Gunkel's 1983 Ranger 375V project

[gunkel]

Picked up a good used 1983 Ranger 375V off of craigslist for $700. Hull seems solid, and engine has been rebuilt, all the cylinders had 105-110 compression. Ranger Trail trailer is in decent shape with good tires and working lights. Going thru the sand/rub, replace carpet and seats, and anything electrical ritual.

Thanks to everyones posts that have helped/taught me along the way!!

Greg


First pictures are from the night I brought her home.

[electric fish]

Heck of a good deal right there.

[ChampioNman]

Looks good! Must have been a tremor in the first picture.

[gunkel]

Before I dove to far into the project I wanted to be sure the motor ran good. Picked up book on the Mercury motor, did some reading,did a compression check, and ordered a set of "ear muffs". Changed the lower unit oil, mixed up some new fuel, pulled the bowl drains on the carbs, and pumped the primer bulb until clean fresh fuel ran through. Threw in a new battery and sure enough she fired right up!!

Here is a link to start up video:



and a few pics of the motor:

[gunkel]

Next I needed to get the trip pump working, as it was seized. Took it apart, cleaned the motor armature, windings, and brushes. Reassembled, bench tested, then hooked it up and tried her out, worked excellent with no leaks!

[gunkel]

Disassembly time!

[gunkel]

Carpet, and carpet glue removal, inch by back/arm/wrist straining inch!

[gunkel]

Wet sanding and rubbing time! 1000, 1500, and 2000 grit respectfully, then 3m rubbing compound, machine polish, and finally ultra fine machine polish.

[gunkel]

New carpet, hinges, and latch's on the compartment lids.

[gunkel]

Next I prepped and applied Upol's raptor liner to the inside of both rod lockers and underneath both consoles.

[gunkel]

Carpet time!!

[foxman623]

nkel ,thats not fare starting a post with half the work already done, lol. You make the rest of them look bad, lol. J/K great looking work. Is the UPOL liner a softer material than the rhino liner or about the same.

[gunkel]

I did plan on starting the thread right when I found this forum, however I was swamped at work and at home with the holidays, so now I am playing catch up.


I don't have any experience with the rhino liner, however we have used it here on truck beds, and I used it in two of my jeeps. It is pretty rugged, however it is not "rough" feeling or corse.

Greg

[Jason6644]

Are you going to put the bow bench seats back in, or extend the front deck?

[ranger230v]

Wow looks like you got a great deal. Nice work thus far on the resto. You better hope Al Gore dont see that video of your engine...you might get pinched by the Eco Police...Gotta love those old Mercs, mines an 87'. Total smoke bomb on those cold mornings.

Keep up the good work

[BILLY]

Cool job.

[gunkel]

Front seats are going back in, I had one of the local upholstery shops redo all of the seats. Picked out a light grey material with blue piping.

[gunkel]

Got the main carpet finished tonight, as well as screwed down the compartment lids.

[bassdad]

Great looking resto!! Keep the pics coming.....brings warmth to the ol' bones up here in the North.....

[Hometownhandyman]

I would suggest that the bed liner may not be the best inside the rod lockers, as it can damage the finish on your rods. Consider putting carpet in there instead.