Fully Restored 1974 Ford Ranchero 500, 400m V8, C6 At, 9” Rear, Factory A/c on 2040-cars

Summary:

1974 Ford Ranchero 500, 400m V8, C6 AT, 9” rear, factory A/C. Vehicle enjoyed a body off frame complete restoration back to excellent driver and weekend show quality. This is not a top-level show car. Completely disassembled and every assembly, body panel, component, nut, bolt, and fastener was removed. Runs and drives like a brand new truck. Everything works and absolutely nothing is needed except A/C hook up hoses and charging if desired. Paint is great driver quality – a “10 footer”. Engine was rebuilt with power in mind and all smog equipment has been removed (included with sale) or disabled. This would be a great weekend cruiser or a fun shop truck. Vehicle is currently registered smog-exempt. Receipts for everything, all boxes/bags of replacement items, and all removed items included with sale. Over 200 pictures of entire restoration process available. Clear AZ title ready to go.

Detailed description:

Engine:

400m V8 completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected, fluxed, decked, and bored .060 over. Master rebuild kit installed with new gaskets, seals, pistons, rings, bearings, high flow oil and water pumps, larger cam, and lifters. Stock heads were disassembled, cleaned, inspected, and fluxed. New valves, guides, and springs. Pushrods and rockers were reconditioned and tested prior to reinstall. Mild polishing to the chambers and runners. Edlebrock Performer intake with Holley 600 carb. Idles nice and pulls strong. True 2 1/4” dual exhaust with H pipe and Cherry Bomb glasspacks. Classic ‘70s exhaust note is noticeable but not obnoxious. New mounts. Engine was fully broken in with two steps: First step was a 20 minute no load run at 2500 RPM to face lifters and cam; Second step was several load runs to seat rings.

Transmission:

C6 trans was completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected, and reassembled with TransGo master rebuild kit (all clutches, steels, rings, gaskets, piston, seals, etc.) B&M mild shift kit installed for positive but not harsh shifts. Stock shift parts included. New stock stall torque converter. New mount.

Rear end:

9” rear with 3.0 gears removed, disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled to stock specifications. Ring and pinion gears have no chips or cracks. 28-spline axles have no signs of stress. New U joints.

Brakes:

New master cylinder, power booster, rotors, drums, shoes, and pads. Hard brake lines cleaned and verified leak-free. All rubber brake hoses replaced. Calipers and drum pistons reconditioned. Brakes have been broken in (bedded).

Suspension and steering:

All new - four shocks, four coils, inner/outer tie rods, upper/lower ball joints, pitman, idler, and all bushings replaced with Moog OEM rubber. Power steering pump and box were flushed. All wheel bearings cleaned, inspected, and repacked. Vintage 15” Cragar S/S mags and Bridgestone T/A tires with great tread. Professional alignment stays true while driving. Truck sits a little high due to new springs and will return to normal ride height in a few hundred miles.

Engine compartment:

All radiators and A/C components inspected and pressure tested prior to reinstallation. A/C compressor rebuilt but system needs to be hooked up and charged. New hoses and belts for everything. Heater core verified leak-free but not hooked up. Detailed very nice without too much chrome. Non-functional Roush Mustang hood scoop adds some flair.

Electrical:

All wiring inspected and tested prior to reinstall. New battery, Pertronix II electronic ignition upgrade, 45K high voltage coil, and 8mm wires. No unsafe splices or connections. Everything works as it should. A/C and fan switches function. The pneumatic controls for air blending (defrost, vent, floor) are not connected due to that system’s unreliability. The blend louvers are fixed in place to provide air flow from floor and vent. All hoses and connectors are present if you desire to hook up.

Interior:

All new items sourced from Dearborn Classics – carpet, door panels, arm rests, handles, dash cap, headliner, etc. Sound deadening/heat deflecting insulation on firewall and floor. Seat is from a 72 Ranchero GT, which has the integrated headrests, and was professionally refoamed and reupholstered. New front windshield and reconditioned original side and rear windows. Formula One tint on side and back windows. New rubber seals and felts for all windows. Side window regulators and gears were greased and aligned. New seat belts for three occupants. As with many aftermarket rubber seals, the side windows do not seal 100% when rolled up. Basic aftermarket stereo with door speakers installed. Dash was previously cut and current install looks clean. The rear of the headliner is not as tight as is should be and does sag a little. 

Body:

Frame was cleaned, inspected, and painted. Frame was also cross-measured to verify squareness. All new body and core support bushings. Underside of all panels and entire undercarriage of body was undercoated. Bed was lined with Herculiner bed liner. Small rust spots were repaired behind passenger seat and on both lower door corners. No other body or frame rot was present.

Paint:

Entire body, including jambs and sills, was sanded and skimmed. Body was then primed, blocked and sanded twice, and then sealed. Four coats of metallic color and three coats of sealer were applied. Top coat was wet sanded and polished, both in three steps, to a nice finish. Summit Racing products were used exclusively. Panels, gaps, and bodylines are straight but metal is almost 40 years old and small imperfections and waves are present. Paint is thin in a few areas and has a few small bubbles. Perfect driver quality.

Please feel free to call me with any questions.

Bob 623 2zero3 36six4 or 480 two79 66three7