TimeWarp's 1970 Ranger & Other Project's

[TimeWarpF100]

What I am calling Project R-S 2014 is a 1970 F250 Ranger Camper Special

Back in the day a pretty expensive truck.

The R-S 2014 comes from the goal to get it ready for the Russo-Steele Auction this coming January 2014.

The truck a original 54k mile truck that sat for many years. I am just trying to bring it up a few levels but yet retain its original look.

Follow along to watch the progress.

This is truck as purchased. 44yr old paint looks very nice. Mostly pull the front clip and front suspension for a bit of freshening up. Then pretty much take apart and detail and put back together.

Engine will also get freshened up.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Underside of hood with a quick wipe with rag and magic soap.

Truck came with top of the line engine the 255HP 390

Factory A/C

NP 435 4spd

Ranger Package

Deluxe Tutone Paint

Front Disc Brakes

Sliding Rear Window

Tinted Glass

Heavy Duty Front and Rear Springs

Camper Package

25 Gallon Frame Mounted Fuel Tank w/Standard Tank

Purchased new here in Phoenix

Also had a 3.54 Dana 60 Rear Axle

 

[ZRX61]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Magic soap??

& what's the story with the '86 in the car port?

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Magic soap??

& what's the story with the '86 in the car port?

Magic soap is a soap I have been mixing up for nearly 25yrs.

Everyone who stops by soon learns why its called Magic Soap. Its not something you can go out and buy.

The 1986 Bronco belongs to my daughter. Its another super low mile vehicle that sat from the mid 90's until this year. 45k Miles. She is restoring it back to health.

Biggest issue was the mess of fuel system from sitting so long. Runs and drives now.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

More from the Magic soap . . Gave the engine bay and engine a quick shot of the soap along with engine and inside box. Rinsed with water, no scrubbing. Note the diff especially on firewall.

Also compare the difference in wiring harness, especially on the ends. Just spray and rinse.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

I wouldn't mind seeing magic soap do its magic.

Is the rear bumper mounting accomplished with the steel going along the rear frame we see in the 5th to last pic?

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

I wouldn't mind seeing magic soap do its magic.

Is the rear bumper mounting accomplished with the steel going along the rear frame we see in the 5th to last pic?

The rear bumper is adjustable for when camper was on. It was a 10+' Camper.
Adjustable bumper allowed for bumper use with camper.

Another Magic soap on front fender. I did have to "wipe" a bit on front area.

If you want to try some "Magic Soap" I may be close to you in PHX.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Only way to get the surface rust from frame without spending a bunch of time was by sandblasting.

I had NO plans on removing front clip or engine. Typical me cannot leave anything alone.

I had a nearly perfect tailgate that I purchased for my 427 Project truck but it was wrong year but correct for this truck. I also sandblasted the aprons. The battery acid had made a mess of paint.

 

[AZ Garage]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Very nice! I just recently picked up a 1978 F150 Super Cab. Where abouts in AZ are you located? I'm over in Mesa.

 

[Murphy4570]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Very nice truck!

Too bad it isn't a 4x4.

 

[scab]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Very cool truck that looks like it will clean up nicely. I've had three 70s Fords with the NP435. Great transmission that you can't break.

 

[MoparTrucks]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

I wonder if your Magic Soap would do something for my liver spots!

I notice you have historic plates, what are the restrictions on those in AZ? I have historic plates on my black 86 D-150 (my avatar) while I work on it because it cant pass inspection with the exhaust I have on it (no cats) but I am limited to 1000 miles per year not including miles to shows or parades and the like.

 

[ZRX61]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

So are you going to spill the beans on what constitutes this soap ?

 

[gregtwojeeps]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Wow, that is a solid truck to be a 70, must have stayed out of the rust belt. ...

My 79 came from California so I lucked out that it wasnt really rusty in the usual cab corners/fenderwells etc. I dealt with mostly surface scratch rust. Looking forward to watching the restore project, that is going to be one nice old Ford brought to life again.

 

[Loudpipes66]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Interesting hideaway cab step on the passenger side. That is the first one I have seen like that. Does anyone know if it is factory, aftermarket, or homemade?

 

[jwith68]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Subscribed!

And I'll just add, If this was my truck and I found myself at this point with it, there would be a Dana 60 going under the front end as well!

Only way to get the surface rust from frame without spending a bunch of time was by sandblasting.

