My New Car!

[Jakegday]

Well, new to me. My dad died in january and left this car to my sister. its not practical for her right now (about to have a baby) so she gave it to me. It's been sitting since February, so im gonna clean her up on tuesday after i make her legal.

its a 1978 Ford Ranchero with a 302 and 4 speed automatic, and 90,000 miles. thats about all i know as of now.

So, to make this thread appropriate for this section, what kind of motor oil would you run in it? i already know im going with a motorcraft filter.

 

[SLCraig]

Looks cool, don't see those too often anymore.
I would just go with a 10w30 dino in it. The 302 is a great engine and will probably be happy on pretty much anything.

 

[L_Sludger]

Dang, looks awesome! I love the coffee can accessory in front of the brake booster.

 

[Frank D]

Older engine, maybe Rotella 10w-30.

 

[GROUCHO MARX]

Tough way to get a car, but best of luck with it. I can honestly say I don't remember this vehicle and I had a '77 Granada with the same engine.

 

[hate2work]

Congratulations!! That's a cool old car, for sure.

You could not go wrong with a MC combination, MC filter and MC oil

What's that coffee-can looking thing in front of your rusty brake fluid reservoir?

And are those some kind of T-wrenches holding on your VCs?

She needs some TLC mate, get to it!!

 

[demarpaint]

IIRC the coffee can is a charcoal canister, part of the emissions system.

The T-Wrenches are actually holding down the valve covers. They were used for motor heads who liked to easily remove valve covers w/o tools. Great for people who like to brag about how clean their valve train is. LOL

 

[Jakegday]

Originally Posted By: demarpaint
IIRC the coffee can is a charcoal canister, part of the emissions system.

The T-Wrenches are actually holding down the valve covers. They were used for motor heads who liked to easily remove valve covers w/o tools. Great for people who like to brag about how clean their valve train is. LOL


yep, and yep. i suppose any true BITOGer would pop those covers off and snap a few pics too..

 

[cadfaeltex]

Good luck with it. My grandad had one of those until he traded it in on a Courier.

 

[Brons2]

that's the biggest AC pulley I've ever seen on a passenger car.

 

[wiswind]

Awesome ride!
Just don't go putting any $#@K 'stuff' on it (Clint Eastwood, Gran Torino).

1978 all the automakers were still struggling with the emission control stuff....and bodies that would last in areas that used salt in the winter.
The 2nd is why we don't see too many of them around anymore.
I remember them when they were new.

Sorry about your dad's passing.

As for the oil.......the viscosity that is called for and regular oil changes.
If it has been sitting, a couple of short Oil Change Intervals.....and get it out for a couple long rides in good weather.

I would also change out all the other fluids.

As for restoration, take care of the routine maintenance items FIRST, then take your time with the rest.......I'm sure your dad would want you to ENJOY this cool ride.
Taking your time, as money and time permit, will keep this car a most enjoyable hobby.

 

[Jakegday]

Originally Posted By: Brons2
that's the biggest AC pulley I've ever seen on a passenger car.


lol. technically, according to the title, its a pick up truck.

 

[XS650]

I'm sorry to hear about your dad's passing, but at least what must have been a treasured possession is in good hands.

Is that the future owner in the 2nd picture from the top? He looks like he is ready to take possession of it now.

 

[jorton]

And I don't think the electric fan is original. Store the car until your boy gets his drivers license!

 

[CROWNVIC4LIFE]

Sorry for your loss..Awesome ride!! I would use Motorcraft oil and filter..Whatever grade oil it calls for.

 

[fdcg27]

Looks like a nice survivor.
Original paint?
Looks like it and it looks pretty good.
A little rusty, but pretty good for a 33 YO car from the midwest.
Fix the rust here and there as you go.
This is a nice momento from your late father.
I hope that you'll be able to keep it healthy for your young son.
Oil?
Any 10W-30 would be correct for this old dear.
Rotella T5 would be a treat for it, and I'd probably use either that or Maxlife.

 

[dnastrau]

Originally Posted By: Jakegday
its a 1978 Ford Ranchero with a 302 and 4 speed automatic, and 90,000 miles. thats about all i know as of now.



Cool Ranchero - I haven't seen one around here in years. Unless your dad swapped an AOD in it, that should have a 3 speed automatic in it (a C4 or an FMX). Enjoy it!

 

[TFB1]

Originally Posted By: dnastrau
Originally Posted By: Jakegday
its a 1978 Ford Ranchero with a 302 and 4 speed automatic, and 90,000 miles. thats about all i know as of now.



Cool Ranchero - I haven't seen one around here in years. Unless your dad swapped an AOD in it, that should have a 3 speed automatic in it (a C4 or an FMX). Enjoy it!


Yup the AOD made it's first appearance for the 1980 model year...

 

[JHZR2]

Sorry for your loss...

Id run rotella 10w-30

 

[40Deluxe]

The coffee can on the fender is a vacumm resevoir,10w30 should be fine in this with a motorcraft FL-1 filter.