Description
This is the second time I've put this truck up for sale, I took it down the first time as I decided to just run it in between doing a few jobs on it. This ad has changed from the previous one as a lot more stuff has been done.
I've also tried to simplify it a bit as I do tend to waffle...
1970 Ford Ranchero Squire: -
It has had many modifications over the years, with several previous owners all putting their stamps on it, some good, some maybe not so. The original wood effect body trim has long gone, as have several other bits. I've been trying to get it back to an acceptable standard in the 3+ years I've owned it, and have listed most of the things it's had done to it below though if there's anything you'd like clarifying, please feel free to contact me.
Engine/ Transmission: -
The engine is a 429ci (7. 0 litre) big block Ford, with a new (in April 2025) Holley carb on an Offenhauser manifold, with the gasses exiting through a pair of Hooker Headers to tailpipes just behind the doors. It had new head gaskets and a new sump with gasket and crank seals a couple of thousand miles ago and runs well. While this work was being carried out, all internals were checked and found to be in excellent condition with no visible bore or crank wear. It's mated to a C6 transmission which has also had a new sump fitted, with new oil and filter. This is coupled to a limited slip diff by a newly rebuilt prop.
Brakes/ Steering/ Suspension: -
The brakes have been gone through, with new callipers and pads on the front, shoes and cylinders on the rear. A new master cylinder was also fitted and all rubber hoses were replaced. The discs were well within tolerance when this was being done, as were the rear drums. At the same time it also had new ball joints, wishbone bushes, front shocks, a new power steering pump, new ram, power steering controller and any necessary pipework.
Interior: -
The seats are Peugeot, comfortable and suit the cab well. These, combined with a new carpet and a retro looking DAB radio with dual core speaker, make the interior a reasonable place to be. The original AM radio from 1970 was still working when I removed it and will come with the sale if required, along with it's original speaker. The rev-counter pictured has been removed but I'll probably have a spare somewhere if it's wanted.
Exterior: -
The bodywork is solid though the paint is poor, with a few blemishes which could do with sorting out though there's nothing particularly urgent and, as you can see by some of the pictures, it scrubs up well for an old truck. Several new window seals have been fitted, along with new scraper felts on the door windows. The front wings are relatively new, the doors are good and there is no rot underneath the truck, with any bad sections having been cut out and replaced.
The wheels are 15" Centerline Drag rims (10" rear, 7" front) fitted with barely worn Cooper Cobra tyres.
In summary, it's a good solid truck given it's age and certainly attracts plenty of positive attention. It starts on the key and drives well but don't expect it to handle like a modern car. It's a 55 year old commercial vehicle so can be "interesting". Having said that, I've done a few 100+ mile trips in it to various car meets and enjoy driving it. It keeps up with modern traffic effortlessly and drives straight.
I've now put it back up for sale as age has caught up with me which, combined with a bit of poor health, means I'm no longer able to continue with the upkeep on it and it would upset me to see it neglected.
It's correctly registered as a historic vehicle, so MOT & tax exempt and quite reasonable insurance as a classic.
Viewing is highly recommended and payment is to be made by bank transfer before it leaves. I doubt I'd be interested in a part exchange, though I suppose it depends on what you have and if your expectations are realistic. A cheaper old British classic may appeal. I'm in no rush to sell, it's costing nothing while it's parked up, so silly offers will be ignored. If it doesn't sell, I'll just carry on doing little bits to it every so often.
Incidentally, I've no idea of the mileage. It's showing around 19, 000 at the moment, which is what I put on here when it asked, though it's a replacement speedo head so could be wildly inaccurate.
