Who has a Ranchero or an El Camino?

I'm thinking of selling my '75 Duster and my '90 Ranger project and just buying a Ranchero or an El Camino. I like the oddness of my Duster, so I'm leaning towards the Ranchero. How much utility can you actually get out of these "trars" versus a real truck? I could just get a C10 and be done with it, but I kind of like the El Ranchero look.

The Duster in question:

The Ranger is nothing special, just a '91 short bed regular cab, dead 2.3L with a M/T.

Ranchero isn't able to carry much. Falcon-based models were rated for just 800 pounds, and the bed is 6 feet at the longest (corners are rounded, too).

That said, we've had two and loved both. Fun, head-turning, and practical in a go-to-Lowe's-quick sort of way. If you actually need a truck, though, you will be disappointed.

Margie

I've got an Elky. 1960 model. Check my profile for a real head turner.

They are not trucks. They are oversized 2 seat sports cars with twice as much metal as they need and a big hole in the back.

If you set them to ride level, they squat when loaded. If you set them to sit level loaded, their ass is in the air with no load.

But, they are GREAT fun, with occasional hauling capability. They can also tow.

Do you want a truck or a toy?

I really like GRM's Ranchero, but as Margie said, ain't no truck.

If you need a truck, what about a resto-mod; old truck with new under pinnings?

Ain't no Duster either.....

Old body on an '87 one ton frame. Why not?

Drivable, 12V. power steering, HEAT, and gets around town quite well.

Dan

I love this ute, just a 5.0, AOD and about to get a 3.7 spool in the rear.

9" diff, it is fun, gets loads of looks and drives like a car

Check out my thread

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/build-projects-and-project-cars/72-ranchero-zav/42530/page1/

i vote el camino because i love them.

if the rambler doesn't sell this summer i'm extremely tempted to cut it into a rambchero or el rambino.

I've had and loved both. Yes, they won't carry a load of 4x8 signs square in the bed, but with a blanket over the tailgate that issue was easily resolved.

My Ranchero was a 75 with an overbuilt 351 Cleveland, and I used airbags to carry any load... but that compromise worked my needs very well.

I've had Elkys. Looking for another one right now actually.

As with either, you will be limited in weight capacity by two things; spring rate and axle bearings. Braking is another concern, but anything after the 70s will probably have very adequate vacuum assist disc/drum that can be upgraded if needed.

In the case of the El Camino, early ones had 8.2 and 8.5" rears. You could order one with a 12 bolt, but they are rare as hen's teeth. The later ones (73-up) had the 7.5" rear. It is only so-so.

If you are actually towing and hauling stuff, I would stick with the El Camino. They are all a full-frame vehicle. Fords went back and forth with subframes, partial frames, unibodies... Not really up to the task. They are both CARS when discussing beefyness, but at least the Elky has a full frame front to back.

Yesterday a guy who generally sits at the next table for Saturday morning breakfast asked me about his 82 GMC Cabalerro. Nice, if you like that sort of thing, but he is trying to sell, and was wondering if $26k was too much...

I didn't say that it was about 3 times too much. I just suggested he find a specialist website, or email BaT.

I had an Elko and wouldn't mind another though right now I would rather have your Duster. Been looking for one around here for awhile. There is a Demon that has a huge bug deflector on the front of the car being driven by a little old lady .

JtspellS wrote:

You know, I saw two of those today. I think (I could be exaggerating) maybe you could fit a whole case of beer in the bed of those if you tried.

In reply to slefain:

I was going to ask how much for the Duster, then checked your profile location. Figures it's Atlanta. I guess that really is where all the cars are.