MMF Tech Dearborn Classics Interior Restoration
When we purchased our '67 Fairlane Ranchero for $3,500, it was a fantastic deal. The classic combination automobile and pickup ran fine when we bought it, and the deal became even sweeter when we discovered that the transmission pan was stamped with the word "Metric"-meaning the car had an AOD transmission instead of a C4. It was a pleasant surprise and a great added value to our purchase. While the body was straight and complete, the weak link with the Ranchero was the interior. The factory instrument bezel was damaged where some previous owner had punched a hole to install a clock, and it was otherwise cracked and faded. We'll be combing the rows at the major swap meets, such as Carlisle, for a replacement because it's doubtful that anyone will ever reproduce the '66-'67-only Fairlane factory instrument bezel.
The headliner on our car was nice, but everything else looked ratty. The carpeting was worn, torn, and stained, while the dashpad was cracked in many places. The upholstery and door panels were both covered in a coarse gray fabric, giving the whole interior a washed-out look. The interior was indeed a crying shame when compared to the rest of the vehicle. Luckily for us, Dearborn Classics specializes in non-Mustang classic Ford cars. The company offers many parts for all of the Fairlanes, including the Fairlane Ranchero. Not dealing with the Mustang means that energy can be devoted to the other great cars that are part of the Ford Total Performance lineup, with the Galaxie at the top of the line and the compact Falcon at the small end of the size range. People used to restoring Mustangs will learn to appreciate Dearborn Classics very quickly as the parts resources available for these Ford cars are tiny compared to the amount of coverage the Mustang enjoys. Follow along with Mustang Country in Paramount, California, where the company was kind enough to lend its expertise to our project, even though the subject is not a Mustang. It's been our experience that if you love one Ford, you love them all.
Understandably, we're more...
Understandably, we're more than anxious to be rid of the fabric-covered door trim panels; these replacement panels are sure to look good when installed. They are Dearborn Classics part number DPA106-BK and cost $195 per pair.
New door-release levers, window...
New door-release levers, window cranks, and armrests will adorn the replacement panels nicely. New sunvisors will also add greatly to the cleaning up of the interior. Replacement of small parts will add more than you might expect to the finished project. The door-release levers are PN DH108 and they list for $19.90 per pair. The window cranks are PN DH112 and cost $29.90 a pair. The SV 101-BK visors were $69.95. The armrests are PN AR101 and cost $69.95.
This isn't a complete dashpad...
This isn't a complete dashpad but rather a cap that fits atop your existing pad. The plastic is very rigid, so the new cover won't be following every peak and valley in the old pad. Part number DC98, the cap is a killer deal at $99.95.
Here are the kick panels for...
Here are the kick panels for our Ranchero. We could paint them body color, but we're going to leave them black to match our upholstery and carpeting. They are PN KP102 and cost $69.95 per pair.