love this thread, getting lots of ideas for my 59. Trying to get a 390 fe in it out of my late fathers 76 ford f250. Still in the process of getting rebuilt though.
I remember a custom Ranchero just like the Tiago one in Madera California on the street where I lived.
I've just scrolled through all 23 pages here and am surprised that there wasn't a single Ranchero Roadster. I have a '58 that I hope to turn into a removable hardtop roadster some day. Unfortunately, I'm not sure I have the skills and nerve to actually start the process. I picture it topless with a tonneau cover reminiscent of the early '60 T-bird roadsters. For years I had it parked next to a '59 Pontiac, with its V-shaped tail lights. I think they would have looked great on it, but someone came along and talked me out of the Pontiac, so there went my dream of a custom Ponchero. If anyone has any convertible Ranchero pictures or any good advice, I'm ready to start learning.
I did a search for 'ranchero convertible' and one of the first ones that came up was a red '58. I won't post it here because it has awful wheels and side mirrors that are not what the HAMB was built for. It might've even been pro-street ... But honestly, at a glance, it looked like just another '58 Retractable with the top down. If I wasn't sure I had the skills, I wouldn't tackle something like a top removal and all the details that will surely follow. Seems like an easy way to mess up a good car. I'm all for changing tail lights for the sake of improvement. That's kustomizing 101, but I cannot picture a '59 Pontiac tail light that is V shaped. They were all enlongated, depending on the model, 2 bulbs or 3.
BR, If I may. I hate to talk anyone out of a dream they have, but I would caution doing that to that Ranchero. Looking at your profile you have several convertibles already ,so that is checked off your list. Second, as you stated that you have no experience with mods like this ,you are taking on a Big job! When you cut that roof off you are going to have a wet noodle there. Lots of frame, and body structural mods to keep her from twisting. They are such a graceful car with a few mild mods. Just my opinion because ; You asked. Cool car, trade it to me..
I worded it improperly. The taillight itself is round, but the fin itself is V-shaped. I thought it would look great on the Ranchero.
I see that Rodl is from Grand Junction. That's just down the road from where my cars are -- 180 or so miles. I'm currently living in northern Utah, but my place and cars are just outside Blanding. I have several older fun cars, but all of them are needing to be restored. I've considered seeing if I could sell most of them and then turn around and buy a turn-key fun car, but I really like to do the work myself.
This car was built by "Matti" in Sweden in the sixties. It is built from a 4d wagon to a pickup. http://kustomrama.com/wiki/Matti_Johansson
351 C, Aod trans, granada disc brakes. Car runs excellent just needs brakes plumbed. Has a bit of rust from going to Bonneville for a couple years in a row. Gonna quickly patch it, satin black it and drive it