No seats in the back though.
My 76 Torino Country Squire could fit like 10 people, not comfortably.
Ford had this done on the Fairmont wagon too, Durango, but that thing was useless for a truck.
Three in the front bench seat
Three in the middle seat and two or three in the way back seat ,
Way back was always fun since those seats usually faces backwards
Suburbans are the same .
I haven’t had a chance to see the bed yet but I will tomorrow. I only looked underneath and it looked pretty good given it’s age. No obvious rust.
Gas is a huge concern but I don’t plan on driving it that much. It would be a summer/weekend/need to move some shit kind of project car.
I drove past it today on my way to get groceries and had to stop to take a closer look. I’m not a huge fan of the paint. However, I’ve always wanted the benefit of driving a truck without actually owning a truck. It has 90k original miles, new brakes, new exhaust and rebuilt carb. The interior is a little worn but I’m willing to put the time in to make it right again. Some would argue with me but I think the Ranchero is a cool car. He’s asking $3900 but I think he’s willing to negotiate…
If you already have a reliable daily driver and arent afraid of getting your hands greasy doing repairs, go for it. If this would be your only car, don't do it.
Pretty sure these were front discs by '78. Still, making sure the suspension and brakes are up to snuff is a very good idea. Cars from this era are a much more "analog" driving experience than modern ones.
Brakes are good on this car but the handling as mentioned is a bit odd. Especially the Ranchero is a weird mix of floaty and stiff in the back. The backend can be a little loose in this car. Lots of room for any engine you want in this car. Check for rust on the underbody. Can be terminal in this car.
There won't be any of those.
Here is how it will go down. As more electric cars become available, there will be fewer vehicles buying gas which is taxed to pay for road upkeep and repairs.
As electric cars take over, that gas tax is going to skyrocket to make up for the lost revenue. No one will give a fuck because almost everyone at that point will have made the switch.
So when gas hits $15 - $20 a gallon, the last holdouts will park their petrol cars for good and the gas companies will go out of business.
You can fight it all you want, the future is inevitable.
They came with a 460 as well. A friend of mine’s parents had one as a daily until they bought a Plymouth Breeze in the late 90s. Payments were cheaper than gas.
> I’ve always wanted the benefit of driving a truck without actually owning a truck
What possible issue could exist with truck ownership that isn't a million times worse here?
lethargic engine?
terrible fuel economy?
sketchy handling?
massive size?
if you want to drive a hipster car, fine. if you want something practical, this isn't it.
I’ve owned one, neat car. Relatively easy to work on, definitely a gas hog. Overheating issues were really all I ran into on it, but I live in a hot climate.
I replaced everything ( hoses, thermostats, radiator twice) and it still always ran pretty hot in the summer. Living in az it was great in the winter time but very unreliable in the summer. Never did get it running cool , was probably some beyond my skills.
Level of irresponsibility depends completely on your financial situation. If you own your own home, have the space at said home, and make enough/ have enough saved where this doesn't make a huge dent in your financial goals, go for it.
Thank you for your response. I’m pretty okay financially but I do not own a home and don’t plan on it until the market cools. Space isn’t too much of an issue yet.
As a reliable daily driver? No.
As a side hobby fixing restoring/cruising around town in? Yes 3900 for that is a fairly good price.
Assuming there is no catastrophic issue with it he's not telling you about its a pretty decent deal for a weekend toy.
Know what you are getting into when you buy this.
Slow. Ponderous handling. Fumes. Lots of fumes. Ever hear of "fuel economy"? This car has not. You will be able to notice the fuel gauge movement as you drive. Brand new this easily got into the single digits. With wear and tear, they are more likely to stay in the single digits unless all you do is endless miles of 55mph on the highway.
Drive it within the limits of the law (speed limit, start paying attention to the yellow cautionary speed signs) and you will be just fine. The realities of these cars is that they are just as reliable as when they were brand new....meaning purge the term reliable from your vocabulary. Enjoy brittle connectors and interior pieces disintegrating in your hands. Not even going to get into frame and body work since I don't known the region.
If you think the price works for you, buy it and get it out of your system. These cars are better seen and not owned. They are conversation pieces at this point, Not transportation.
It's slow, antiquated, steers like the Titanic, stops like the Hindenburg, drinks gallons by the dinosaur, with just enough room for a menage-threesome with the goats from the back.
