1977 Ranger

[enthusiast1977]

Hello everyone,

this is my first post in the discussion forum. I recently bought a 1977 project. I know absolutely nothing about cars mechanically or otherwise. I figured it is time to learn something new and I really like the look of the early broncos. I bought what i think is a solid bronco and I am hoping it serves me well. I am not looking for a show bronco but would eventually like to turn it into a vehicle that I can be proud to say I did the work on.

I have a few questions that I am hoping some of you pros can help with:

1. where can I get a 1977 driver rear lower quarter panel with fuel door cutouts?
2. can anyone tell from the picture below what kind of mirror was on this before?
3. I want to seal my frame. what product should I use?

4. from the pictures what would you have paid for it?

thx in advance.

 

[Scoop]

Welcome! Yes it does look pretty solid. Original white Rangers are a bit rare - nice find!

1. 77 rear quarters with the fuel door opening are not being reproduced. If you can find an NOS one it will be very expensive. Most people cut and weld in their old doors or simply go to exterior gas caps.
2. Those mirror mounts are not stock so it's anybody's guess. Probably an aftermarket mirror from the 80's!
3. Lots of people like POR 15 for the frame. Personally I just spray paint mine with Ford Semi Gloss black. Easier to touch up.

 

[sprdv1]

Welcome to the site. Great to have you on board.

 

[blamejane]

77's are a great bronco, congrats and welcome to CB.

 

[enthusiast1977]

I am very excited to get my 77 in better shape. thanks for the warm welcome and advice. I will be asking questions often. it is actually funny I love this thing just the way it is but it deserves to look better.

 

[WheelHorse]

Craziest hood I've ever seen.

A little blood, sweat and a money and she'll be as good as new.

 

[rastiss]

Craziest hood I've ever seen.

A little blood, sweat and a money and she'll be as good as new.

I second that on the hood. Functional DIY scoop. Congrats! Love my 77 ranger too!

 

[enthusiast1977]

I assume you guys know more than I do and I know I am right because I legitimately don't know much at all. I have been browsing this forum for a few days and have come up with a couple questions.

1. I don't want to keep my bumpers that are on it. do you think someone would want them? if so how much should I ask for the bumper and winch together? btw it works

2. do you think anyone wants my amazing hood? if so how much? it is solid.

3. rear bumper? how much?

 

[BRONCROB]

That winch is one of the best made IMO.I saw one listed on here with a bumper for $600.They still make them and they aren't cheap.If you ever plan on taking it offroad I would keep it.The hood and bumpers are hard to price.I will guess minimum $100 a bumper and the hood would be cool on a racer or buggy,not so much on a driver but should be worth something to the right person.Put them all in the for sale section and see what happens.BTW nice score and good luck.

 

[Swath]

Welcome, I'm new here also.

I'll take that winch off you hands. The front bumper looks like it is off a full size.

Don't take this the wrong way, but, that hood is UGLY, imho. But what do I know, I drive a rusty old F-250 that most everyone thinks is ugly.

I was always on the look out for a nice 77 but man o man the prices are too much for me. I guess I just didn't find one in my range. Automatic, pwr steering, pwr disk fronts, very sweet. I would use one of those unlifted for a DD.

 

[Rox Crusher]

When I bought my 77 it had that same model winch. I kinda knew it had some value even though it didn't work.

Anyway, I out it up for sale on craigslist for 200 bucks and had a buyer in less than half a day. After selling it, I had several higher offers.

I really regret selling it.

Couldn't give my bumper away.

Welcome to madness and good luck with your new project !

 

[Crawdad]

I'd look deeper into that hood. It may be riveted on and could easily removed with some elbow grease. You never know, it could be a solid hood minus the Mad Max Scoop!

I'm wanting a winch bumper just like that but not that wide. If the winch works its worth some money. The bumper should go on a full size truck or bronco but looks in great shape so again worth some money.

Eastwood sells good stuff for frames, chk there.

 

[rastiss]

I'd keep the winch...

 

[surfer-b]

Keep the winch, the bumpers and hood..... well, you might find someone to buy them, they would work for a off road buggy, if not just scrap em.

 

[Rox Crusher]

you were asking how much we would have paid given it's condition.........tough to answer really

your new toy appears to be in great shape from a rust perspective but could stand a freshening on the paint (depending on intended use?)

those heavy, oversized bumpers probably detract from the value as does the hood. Interior needs replaced. As said, the winch is a valuable bonus and if it is as rust free as it seems, that is a very valuable bonus.

Location and seller (knowledgeable or not?) play a huge part..............

ok, my 38 caveats out of the way..........in today's inflated market I bet a fair price for your rig is 7 - 9k

 

[enthusiast1977]

Rox,

you nailed it with the low!

as for the winch, I am going to give it a couple days and probably list it in the parts section. trying to figure price. After getting the tips from you guys it turns out this is a pretty serious winch.

The front bumper is in great shape. no rust or pitting that I can see so far.

The hood, oh god, the hood. this thing is way beyond thunder dome! I thoroughly dislike the look of it. I will have to investigate more.

thanks for all the great feedback. this is fueling the new addiction. this is going to be an on road driver. I live in northern Illinois and have 0 plans of off roading. probably going to shuttle me back and forth to the sportsmans club.

 

[Scoop]

Rox,

you nailed it with the low!

I'd say you got a pretty decent deal then! ;D

 

[enthusiast1977]

bumper and winch are up in the parts section for sale. thx for the advice guys.

 

[enthusiast1977]

Alright, here we go! Here is my first of many rookie mechanic questions. What RPM should my stock 302 with the stock carb be idling at? Next question, assuming i have it set at the proper RPM when idling what does it mean if I put it into gear and it dies? I am sure this is so basic that you are all probably like holy crap this guy should not own this thing but please understand I am as green as they come. about the only mechanical thing I have done is change fluids in my motorcycle and it turned out right but I am still not sure it wasn't a fluke! Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Just as a point of reference I believe I have it set to high just by sound alone but i have it set as low as I can to keep it running when I put it in gear. Also I ordered a hand held dwell tach meter today online so I am hoping to get it tuned to the proper RPM ASAP. again, thanks for the help.

 

[DrLathrop]

How does it idle once it is warmed up? My 77 ranger dies when I put it in gear if I have not let it warm up a bit before but it starts right up & drives great after that. That hood is pretty interesting. You should reconsider selling that winch as it is a collector item & a workhorse. Have you changed all fluids & filters? Start changing out all soft components as well including your radiator hoses (easy when you are flushing radiator) as well as heater hoses, fuel lines, rubber brake lines. Flush brake system. Drop the tank & flush it or replace it as you will end up needing to do that anyway. Replace rubber lines to fuel tanks, filler hoses etc. change brake pads up front, check alignment toe in about 1/4". Make it safe first. Repair/replace rust. Then think about upgrades if that is your thing. Again make it safe first. Consider rewiring with American auto wire or painless or centech harness as you will have electrical gremlins. Don't freak out. All of these things you can do easily by using the search function, asking questions & easier by finding some local bronco guys & buy some beer & pizza & invite them over for a wrench day. All of these things are pretty easy to do if you pay attention & take lots of photos before & during dismantling small projects. Just start small & take apart then put back together the same way. Learn your way around the components & use common sense.