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California To New York: 1962 Ford Ranchero

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Regular Barn Finds readers know I love me some Falcon-based Ranchero! My first automotive memories are from the inside of a 1963 Falcon wagon, and I love my pickup so much maybe it’s a dream woven from those two memories! In any case, this is a pretty nice looking driver Ranchero that’s had the same owner (third one) for the last 10 years. Thanks to Jim S. for sending us this great find!

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I’m pretty sure I don’t agree with the seller’s interpretation of “rust free.” It looks like there is some covered up corrosion along the rocker panel, and there’s a strange riveted patch on the other side right beyond the rear wheel well. That being said, Wimbledon White always looks good on 1960’s Fords! The seller tells us that they purchased the vehicle from California and have never used it in the salt now that they are in Southampton, New York.

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There’s that patch I was talking about. If you are going to take the time to fabricate a nice patch like that, why not weld it in place properly? This shot does do a nice job of showing off the bed, which the seller maintains can carry 850 pounds. That’s a pretty decent amount for a truck this small, don’t you think?

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That’s a pretty nice interior for a driver! The red and white combination really works for me, and somehow the faded carpet just blends right in (red + white = pink!) The seller is claiming 67,000 miles. What do you think? Based on the interior it might be possible, but I’m not sure myself.

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If you can convince me that the valve cover and air cleaner paint are original, then maybe I’ll believe that low mileage claim. It does appear that there have been some radiator cap or overheating issues, although I suppose that could just be old age. The newish battery, modern plug wires and clean oil filter are all indicators that the seller’s claim of regular use is true, although with a three on the three I’m not sure I’d want to be in a lot of stop and go traffic. If you have become intrigued by this Ranchero, take a look at the auction here on eBay, where the buy-it-now is $5,650 but who knows, maybe the seller would consider a lower offer?

Comments

  1. Avatar Vince Habel

    There is a patch on the left quarter too. The rest looks pretty nice. A bit under powered.

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  2. Avatar L.M.K.

    I’m also a big fan of this era of Falcon in white . Guaranteed it’ll need a bit of cosmetic welding and at least patch painting, maybe more, so the price will need to be negotiated a bit….

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  3. Avatar sparkster

    Drove a 63′ wagon to college in the mid 70’s. fun little car to drive with a three on the tree. Fast ? Never ! spending tickets ? never ! Then I bought an RD 400 and got speeding tickets

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  4. Avatar PaulG

    By far the worst vehicle I’ve ever owned was a 60 Ranchero…in forty plus years of car collecting and driving, that’s saying something.
    I’ll pass

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  5. Avatar JimmyinTEXAS

    Ever since I have seen this build thread on The H.A.M.B. I have to look at this model Falcon in a different light….
    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/63-falcon-build-thread-stockcar-for-the-street.781356/

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  6. Avatar Keith

    Rangoon Red interior! I had the same color on my4 spd. 289 Hi-Po Fairlane Sports Coupe

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  7. Avatar DENIS

    Back in the day, my buddy raced a ’60 Ranchero w a hi-po 289/4 spd/5:xx gears, it was badass. He later replaced it w a Boss 302 but I never saw it run…I like ’em…

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  8. Avatar Geoff S.

    Lovely little truck. I would drive it just the way it is, and enjoy the cool patina. Someone needs to get it off that damp island, though, before the rust sets in.

    I am amused when these ads include MPG; who cares? If you going to drive old iron, you know it’s going to cost you money. I sure don’t drive my 57 Olds to save gas!

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  9. Avatar Parkerdo

    Would love to have it. Even though it originally came from California, 10 years of New York winters is worrisome. I’m a little leery of the fact there are no photos of the undercarriage.

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  10. Avatar Marvin

    The valve cover and air cleaner absolutely appear stock. That shade of red was the color for the 170 C.U.I six. Blue for the 144 and black for the 200. I owned a ’62 Ranchero and would again. I took a hopped up 200 from a dirt track ’61 sedan and made it better. But that was a long time ago….

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  11. Avatar renzo

    The 144/170 was absolutely the worst engine Ford produced(at least up to that time)
    3 MAIN BEARINGS !! and an integral intake(cast into the head) that could neither be changed nor could it breathe. A year later the 260/289 Falcons changed everything

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  12. Avatar chad

    7 mains were nxt, renzo (’65 – ’96)
    the 170 wuz a lill tractor!
    folks in the know get 10 & 11 sec 1/4 mi B4 addin the turbo.
    I’d put the ‘restomod’ on it w/just frnt discs and a T5.
    Schjeldahl bros put the 250 inem…

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