Front bumpers are made of metal so strong that zero fucks were given to (what?) pedestrian safety impact and full cattle-grade defense armor complete with built-in log splitter wedges were installed....and buffed at proper kneecap level.
It's perfect.
Does that have the 302, 351 or 400 in it? Last year of the run too. Collector item. Looks like you’re out west also? Maybe not rusty either. That’s a gem.
I think it would be irresponsible not to buy it, as long as you have space, time and money to allocate to a project and don't need it to start every day to get you to work or deliver reasonable fuel economy.
You'd be an idiot to buy this as your only car, but it looks like a really fun hobby car.
There are two kinds of people in the world. Those who love Rancheros. And those who hate them. This rule also applies to the Chevrolet El Camino. I love them. Buy it. I would kill to have one as my wife hates them.
Completely different car than the ‘63 Ranchero I had in the mid ‘70s. Mine had a 289 V8 and was fairly quick and reasonably fun to drive other than the hated three-on-the-tree transmission. This one will have a much less favorable power to weight ratio, but may be fine depending on your driving style.
Have you previously cooked meth, been held captive by the Arian brotherhood and are now fleeing the feds? I think you might be able to make a real cool show out of that situation, could call it “Ranchero” 🤔
This seems like a great deal! The model year and chassis alone make it a good price given the economy right now. No emissions, and a seemingly straight, simple vehicle make up the cost. Just make sure you have a daily until this can become your daily
Do you...
\-Love it?
\-Have space?
\-Have money to comfortably pay cash?
Does it...
\-Start, drive, and stop well?
\-Have minimal rust?
I think if those all check out, and assuming you're willing to do some repairs/tinkering yourself, then offer $3500 and have fun!
Excellent for a second weekend car or if you rarely drive. Not a daily for safety reasons alone, let alone mpg and everything else that has already been said.
A lot of people either forgot what accidents used to look like or are too young to have seen them. I haven’t seen firefighters use jaws of life out my window in decades, but those images are burned in my mind.
Also make sure those fumes don’t give you a headache. I’d be annoyed after 10min in one. NTM you’re gonna smell a little like a gas pump if you drive long enough, which is not a huge hit with either potential lovers or the one you’re already with.
Not irresponsible. Everyone loves to say old shit is unreliable but let me tell you, auto parts stores THRIVE off the modern American truck owner, if they ever put out statistics I guarantee that they account for 65+ percent of our business.
Seems irresponsible not to buy it
Yeah… that’s what one side of my brain is telling me.
Dewit
Yep.
With a bed cap on it. We have come full circle.
Very hearse like vibes.
My girlfriend likes it because it looks like a hearse.
I have to admit that this is the first time I have seen one with a bed cap. Pretty weird.
No seats in the back though. My 76 Torino Country Squire could fit like 10 people, not comfortably. Ford had this done on the Fairmont wagon too, Durango, but that thing was useless for a truck.
10 people holy fuck
Three in the front bench seat Three in the middle seat and two or three in the way back seat , Way back was always fun since those seats usually faces backwards Suburbans are the same .
That’s awesome
Country squires had [4 seats](https://images.app.goo.gl/bctPU8uoUEQUfMNs9) in the way back
looks way better than most old cars I see for $3900...
What drugs are you on this is like in the top 10 ugliest cars ever
Better condition dude... and not even close to top 10, maybe top 100 but that is part of the charm.
I agree about the charm, though
Ohhhh. I feel mildly stupid
Bitchin! Any rust in the bed? Also, can you afford to get like 8 MPG?
I haven’t had a chance to see the bed yet but I will tomorrow. I only looked underneath and it looked pretty good given it’s age. No obvious rust. Gas is a huge concern but I don’t plan on driving it that much. It would be a summer/weekend/need to move some shit kind of project car.
Seems great. Good luck!
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Those 350’s you could be coasting down a hill or pulling a trailer uphill they always get 8-12mpg
4 barrel carb, nice
There's no reason for it to do that poorly if it's tuned up properly.
I drove past it today on my way to get groceries and had to stop to take a closer look. I’m not a huge fan of the paint. However, I’ve always wanted the benefit of driving a truck without actually owning a truck. It has 90k original miles, new brakes, new exhaust and rebuilt carb. The interior is a little worn but I’m willing to put the time in to make it right again. Some would argue with me but I think the Ranchero is a cool car. He’s asking $3900 but I think he’s willing to negotiate…
If you already have a reliable daily driver and arent afraid of getting your hands greasy doing repairs, go for it. If this would be your only car, don't do it.
