Blogger Fail - Going to have to recreate this!

Bummer! I thought I was downloading my Blog to pull data elsewhere to supported tool. Instead it unpublished all my posts, and reposted as todays date. And all my pictures are gone. Makes me sad. BUT I will try to recreate it with my spare time. My Ranchero Restore from Salvage Title started in 2007.

The Goods on 'Nameless'

It was great spending some quiet time with 'Nameless' today.

I have 2-pages of notes which I will translate in detail later...but to get started...I wrote down anything that had a name or number.

It sat in a storage for at least a year and is over 50 years old so I Lubed up the moving parts. Added some oil for the 'test' to see if the engine would turn over and was not seized. ...I was able to fiddle with the hood a bit and lube it up and got it close and open with the pulley inside the car. The fan for the radiator was not turning so I lubed it up and that loosened it up and than I discovered a bad washer that should be replaced but it now turns freely. I pulled the pieces that were left on the rear tail light and straightened out the plate that was all bent. The damage from the accident will make this one a difficult task and I may rig up a temporary solution just to keep the cops happy till it can be done right.

Has:

Clock

Radio (TBD if works)

Heater / Gauges

Hoses and Fan for radiator

Edelbrock

Aif Filter: PZA170056S21083 (Canada)

Radiator Mounts to frame " between mounts 26" x 11"

Holley

Echlin VR 428 Voltage Regulator

Cornell 855 Ties P215175R14 - All 4 tires have great tread!

SJ85808 - part TBD right drivers side corner

EBV85942 - radiator hose attached to part

5780796 - number on engine behind fan and their was a symbol inside a circle.

It was hard to read the numbers so I grabbed some paper and a pencil and ran over it - it made it a little easier to translate.

By the time I had this all noted. One of 'Nameless' new friends stopped by. He was very excited about the car and generally a Chevy man but 'Nameless' charmed him and he really appreciated her rear end. A few other items he added to the 'has' list: Painless Wiring Harness, Fuel Pump - electric is set-up for already / Vacuum lines tapped up, 7 springs on rear, 3-speed, Ford 9"

He also noted that what I thought was just PAINT OVER THE TRIM was Fiberglass Bondo OVER THE TRIM which I really can't believe they did over the trim - they should have taken it off!

And he noticed the threads on the steering wheel piece were messed up a bit...When the car got towed over behind a pick-up I was given a vice grip to steer with and it may have messed things up because it roughed up the threads for the steering wheel - hopefully not to bad.

He did the 'test' to see if the engine would turn over and it DID! Yeh, that is a good thing and with the proper tools the 'test' wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be - 'turning over' seemed like a big to do. More on the how to later...

Craftsman Tool set - Right of Passage

Ok, so I got a decent size 'Craftsman' tool set and went to get something out of it today to find that everything was bundled up in plastic bags.

Thought I would just put it together before going to bed tonight and found there was very little reason why some stuff was in one bag and other pieces in the other...plus, trying to read the slot names...

ha!ha! is this some odd sort of 'right of passage' -

thee who completes the kit will service their way to freeing himself from the plastic box in the near future by going out and buying a tool box with trays.

And you know one false move picking up the plastic case and everything will fall out! I haven't finished putting it together and the inventory looks a little off (not sure if that happens) but I would almost pay some kid to do this for me.

But on a positive note I was happy to find yesterday that I had most of the other tools I needed already buried away in my closet. Except for the Volt Meter which I also had to buy with the 'Craftsman' set. I have been an odd tool whore over the years, not knowing why I kept them but now I am glad I did.

Photo of the Engine

A special surprise today!

I got a special surprise today in the mail from a Birch Bay Cowboy - a taillight lens, a back-up light and 2-fender mirrors for the 59. I am delighted and inspired by the warm welcome I have received into the Ranchero family. A warmth that seems to be prevalent with all the enthusiasts I have interacted with a cross the country.

Maybe the world would be a better place if more people drove 'classics'.


I use to have a 69 Overlander - Airstream ( I cried the night I sold her and wished today I kept her)... but I felt that same sense of community. And as one of the youngest owners that I bumpt into at twenty something of age it was a great feeling that age didn't matter either.


