Classic Truck Revival | Relaxing w/ No Talking Transformation

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Hope you enjoy this no-fuss, no-talking, tune-up of a classic 1996 Ford Ranger.

The Ford Ranger had been sitting for about five years and was in need of a little TLC. We started by first checking all of the fluids, topping off the coolant and oil, and then putting in a fresh battery. It immediately started right up but threw an EVAP check engine code! It was caused by a small pinhole in the fuel filler neck above the gas tank.

The ford ranger then got a thorough wash, paint decontamination with a synthetic clay bar/pad, and then a 1-step polish with a hybrid cutting polish.

We tried a few different products on this car, including a "ceramic" wax, which is definitely not as long-lasting as a ceramic coating but still gives a nice shine to the paint.

We removed the rusty lumber rack and plastic bedliner, deep cleaned the bed, scuffed it up with Scotchbrite pads (~800 grit equivalent), and then applied a DIY bed liner. The old plastic bedliner can allow water accumulation underneath it, possibly leading to rust down the road, so it’s important to remove it, adding a rubberized coating instead. We also drilled water rain holes into the bed to allow water to drain out. The drain holes can be capped with rubber inserts when they aren't being used.

The front grill had a large crack, so we went ahead and used a 2-part JBweld epoxy to repair it, followed by Bondo, a quick pass of sandpaper, then primer, and a metallic finish spray paint.

We removed the old window tint that was falling off the rear window and tinted the sides and back to provide a slight edge of privacy and heat rejection to this tiny truck.

All in all, this simple "refurbishment" project was a great chance to get this fun little ranger back on the road, running great, and looking great too.