I had NO plans on removing front clip or engine. Typical me cannot leave anything alone.

 

[Bigredball90]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

I love 67-72 f100s had 3 myself. Are you on fordification? Keep up the good work!

 

[cubicle]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

+1 on interest on the Magic Soap. Located in N Phx. and would love to see it in action.

 

[Tamper84]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Very nice!!! Heck here in Ohio, that would be a pile of rust by now lol. So, its probably a trade secret, but I am very interested in the magic soap.

Chris

 

[graffix000]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Nice looking truck. Now let's hear the details on the magic soap.

 

[Jarhead0408]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Must buy SOAP!

Hows it work on cars with tree sap on them?

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Very nice! I just recently picked up a 1978 F150 Super Cab. Where abouts in AZ are you located? I'm over in Mesa.

Thanks! A friend just picked up a Ultra Rare 1975 Crew Cab 4x4 with a since new Air Cooled Diesel! I have owned a bunch of 73-79 Trucks too.

I am North of 101 off Tatum

Very nice truck!

Too bad it isn't a 4x4.

Thanks! I could only wish it were a 4x4. Very very few numbers of 4x4's were bought new in PHX way back then. Seems those that were here are now gone to other country's or states.

Very cool truck that looks like it will clean up nicely. I've had three 70s Fords with the NP435. Great transmission that you can't break.

I wonder if your Magic Soap would do something for my liver spots!


I notice you have historic plates, what are the restrictions on those in AZ? I have historic plates on my black 86 D-150 (my avatar) while I work on it because it cant pass inspection with the exhaust I have on it (no cats) but I am limited to 1000 miles per year not including miles to shows or parades and the like.

If you drank some it would probably remove the liver along with a few other organs! LOL

I have the historic plates on all my old vehicles. There may be restrictions but I use them as daily driver plates. Cost under 20.00 per year.

So are you going to spill the beans on what constitutes this soap ?

Yes, But its a bit complicated in how to mix as depends on what you are trying to clean. I have 4 different items I mix depending on what is being cleaned . . . After 25yrs of using it I have learned the ins and outs.
When I get a chance I can describe better. Problem is 2 of the items used to mix have to go truck freight as UPS and FedEx will not ship. You are lucky as its in your backyard . . .

Wow, that is a solid truck to be a 70, must have stayed out of the rust belt. ...

My 79 came from California so I lucked out that it wasnt really rusty in the usual cab corners/fenderwells etc. I dealt with mostly surface scratch rust. Looking forward to watching the restore project, that is going to be one nice old Ford brought to life again.

Bought and sold new here In Arizona and maybe just a few times left the state for camping trips.

Interesting hideaway cab step on the passenger side. That is the first one I have seen like that. Does anyone know if it is factory, aftermarket, or homemade?

I have not really looked into if its a Ford over the counter step or not but fit is excellent like its made for it. Will give more details as I move on with project. It will also get restored and put back on truck. Great shape but a bit of surface rust.

Subscribed!

And I'll just add, If this was my truck and I found myself at this point with it, there would be a Dana 60 going under the front end as well!

If I had the $$ no doubt would turn it into a 4x4. The next person to own it is free to do so.. I am struggling to come up with $$ for what I am doing now.

I love 67-72 f100s had 3 myself. Are you on fordification? Keep up the good work!

Yeah, Does not seem to be much interest there.

+1 on interest on the Magic Soap. Located in N Phx. and would love to see it in action.

Stop by to see it in action . . . I am North Phx~ Tatum Dixileta area. Not too far from Sarah Palin . . LOL

Very nice!!! Heck here in Ohio, that would be a pile of rust by now lol. So, its probably a trade secret, but I am very interested in the magic soap.

Chris

Nice looking truck. Now let's hear the details on the magic soap.

Must buy SOAP!

Hows it work on cars with tree sap on them?

Seems a lot of interest in the "Trade Secret" "Magic Soap"
The last time I did share it and went on to show person how its mixed and used the next week he was trying to market it as his own!

Took me 20-30yrs to find the combo and now another 25yrs figuring out how to mix depending on what I am cleaning.

I will share, follow along . . In the Restoration trade its something every shop should not be without. If I knew how to market it I would.

It started out just cleaning everything on a resto that needed cleaning, which usually meant entire car. When people would ask what I was using they would ask and I would just say "Magic Soap". When a person first hears the term they just laugh but after a few uses they too call it magic soap. The name just stuck . . .

