1981 Ford Ranger F-150 project

[wayne225]

My dad gave me this truck So I have nothing in it and I am going to try to restore it. It will take me a long time. I work at Pizza Hut as a manager/driver. The color is supposed to be black.

 

[DNFXDLI]

Free is a good place to start!...how is the frame?

 

[5.0Flareside]

if its anything like the body.... RUSTED! but hopefully itll work out for ya dude.

 

[wayne225]

The frame is solid. I believe it was sideswiped

 

[5.0Flareside]

frame is solid it was sidswiped

does it run and drive alright? what motor is in it? im guessin 300I6

 

[wayne225]

It runs ok needs a radiator and carb.
302 with aod tranny. It had ac and cruise.

 

[TexasNomad]

You need a 460 C/6 in that Ho'

 

[mtflat]

Somebody sure did a number on the driver's side. Trucks of that era have some good things going for them. There are lots of cheap parts in the wrecking yards. They're easy to replace with a few simple tools.

The 302 is a good reliable engine for transportation.

80's cars and trucks were all plagued with the EPA's water color paints. They all washed off eventually.

Altogether, it looks like a good project for you. What part of the country are you from? From the trees and rust in the truck I'd guess rust belt somewhere between NY and MN? (I'm from OH - it looks familiar)

 

[wayne225]

I actually thought about putting a diesel and a 5 speed in it just in case I would have to use it to deliver pizzas in.

 

[wayne225]

Ashland,ky

 

[5.0Flareside]

drop a diesel in there anyways. makes great power and is pretty good on gas.

 

[wayne225]

A diesel is real easy on "GAS" Because it uses no gas just diesel. J/k. I know they are easy on fuel that is why i might be doing it.

 

[5.0Flareside]

be a good idea since you deliver pizza. less money spent on gas means more money for your truck lol.

 

[wayne225]

I am also working on a 92 chevy cavalier.
I have always like this body style of the cav.

 

[mtflat]

Ashland,ky

Pretty part of the country. I used to have a little property between Bonnieville and Upton in Hart Co.

Welcome to FTF!

 

[5.0Flareside]

oh yeah i forgot to say welcome.... crap.

 

[Fordzilla80]

That's gonna be quite the project man.Best of luck with it.And Welcome to FTF.

Got any interior pics?

 

[wayne225]

Not yet i will post some as soon as I find my memory card for my camera. It has the woodgrain interior.

 

[wayne225]

What diesel engine and 5 speed would be the best to use. I was thinking of soemthing from 96 through 98 F250 or F350

 

[FordF-SuperDuty]

What diesel engine and 5 speed would be the best to use. I was thinking of something from 96 through 98 F250 or F350

There was no 98 F-250/F-350, the diesel was the same between 94 1/2-97, The best drop in would probably be the Ford 7.3 IDI or a Cummins. As for the transmission probably a ZF-5.