Project 'Smokey' - '72 Ranger XLT

[Bullitt74]

So got into the weeds a bit with the wiring - decided to install a back-up camera upgrade. Not sure if it is necessary, but I have small kids, and plan to be able to pull a trailer if necessary. Seems a worthwhile consideration while my dash and wiring is currently exposed.


I found this rear-view mirror with a 4.3" 480p screen on e-Bay, for $50 with free shipping from China. Felt like a good deal, and the mirror itself looks relatively stock compared to the old one. The Dennis Carpenter reproductions are a bit pricey at $70 US, so the e-Bay deal looked better and better.


The tough thing to figure out was where to position a camera. Luckily, I found this eSky license plate bracket with camera on Amazon for about $35. The quality seems quite good, and it even has night vision.

I ran the mirror harness up through the pillar, and wired it into accessory power and ground. This model has an auto-dimming feature (for headlights on highbeam behind), so it needs a constant power supply.


This is from the mirror harness. It has one RCA plug for the camera, and apparently the other for a DVD player. Who is watching movies in their rear view mirror?

Notice the RCA cable with a red wire - this is an option if you wish to use the same power supply for your screen and camera (the back up light power). Since my mirror requires the constant power provided by accessory, I didn't use this option.


Unfortunately, I had to drill a hole to run the wire cleanly through the bumper. This was a tough decision to make, but it turned out okay. I had to drill 2 more holes to secure the bottom fasteners. Did a bit of research on this, and these are the steps I used to drill through a chrome bumper:
1) Masking tape over the area to be drilled
2) Centre punch, pilot hole, drill slow and use lubricant (I use WD40)
3) When hole is finished, pull masking tape off by pulling towards the hole in all directions
4) Use a step bit (or larger bit) on opposite side to get rid of flash that will rust and also cut you (if you use a file, BE CAREFUL not to catch the chrome and lift it).
5) Prime and paint any bare metal to prevent rust
6) Seal area around hole with (clear) silicone to help prevent chrome plating from lifting and peeling
7) Use a rubber grommet if passing wires through the bumper.

I wish I would have taken some more pictures detailing the process, but if anyone has any questions please reply to this thread or send my a PM. I think this endeavour was fairly successful so far.

[Bullitt74]

A couple cool little upgrades after I got my shipment from DC:


DC makes original style radio knobs for both D-shafts as well as split-shaft radios. Since my Custom Autosound unit has split shafts, why wouldn't I install the original style knob? Much nicer than the cheapo plastic knobs provided from Custom Autosound.


This one is self-explanatory.

[MikeB]

Looks great Steve. I’m with you on the factory style knobs. Your becoming an expert at buffing as well.
Does the chrome light ring feel as good as the stock one?

[popeyes71]

Very nice touch with the retro style radio and original style knobs! Love it!

[spliff08069]

Is that the Custom Auto Sound USA 630 II stereo you installed. I was looking at that unit but have also been told to check out the Retro Sound Laguna. Are you happy with your unit so far? Likes and dislikes? Trying to pick the best option while retaining the factory look. Thanks

[Manny]

Definitely want the custom audio in my highboy when i get her there. This thing is fantastic!

[Bullitt74]

Looks great Steve. I’m with you on the factory style knobs. Your becoming an expert at buffing as well.
Does the chrome light ring feel as good as the stock one?

Absolutely - the font is a bit off (designed for the early Broncos I think), but it is shiny and new

I have lots of buffing to do this winter - need to get after that aluminum. The buffing wheel does scare me however, so finding it easier to use the wheel on the drill

[Bullitt74]

Very nice touch with the retro style radio and original style knobs! Love it!

Thanks Popeyes!

[Bullitt74]

Is that the Custom Auto Sound USA 630 II stereo you installed. I was looking at that unit but have also been told to check out the Retro Sound Laguna. Are you happy with your unit so far? Likes and dislikes? Trying to pick the best option while retaining the factory look. Thanks

It actually is the Custom Autosound 230 - I got that for my birthday from my wife and kids a few years back. It doesn't have the bluetooth and a couple features, but it does everything I need it to.

I figure that when my phone rings and I'm driving the old girl, my phone can just go ahead to voicemail...driving this old beast is just too much fun to interrupt with phone calls!

[Bullitt74]

Definitely want the custom audio in my highboy when i get her there. This thing is fantastic!

Thanks Manny!

[Bullitt74]

Sorry for the radio silence - I took a break from this project over the summer...gardening, yardwork, kids, and fun at the lake. I figured I would have to rush things to get the truck on the road this summer, and I realize I'm having too much fun taking my time to restore each part as good as I can.

Not a lot left here - interior, finish up the dash, aluminum trim, clean up the engine bay, and probably dual exhaust this winter. I'll need some motivation to keep things moving, so please keep up with great comments and advice to keep me moving!

[DuckRyder]

I was starting to get concerned ...

This is one of my favorites so I’m looking forward to updates...

[popeyes71]

Its good to be balanced and its important to give your kids the time they deserve. Looking forward to seeing some progress on your truck! By not rushing through the project, you can be sure your attention to detail will be on point with your truck!

[Manny]

Sorry for the radio silence - I took a break from this project over the summer...gardening, yardwork, kids, and fun at the lake. I figured I would have to rush things to get the truck on the road this summer, and I realize I'm having too much fun taking my time to restore each part as good as I can.

Not a lot left here - interior, finish up the dash, aluminum trim, clean up the engine bay, and probably dual exhaust this winter. I'll need some motivation to keep things moving, so please keep up with great comments and advice to keep me moving!

Got you there its a balance gotta keep it up!!! Looking forward to more she is one of the nicest bumps there is!!!

[Bullitt74]

Got my garage cleaned up this past weekend - bikes, scooters, camping stuff all back in the shed and on to more serious work. One of the things I had to move out of the way was this tailgate with XLT panel I picked up this summer that was located in the neighbouring province of B.C.:



My buddy graciously offered to pick it up on his way through. My XLT panel is in much worse shape than this.


Had to drill out about half the screws. That’s probably the right amount for a 50yo truck...






Not bad for $150...and I still can sell the tailgate and recoup some costs. The panel will get some aluminum polishing, recoat of black where black needs to go, and some new 3M Di Noc marine Teak vinyl wood grain trim. However, I think I’ll practice removing dings and polishing on some smaller pieces first.

By the way - anyone know what kind of black is applied to the XLT tailgate trim? Gloss or semi-gloss? All I've ever seen around these parts is flat (sun-faded) black