Glad I spotted your channel. When I left school in 1981 I worked for Peugeot / Talbot in Chatham. Sadly the Roots group went into liquidation. I loved the Rancho. Great to see one again
Great video, very interested to see this project. I think you should: 1. Get it running, 2. Take the engine and box out, 3. Rotisserie it. The reason for step 1 is that you might find mechanical issues that will be more easily tackled with the engine out so better to know about those first. The reason for 2 and 3 is I think the amount of welding is significant, and some of it is structural, so you will need proper access to everything. To get inside that funny bit at the front you might need to cut away the panel in front of it and then weld it back on.
I fear you may be right about the rotisserie. I actually have a (scruffy) spare of that panel in front of the scuttle - it looks like it even bolts in and out, although there are lots of other bits and pieces to unbolt too.
@@GrandThriftAuto I think the rotisserie will actually be quite fun. More work but should be more satisfying. Welding is 1000x easier if you can see and reach what you're doing and it's the right way up.
Quite a project, but I'm sure you're up to it! I would love to hear it start up, it might give you some inspiration that it wants to live on, and inspire the many hours bodywork that it's in desperate need of. But we're all here for this content if that's any consolation :)
You've mentioned in the past your disappointment with viewing figures on some videos. A 'will it start' is a bit of a cliche nowadays but I think thats the best thing to do to get people hooked in. My preference is for longer videos. Don't worry about creating the perfect video. Its a messy job and i would rather see as much of the work as I can on such an interesting car. Might be the first time most people ever get to see how it was made and dispell or reinforce a few myths.
Takes me back to my main dealer days at The Cathedral Garage in Bristol,where we had many of these things and Alpines ,Simcas Avengers Sumbeams you name it I got to fix it ,allways had a soft spot for the Rancho.
If you didn't know that it would run, I'd say yes to having an exploratory play with the motor. In your case though I'd be wary of it becoming a distraction from taking that first deep breath and applying the angle grinder. I'd have the engine and box out early doors to give you at least a fighting chance of reaching the underside of the scuttle. I had a much similar task when I did my Firenza. May your mig wire never run out. ✊✊
Ooh, a Firenza! Yes, you've pretty much summed up my dilemma. I don't think it'll take too much to get it running off a gravity bottle of fuel, so I'll probably give it a go but avoid going too far down any rabbit holes. I suspect you're right about some serious dismantling being required to get under the scuttle.
This channel is so therapeutic. The mix of nostalgia coupled with the horrendous amounts of time and effort required to bring these vehicles back to life is a joy as I only have to watch 😊
Great video Martin. And thanks for the shout out! Looking forward to seeing how this resto turns out - I’ll make a pilgrimage to come and see it once up and running!
Thank you for the upload and update..great to know you are fully motivated to embark on what looks like a fairly extensive and tricky bodywork restoration..hats off to you! Staggering to know that there are only two UK registered examples on the road! I have a real soft spot for these. The styling was so purposeful-looking and totally exotic / adventurous back in the day. I'm looking forward to any follow-up videos and eventually seeing perhaps the third UK registered car back on the road! I'm also a big Lotus fan, so I'm eagerly awaiting any update on your Elite..Thanks again!
It might be a good idea to get it running, do a compression test and otherwise assess the state of the engine. That way you could send anything that needs machining or other specialist work out and have that done while you do the body. Either way, I’m very much looking forward to the video series.
After having a Matchbox toy given to me in 80 I fell in love with this car. I went Range Rover when I grew up and own a Classic, a p38 and a l322. I'd gladly give them all up to own a Rancho. I'm in....... please make her 100%.❤
There’ll be an update in a week or so 😊 I’d love a RR Classic - I nearly bought one a couple of times when they were cheap. It would be fascinating to compare it back to back with the Rancho on the road (we all know who would win off-road, of course).
Me too!! Mine was possibly a "Super Kings" version I think,. bigger than a standard Matchbox. I also have a P38 4.6, in my workshop with its engine in bits, slowly being put back together. Its a HSE in dark grey, bullbarred up and on Insa Turbo mud tyres, even in broken form I love it. I only recall ever seeing one Rancho on the road in 40 years.
