Posts: 953
From:Antelope, CA
Registered: Jun 99

posted 02-21-2000 02:09 AM               

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Does anyone drag race Rancheros (SS or other classes)? If so, what years do they use? I know they are at a disadvantage with the lack of weight on the rear wheels. If I get this internship I want to build a classic drag racer (but will be streetable) and was saying the other day I wanted a truck also so why not combine the two? :>) The guy who gave me the 289 is building a '63 or '64 Ranchero drag racer/cruiser with a narrowed 9" w/ disk brakes (narrowed Bronco 9", custom axles, Explorer disk brakes), 4 link rear suspension, rear tubs (actually just brought the wheel wells in), rack and pinion steering with Granada front disks, floorboard and firewall of a '67 Mustang (for the tunnel), built AOD, 5.0 EFI, etc. He is having to do a lot of fabrication work (he does everything). I could probably get this guy to do the wheel wells like his. He had a very nice '56 Ranchero w/ a 351C that he sold. So what year should one use so they dont have to do a lot of fabrication work for a V8 (looking at a 351W w/ a C4 probably :>) or should I just look into another classic Ford? What non Mustang (cost too much here unless I luck into a good buy :>) would you guys and gals like to see in street/strip form? Could get my uncles '73 Mustang coupe w/ a 351C but would rather have something I would like to show off :>) plus it has major electrical problems (among other things :>). Thanks all for any info and opinions.

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Tim
1965 Mustang coupe, 200 ci w/ a Holley 2300
come.to/65mustang

IP: 165.87.14.198

Posts: 112
From:Enon Valley PA USA
Registered: Feb 2000

posted 02-21-2000 02:19 AM               

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Tim, I have never seen a Ranchero S/SS car, and only a very few in brackets. I follow S/SS racing closely from all over, and do not know of any. I only know of 1 Chebbie El Camino (283/220-235), and it runs SS/LA and MA, so possibly a Ranchero would be a similar class.

IP: 207.18.95.22

Posts: 628
From:Delta BC Canada
Registered: Dec 99

posted 02-21-2000 03:12 AM               

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i raced my 67 390 4spd Ranchero a lot...i even was going to build an H/S class racer out of it,but it was not listed in the guide for classification,all other years and engines were,i am sure it was an oversight.
Anyways,the "light on the back end" crap? the Ranchero is 100lbs heavier than the same year Fairlane (Falcons too i'm sure) and yet is shorter wheelbase.
It is the same car from the doors forward,so obviously that extra weight is on the rear,the tailgate and double walled box add it all.If there is a disadvantage it may be that a roll bar is more difficult,having rear braces go thru the back window.

I think the Ranchero is a great one for that purpose.

IP: 209.167.211.234

Posts: 5980
From:norfolk,va usa
Registered: May 99

posted 02-21-2000 05:35 PM               

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Tim,
how about Classic Nascar Truck Racing
sam

IP: 209.240.200.63

Posts: 953
From:Antelope, CA
Registered: Jun 99

posted 02-21-2000 09:25 PM               

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Thanks all for the info, keep it coming :>). BTW, that should have been a '57 not '56 Ranchero. TomP, the guy who is building the Ranchero knows the ppl at the local 1/4 mile here and they said as long as he didnt go very fast they wouldnt bug him, so he isnt installing a roll cage (you would think with the rest of the stuff he is doing he would but he gave me a reason but I have since forgotten [it had something to do with the rear window] :>). He said he was going to look at other possibilities. I guess his must be a '63 as he wouldnt have a problem with the tunnel in a '64-5. I guess with a roll cage going through the rear window a Lexan rear window would be the best option.

Sam, when would I get to actually get to race a Nascar type classic truck? :>) Hmm, a road racing Ranchero, think I could keep up with the Shelbys and Boss'? :>)

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Tim
1965 Mustang coupe, 200 ci w/ a Holley 2300
come.to/65mustang

IP: 208.171.196.30

Posts: 5980
From:norfolk,va usa
Registered: May 99

posted 02-21-2000 11:10 PM               

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Tim for you buddy..I'll buy NASCAR and set-up your own division,,

sam

IP: 209.240.200.113