Hello everyone,

  I am a new 57 Ford owner. Recently I was able to purchase my father's old Ranchero gasser race car. This vehicle has not had an engine since the late 60's early 70's. My plan is to restore it back to a gasser stage but also rewire it so that it can be driven as a street driven gasser. It will be FE powered with a top loader four speed. The body is very rusted and will need a lot of panels replaced. This vehicle holds a lot of sentimental value for me and I will see it run again. I will also be in the market for replacement parts primarily in the bed area. Any help would be greatly appreciated.   

Welcome to the board.  It's been somewhat slow lately.  But there is wealth of info if you use the search.  Or just post questions on the general discussions. 
Cool Ranchero btw!

What Abe said on both accounts...slow and wealth of info. Things should start getting more active now as we move further from the insanity of the Christmas holiday.

Glad to see you will bring that ride back to life! Looks like there was some fun history in that ride. Where are you located?

Welcome and the best to you on your new project.  Like others have stated, Lots of experience on this site.

My one piece of advice is to make sure you build it with a "racing approved" scatter Sheild and use a name brand quality clutch/disc/flywheel assembly. 

Many years ago, I put a (stock ford) clutch/flywheel through the hood of a 1956 Ford going through the lights at the end of the quarter mile.  406FE, Top Loader four speed, but a kid trying to save money by using a stock clutch. That racing incident occurred 56 years ago, but it seems like just yesterday driving at speed off the end of the track with no brakes due to severed brake lines and a punctured gas tank.  I guess I was just lucky looking back, I did not get hurt, other than financially.

John

Welcome
nice project and a family one at that.

Welcome!  The best bunch of folks in the world here!  No judgement (unless you go with Ch### power) for any style you want to build.  Got questions?  Someone here has been there and done that so ask away.  No such thing as a dumb question!  Love the fact you want to save your pops car! Good luck.

Quote from: scottss396 on 2023-01-10 18:27Hello everyone,

   I am a new 57 Ford owner. Recently I was able to purchase my father's old Ranchero gasser race car. This vehicle has not had an engine since the late 60's early 70's. My plan is to restore it back to a gasser stage but also rewire it so that it can be driven as a street driven gasser. It will be FE powered with a top loader four speed. The body is very rusted and will need a lot of panels replaced. This vehicle holds a lot of sentimental value for me and I will see it run again. I will also be in the market for replacement parts primarily in the bed area. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome. Best site on the internet. In this post and another you mention your need for bed area parts. I recently listed the ribbed bolt in bed floor in the "For Sale" section of this site. Scroll down the home page and near the bottom you'll see "Wanted and For Sale".
It may be what you need.
John

Well, obviously your emailing me worked!! Welcome, and thanks for doing an introductory post. As mentioned, your location is always helpful, and KYBlueoval just recently posted some Ranchero bed sheetmetal for sale.
Rich

Welcome aboard! 
From your can collection my guess is nit western Canada.
Do you have any vintage photos of the truck running?
Terry
 

Quote from: mustang6984 on 2023-01-10 22:36What Abe said on both accounts...slow and wealth of info. Things should start getting more active now as we move further from the insanity of the Christmas holiday.

Glad to see you will bring that ride back to life! Looks like there was some fun history in that ride. Where are you located?

I am from Rochester N.Y.

Quote from: KYBlueOval on 2023-01-11 08:19Welcome. Best site on the internet. In this post and another you mention your need for bed area parts. I recently listed the ribbed bolt in bed floor in the "For Sale" section of this site. Scroll down the home page and near the bottom you'll see "Wanted and For Sale".
It may be what you need.
John

I did see that bed floor. I do need that part. Just not sure about shipping to Rochester N.Y 14615. The pieces along the side of the bed are bad also. I also need the piece across the back that the tailgate mounts to. If this wasn't my father's and I have history with it, I probably would have passed on it.

Quote from: RICH MUISE on 2023-01-11 08:42Well, obviously your emailing me worked!! Welcome, and thanks for doing an introductory post. As mentioned, your location is always helpful, and KYBlueoval just recently posted some Ranchero bed sheetmetal for sale.
Rich

Thank you for fixing this for me...

Welcome.   Glad to see your project.  As everyone has stated, there's a wealth of info available here! 

Quote from: scottss396 on 2023-01-11 16:14I did see that bed floor. I do need that part. Just not sure about shipping to Rochester N.Y 14615. The pieces along the side of the bed are bad also. I also need the piece across the back that the tailgate mounts to. If this wasn't my father's and I have history with it, I probably would have passed on it.

Yes, shipping the bed floor will be costly, maybe you can find  a solid one closer.
As to the piece that the tailgate bolts to and the pieces on either side of the bed floor.......I know where there is a '58 Wagon and as I recall that tailpan area was there. I didn't take a long look at the inside of this wagon, but my guess is that the side pieces you need may very well be there.I'm assuming that the these side pieces are the same for Rancheroes and Wagons.
I'll send you a PM (Private message) with my contact information.
John

Welcome also, from the other side of the pond !

Family heritage is always great!

and please, PLEASE, P L E A S E !

Do not repaint it, please don't .....!

I know this may be an extremely controversial topic, but the lettering and checked paint is just great as is, showing its age. It may be possible to just replace the rotten metal and repaint or even primer those areas.
Today a lot of survivor type collectible cars are being saved with partial rust repair and just those areas resprayed, while keeping the memories and patina alive. The surface rusted areas can be treated so they don't deteriorate any further. Original paint and lettering has a lot more soul, especially now that you bought back your fathers old racer. I bet you still have old pictures ? Would you mind sharing with us?

Good luck with this awesome one-of-a-kind project !
Guenter