@@samkirk3662Cheers, seem to manage one or two bolts at a time! had to start heli coils on the block for the head bolts, that was no fun! Putting it back together with ARP studs so hoping for a better result.
Definitely get it running, a bit of inspiration before getting stuck into the body work. there used to be a lot of there's running round Coventry in the 80's I guess they were linked to the factory at Ryton.
Love the Rancho. Blimey only 2 or 3 running in the uk? Didnt realise they were that rare, definitely worth saving. Time to get an Avantime too, otherwise they will be in the same situation in 10 years from now....
Great to see some more videos out on your eclectic fleet in South Wales (makes mine in Wiltshire pale in comparison) - I think I join the majority with a delve into the engine first - looking forward to a 'fleet update' as well.
I first became aware of the Matra Rancho as a kid here in the US from the Corgi Juniors (and large scale big brother) model circa 1979. Even though I've never been a truck person, and even less so today when SUVs / crossovers, etc. are de rigeur on American roads, I have always LOVED the look of the Matra Rancho. Even if it wasn't a 4 x 4 (which would have made it amazingly useful), I love all that glass, the body cladding, etc. It is the kind of vehicle that would have been unstoppable a few years later if it had Subaru running gear. These just put a smile on my face, especially the classic copper, even if I've never seen one in person. The great thing about cars is that almost all of them have a following, and it is reassuring that people like yourself invest in such vehicles the time, money, and care needed to put them back into action. Fantastic, and I look forward to the progress!
Fascinating project, what a challenge! My suggestion would be to take engine and transmission out first and do separate series on mechanicals and the bodywork.
seems like a smart idea to try and get it running first, then you know about any issues that you can decide were always there when you put it all back together again after
Great memories, loved mine, red A34TGO(i think) 5 kids,did the job, loved the look and always felt different than other kid wagons out yhere at the time. I miss her.
Great video. Looking forward to seeing this progress. You’re a brave man! I’d say a short “lets get it running video” before getting stuck in. Pob Lwc!
I owned one of these in the 80s, I remember having virtually a new floor welded into it for the MoT one year! It was a bit of a rust box, and fairly underpowered - the quickest it ever went was 80 and that was going downhill on the motorway! It did look nice in white though. I also had a ball joint literally pop out while going along - not recommended!
Always loved them as a lad when they first came out. Desperately tried to get my old man to get one but he refused. Loved them in the red of orange colour.
The mk1 discovery clearly took some styling cues from these. ❤ When I was a child I used to think these looked so cool. I had a matchbox green toy one.
Go for it! I am tempted to buy one (from Italy) for nostalgic reasons ... I bought one new in 1979, and loved it, partly for its quirky-ness, but I liked the look. The colour was Vert Scot Metallic, (bright green), and my wife commented that it was not a good car to rob a bank with - well, it did stick out a bit! She flogged it in 1982 whilst I was in the Falklands! So I would be interested to see what pitfalls may await me. Good luck.
I say go for it if you can find one! Matra Enthusiasts Club people are very friendly and helpful. As you can see from my other videos, mine has some rust to deal with but none of the bodywork looks terribly complicated to re-make - and an Italian one might still be pretty solid.
Best of luck with it... I remember being fascinated by them back in the day...my mate's dad had a lovely metallic aqua one...would be great to know there was a 3rd one on the road, lol...great channel btw :)
Very nice to get a good look about this remarkable car. Not sounding like a record stuck in repeat, I agree with many viewers about getting it running first and attempt to drive it a few yards to get that extra motivation. Also, taking the engine engine and box to help with access and make sure the bulkhead is ok. Looking forward to the next chapter!
It looks like a massive job to get the bodyshell rust-free, but if you can weld, doesn't really seem like it requires any special metal shaping tools. My friend has a LDV van converted to camper, and he tacked the inner and outer sills with flat metal plate, shaping it using basic tools and a vice, and it was actually a brilliant end result.
Yes please try running it first and making it run well... On the other hand it looks like you are ready to do the work and you've got a club behind you as well!
