Hey guys getting ready to lower my '57. I took some measurements and currently the lowest part of the frame is right under the firewall and is 6" off the ground. I'm not certain that the ride height it stock. If someone wants to play with photshop I'm undecided on paint as well. I was thinking matte black base, with maybe gloss blacks flames witha red outline, or the same colors with scallops or some other late 50's early 60's look. I'm wanting to get it low, but driveable. I'm planning on switching to 16" wheels(not sure on tire size yet, but want to go taller) with moon caps and WWW. trying to get the stance like this: Just the basics on my ride: 1957 Ranchero 410 Ford FE (390 block/428 crank)(built by me when I was 10y/o in 91') C1AE-G heads(ported C4AE-G heads with cj valves on the bench) Stock 390 2v truck cam(Comp 268H on the bench) C6 with Gil Youngers shift kit, stock converter 9 inch, 3.25 gears, open Current tire sizes 215/60/14 front 215/70/14 rear
Was your Ranchero on a car lot in Tenn.? My brother took pics of this car a long time ago if it has bucket seats and a old white interior. I was going to buy it , if its the same one. Now I might be completely wrong,lol.
Its in TN now, but has been in our family in Washinton state since '87. I have had people trying to take sneaky pictures, which I think is funny, I'd let them drive it if they just asked LOL. It has never been for sale since we have owned it, and has been in TN since january of this year. This isnt specifically a PS request.I was asking more of a how low can I get that piece of frame rail and still be able to reasonably drive it, and looking for tire size recommendations. Sorry if I wasnt clear in my inital posting. I'll get a decent side shot to throw in the PS thread though, thanks for the link!
Here's a ps that I did on a 57. Chopped ,shorten, lowed and rear wheel opening changed---plus more TwoChops TO ENLARGE PHOTO LEFT CLICK ON IT
How far off the ground it that? thats looks pretty close in ride height. Do you happen to have any measurements so I can compare where I am at? Interested in ground to top of front fender opening ground to top or rear fender opening ground to frame rail under fire wall Tire and rim size? Thats pretty close! Do you have one that is stock length? I do not posses the skills to do the shorten it or do the wheel well work. I was really wanting to keep the body stock and just play with the height and wheel combo. Since your in here and not the PS thread do you mind if we continue here or I can copy this over to the PS thread. Thanks Troy
Slow down.....why would you put 16's on that car? 15's would be as big as you should go, And a ride as choice as a 57 Ranchero deserves better that flat black,flames, and moon discs.Those cars are made to go the mild Kustom route. To go as low as the El Camino you have pictured you will need bags. Why not a nice static drop? Aerostar springs up front with a coil cut off, 3" blocks out back, and you will look good. Please please no flat black with flames!
The flat black was just an idea. Original idea was flipping the red and white, just seems like it has been done to death. Another idea was paiting it a solid color and then doing some scallops on the side(think they are called scallops). Something to give it that early 60's salt racer style. I saw a earlys 50's car that had the matte black with gloss black and it got me thinking. Definatley not wanting a rat rod style car. Trying to! But I also dont want another 57 red and white plain jane ranchero. I really like the early 60's salt racer or "pusher car"style, minus the wood bumper!
Here's a pic of mine.... Hopefully will be starting the body work soon.... Bags! Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
That is f'ing awesome! Exactley what I was thinking. You have me pretty excited now. I was thinking maybe a 58 hood, the t bird hood is one step past that. I love it. Can I get some specifics? I would like to know ground to fender lip when measured over the centerline of the hub, front and rear. I'm currently 24 in the front and 18 rear. Also what size wheels?
4' is the lowest point on a static dropped. daily driven car. Most folks can manage that. Some 15" wheels will help fill that ft wheel well esp. How close are your lower control arms to the ground after you have lowered it. Measure on a flat surface, tires pumped to 35 psi ish. You have enough decent paint to lightly polish to buy some more time 'till a paint job happens. Meanwhile doing all the major mechanicals now will help dial in everything (ride height, brakes, steering, exhaust, floor boards, ect.) before it becomes shiny/pretty.
I'll get some measurements later. The front consists of Fatman Fab 2" spindles and their tubular control arms. I fabricated a triangular 4 link for the back. Most of the time I ride with about 2.5" of clearance but there is enough rise from the air suspension to put me back to factory height plus. The wheels are 15". Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
This is not the clearest pic in the world but it may give you some idea of stance. There was another guy on here with a killer black 57 ranchero that gave me my inspiration. If you search around you can probably find his posts. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
keep in mind ,if you drive in a area that is flat you can go with a static drop putting your frame around 4" from grade under the fire wall,if you live in a hilly area you may want bag it so you can adjust ride height as needed due to low departure angle.
Thats awesome, I'm right at 4 inches now, I'm going to drive it to work today and see how it is, I might try for 3 inches later. My plan exactley! I've been working on brakes and suspension as of late, and I have a pile of engine parts on the bench ready to go. I'm dreading the body work as I have never done it before! Thats a great shot, I wish I could go that low, but the bags is just a little too far from stock for me. I really dont want to cut her up But I do want to get it low! Thanks for all the pictures, you have really inspired me.
I really hate to cut up a nice car and if mine had been in better shape I would have probably kept it closer to stock... Sheet metal parts are hard to find but they are out there. My tailgate was pretty patched up but i was lucky enough to find one in mint condition on Ebay. The inside of the bed was toast and I've had to replace a few panels. One of the best mods was upgrading to disc brakes. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
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