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To perform a 1987 Ford Ranger retro-mod, begin by cleaning the truck bed and bumper with a citrus-based degreaser and P320 grit scuffing. You need a drill brush, chemical rust converter, and 2K bed liner to begin restoration on a truck with surface corrosion. This method suits owners of 1980s Ford Rangers who want to preserve original factory parts, while new truck buyers should look at modern vehicle reviews.
Who this method suits — and who should use another
Readers who should use this method
- Owners of 1980s Ford Rangers should use this method to maintain the period-correct look and durability of original factory parts.
- DIY truck restorers should use this method to learn the correct way to prepare surfaces for long-lasting coatings.
- Truck owners wanting a bed liner should use this method to ensure a new coating bonds correctly and doesn’t peel off.
- Retro-modding enthusiasts should use this method to balance modern upgrades like roll bars with vintage aesthetics.
Readers who should skip this method
- New truck buyers should skip this method and look at new vehicle reviews or dealership guides.
- Off-road racing teams should skip this method and look at high-performance competition suspension and part reviews.
What to do next about the 1987 Ford Ranger retro-mod
- Apply citrus-based degreaser to the truck bed to remove all surface oils.
- Scuff the truck bed surface with P320 grit to create a profile for coating adhesion.
- Apply chemical rust converter to the rear bumper welds to transform iron oxide into iron phosphate.
- Apply 2K bed liner using a roller to ensure consistent texture throughout the truck bed.
The Advantage of Original Factory Bumpers
Original steel bumpers provide superior durability compared to modern replacements. The 1987 factory bumper uses steel that is five times thicker than a standard body panel. Aftermarket chrome bumpers are typically only available in chrome and are significantly thinner. Choosing the original bumper preserves the 1980s aesthetics of the vehicle. The steel thickness makes the bumper much more durable for heavy use.
The 1987 Ford Ranger Retro-Mod uses counter-smashing to fix 5x thicker steel
Fixing truck bumper dents in heavy-gauge steel requires a counter-smashing technique. Counter-smashing involves applying pressure in the opposite direction of the damage to release internal tension. The goal is to avoid ‘hamburgering,’ which is the wrinkling of metal caused by improper hammering. The heavy gauge of the steel means the metal is 5x thicker than a standard body panel.
The 1987 Ford Ranger Retro-Mod requires P320 grit scuffing for 90% coating success
Surface preparation accounts for 90% of the success of any coating application. A drill brush with hard plastic bristles removes loose coating without scratching the underlying material. P320 grit scuffing creates the necessary profile for the 2K bed liner to bond. Prep work is the reason why products fail a few months down the road.
What is P320 grit?
P320 grit refers to the coarseness of an abrasive material used for scuffing surfaces. It is roughly equivalent to a red scotch pad. This grit provides enough texture for coatings to bond without removing too much material from the base metal.
What is 2K bed liner?
2K bed liner is a coating consisting of a hardener and a liner material mixed together. The ‘2K’ refers to the two components that must be combined before application. This mixture creates a much more durable and durable finish than standard single-component sprays.
Chemical Rust Conversion vs. Aerosol Sprays
Chemical rust conversion transforms iron oxide into iron phosphate to make the surface inert. The ‘jelly’ form of rust converter provides a thicker, more effective coat than aerosol sprays. Aerosol rust sprays from an auto parts store are often not professional enough for heavy restoration. Why would anyone choose a difficult repair over an easy replacement? The answer is the quality of the finish, as aerosol sprays often fail to provide the depth of action required for professional results.
What is a rust converter?
A rust converter is a chemical treatment that converts iron oxide into iron phosphate. This process makes the rust chemically inert so it can be safely painted over. Using a conversion chemical ensures the coating sticks to the metal rather than to the corrosion.
Applying 2K Bed Liner
Applying 2K bed liner with a roller ensures a consistent texture throughout the truck bed. Air pressure during spraying can lead to an inconsistent finish on the bed surface. The roller must be cleaned with wax and grease remover mid-roll to prevent sticking.
Fitting Universal Accessories to Vintage Frames
Fitting universal accessories like a Go Rhino roll bar may require material removal on vintage frames. Modern trucks are wider than older models, causing universal bars to hit the truck bed. Removing a tiny bit of material from the bar’s end pieces allows it to drop into place.
A 1987 Ford Ranger Restoration Scenario
Suppose Gary owns a 1987 Ford Ranger with a dented bumper. Gary weighs the cost of a new bumper against the durability of the original steel. He chooses to repair the original because the 5x thicker steel preserves the 1980s aesthetic. If the metal were thin-gauge sheet and heavily wrinkled, Gary would have opted for a replacement.
Steps for truck Bed Preparation Process
- Wash and clean the truck bed.
- Apply citrus-based degreaser and scrub.
- Scuff the surface with P320 grit (red scotch pad equivalent) to remove loose coating.
- Apply rust converter to surface corrosion to convert iron oxide to iron phosphate.
- Apply 2K bed liner using a roller or spray gun.
Unannounced costs and 1980s aesthetic for the 1987 Ford Ranger Retro-Mod
- Sarah has not announced the price of the 2K bed liner.
- Sarah has not announced the cost of the chemical rust converter.
Think of the rust converter jelly like a deep-acting medicine rather than just a surface-level band-aid. The restoration preserves the 1980s aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fix a dent in a 1987 Ford Ranger bumper?
To fix a dent in a 1987 Ford Ranger bumper, you must use a counter-smashing technique to release the tension in the thick steel. This involves striking the metal in the opposite direction of the bend to flatten it without wrinkling the surface. Proper technique ensures the metal remains smooth.
How do I prep a truck bed for a bed liner?
To prep a truck bed for a bed liner, you must clean the surface with a citrus-based degreaser and scuff it with P320 grit. This process removes old coatings and creates a mechanical profile for the new liner to bond to. Completing these steps ensures the liner does not peel off prematurely.
Is a new bumper better than repairing the old one?
A new bumper is generally not better than repairing the old one if the 1987 Ford Ranger bumper is the original factory part. The original bumper uses steel that is five times thicker than most aftermarket chrome alternatives. Repairing the original maintains the durability and period-correct appearance of the truck.
How do I get a roll bar to fit my old truck?
To get a roll bar to fit an old truck, you may need to remove a small amount of material from the end pieces of a universal bar. Because modern trucks are wider, universal bars like the Go Rhino model may hit the truck bed of a vintage frame. Trimming the ends allows the bar to sit flush.
Why is my spray-on rust converter not working?
A spray-on rust converter may not work because aerosol sprays often fail to provide a thick enough coat for professional results. Using a jelly-style chemical rust converter is preferred as it allows for a thicker application that fully covers the iron oxide. This ensures the rust is properly converted to iron phosphate.
Source: There Is NO Other Way // Ford Ranger RETRO-Mod (Sarah -n- Tuned).