Glad to hear you've contacted the MEC UK, I bet they were delighted to learn that someone is trying to raise the number of roadworthy Ranchos with 50% 😅 I think a rotisserie is a good idea, and getting the engine out is also a good idea. You could put a 1.6 litre Solara engine back in, and fit a manifold with double Webers from a Bagheera, upping the power to over 100 bhp, but getting that engine and manifold maybe not so easy as it was 23 years ago when I bought my Murena.
I remember fitting a new front flasher bulb to 2 year old Simca 1100 van only to discover the complete light unit was made of ZAMAK the zinc alloy used for Dinky toys. The whole light assembly had turned to white and green puss. French auto electrics of that era were terrible, later Chrysler switched to electrics made in Spain particularly coils that have no end of trouble in damp weather.
A complete engine out body restoration skewered on a rotisserie is the only way to go. If you leave anything in or anything out there's gonna be rust galore in completely hidden places questioning the structural integrity of the car. If it's possible, dismantle the glassfibre shell from the frame. The way they are rusting, I would question if they did any rustproofing or even painting at all on the bits meeting the add ons. There are no short cuts with a project like that, you must go all the way.
In the 1970’s no cars had rustproofing from factory, best you could hope for was underseal painted on the bottom of the car. There were many small businesses that for a fee would spray waxoyl into the box sections and of course things like wheel arch liners hadn’t been invented for most cars made. Luxury in those days was having a radio as standard or an optional extra or a heated rear window! Cloth seats were also a luxury and we all bought a locking petrol cap as fuel draining was very common once petrol jumped massively up to 75 pence, a gallon!
I have just found your channel today. I was immediately interested because I served my apprentiship as a panel beater at a Rootes / Peugeot Talbot dealership in the late 70,s. I eventually found a much better paid way of earning a living. These things would rot out like the morning dew & I have seen 5yr old examples in nearly a bad a state. So for its age its not in bad nick, but they where beyond saving years ago. Personnal I think you really need to get that engine running before anything else. They had such a horrid tappety sound to them to make it hard to tell a gooog one from a bad one. I believe you will struggle with this car but I shall enjoy following your trials. Oh & that A post ...... they just vanished over night. That will be a real task for you to sort. Good Luck.
Welcome to the channel! Thanks for that, I agree... it'll be a lot of work that wouldn't make any economic sense whatsoever on a 10 year old banger, but they're so rare now (for the reasons you say). By now you might have seen the next video where I did actually get it running, and I didn't think this one sounded bad at all, especially on the fresh fuel. So I'm still at that naively optimistic stage.
You just keep on going. I would like to make one point style wise as to how far ahead of the game Simca et Al, really where. Later vechicles rocked up such as the Diahutsu Sport Track & then the Landy Disco. Very similar silhouettes & use of glass.Can anyone reading this point me towards a good old fashioned book covering the whole Simca saga ?
Hi Martin, another great video. I would get it running just to reassure yourself. Check for leaks etc then remove for the welding. As you well appreciate, leaving stuff half done is always tempting, so perhaps finish existing projects first. regards Nigel
I'm for getting her started and running first. Not because it makes the resto any easier (it doesn't) but purely for the boost it will give your enthusiasm (if you're anything like me). Once you've driven it around a yard and got a feel for it's character, it will create a stronger emotional bond and the incentive to get it properly road ready will be much greater.
Maybe a compression test first, if that looks promising then try starting. I know that sometimes we need a win to push through to the next stage. Are there any clubs in southern Europe who might know of spares cars for sale? Chopping out an inner wheelarch or scuttle section is much easier if you’ve got a non-salty replacement ready. Good luck with it!
Thanks! I believe the Matra Enthusiasts have pretty good contacts with our French brethren - and my inherited spares stash does have a couple of bits of outer sill and that sort of firewall thing between the scuttle and the engine.
Damn, that bit under the scuttle looks tricky. Can't see a good way to tackle that that doesnt involve the screen and dash coming out. If I get a Simca 1100 from somewhere I am defo gonna check there first!!!
Hallo Martin, guten Tag. Geee, that's what I'd call a project. Will be a long journey. The Rancho is absolutely worth it. And on the other hand, the purchase of the English Wheel will now definitely pay of.😅 Looks like the Gamma remains still on the waiting list, but I'm patient. Viel Glück bei diesem Projekt und gute Nerven wünscht Christian
I had one,the clutch release arm cracked, took gearbox out and replaced arm ..Put gearbox back in and no second gear..Sold it and last seen in ashford in kent.
