'64 Ranchero exterior questions

[rafaelb]

So I get myself a classic truck finally and I'm making a list of things to do mechanically (already has a Holly 2v, going to add Duraspark w/79 Fairmont distro, Geo MC and booster, etc.) but I'm looking for opinions/advice on exterior work.

The body is in good shape except for one rotten spot right behind the left rear tire. There's a variety of things going on: A small amount of the original creamish yuck color, grey primer and flat black paint as well as rusty patina and some reddish primer.

I already replaced the windshield though I couldn't get it to go in with the stainless trim….on the third try I just pulled it out and said screw it, and it was WAY easier that way….

For one, I'm thinking it looks sorta bad@ss with the trim off, sorta more mean looking. I still have the trim though and have been thinking I could just cut off the angled part and "glue" it into place. None of the side moulding came with it so I figured to not even worry about replacing that.

Also I was originally going to rattle can it flat black or maybe red, but in a way the hodgepodge paint job doesn't look bad. Here's a photo of it before the windshield replacement.

Opinons? Advice? Thanks!

[hotrodguy]

As you found out the only way to get the trim off is to cut the rubber and replace it with new. I have been thru this 2 times.

[bmbm40]

I like that flat black no trim look. Stealth mode. Plus low cost and effort so you can do mechanical stuff.

[mustang6]

I like it! Pretty similar to my 65 except I have rust in the rear floors. I need a windshield so thanks for the warning on what's to come there.

[rafaelb]

1) Mystery solved. When I bought her the PO said she was a 1964, and the title said 1964, but everything pointed to it being a 1965. Just got the new title, and yep, 1965. Oh well!

2) Truck is in much better condition than I anticipated….I wanted a rust bucket to kick around in but now it seems way more solid. The floor has many, many issues but for the most part the exterior is solid, including the bottom of the rockers. LIke new. rats! now I think she deserves a bit more of a restore than rat rod…

3) I'm guessing that since she's a "Deluxe" that means the exterior side molding? The only piece left if the small one behind the gas cap. The rest, including all but one clip, is gone. Is this stuff as impossible to source as it seems to be?

[bubba22349]

Congrats on such a great score and the Deluxe trim really looks great on them. Yes it might be a little harder to locate some of the term parts but who knows you might be able to find it fairly easy. The front fender and door trim is not as hard to locate as for the rear strips you can look for a Ranchero as well as the Tudor Falcon Station Wagon parts. Good luck on the the hunt