For me personally and maybe for others I appreciate the sense of history it offers... a connection to a time past and lives past that seems more tangible than 'this' world that seems to be as disposable as a Big MAC box and tastes just as bad going down. With very few real opportunities for human connections today its ironic that some aged steal could create such a spark between people.


A special someone in my life also introduced me to the world of VW Vans and the 'hand wave' that almost all of them offer in passing...it may transcend into other breeds of cars too but its just another sign of humanity behind the wheel...

WANTED: PARTS LIST/TO DO

1. Radiator (kinda got it! 7/15, from 59' Edsel - needs to be re-cored)
   
2. Fuel Pump (got it!)
   
3. Steering Wheel (got it! 7/15)
4. Gauges (Tack etc.) (got 2 now, 9/17 got one with fuel gauge)
   
5. Ignition switch (check! got it from a friend of 'Nameless')
   
6. Battery Tray (got it! 7/15)
7. Battery (got it!)
   
8. Ashtray (got it! 7/15)
9. Windshield wipers - all parts needed. (got it! 9/17)
   
10. Finish Pop-locks (scratch that got all new doors)
    
11. All Door Hardware - latches etc. (got it! 9/17)
    
12. Front Grill (custom made on the way...)
    
13. Rear Bumper (got it! 7/15)
    
14. Side Mirrors ( got it! 7/15 - extra got in the mail 8/24)
    
15. Tail-light Lense (8/24 got in the mail! from a friend of 'Nameless')
    

More Surprises!!

So this really amazing thing happened Friday night. Someone forwarded me an add from Craigslist. I didn't recognize the email but the ad was for parts for a 1959 RANCHERO!! I immediately called the person who placed the ad because there was a few things I needed. I scheduled an appointment the next day. Was in SF Saturday night and stayed up too late but was totally excited to wake up and go get my parts. The gent selling the parts was a very gracious car enthusiast/mechanic for pre-72 cars. He had purchased the Ranchero to find too much of it was rusted out for a restoration. I totally lucked out in many regards with extra items he threw in just to get them out of his garage but also because another buyer didn't show to buy all the steering / power steering parts! I loaded what would fit in my car and made a second trip tonight. Once again I am amazed by this wonderful car community.

Head to Toe Body Shots

http://www.networkgirl.com/images/Nameless/index1.htm

Head to Toe Body Shots...Sexy...

Part of this...

Part of this adventure with 'Nameless' is to discover who she is or really who she wants to be. Now I really thought when I got this car it would sit for a long time under a cover but I don't think that is going to happen...things are just happening in a way that won't allow it. I have been looking around on line to find something that clicks in regards to where she can go - there is 100% restorations, mild custom approaches and going Rat Rod.

In my own life I am a mix of many things, practical, minimal accessories with single focal points, few cool things to keep people guessing and all about black. Now in my mind 'Nameless' chose me out so she got to like that style.

This picture totally jumped out at me today:



This one jumped out at me yesterday:

But I do respect 'Nameless' for what she is already with the Rat Rod style of the red rims and white-wall etc. I think it will be a little of this and a little of that to make her unique unto herself.

Nameless gets some bling

I made this from the extra gauge panel trim and a broken Ranchero emblem

Bay Area Ranchero Meet-up Sunday, October 15th

Bay Area Ranchero Meet-up Sunday, October 15th
We are planning to meet-up in the parking lot of the Alameda, Calif. Swap Meet. http://www.turnkeyprod.com/showdates.html

Contact me for more info.
info@thenetworkgirl.com

Rust and Power Tools

Yesterday, I scraped off rust from the inside of my roof with a wire brush and wiped it down with paint thinner for any extra oils and dirt. And, yes my arms hurt a bit the next day.

Today I pulled out my dads old overalls, bandanna, ball cap worn backwards, face mask and safety goggles (had a doctors face shield/mask but went with goggles but they fogged up a bit) and set-out to use the "Eastwood Rust Encapsulator Black Aerosol 16 oz. Item No. 16060 Z" on the inside of my roof. I considered using "POR-15" but considering the application being upside down I went for the Aerosol.