My grandad had a brand new Rancho late 70s it was a T reg. My dad had his own business and had several Simca vans.which my mum used as a car.you can tell they are.practically the same car ( van).
It would be great to see it run before you do any more. As for getting at the welding what about jacking the rear so high it’s effectively standing on its nose?
I'll be working on the running this week I think, so hopefully that'll be the next video. That's a good point about jacking it up: effectively that's what my tilter does, and I think I'll give that a try before I spend a bunch of money on a rollover jig. I suspect ultimately it'll be easier to turn it on its side though.
Martin, I thought for one moment you’d bought another…😮 it looks massively daunting but with your skills sharpened by the Accord I’ve every confidence in you! Bon chance!
I love the Rancho, my brother owned one whilst living in Italy and I used to occasionally drive one for a couple of days when my Peugeot 305 van was in for a service when I worked for a Peugeot/Talbot garage back in the 1980's it was this colour I think, maybe darker brown. I always wanted one but they held their value because they rarely came on the market back then...so I bought a MG Metro Turbo (Mk1) instead, a car I wish I still had.
I think the engine will need to come out… but that will make it a little lighter and as you say, a rotisserie would certainly be a great way of tackling the rust. It would be fun to hear it run… and even take it on a little drive
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Thought I recognised the plate... I sold it to you then!
Hello there, great to hear from you! You’ll see from some other videos that I’ve finally made a proper start on restoring it. We should meet up somewhere when it’s done!
Don't we just love a bit of wishful thinking when looking at rust 😂 What a great project though, only ever seen one in the flesh at LeManns Classic this year.
Agreed, and that has crossed my mind. I probably won’t actually do it as the original engine and gearbox are quite low mileage and seem to be in good order, but that would make it a better car.
Hi Martin hope you are well Well done on another great video on the rancho do you know any history of the car as it’s Coventry registered just wondered if it was a Peugeot talbot company car? It’s a great survivor and deserves to live again I think it would be good to see engine is sound first after standing those engines are fairly strong we had one in our horizon albeit the 1.3. The metalwork looks straightforward and look forward to seeing how you get on keep up the hard work Daniel
Hi Daniel, and thanks - I don't _think_ I've got any of the early history of the car but like you, I did wonder if it's a Peugeot Talbot company car with the Coventry registration. I must have a further dig through the paperwork.
I’m getting a real Simon Bates ‘Our Tune’ broken hearts vibe with this video! Get stuck into it if you’re up for it. It’s way beyond my skill set repairing all that rust - I can weld and braze good clean metals in a workshop but I’ve no appetite for frilly paper thin metal on cars. No idea at all. Good luck with saving the Rancho if you can.
Yes, I agree it’s a bit* of a cliché, which is why I thought I’d ask. I fear I may not be able to help myself though 😬 Perhaps combined with a ceremonial first bit of knot wheel action? *Ok, a lot.
The working class person`s Range Rover alternative? Best of British luck with this unique vehicle. 👍 I think that my late dad liked these but perhaps would not have bought one. Didn`t meet his criteria for a family car with at least 4 doors. However, the closest he ever got was a tappetty Talbot Horizon.
I forgot. Let the engine run and bring it to op. temperature. Content for a quick video. Old start cold start. Will it run. First start since years... etc.😂 I am convinced you'll find a better phrase. Cheers
Get that carpervert bloke over to see if you can get your 'barnfind' (it's a very loose term nowadays) running. Three birds with one stone. He gets content of a car he adores, you get a car up and running and exposure for your brilliant channel.
Ha! He does know about it, we swapped messages a while ago. As you say, Jonny himself is a big Rancho fan, but I suspect they're a bit niche for his viewer base. And I want to get it running myself!
Definately historic, may have been an ironic satire/parody... but was famously memorable for it. Don't think I'd too concerned mechanically though must admit if it did need anything it may take time for replacement parts to surface. I'd tip it sideways 40deg giving resonable access easily.. But haven't seen Aerodeck done yet...
