JIM AND DARLENE SIMMONS

BUSCH, ARKANSAS

1963 FORD RANCHERO DE LUXE

This Ranchero is a "66B".  It was purchased used on January 5th 2004.  The above photo shows it shortly after purchase on our front lawn. 

This photo shows the latest incarnation of the Ranchero in the fall of 2007.

03/17/2005 

Our shop is full of replacement parts. The new narrowed axle housing can be barely seen standing on end to the left. Changes to the Ranchero include: 4-wheel disc brakes and complete ’65 Mustang front suspension with ’70 Mustang brakes. The brakes use Nissan Sentra booster and Subaru master cylinder.

The front end has been firmed up with an Export Brace, Monte Carlo Bar, and Belly Bar, 1” Sway Bar, Grab-A-Track 620 Springs and Koni Shocks.

The 260 CID engine has a 4-barrel Holley carburetor and a custom exhaust system consisting of Doug’s Tri-Y Headers, 426 CID Chrysler Hemi Mufflers and Resonators with all mandrel bent pipes and an X-pipe.

The transmission has been changed from the original 2-speed Ford-O-Matic to a 4-speed Ford AOD transmission with overdrive. The combination yields 24 MPG on the highway driving between 70 and 80 MPH.