Before the application I lined the inside of my car with a plastic drop sheet, I should have went to the store to get painters tape but I used what I had on hand a box of binder clips which actually worked out perfectly (pictures will be posted later).

The spray went on really well! By the time I left it looked like it would dry evenly and only need one coat. I managed to get one smudge of paint on my face, unfortunately some up my noise the mask that I had did not keep the particles out, even being outside the fumes were definitely getting me high. So as more painting is needed I will get a better mask.

This took me very little time so I went back to the door hardware project. Empowered with a door handle removal tool certain things became much easier. I was only out done today because of my power tool! I got a Ryobi 7v which is not going to be beefy enough to get me thru a day since I don't currently have power right near the vehicle. I got about 3-screws on the door panels that are beyond screwing out naturally. I was able to use a drill bit (after breaking one) to get the first one out. If I wasn't so intent on moving this part of the project along I should probably go out and buy a hole saw but than I got to think about sizes etc. It appears I made it past the threads with no problem and if the other one's don't work out well these parts can be welded down because they don't need to come off again in my life time.

PS. I learned that 'Deep Woods Off' gets POR-15 off skin. I am sure I will end up using POR-15 on other parts and I will try that if my paint gear doesn't protect me.

One Door Done, another to go...

I was graced with some wonderful assistants today and one of my doors now locks and closes with the orginal hardware.

This is really a great project I have taken on. Some were a little skepticle at first unsure why the heck I would do such a random thing like purchase a project car. But being outdoors, getting dirty and meeting wonderful talented people - who wouldn't want to do it?

I am excited to take on each little project. I might not know how to do it like the pros but by working with people, asking questions and just going for it I am learning a lot.

Its like being back in school and its giving my brain a healthy work out.

West Coast Rancheros

And so it begins...I am starting a club

Freeze Plugs Replaced

Before Photo
Engine freeze plugs replaced on Nameless 12/17/06.

Freeze plug

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Freeze plugs are a subset of the plugs on a car engine cylinder block or cylinder head. The traditional plug is a thin, domed, disc of metal which fits into a machined hole in the casting and is secured by striking or pressing the centre to expand the disc.

A true Freeze Plug is an expansion plug located in the side of an engine block that is supposed to protect the block against freeze damage. Water expands when it turns to ice, and if the coolant doesn't have enough antifreeze protection it can freeze and crack the engine block. The freeze plugs (there are usually several) are supposed to pop out under such conditions to relieve the pressure on the block.

Most of the plugs to be found on an engine are actually to plug the holes where sand cores have been held. The sand cores are used in the casting process to form internal cavities in the engine block or cylinder head, for cooling water for example, and so should really be refered to as core plugs.

Freeze/core plugs can often be a source of troublesome leaks as a result of internal cooling system corrosion. Ease of replacement depends on accessibility. In many cases the plug area will be difficult to reach and using a mallet to perform maintenance or replacement will be nearly impossible without special facilities. Expanding rubber plugs are available as replacements when access is a problem.

A variety of block heater called a "freeze plug heater" can be installed, replacing the freeze plugs, to warm the engine before start up.

Talk about Plug Replacements

000001, Nameless Begins, Again

000001



Care of
'Classic Hot-Rod Performance'

The Girl Behind the Car

Cow Palace January 2007 - Hot Rod Portion of the Show, I like my 'Jack'

6/18/06 Impromptu photos shoot at an SF Car show with one of the car club boys. My boyfriend was getting filmed for --> YahooCurrents
I went to ask the car club boy to turn down his radio while they were filming, he said, 'go ahead and turn it off yourself' and that's when one of the event photographers set up the shots.

Front End Complete

I did all the wiring for the headlights, and front turn signals.



Got the bumper on. That was a two person and a floor jack job. The bumper is very heavy and trying to get all the pieces and bolts to line up is a task on its own. The bezels needed to be buffed up to go with the 'new' front bumper. I used the wheel and some fine cleaner. The bumper is 'new' thanks to a connection CHP has, that took 3 bumper cores and traded for an immaculate one.

