Projects 1949 Shoebox Ranchero Build

That is a piece of automotive art. Great concept and beautiful work. Congrats on building such a nice car.

 

Over the past couple weeks I rebuilt the steering box, put in a steering linkage upgrade kit, camber adjustment kit, raised the rear 1”, Raptored the box sides and this morning laid vinyl planking on the floor. Just took it for a 5 mile cruise and it’s much improved. Even had it up over 65 mph. No wandering. Need to finish the exhaust.

 

Tonneau cover looks good on there. I am really impressed with your work. Love it Frank

 

One of the nicest Ranchero conversions I've ever seen; you really got the proportions right. I don't know about the tailgate hinge covers, they look a bit bulky, but all the rest is stellar.

Super!

 

Beautiful build Jake. It just looks right!

 

I had to go back and take a 2nd look. I didn’t even notice the hinge covers. I think they work well with the era and I have to agree that the truck looks stellar!
With

 

I have already agreed and looking back at the early chevy ones into the early 60's they just let the hinges show and look way worse than the treatment here.

 

Jake, did you glue the vinyl down in the bed or use fasteners? Congrats on your progress.

 

it is self adhesive. We’ll see how it lasts.

 

I like the tailgate bib!

 

So those who have followed this from the beginning know there was lots of discussion about the hinges. I’ve had mixed thoughts on it all along. So this morning I made a simple sheet metal cover for the right side. I’ll add a poll so you can all join in. Only two options.

 

The poll went in at the top of page 1.

 

The smaller cover looks way better....

 

I like the way the larger hinge cover is similar to the license plate light cover.

 

I would either go with the smaller version or find a way to mimic the license plate trim without as much drop on the ends.

That would be similar to an old style drawer pull, which might actually be an option.

 

I like the hinge cover on the left. I was sort of wondering why the hinge couldn't be moved into the tailgate flush with the outside surface? If it's a piano style hinge I would think that could be done?

 

The left one just flows with the rest of the design, didn't notice them in the earlier pictures.

 

I vote left.

 

The original ones (left) look so much more period correct. Flowing lines like what the factory would have produced.

 

In this situation left is the way to go.

 

I’m in the left camp as well!

 

Me too.

 

These might work https://www.ballsrodandkustom.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=66

 

Visible tailgate hinges disappeared off Ford wagons in 1949 (and most other wagons too), never to be seen again. I was more than a bit surprised to see exposed hinges given that. So they certainly aren't 'period correct'...

Personally, while I think the left side is far too bulky/tall for the styling, the minimalist right side is a bit plain looking. Something styled similar to the right but much smaller/lower profile would look better.

Fully concealing them would have looked factory. It appeared to me there was enough room to do so.

 

The little red Ranchero Emblem on the tailgate is perfect,love it.

 

I won’t get into a discussion on the hinges again. You’ll have to go back to the beginning if you want the whole story. They are the way they are because of the crown of the bottom of the tailgate.

 

in this instance , left is right, the left one looks perfect for that era.

 

10 years later. Granted different make but certainty not most other wagons. We are discussing Rancheros and the like, not wagons.
By the way here is a wagon.

 

Left hinge cover

 

The left side just looks right. (Pun intended) Stay with how you built it.