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Tear Down-
We now begin the total reconstruction of the Fordmuscle Ranchero…
The construction of the 25.2 Certified Chromoly chassis has begun. The Ranchero was put on the frame jig. We set ride height at 7 inches off the ground. It was odd…due to the body lines of the 64/65 Falcons we had to set the back end up 3 degrees! We initially had the rocker set at zero degrees, with the truck dead level the body lines made the ranchero appear to be too low in the rear.
So, that’s when we decided to set the rear up 3 degrees. It was then welded to the jig. The rear of the truck was supported to prevent damage to quarter panels while the old chassis was removed. The biggest part of removal is finished. We will still need to remove a torque box and any remaining metal from old chassis. Then clean up rockers in preparation for the chromoly tubing.
This image show the stance of the Ranchero once the Chromoly chassis is in place. It was welded to the jig at its ride height. The last image shows a section of rocker that will need to be replaced. I drilled out the spot welds, and cut out the bad section, and it will be given a new piece of steel. Wheel is just sitting in there for picture purposes, not that far yet! hehe. Once the rockers are cleaned up and ready, we will then build the new fab 9 rear end and attach the 4-link. This will help find the location for the crossmember. Then the building will begin.
Today I finished drilling out spot welds & cutting out bad rocker sections. I mocked up replacement steel to patch rockers. Both ends of each rocker are to be reinforced to accept the chromoly tubing which will be the foundation of the cage. I also cut the new FAB 9″ rear housing to length and tack welded brackets in place. A little math and geometry and the rear end is starting to look like something that’ suppose to go in a race car!
Mocked up rear suspension to determine about where the 4-link crossmember will be. Once we get the rocker panels patched it will be time for tubing!!! I’m really moving along, unfortunately Holidays and funds are slowing me down at this point. I’m now ready to purchase some chromoly tubing.