I switched out the tires that were on loan with the brand new wheels that were hand painted by Mike Taylor from Gemini Motors (BTW: he does complete restoration work as well in the East Bay, Alameda miketaylor@geminimotors.us)





The Scuff plates I had were pretty beat up so I got to use a dolly and a hammer to get it back into shape. Finished the painting of the rear view mirror (inner part is black to go with interior/outer engine red for some bling), scuff plates and windshield wiper motor.

This all took about 6 hrs. Its amazing how time consuming this stuff can be especially when they just don't go back on like they come off...or the replacement screws and clips just aren't right...or if parts are flying thru the air.

Home-Made Recycled Kick-Plates

Made from recycled sign foam core from my work, recycled fabric and a cardboard pattern I put together myself. Lots of adhesive and trimming, found a perfect fit...









Dum-Dum and plastic

Engine After

After




Before

Wheel me Baby

Ok, after work at my companies warehouse I have been starting the wheel restoration project. Filed out most of the cracks yesterday...today started to use the POR-15 to fill in the cracks (not a good project to start in my work clothes). So far I have learned a little goes a long way. I also went for the big-missing piece chip first. More to come...on the progress. Luckily, I have another wheel to use in the car till this is done....it may take me a while.

This...

This almost kept my car off the road...because of the lamp inspection for the DMV. More to come on this story.

Day 1 - on the road to Vegas

1st Stop




Barbie came out in 1959 - seemed like an appropriate 'mascot' for a trip to Hooters casino (where car show was)






Peggy Sue's - Quickest Burger ever made in the world...scary...






Baker, only 98 degrees





Great (Digital) - Juke-box



Love their hot-wings and Blue Hawaiians

Day 2 - Las Vegas 50th Ranchero Anniversary

Girl Meets Boy! Meow, Nameless makes a new friend that makes her pop her hood...





Look at all the pretty Rancheros that came together to celebrate the 50th Anniversary.



The Girls are ready to go cruise the strip - going to see the Coasters, the platters and the drifters at the Sahara.

It was a HOT ride. The 4-core radiator, driving with the hood partially up and running the heater kept her from overheating in bumper to bumper traffic. It was 130 degrees inside the cab.

This was the only POTENTIAL problem of the whole trip and she did just fine.

Day 3 - Road Trip home via Los Angeles

After hanging out at the Venice Drum Circle Sunset - Marina Del Rey. Ate at my favorite Rest. C&O LOVE those Garlic Rolls. Ended the evening at a Santa Monica bar**, was at the table next to JOHN CUSSACK, doesn't get much cooler than that.

**Jonathan, this is none other than the famous Chez Jays**

Friends of Nameless Nationwide

So now I know people actually read my Blog with some regularity...
This email made my day:

"About a year ago, I picked up a '59 Ranchero that was in dire need of TLC. In the process of acquiring data and ideas for the overhaul, I came across your blog about your '59 Nameless (which, when you think about is actually a name, but I digress). I've followed, on your blog,
your progress in finding parts and doing some restoration since then. Meanwhile, my own project has fallen further and further behind, as I came to the realization that , basically, the car's a wreck. It appears to have been partially restored by the owner of Bondo, INC., who, I have reason to believe, was demented as well.

As you are no doubt aware, the world's a small place. It turns out my son and his wife live...right next door to you...

The whole purpose of this note is to say we, my wife and I, are making a trip out there from New Hampshire, next week and thought might be kind of cool to meet you and your car. ( Well, I don't suppose the car would much care, but it would be kind of interesting for us humans.)"

His Ranchero in New Hampshire.

Nameless Gets her 1st tune-up by me

With some wonderful guidance I gave Nameless her first tune-up since the rebuild. Adjusted/checked the points, throttle and timing. Changed the oil. Checked the spark plug gaps some carbon. Fun stuff, but made for a long day after my regular work.

