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.
Here's the new upholstery...
Here's the new upholstery for our bench seat. Although manufactured to match your original covers exactly, the new upholstery will outlast the OE material because of greatly improved resistance to cracking during very cold conditions. The Fairlane bench seat cover is made by special order and costs $399.95. It's PN UP67B5-BK.
Here's a look at the Ranchero...
Here's a look at the Ranchero interior in the before condition. It's a nightmare of washed-out gray and worn-out fabric and components.
The job begins with the removal...
The job begins with the removal of the window cranks and door-release levers, which are held in place by a single Phillips-head screw. The armrests were removed by undoing the two fasteners on the underside.
With all the interior door...
With all the interior door fixtures removed, it's a simple matter to remove the trim panel, which is held in place by two horizontal tracks.
Preparation of the new trim...
Preparation of the new trim panel begins with making the required openings. We begin by making the two round openings for the window crank and door-release lever.
The smaller openings are being...
The smaller openings are being made for the armrest fasteners. Be sure to double-check hole locations on the car before making any cuts in the surface vinyl. Sometimes the pre-marked locations on the back of the panel don't match where the holes are on the door.
Here the new panel is being...
Here the new panel is being put into place. Pressing down on the panel as it rests in the lower track creates a curve that allows the panel to be guided into place in the upper track. Be sure that the clips to receive the armrest fasteners are in place on the door before buttoning things up.
The next step is to remove...
The next step is to remove the seat. Go underneath the vehicle and locate the four studs that locate the seat and remove the nuts. You'll definitely need a helper to remove the bench from the interior.
We've been looking forward...
We've been looking forward to this step because the carpeting is filthy. Once out, it goes directly into the dumpster. The floorpan on our car is rust free and needs only a thorough cleaning with the Shop-Vac.
This shot shows our new carpeting...
This shot shows our new carpeting kit. It's molded to follow the contours of the floorpan and has jute backing. It has a molded-in driver-side mat and the headlight switch grommet is included. The carpet is PN CA66R and the list price is $179.95.
Turning our attention to the...
Turning our attention to the workbench, we see our craftsman undo the seat hinge by removing a cotter key. He'll place the upper sections of the seat aside for later. The sliding seat tracks from either end of the bench are removed as well.
To remove the old upholstery,...
To remove the old upholstery, we'll go around the perimeter of the seat frame and remove all hog rings with a stout pair of cut-off pliers, allowing the old covering to be peeled away and tossed. Our seat frame and buns aren't in the greatest shape. However, our man might have a few tricks up his sleeve.
One seat spring is broken,...
One seat spring is broken, so a replacement steel rod is being fitted to provide additional support. It looks like automobile seat technology may have advanced a little in the last 40 years.
With the spring repair made,...
With the spring repair made, the next step is to bolster the original seat buns. This foam rubber covering will make for a much smoother installation of the seat covers. Here the additional material is being carefully cut to size.
With the pieces cut to the...
With the pieces cut to the correct dimensions, the next step is to seat them in place using an adhesive applied via spray gun. The completed bench is ready for the new upholstery.
Before beginning, you should...
Before beginning, you should set the new upholstery out in the sun to heat it up. On a cloudy day, use a heat gun (as our man is doing) but be careful not to heat the material too much in any one spot.
The cover is fitted to the...
The cover is fitted to the frame while the material is still warm. We can tell already that we're going to have a snug fit.
Transfer the listing wires...
Transfer the listing wires from the old cover into the channels along the bottom edges of the new upholstery. If the old wires are too far gone, then coat hanger wire will work as a replacement.
New hog rings are applied...
New hog rings are applied around the entire perimeter of the seat bottom. The pliers shown are specially made to install hog rings. You'd go crazy trying to install hog rings without them.
Moving on to the seatbacks,...
Moving on to the seatbacks, we see the same gentle persuasion applied to the upholstery installation. As was done on the bottom, new listing wire will be installed and hog rings used to secure to covers. The seatbacks are then reunited with the bench and the hinge covers installed.
Before installing the dash...
Before installing the dash cap, we need to remove the A-pillar interior trim pieces for installation room.
Now it's a simple matter of...
Now it's a simple matter of applying the provided adhesive around the edges of the cap. Before applying glue, we test-fit it to the car to be sure nothing is sticking up that might cause interference with seating the cap.
Now the dash cap is simply...
Now the dash cap is simply set into place. We press down around all of the edges and the adhesive grabs immediately. Once the cap is in position, the A-pillar trim is reinstalled. The completed interior shown in our lead image displays how dramatic the improvement is. Now our Ranchero inner world is on par with the rest of the vehicle.