Ranchero build

[hiball3985]

I think 90% of the body parts trap dirt and water. No thought to longevity , they wanted you to buy a new one every few years 

[Limey57]

Yep, those two cups almost seem to be factory designed to start the rust!  I made sure mine were well painted then I gave both a good polish to keep them water-resistant, but each time I wash it I use a sponge to soak the water out of them.  In hindsight I wished I'd drilled a small hole in them and installed some kind of drain tube.

[Ford Blue blood]

Been working on getting the center consul fabricated up.  Welded in mounts to hold it and to help make it "square".  Level and center line marks got that part real close.  Made the basic frame in two pieces.  Couple of ins and outs to get things right.  Then made a template for the sides.  That went extremely well.  Traced it on the plywood, doubled it up to make both sides exactly the same and cut them out and got the final shape with a DA and 80 grit.  Glued and screwed, still have some final "tweaking" but the base is good to go.  The large holes are for future cup holders and access to the mounting bolts.

[Ford Blue blood]

The A/C out let is a 65 Bird part.  Have not decided if it will tilt up a little or be vertical,  Need to ponder a little before the final supports goes in.  Have not firmed up metal or upholstery for the center finish at this point.

[RICH MUISE]

Nice design and execution...looking forward to seeing it finished.

[Ford Blue blood]

Been messing with the wiring and working on getting the engine ready to fire.  Timing is set, oil in and primed, all "wet" lines finished.  Mounted the fuse panel in/under the console, sorted the "rats nest" for routing, have the engine wired and ready.  Ran the engine wires out the bell housing bolt access hole and down and under.  Most all will be out of sight when all is done.  Slow working with the detail stuff but worth the time later....

[JPotter57]

I like the location for the fuse panel, much more convenient than under the dash.  If I had been going for a more modern approach, I would have borrowed that idea.  Since mine is very old school, it is under the dash on the far left.  I welded a bracket to the kick panel area and bolted the fuse panel to it.  It mounts high and out of the way

[Jeff Norwell]

Very very nice Bill.

[Ford Blue blood]

Found that as age creeps in the ol body just will not bend and twist as easily as when I was young and bullet proof!  Did this on a buddies street rod I assisted with and loved it.  Have finished all the under hood wiring, have the console frame finished, and just had to put on a little "bling" to enhance the smile.  7 X 15 from Summit, fit perfect.

[RICH MUISE]

That's a great looking wheel....Summit brand?

[Ford Blue blood]

Not sure...have to dig out the invoice.  Did half a day shopping for them.  Wanted the Cragar SS style but way too expensive for the Cragars.  Ended up with the Summit site and followed the many recommendations for size from this site.  Very happy with them and Summit.  They are one piece polished aluminum.  Bought the lug nut kit as well.

Have finished the rough in console build.  Have not decided on interior color yet or whether or not to paint the metal center.  That will have to wait....

[Ford Blue blood]

Been working the wiring some more.  Made a small panel to mount a terminal board and relays for "run" and "ACC" in order to lighten the load on the ignition switch, head light relays as I have Halogen head lights.  Without the relay they would burn up the light switch.  Park lights will come on when in run.  The head/park/turn lights and the horn are run out the kick panel to the front.  Used a welding rod to hold them up.  Have the preliminary wiring for the dash completed.  Plenty of "spare" wire to terminate with plugs at their destination.  Set up to leave the wiring in place (except the speed-o and tack signals) if the dash has to ever come out.  It will come out with the center console in place, have to drop the steering wheel though.

[Ford Blue blood]

and the dash.....

[Jeff Norwell]

Awesome Bill.

[Limey57]

Very neat.  I really did try to keep the wiring neat behind my dash when I did mine, but as my old school teacher would say "try harder next time"......