If you know the engine is likely to run then (if you can avoid the temptation!) I'm not sure what merit there is in starting the engine To get best access (to the area near the scuttle) taking the engine and gearbox out sounds sensible - if you have the height for a high lift it might be easier than a rotisserie - do you need to remove the fibreglass box to fit a rotisserie? Is the fibreglass box bonded to the chassis rails? Good luck with the renovation, I'm looking forward to it
Wise words. The fibreglass is bonded to the steel sides of the pickup, which run below the windows. It should mount on a rotisserie ok - I’ll have to fabricate a mount, but then you always do.
I always say start with the engine before anything else, so at least you know it runs. However in this case, where you are possibly taking the engine out as part of the bodywork process, it might be wiser to focus on the body first then do the engine after, as the latter is the easy bit really. Besides, if the engine has to come out, there is only so much you can prove/learn if you put the work in to start it beforehand
I drove them a long tme ago in 1986 ; the hotel owner had 2 or 3 of them. Used them on the beach etc. I forgot but are they 4x4? Without it I think they are useless, but with 4x4 they would be amazing
Its not that bad definitely seen worse, those scuttle mounted lights are like hens teeth look after them - Hope to catch up on the club stand at the NEC.
I'd prefer to see you get started on the rot first rather than a Will It Start because I've been looking forward to you getting into this one for quite some time. It really doesn't look that terrible except for figuring out how to unpick the layers and rebuild them. I always like to start with the worst bit I know about first, that way everything else should in theory be easier and more fun.
Thanks, that makes sense. I was thinking of you by, by the way, when I was talking about vinyl paint on the seats - inspired by the great job you did on the Princess a while back 👍
@@GrandThriftAuto Kind of you to say so. I can strongly recommend a clear top coat on the dye if you do have to go that route, I didn't and there's a couple of spots that would have benefitted from it.
YO, I've had amazing vinyl painting results with 94 graffiti spray paint on vinyl and leather, the basic formulation is the same as most vinyl paint i.e an oil based acrylic but its cheap, comes in 1000s of colours and has a lovely finish
I'd say get it running so you know what you might be up against mechanically but do the bodywork first. This is going to be more interesting than, say, a Ferrari restoration. Also you'll be breaking new ground - I suspect you'll be doing work on this that not many people have on on a Rancho before. I look forward to more.
WOJ 500T Lol, my first purchased car i had paid £1,500 from Coventry. A mistake! The Rancho, look great, all plastic, Emerald Metallic Green amazing... I thiught i was buying a good car, way back in 1988! I couldn't afford an original Safiai Suzuki Car as they was £4,250 ! So a RANCHO was a classic looked like a Land rover, before Land Rover copied the original Smica Rancho design style by the Discovery? Back in 1992/4. After 3 weeks getting my first passion car... I had an acciendent, plus police! My new car, looked totally good, until the police said... Your both wings are totally full of RUST, but i said that the wings are Fibreglass, like a reliant/ semister all fiberglass! Then I realised the whole RANCHO was a RANDOM Rust instead! Nothing was left of Steel, just Rust and fibreglass and lots of plastic ISOCAN????? Sorry, as i had a massive stroke, i can't remember names, as the stroke means i suffer CCD dues to Aphasia, so i lost a lot of my original memories names.... Another RUST after my real stroke!!! I then started a project to t ry and rebuild the car.... Ummmmmm impossible, many thanks to Scima to become a Scam from the 1980's who used rubbish steel, just like the original Alfra Roma!!! A total 1980's Scam, including British Leyland as well! My passions cars since my student car, way bacjpk in 1986. 1985 Red LADA 1500. Cost £40 1987. Green Emerald Metallic, WOJ SOOT also RUST. £1,500. 1989. Green Two Colour D482 ??? TOYOTA Tercel 4WD 1994. Maroon, M865 MOJ ? NISSAN TERRANO II 2007. Pearlence Silver, NISSAN Elgrand XL shipped from Toyko, still working OK to 2023, but now rust. BS52 ??G ! 2009. my Madness! Black + Vinyl L4ND G. Vauxhall FRONTERA SWD. 2019. My Stroke Car, SMART CAR 450, Autumn Gold (Mercedes metallic/ rare) YE54 DAY. MY NEXT CAR WILL BE A .... ? Mitsubishi Delica D5 4WD, without rust.... Your friend Clive + Alive
These were definitely not built to last... That level of rot is distracting to say the least. Yes, it would be very interesting to see this Mantra restored and added to the fleet of two. It's odd isn't it that an enthusiasts club exists where only 2 cars are in fact road legal, I wonder just how that works? Do club members keep Chickens in their examples.🤔 Rotisserie or not Rotisserie,? If the engine is in poor shape, it will have to be removed anyway and rotating the body always gives better access to the camera. Good luck with this project, it is going to be a challenge.👍🏼
One of the worst cars rust wise, - they were notorious for their double skin rust, - especially at the A pillars and rear strut upper mountings ! A pillars consists of double layers, - best to renew both outer and inner skin if parts can be sourced ! Also where front suspension mounts, - and again double layers, - so pay attention if spotwelds bulge there ! In fact, - the list is endless on these cars ! I have worked on these cars, - knows every spotweld by heart !
