
In August 2019 I started work on fixing up an old 1966 Ford Ranchero. There were a total of three of us that planned on taking some old cars on a cruise of Route 66 - the entire length, from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California - beginning around the end of March 2022 and ending up back home around the end of April 2022. When the car was close to being "complete", before the trip back to Chicago, we took a few short road trips to try and find any unexpected problems. After a couple of those small trips, we left for Chicago using the interstates on March 26, 2022, left Chicago on April 1, 2022, started driving Route 66 only, and arrived in Santa Monica April 15, 2022, 15 days total. We then drove back home (Phoenix) the next day, April 16, 2022, for a total trip time of 22 days and 12 hours.
The links below are places I have used when trying to get this car road worthy. Even though it can be fun, this car is rare and getting parts gets time consuming and expensive fast.
The links below are places I have used when trying to get this car road worthy. Even though it can be fun, this car is rare and getting parts gets time consuming and expensive fast.
User Groups
Forums can be very helpful when researching a problem, how to fix something, where to find parts, etc.
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Ranchero.US
http://www.ranchero.us/forum/index.php
Some forums are available for general classic car help, but this one focuses on just Rancheros, any year.
Places To Buy Stuff From
Here are a few of the places I have used when buying Ranchero parts and fixing up my Ranchero in some way. Some are local, some are not, but they have all helped me get the parts, supplies and labor that I needed.
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Maaco Auto Body Shop & Painting - Deer Valley, AZ
https://www.maaco.com/locations/az/phoenix-12291/
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2222 W. Deer ValleyPhoenix, AZ 85027(602)842-6150
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NUS, Inc. (Upholstery) - Mesa, AZ
https://nusinc.us//
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2140 W. Broadway Rd. Suite 103Mesa, AZ 85202(775)722-6487
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RhinoPro Truck Outfitters
https://rhinoprous.com/
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1050 N Fairway Dr Building G Suite 105Avondale, AZ 85323,(480)372-0723
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Valley Spring Service
http://valleyspringservice.com/
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2542 E Jefferson StPhoenix, AZ 85034(602)275-0445
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C&G Early Ford Parts
https://cgfordparts.com/
These guys were a lifesaver! I was able to find almost all my suspension parts here. I also found some very hard to find other parts as well, like visor clips, dome light assembly, door handle clips, etc. -
RPS - Restoration Parts Source
https://restorationpartssource.com/
I had a real hard time finding the right fuel tank for this vehicle. Everyone else tried to sell a Mustang tank or the station wagon tank. I bought the fuel tank and mounting straps here with no problems with installation at all. -
Eckler's Automotive Restoration & Performance Parts
https://www.ecklers.com/
What I couldn't find at C&G Early Ford Parts I found here. They had a speedometer cable, glove box bumpers, transmission tunnel hump sheet metal, hose for my fuel filler neck, heater core, battery tray, etc.