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What do the brakes feel like on a vehicle this old? Slow to respond?
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Pretty sure these were front discs by '78. Still, making sure the suspension and brakes are up to snuff is a very good idea. Cars from this era are a much more "analog" driving experience than modern ones.
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I’ve been driving a ‘69 Beetle on the weekends so I understand your concern. I will say though, I’d feel a lot safer in this. Edit: word
My gf’s car has no ABS (it’s just broken) and it is very sus when you’re trying to brake to stop. Especially on hills lol.
Just won’t stop near as fast as a newer car.
Brakes are good on this car but the handling as mentioned is a bit odd. Especially the Ranchero is a weird mix of floaty and stiff in the back. The backend can be a little loose in this car. Lots of room for any engine you want in this car. Check for rust on the underbody. Can be terminal in this car.
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How on earth does a block crack at such low mileage?
That wasn't low mileage back then. Cars rarely lasted longer than about 5 years.
It will be interesting to see what cars 50 years from now will be considered classics
It won't matter. Gasoline will be outlawed long before then so all the gasoline powered cars will just be museum pieces.
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There won't be any of those. Here is how it will go down. As more electric cars become available, there will be fewer vehicles buying gas which is taxed to pay for road upkeep and repairs. As electric cars take over, that gas tax is going to skyrocket to make up for the lost revenue. No one will give a fuck because almost everyone at that point will have made the switch. So when gas hits $15 - $20 a gallon, the last holdouts will park their petrol cars for good and the gas companies will go out of business. You can fight it all you want, the future is inevitable.
I feel like you are putting way too much faith in humanity
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What is under the hood v8?
Likely a 302, possibly a 351W.
302, 351m or 400m. In this case it has the 400m
They came with a 460 as well. A friend of mine’s parents had one as a daily until they bought a Plymouth Breeze in the late 90s. Payments were cheaper than gas.
True point
400 cid.
302, 351 or 400.
> I’ve always wanted the benefit of driving a truck without actually owning a truck What possible issue could exist with truck ownership that isn't a million times worse here? lethargic engine? terrible fuel economy? sketchy handling? massive size? if you want to drive a hipster car, fine. if you want something practical, this isn't it.
A truck will get much better mpgs...
Send it buddy. You could do a lot worse for a fun weekend car for that kinda money
I’ve owned one, neat car. Relatively easy to work on, definitely a gas hog. Overheating issues were really all I ran into on it, but I live in a hot climate.
Did you ever solve the overheating issues? Summers here do get hot.
Just FYI check the heat riser on old American cars if overheating. Could be a simple fix so start there.
I replaced everything ( hoses, thermostats, radiator twice) and it still always ran pretty hot in the summer. Living in az it was great in the winter time but very unreliable in the summer. Never did get it running cool , was probably some beyond my skills.
Level of irresponsibility depends completely on your financial situation. If you own your own home, have the space at said home, and make enough/ have enough saved where this doesn't make a huge dent in your financial goals, go for it.
Thank you for your response. I’m pretty okay financially but I do not own a home and don’t plan on it until the market cools. Space isn’t too much of an issue yet.
Purchase approved 💯
And the mpg?
It's probably measured in gpm 😆
As a reliable daily driver? No. As a side hobby fixing restoring/cruising around town in? Yes 3900 for that is a fairly good price. Assuming there is no catastrophic issue with it he's not telling you about its a pretty decent deal for a weekend toy.
You haven’t bought it yet???
Know what you are getting into when you buy this. Slow. Ponderous handling. Fumes. Lots of fumes. Ever hear of "fuel economy"? This car has not. You will be able to notice the fuel gauge movement as you drive. Brand new this easily got into the single digits. With wear and tear, they are more likely to stay in the single digits unless all you do is endless miles of 55mph on the highway. Drive it within the limits of the law (speed limit, start paying attention to the yellow cautionary speed signs) and you will be just fine. The realities of these cars is that they are just as reliable as when they were brand new....meaning purge the term reliable from your vocabulary. Enjoy brittle connectors and interior pieces disintegrating in your hands. Not even going to get into frame and body work since I don't known the region. If you think the price works for you, buy it and get it out of your system. These cars are better seen and not owned. They are conversation pieces at this point, Not transportation.