Glad I spotted your channel. When I left school in 1981 I worked for Peugeot / Talbot in Chatham. Sadly the Roots group went into liquidation. I loved the Rancho. Great to see one again
Great video, very interested to see this project. I think you should: 1. Get it running, 2. Take the engine and box out, 3. Rotisserie it. The reason for step 1 is that you might find mechanical issues that will be more easily tackled with the engine out so better to know about those first. The reason for 2 and 3 is I think the amount of welding is significant, and some of it is structural, so you will need proper access to everything. To get inside that funny bit at the front you might need to cut away the panel in front of it and then weld it back on.
I fear you may be right about the rotisserie. I actually have a (scruffy) spare of that panel in front of the scuttle - it looks like it even bolts in and out, although there are lots of other bits and pieces to unbolt too.
@@GrandThriftAuto I think the rotisserie will actually be quite fun. More work but should be more satisfying. Welding is 1000x easier if you can see and reach what you're doing and it's the right way up.
I'd like to hear and see it run first.
That's the answer I was hoping for ;)
Quite a project, but I'm sure you're up to it! I would love to hear it start up, it might give you some inspiration that it wants to live on, and inspire the many hours bodywork that it's in desperate need of. But we're all here for this content if that's any consolation :)
@@TheStevo1978 Thanks, that really helps!
You've mentioned in the past your disappointment with viewing figures on some videos. A 'will it start' is a bit of a cliche nowadays but I think thats the best thing to do to get people hooked in. My preference is for longer videos. Don't worry about creating the perfect video. Its a messy job and i would rather see as much of the work as I can on such an interesting car. Might be the first time most people ever get to see how it was made and dispell or reinforce a few myths.
Takes me back to my main dealer days at The Cathedral Garage in Bristol,where we had many of these things and Alpines ,Simcas Avengers Sumbeams you name it I got to fix it ,allways had a soft spot for the Rancho.
Very excited to see the full restoration - these beauties need saving!
If you didn't know that it would run, I'd say yes to having an exploratory play with the motor. In your case though I'd be wary of it becoming a distraction from taking that first deep breath and applying the angle grinder. I'd have the engine and box out early doors to give you at least a fighting chance of reaching the underside of the scuttle. I had a much similar task when I did my Firenza. May your mig wire never run out. ✊✊
Ooh, a Firenza! Yes, you've pretty much summed up my dilemma. I don't think it'll take too much to get it running off a gravity bottle of fuel, so I'll probably give it a go but avoid going too far down any rabbit holes. I suspect you're right about some serious dismantling being required to get under the scuttle.
This channel is so therapeutic. The mix of nostalgia coupled with the horrendous amounts of time and effort required to bring these vehicles back to life is a joy as I only have to watch 😊
Great video Martin. And thanks for the shout out! Looking forward to seeing how this resto turns out - I’ll make a pilgrimage to come and see it once up and running!
Thank _you_ - and you'll be very welcome to come and have a go when we get there! (Don't hold your breath, mind you.)
