Customs 1954 Ford Ranchero

I've been wanting to build a 54 Ranchero for a while now. It all started about 3 years ago when I was looking for 52-54 Fords for parts and ended up with 2 wagons, 2 Ford sedans and 2 Merc sedans. None of them that complete or nice, but I figured with 6 cars, you should be able to build at least one right?!

I'm starting with a 2 door wagon and using the wrap around sedan rear glass. I told my friend John about my plan and he found this pic and e-mailed it to me.

 

I pulled the body and hammered out the big dents and sent it and the frame to the blasters. Here's some before shots.

 

Now it would be fun enough to just convert it to a Ranchero, so after some rocker panel work, a mild 1-1/2" section was next. And after remarking it about a dozen times, here's what I came up with

 

And this is what happened after my buddy Jerrad and I went after it with some cut off wheels

 

Back on with the top half of the body and mocked up with the door. That's where it's at so far. Drivers door, fenders and wheel wells are next. After that, it's time for the top. And that's when I'll know if I ruined a wagon or not

Deek

 

Lot's of cool pictures on Google Images under "1955 Ford Ute" I thought this pic was a winner. Also since you will have some leftovers from the parts cars,maybe pic#2 might be next??

 

I'll be following this build. HRP

 

This one is going to be fun, sub'd in

 

Sectioning an inch and a half.... and using and sedan rear window!!!
Now you have my attention!

This will be very interesting to watch.

 

Beautiful so far. I like the fact you are using the stock suspension.

 

What no glass top? I kid I kid. Pretty cool so far.

 

Greetings! I think you're going to be disappointed with the way the sedan back glass flows, I think a better choice would re-use the rear portion of the station wagon roof or maybe use the back panel from a mid '50 chevy truck. At this point it would be easy to take some pictures of your car, print out a few copies then "cut and paste" until you like what you see. Best of luck with your project, Mike.

 

I agree that the sedan rear window just doesn't lend itself to a ranchero rear glass. The wagon glass would look better with more correct proportions. The wraparound glass is just too large and round for a short cab.

 

This looks cool!

 

mine is coustom cut glass it's flat so pretty easy to install

 

49 ute, thats one cool ride you have. I dig it.

 

I like the concept and I think you did a fantastic job with the sectioning so I'm sure the metalwork execution will be top notch.

I'm not going to question your plans for a rear window but I will say that there are some really talented photoshop artists on the HAMB who could knock out a couple quick renderings of what it will look like with the sedan window versus wagon window versus something from a donor truck.

Seeing what it will look like done really gives an inspiration to finish it, but also sometimes makes you change your mind on the direction you want to take it.

Also, I've heard that a Victoria windshield is an inch or two shorter than a sedan windshield and can be used in a mild chop without cutting the glass. Not sure if you'd planned anything like that but might be worth mentioning.

Looking forward to seeing more pictures.

 

nice cutting ! Glass top ? I kike that Idea.

 

I love the mild section job, too often guys take way too much out, but I think you nailed it! As for the back window I am not a big fan of using the sedan backlight...why not post some pics in the massive photoshop thread, and ask if some of the guys could do some different renderings for you..I am looking forward to following your progress!!

 

Neat ride Stoke! I would love to see some build pics!

 

Looking good and i plan to follow the progress.

 

49 biz coup was sectioned 4 inches 25 years ago then sat in front of a body shop in FL then years later was chopped 3 inches and cut into a Ranchero there it sat till i found it 5 years ago and did all the running gear

 

Looking great so far....I'll be following along.

 

This might just get interesting, I'm in to follow along.

 

I like how you've sectioned it. I'll follow along to see what you do with it.

 

That sectioning job will have folks scratching their heads "now whats different about this"

 

love that,,,,great job on the section...heres a 56 crown vic ranchero i owned a few years back,,,purchased in primer and had it sprayed pearl white w/ red flaked roof, lowered it, added skirts,,,sold it to some guy in virginia

 

Thanks for the input guys!

I did think about that! But it's too long and would interfere with the slope into the sedan back glass.

I know that using the sedan back glass is a gamble and may seem odd, but I forgot to mention that the top is getting a fairly heavy chop. The chop will help flatten out, or de-bubble, the top. The only problem with a heavy chop is that the lower half of the body will start to look tall, but the 1-1/2" section just too care of that

 

I like it!

Kustom7777- do you have a pic of the rear window?