Nameless Gets her 1st tune-up by me

With some wonderful guidance I gave 'Nameless' her first tune-up by me. Adjusted/checked the points, throttle and timing. Changed the oil. Checked the spark plug gaps some carbon. Fun stuff, but made for a long day after my regular work.

Mike from GeminiMotorWorks diagnosed the odd noise I heard on the way back from the Vegas trip as the U-Joints which need to be replaced. I climbed under the car to take a look at the situation...



http://wikipedia.cas.ilstu.edu/index.php/Universal_joint

New Gear Ratio 279

Carburetor Research (2023)

The Final Replacement Carb --
1970-1971 Ford Truck Autolite Carburetor *Remanufactured ###

After diagnosing seems time for a Carburetor. Being told just buy a new one from “Summit” rather than a rebuild.  CA 10 Percent Ethanol, eating away at Old Cars.

It Is a 1971 Ford 302 Autolite 2100 Carburetor

 

Tag Translation:

 

From the Tag all I can translate is it’s from the 70s (the letter D)

 

Autolite 

 

Carb originally was designed for a 1971 Econoline.

D1=1971

U=Econoline

F=Electrical Engineering Dept. (electrical choke)

Base/callout number, not shown is 9510

SA revision and sub-application 

A=January

01=Day (New Years Day)

It was designed for a 1971 Econoline with 302 Engine and manufactured on January 1,1973

The 302 was the only V8 offered in a 1973 Econoline.

 

Note:

 

Punching the tag into Google comes up with random stuff; you need to find a translator breakdown link.

ie: 

https://www.carburetion.com/fordnumber.htm

##

 

Other General Notes:

2 barrel Carburetor

Electric Choke (Holley)

Application is 1959 Ranchero

The Engine - 292 V8 Small/Big Block

VIN Code: C

292 cid (4.78 litre)

Edelbrock is just on the air-filter cover (no application).

Diaphragm replaced 9/12/2023

Note: Ford is a Square Replacement Part (Dorman Part # 90082)

Not to be mixed up with the Holley which is Rectangular

New Observation from FB Ford Group:

"The adapter plate under the carb looks to be an aftermarket 2 to 4 barrel . That's not a ford piece in under that 2100 ford carb . The engine could have originally came with a 4 barrel is what I am wondering either way the adapter being used as a spacer would still be the wrong spacer for that engine . Which could be adding to your fuel issue."

Power Steering Parts 59 Ranchero

Got my rebuild from here: 


Straight Line Steering, Inc.
1802 Smith Ave.
San Jose, California 95112
408-289-9850
Fax # 408-995-5942

Straight Line Steering specializes in manufacturing and remanufacturing:

Power Steering Gears
Manual Steering Gears
Power Steering Pumps
Control Valves
Steering Cylinders
Rack and Pinions

Notes:

Distributor - Ford or Light Truck 56-54, 55-52 (FD8182)

Details:
432 (Stamped) FAE-12127-A2 (Cast)

.015 GAP
1 1/8 " Wrench for Oil Drain Plug.

Valve Cover Gaskets # per 1282 / 1281

Big B Valve Covers: 866-392-BigB #BBA7541

Tribute to East LA Max RIP July 2008

On the way back from Ink and Iron stopped over in East LA for a BBQ. I noticed the neighbor had tons of cars and after a lack-luster car show in Long Beach I wanted to go check them out. Found out the guys name was Max. Went knocking on the door and this kids come out on the deck looking at us and we asked for him. He comes out and I told him if he had the time I would love to meet his cars. A girl was starring at us, he said ' that's my daughter but she acts like my wife'. He was an old-school leather face Mexican and I describe him that way with MUCH RESPECT. You could just tell he was a man who has seen the times.

He went to each and every car and gave me the story that went with them. He was such a traditionalist he took everything back original. Including disk brakes back to drum brakes. I told him about our break down on the way to Long Beach and he said if you ever need help in LA that we knew where to come. I was so tickled about meeting him knowing I left with a piece of history.

He very recently died in a car accident in Texas, he was crushed by the steering wheel, no seatbelt. I found out about this on my birthday. It really struck me. What I have taken away from this is how very important it is to talk to people about what they love, strangers or not, so that a piece of them and what they love will always have a place to be.

