rods (Dec 2014) - ~$120
11. Converted the column shifter which was having issues (wouldn't stay in park!!!!) to a Hurst quarter stick floor shifter. HUGE improvement! (June 2015) ~$500
12. Put in a guage package from Sunpro for alt/temp/oil (August 2015)~$150
13. New Tires all around (June 2015) - 14" cheapo, but NEW from Sears ~$550
14. Installed rear air shocks with a separator kit - each shock is independently controlled (June 2015). ~$250
15. New battery (Oct 2014) ~$80
16. New Radio - Kenwood with bluetooth and USB ~ $150
17. New big air cleaner $80
So, in the last 18 months, I have put about $4000 into this car (on top of what I paid for it... yikes)
What does it need?
1. I "hear" a small leak coming from the exhaust manifold in the front driver side. We did the passenger side not long ago, but the driver should be looked at. Not major. Cost me $80 to do the passenger side at my mechanic (should be the same for the driver side).
2. Paint/minor body work: The car needs a paint job. From 20 feet, it looks great, but up close it is noticeably in need. A prior owner took the car from the original red to black (not sure why). I suspect it was the $500 Maaco special. They didn't prime the car down prior to painting, so what's there is a black paint job, with "red sparkles" coming through. Some people see the car and remark "WOW What a Cool Paint Job!!!". Little do they know that it's not supposed to be that way :)
3. As with any 50 year old car, needs odd's and ends"... some minor rusting underneath in non-support areas, has some bolts missing, interior could use some touch-up, etc.
4. Needs a fuel sending unit... the gas gauge doesn't work (more of an annoyance than anything). The alternator light and temp gauge have also been disconnected, with a Sunpro guage cluster replacing them for more accurate information.
The car drives and handles awesome. ... it is a 50 year old car, with a built up engine that excels between 25-50. Once the car is in third, it moves. The car handles amazingly well for a 50 year old car. With the rebuilt suspension, new steering box and rebuilt power assist, it likely handles better now than brand new.
The powerplant is amazing to listen to. Someone did a super nice job with it. Not much (if anything) is needed for the engine/cam/carb/radiator/accessories, etc... Brakes were recently all looked at/adjusted and were bled.
Minor leaks here and there... but again, we just did a full transmission gasket and service (pulled apart the tranny and installed ALL NEW GASKETS), and also while the tranny was out we did the rear main seal!!!
The car runs at a constant 190-200 degrees... stays cool even in hot weather!!! New radiator, fan, belts, etc... Does not overheat even standing at a light in 90+ degree weather.
Car passed an inspection (Sept 2015)... the car does not have reverse lights - when I switched to the hurst shifter, I did not install a reverse light switch. Can be bought on Summit racing for about $40. Otherwise, she likely will pass again, unless you know an inspector that would overlook the reverse light.
As-is, the car is road ready, could be a DAILY DRIVER, is comfortable and has plenty of power. With some love could be a show-car, and with a restoration could be a $35k trailer queen.
Interior needs some odd/ends, needs some love could use carpet, etc. Headliner is awesome.
I drive it weekends and some (nice) days to work. Never driven (by me) in any bad weather, kept in my garage (every night parked inside).
I cannot remember a time I drove it that I didn't get nods, thumbs up, people stopping to look and remarks about the car. It is a fairly uncommon car (most ask what year El Camino it is... lol).
Brought to 2 shows this past summer, many smiles for this car!
I wouldn't hesitate taking this car cross-country as it is.
Welcome to come and take a look at it, but please only come if you are serious about buying it, and have the resources.
I have a clean/clear MA title in hand. It is currently registered, insured and inspected.

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