It's slow, antiquated, steers like the Titanic, stops like the Hindenburg, drinks gallons by the dinosaur, with just enough room for a menage-threesome with the goats from the back. Front bumpers are made of metal so strong that zero fucks were given to (what?) pedestrian safety impact and full cattle-grade defense armor complete with built-in log splitter wedges were installed....and buffed at proper kneecap level. It's perfect.
As your wife's spokesman, I approve your investment.
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Well, when OP needs to tune the carbs because the outside temperature changed AGAIN... It's just good for business!
Does that have the 302, 351 or 400 in it? Last year of the run too. Collector item. Looks like you’re out west also? Maybe not rusty either. That’s a gem.
It has a 400 and there was minimal rust as far as I could tell at first glance.
That sounds like a nice one! Give it a shot.
Do you have the garage space and tools? I feel like you know the answer.
I think it would be irresponsible not to buy it, as long as you have space, time and money to allocate to a project and don't need it to start every day to get you to work or deliver reasonable fuel economy. You'd be an idiot to buy this as your only car, but it looks like a really fun hobby car.
Extremely irresponsible. BUY IT.
imagine the ghosts that haunt that vehicle I mean that’s probably why there selling it
It looks like those dead delivery trucks
There are two kinds of people in the world. Those who love Rancheros. And those who hate them. This rule also applies to the Chevrolet El Camino. I love them. Buy it. I would kill to have one as my wife hates them.
100%
Fuck yes.
Completely different car than the ‘63 Ranchero I had in the mid ‘70s. Mine had a 289 V8 and was fairly quick and reasonably fun to drive other than the hated three-on-the-tree transmission. This one will have a much less favorable power to weight ratio, but may be fine depending on your driving style.
Totally! DO IT!
Not at all :)
Love the cartoon-esque proportions on so many of this era! Let us know what you decide!
I dunno why but this looks like Reno to me. I think you should get it though lol.
Is that a Batmobile or a funeral car
Why not both?
It's beautiful
As your attorney, I advise you to buy this.
Such a waste. Tell me where it is so I can get rid of it. Tbh really just don’t buy it but make sure you tell me the street name.
Only if you chop the roof, lower it, install hydraulics, a chain steering wheel and get one of those horns that plays La Cucharacha.
My girlfriend and I were joking about installing bullhorns and chain steering wheel.
That’s Church Yo
You mean, environmentally?
Weird how similar the front end looks to a Monte Carlo from the same era. Almost twins.
Have you previously cooked meth, been held captive by the Arian brotherhood and are now fleeing the feds? I think you might be able to make a real cool show out of that situation, could call it “Ranchero” 🤔
This seems like a great deal! The model year and chassis alone make it a good price given the economy right now. No emissions, and a seemingly straight, simple vehicle make up the cost. Just make sure you have a daily until this can become your daily
My dad had one growing up that he swapped a hopped Cleveland from a mustang in. Loved that truck
That’s a cool car. Have it checked out , why not
Do you... \-Love it? \-Have space? \-Have money to comfortably pay cash? Does it... \-Start, drive, and stop well? \-Have minimal rust? I think if those all check out, and assuming you're willing to do some repairs/tinkering yourself, then offer $3500 and have fun!
Have it inspected
I’d buy it
It would be irresponsible to buy it and not take off the bed cap.
Looks clean, if there’s no rust and runs well buys it
The hood isn’t long enough
That is sweet.
Excellent for a second weekend car or if you rarely drive. Not a daily for safety reasons alone, let alone mpg and everything else that has already been said. A lot of people either forgot what accidents used to look like or are too young to have seen them. I haven’t seen firefighters use jaws of life out my window in decades, but those images are burned in my mind. Also make sure those fumes don’t give you a headache. I’d be annoyed after 10min in one. NTM you’re gonna smell a little like a gas pump if you drive long enough, which is not a huge hit with either potential lovers or the one you’re already with.
It’s irresponsible not to buy it
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Ain't nobody falling for that in this day and age
Just buy a 78 Torino Station Wagon.
Looks like the delorian
Not irresponsible. Everyone loves to say old shit is unreliable but let me tell you, auto parts stores THRIVE off the modern American truck owner, if they ever put out statistics I guarantee that they account for 65+ percent of our business.
Buy the road sofa
Did you end up buying it OP? I'm looking at a 79 ranchero I'm seriously considering
OP I hope you bought it lmao