Especially, the older cats because cars are a way of life that is deeply rooted in our history and we really are the keepers of the stories of this way of life. It isn't coming back again and especially in the form of traditionalist. One may ponder if a seat belt would have made the difference but somethings going to get us one day and knowing that he was doing exactly what he wanted the way he wanted is as good as its going to get in the end. In this time of grief I hope the best for the family and that they can carry on his traditions.

Pictures of Max's Loves.

Took My Hot Rear to the Mustang Ranch.

Really I did...the story goes like this...(skip to the end if you want to hear what happened to the car skip to the end)

I was driving to Long Beach for Ink and Iron with Miss Cris. I thought I smelt something but than we blamed it on Semi-Truck brakes. She mentioned coffee..talked about getting coffee didn't. Next stop 38 miles. Ranchero seemed to kick-down a gear than I was hearing a whirling sound when I hit 70. Made it to the next stop - Coalinga. Open the hood, had some oil burn from the warped valve covers. But than I kept smelling something...looked at the rear and she was SMOKIN!

Knew this was no good. Went to a shop across the way and he said I needed to take it to Fresno for a chance at parts. Had friends at home lending moral support, Miss Cris was totally positive and we had folks from 'The Wanderers' car club in Fresno paving the way for our grand entrance into town. Called AAA, thank god I had auto-pay set because my Gold membership expired the day before. Spent the next 55 mins. calling around to shops. The tow truck driver thought the tranny may have problems to from all the fluid on the ground so I was trying to find a place that would look at both - no one would, especially once they heard '59 ford' because of 'the parts' I kept trying to tell them its a 9" rear everyone still works on these babies. Didn't help it was Friday at noon and no one really had much interest in getting us back on the road that day. After calling a dozen places got referred to the MUSTANG RANCH. Turns out to be a alley shop, with a salvage yard and rows of axels on a shelf - I knew I hit pay dirt. They offered a reasonable hourly rate but couldn't get to it till Monday.

I had already called our hotel in Long Beach and they wouldn't let us cancel so I had to make a decision...so we went and got a rental car. All they had left was full-size trucks a Dodge and a Ford. In honor of Nameless I went with the F150-Ford 4x4. I have to admit I felt like a bad ass and the air condition was a bonus. I kissed Nameless goodbye and we were off. Only to discover a tomato the crisis and the increasing gas prices along the way.

Ink and Iron certainly wasn't worth bringing the car to! There was very few cars there. It was fun to check out for the day but we called BullSh@t on Sunday and drove to Hollywood for Safari Sams Rockabilly Brunch.

From there we proceeded to East LA for a Tee Pee BBQ, met a neighbor who could have his own car show and stayed in our spiffy F10 motel - (got to see it to believe it).

Monday, back at the Mustang Ranch round 1 they were putting the finishing touches. The Diagnostic: Last owner had a drive shaft that was too long. There was NO Fill hole. All the focus on my car has been on the front end. No one noticed this and after 4,300k of my miles on top of who knows how many miles before I got her she was running dry. He said that if it was night time the rear axel would have been glowing it was so hot AND we were lucky it didn't get the gas tank. He replaced the center piece and had a shorter yoke to compensate for the shaft.

We were on the road by two in the blazing heat. Man we missed the air conditioning a little bit but its all part of the adventure.

MORAL of the story:

- Don't book a hotel room in advance if you can avoid it

- Try to leave a day or two before a weekend

- Don't plan to make it back to work on Monday

- Shits going to happen, be sure you have friends with you who understand and maintain a network of car enthusiasts along the way

- Bring a credit card or plan to spend several days having friends try to help out (LOVE YA for offering)

#1 Rule of Hot Rodding - never leave your car behind...YES, I know I cheated with the rental car but I ask forgiveness because I did leave her in good hands and not the Shell station on the corner.

Brake Job

Ok, ya...I became one of those people working on the car hours before I head-out for a road trip...

More to come on the Brake Job and SANTA MARIA...