Ron Hamilton Posted January 14, 2013 Posted January 14, 2013 Several years ago, I acquired a built-up Revell '57 Ford Ranchero . I blew it apart with the intent of rebuilding it. I also acquired one of the "chopped" Rancheros, which I was going to use with it for additional parts. However, in looking at it, the kits had too mant "foibles" for me to deal with, especially the too short doors from a 4-door, and multi-pice body construction. So when Revell issued the new, updated '57 Ford kit, which by the way is very nice, I knew what I had to do. I found several pictures of one-to-one '57 Rancheros from various sources around the web to get an idea of what I had to do, and here's where I am so far. I used parts from the old Revell Ranchero kits, primarily the bed, tailgate, and tonneau cover, and melded them into the "new tool" kit. I also made new panels from sheet styrene to complete the conversion. I also did a custom "Tuck and Roll" interior trim for the doors and bench seat, which will be two-toned. The hardest part of the conversion is the area around the rear of the bed and the tailgate. I have to re-work the rear window mouldings, prime it, and tighten up the bodywork at this point. This build is not going to be a dead nuts "replica stock", but it is going to be a "mild custom". I am also going to leave the trim on the body. I know that this particular chrome trim was not available from the factory on the Ranchero, but I like the way it looks, and I am going to use it for the two-tone paint break. I wanted to put some primer on it today, but it was too humid.
my80malibu Posted January 14, 2013 Posted January 14, 2013 Wow that is really cool. BTW there is one of these on a very popular auction site. I dont want to use their name but it ryhmes with E-Ray. Ron Have you cast some of these for sale perhaps?
futurattraction Posted January 14, 2013 Posted January 14, 2013 That's a really nice job you've done of converting the new sedan to your Ranchero. I'll keep an eye on your progress. Keep up the great work!
Guest Posted January 14, 2013 Posted January 14, 2013 Looks nice already Ron! I have a similar plan for a Ranchero and just traded for the Revell kit.
Ron Hamilton Posted January 14, 2013 Author Posted January 14, 2013 Wow that is really cool. BTW there is one of these on a very popular auction site. I dont want to use their name but it ryhmes with E-Ray. Ron Have you cast some of these for sale perhaps? Thank you for the compliment, but no. It's not good enough to be cast.
Sixties Sam Posted January 14, 2013 Posted January 14, 2013 Wow! Great conversion! I'm eager to see it finished. Good work so far. Sam
RandyB. Posted January 14, 2013 Posted January 14, 2013 Looks like you have a great project going on here Ron. Good luck with it!
Austin T Posted January 15, 2013 Posted January 15, 2013 One of my favorite years for the ranchero,maybe you can get the body mastered.
Maindrian Pace Posted January 15, 2013 Posted January 15, 2013 We knew it was a matter of time before someone did this, and you did the conversion well. I like the Custom trim on the Ranchero, different but factory looking. -MJS
Edsel-Dan Posted January 15, 2013 Posted January 15, 2013 The Ranchero came with 2 trim levels. No side trim and trim of the Custom 300. It is very likely some one took the Custom trim and applied it to a base Ranchero. Many 59's were upgraded with Fairlane500 inserts, so this trim on a Ranchero IS possible!!! I like this too. If I can get a few of the new kit, and more of the Old 'Squire based Ranchero's I may try this too.
Ron Hamilton Posted January 20, 2013 Author Posted January 20, 2013 I have fixed the rear window mouldings, and fixed the bed fitment issuues. Everything fits as it should, so the next step is to prime the parts where I did the bodywork to check for any issues. I have also decided on the powertrain, A 312 with 2 4 bbl carbs, under the finned aluminum air cleaner from the AMT '62 Thunderbird. I have to go to the parts box for a set of Finned Y block Valve Covers to complete the engine so that I can paint and detail it. Hopefully by this time next week, I can have some greater progress on this one.
Alyn Posted January 20, 2013 Posted January 20, 2013 Wish I would have thought of this conversion; great reason to run out and grab this new 57 Ford kit. Your progress looks great so far. I think we may be witnessing a "favorite" in the making.
thatz4u Posted February 5, 2013 Posted February 5, 2013 Fantastic work, keep it up....I may get up some nerve & try it also....
tribalgt03 Posted February 5, 2013 Posted February 5, 2013 thats awesome..I like when people fab what they want.
charlie8575 Posted February 9, 2013 Posted February 9, 2013 Neat idea, Ron. I'll keep an eye on this one. Charlie Larkin
Sam I Am Posted February 11, 2013 Posted February 11, 2013 This is awesome !! I wont "borrow" any of your ideas, oh no. One day I'm just gonna take 'em and run !!
futurattraction Posted April 2, 2013 Posted April 2, 2013 Super job on your conversion, Ron. I'll look forward to an update sometime soon!
daveblev Posted April 2, 2013 Posted April 2, 2013 you've done a great job so far on your ranchero. it's gonna be a looker when it's done! dave
TooOld Posted April 3, 2013 Posted April 3, 2013 Very cool ! ! Your doing an excellent job with the conversion . This was next on my list after I finish my El Camino but I think I'll wait till you finish yours so I can pick up any tips !
Ron Hamilton Posted April 28, 2013 Author Posted April 28, 2013 I made a few changes to the '57 Ranchero. I re-did the side moulding and the rear window and pickup bed mouldings to represent the Ranchero Custom Model. Also, I added the upper mouldings and I am going to add the gold anodized insert. Now, it's time for paint.
TooOld Posted April 28, 2013 Posted April 28, 2013 I agree with James , this is absolutely gorgeous ! I can't wait to see the gold insert and paint . . . in any color !
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