Projects 1949 Shoebox Ranchero Build

Rolled her outside for a look today. I’m liking grey...

 

I know you didn't ask for it but here's my color recommendation; also on a Ford phantom:



It's turning out even better than I anticipated (I've been following since your first post).

 

Damn, that thing looks sharp!

 

Looks like the factory could've done it. Awesome work!

 

That is coming out really nice. Skirts, no skirts? What wheels you going with? Great profile.

 

Perhaps 1953 Studebaker 'Chippewa Green' as was used on the restored Kart Hauler.

 

Ya know, there was a Factory Gray in both 49 and 50.

 

No skirts. I’ve always thought skirts on PUs, Rancheros, Caminos look wrong. Going to go down a little in front (ordered Aerostar springs today) and run the caps and rings for now. Possibly wide whites with full covers down the road. I had originally thought of a full out custom, but as I got farther into the build I’ve leaned towards a pretty stock look with a little personalization. Let everyone think...”did Ford build those?”. It’ll be fun sitting off to the side watching people size it up.

 

Nailed it

 

What color? SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT,

 

Looks amazing in one color! Great job.

 

Reminds me of the Ford color Dove Grey.

 

Its a shame that the Stude " Kart Hauler " is no longer with us.
A casualty of the California fires.

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OH NO!?

That shoebox looks great in gray, so subtle

 

Here's one out of a Custom Rodder "little pages" Aug 62

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Never saw that one before. Lots of work there. Interesting work.

 

Not so interesting front end... good workmanship on that Custom Rodder car.

 

Often times Less is More. Once you get a little weight in the front to fix the Nose Bleed stance your side profile is a knock out? No sectioning necessary.

 

What about these three built in Dallas Texas By Jack Simmons

 

I’ve never been a fan of sectioned cars. Especially shoeboxes. My Aerostar springs should be here tomorrow so then it’ll come down in front. Plus it still needs some parts and fluid added in front. It already had the 1” blocks added between the lower arms and spring pads. I’ve read that you can’t do both the spacers and Aerostar springs. Any one have experience?

 

One of the great things about the HAMB is the difference of opinion's. No one I would think could possible look at the Ranchero build of your's and not be impressed. The work and craftsmanship shown on this build is impressive, the rear window treatment is inspired as is the bed caps or side rails. Great work!!

I have been a fan of the Shoebox Ford for many years, I have two 1949 Coupes and wish I had built one years ago. I also am not much of a custom guy for myself, I love looking at Customs and can see and like the tons of work that goes into one. For me though I am a Hot Rod guy so my 49's will in the end be Hot Rods. What brought me to the Shoebox though was a sectioned coupe. Never even thought about sectioned cars much until I saw my first sectioned Shoebox, while I would never try and do that to a car, serious lack of talent, I love that look on those cars. As a matter of fact I think the Shoebox was just meant to be sectioned.

 

I remember a member here trying that a few years back. If I remember things right the issue he had was that much drop gave him a heavy amount of Camber at the top of the spindle upright due to Ford's short upper A Arm and couldn't overcome it with the Cam adjusters. At that time I thought a little heat above the King Pin boss and a little bend would have done the Job. Trust me, I could be all wrong thanks to my Hard Drive having a few Grimlins in it. This getting Old thing has really snuck up on me lately.

 

The posting that I did of that sectioned car was in no way done to discredit your build or your abilities in the construction of Your build ,your car is very well thought out and very well crafted.
Of all the different ones that I have seen yours by far is a hit above the others, INMO,
Of course the others are more hard core customs , like a Ranchero converted from a sedan isn't a custom on its own, I would say more on the Couch Built side Possibly.
Thats what makes yours so kool.
You could probably p*** it off as a rare factory conversion.
If you go with skirts, I think lowered with a very slight tail drag stance, and a couple of low key factory installed looking accessories like a spare tire in a continental full cover mounted on edge in the bed just outside the rear window, down low so that it doesn't stick up very high, No outside windshield Visor,.
Possibly some clean simple body side molding , like they did back in the day, also a front seat thats a factory flip forward bench from a Hardtop, Vicky, converted to bucket seats , No center console or cup holders., Vicky trimed door panels converted for your doors....sorry , my thoughts getting carried away.
Not very much, just a hint so that you don't pull the thought processing thats going on in the minds of viewers that are trying to figure out if its a rare factory or concept car, or couch built , custom and what was actually done to accomplish the final result.
Very kool.

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Much better just the way it is.

 

Jake, thanks for posting the thread...BEAUTIFUL results and vision, excellent worksmanship...I'm glad you're not going the custom route...( just another opinion but the " could Ford have built that?" Approach is perfect for your car....)

 

Mechanical all done. All wired and ready to crank it up...Hopefully Monday.

 

Downright pretty!

 

The distributor is in the correct place

 

Just where it’s supposed to be. I’m a “Ford in a Ford” guy.

 

Just as it should be Sir.