 

[lugnut71]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Might as well pull the cab and box and sandblast the whole frame, now is the time.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Another item I use on every resto is Evapo-Rust. I know some people have not had very good luck but its most likely from improper use. Key: Use plastic containers and do not keep parts in for long periods.

Here is a sneak peak at my suspension pieces for this project using Magic Soap and Evapo-Rust. Sandblasting just ruins the finish and once that is done its impossible to get the "original" finish back.

I have had some pieces in the evapo rust now for around 50 min so its time to take them out for inspection. Sure they are done or time for next step . . .

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Might as well pull the cab and box and sandblast the whole frame, now is the time.

LOL! do you have any idea how many "might as wells" I have done already? They sure do get expensive . . Told the wife I only had to rebuild the carburetor. . . I just had to pull the front clip to get to it!

Ideally pulling it down to bare frame and blasting would be key. I am not trying to "restore" the entire truck at this time because of $$ and time along with poor health.

That could happen in future and I very well could prior to January. Right now I have to get the front end back on and go from there.

I already got waaaaay carried away with front end.

As I move along the items I am doing will not have to be re-done should it come to that.

I have to leave at least a little "Patina"

 

[lugnut71]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

It looks very good, you are doing an amazing job. At least pull the cab and sandblast and paint that part. Could clean up the trans. at the same time. Can always pull box later, but now is the time for the cab, There will never be a better or easier time to do it. look forward to the progress.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

It looks very good, you are doing an amazing job. At least pull the cab and sandblast and paint that part. Could clean up the trans. at the same time. Can always pull box later, but now is the time for the cab, There will never be a better or easier time to do it. look forward to the progress.

I would love to but working alone makes it that much more difficult.

I simply do not have the $$ to buy materials to blast or paint. So far all materials used I have had on hand . . .

Not only that but will be lucky to get my $$ back as it is. I know it would elevate the value somewhat but I only have 30days at most to get it done.

I still have to pull entire interior, get front end back together, aprons and core support painted, more primer and block and paint on tailgate . . Repair~Polish trim, Polish all the stainless steel. I can only work a few hours per day . . .

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Small parts detail

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Snorkel~"S" Tube & rebuilt water pump painted in PPG Global base clear.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

The 1st Step of cleaning and detail on original distributor

 

[AZ Garage]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Very good! You should check out FTE, Ford Truck Enthusiasts. They have a lot of good people with great information there!

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum38/

 

[MagKarl]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Great to see you posting again Timewarp.

 

[mtnkrake]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

nice project. I hope you are feeling better.

 

[~smokey~]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Sweet truck, great work ! I saw this one last summer and just had to take some pics it's a 71 with 68 grill.

 

[GTO]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Nice job so far,looking forward to seeing more pictures.

 

[jkherd]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Glad to see you back here and working on your projects again, you were missed.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Thanks All!

Made some decent progress yesterday. Finally had a day where I could go more than a couple hours at a time.

Front frame area finally ready for assembly.

To those wondering about the tinfoil. I cover the lines with split fuel line or heater hose then a quick wrap with tinfoil. Normally there would be nothing on the bare chassis to worry about but have to do this in little steps to make sure I can get it done in time.

I Beam pivot bushings were typical dry from the AZ heat. I guess after 44 yrs it was time to replace. I want this to also be a very mechanically sound truck so do not want to cut any corners even though I will probably not re-coup the costs involved.

 

[bp460]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Timewarp,

I am glad to see you are back working on your projects. Thank you for taking
the time to share with us GJ folks.

If you ever decide to start selling your magic soap, I would like to buy some...
and I am sure many other GJ members would as well.

-Brad

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Bellhousing had a bit of surface rust and wanted to maintain the original cast Iron finish. Dropped it in a huge plastic bin then used filled plastic bottles to displace the fluid so I could use a fraction of the amount. Silly yeah but it works.

End result simply stunning factory cast finish. A few spots of paint markings in blue found.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

Re: 1970 F250 Ranger Project R-S 2014

Did the same thing with the original front springs. Original paint markings again very clear on these items. These markings were used to identify the part on assembly line to build sheet that was used.


Costs more and takes a ton of time vs just sandblasting and painting but I like to keep the "factory" look as once blasted its gone forever. This would not be possible in the rust belt states.