Thank you for the upload and update..great to know you are fully motivated to embark on what looks like a fairly extensive and tricky bodywork restoration..hats off to you! Staggering to know that there are only two UK registered examples on the road! I have a real soft spot for these. The styling was so purposeful-looking and totally exotic / adventurous back in the day. I'm looking forward to any follow-up videos and eventually seeing perhaps the third UK registered car back on the road! I'm also a big Lotus fan, so I'm eagerly awaiting any update on your Elite..Thanks again!
Yes please to see it running
It might be a good idea to get it running, do a compression test and otherwise assess the state of the engine. That way you could send anything that needs machining or other specialist work out and have that done while you do the body. Either way, I’m very much looking forward to the video series.
After having a Matchbox toy given to me in 80 I fell in love with this car.
I went Range Rover when I grew up and own a Classic, a p38 and a l322.
I'd gladly give them all up to own a Rancho.
I'm in....... please make her 100%.❤
There’ll be an update in a week or so 😊 I’d love a RR Classic - I nearly bought one a couple of times when they were cheap. It would be fascinating to compare it back to back with the Rancho on the road (we all know who would win off-road, of course).
Me too!! Mine was possibly a "Super Kings" version I think,. bigger than a standard Matchbox. I also have a P38 4.6, in my workshop with its engine in bits, slowly being put back together. Its a HSE in dark grey, bullbarred up and on Insa Turbo mud tyres, even in broken form I love it. I only recall ever seeing one Rancho on the road in 40 years.
@@GrandThriftAuto can't wait for more Rancho content.
Swap you for the classic.🤣
@v8mooowder354 I've seen 1 at a show. Fell in love with it. Good luck with the P38, get it done👍
@@samkirk3662Cheers, seem to manage one or two bolts at a time! had to start heli coils on the block for the head bolts, that was no fun! Putting it back together with ARP studs so hoping for a better result.
Definitely get it running, a bit of inspiration before getting stuck into the body work. there used to be a lot of there's running round Coventry in the 80's I guess they were linked to the factory at Ryton.
I believe it’s a Coventry reg on this one, in fact - though I don’t know anything about its original ownership.
Yes, it's a Coventry registration, so could be a factory fleet or press car.
This is what we’ve been waiting for from you. You now have a project and an interested audience. Make it so.
Love the Rancho. Blimey only 2 or 3 running in the uk? Didnt realise they were that rare, definitely worth saving. Time to get an Avantime too, otherwise they will be in the same situation in 10 years from now....
Oh don’t encourage me, I really fancy an Avantime.
@@GrandThriftAuto and a Pluriel.... ;)
Great to see some more videos out on your eclectic fleet in South Wales (makes mine in Wiltshire pale in comparison) - I think I join the majority with a delve into the engine first - looking forward to a 'fleet update' as well.
I first became aware of the Matra Rancho as a kid here in the US from the Corgi Juniors (and large scale big brother) model circa 1979. Even though I've never been a truck person, and even less so today when SUVs / crossovers, etc. are de rigeur on American roads, I have always LOVED the look of the Matra Rancho. Even if it wasn't a 4 x 4 (which would have made it amazingly useful), I love all that glass, the body cladding, etc. It is the kind of vehicle that would have been unstoppable a few years later if it had Subaru running gear. These just put a smile on my face, especially the classic copper, even if I've never seen one in person. The great thing about cars is that almost all of them have a following, and it is reassuring that people like yourself invest in such vehicles the time, money, and care needed to put them back into action. Fantastic, and I look forward to the progress!
Fascinating project, what a challenge! My suggestion would be to take engine and transmission out first and do separate series on mechanicals and the bodywork.
I'd love to see a will it run video on the Rancho 🙂
Martin was a lovely chap, (the old owner) met him a few times and conversed with him regularly on BSC , glad to see his rancho get some love 👍
I say... Yes, get it running! Best of luck with it though. Brave man taking on such a rare car. Personally I love it.
seems like a smart idea to try and get it running first, then you know about any issues that you can decide were always there when you put it all back together again after
Yup, that's my thinking too - as long as I don't get too sidetracked (can happen).
Whatever route you take...looking forward to following. In a way Rancho's are a bit like iconic examples of "outdoory" aspirational motoring.
Great memories, loved mine, red A34TGO(i think) 5 kids,did the job, loved the look and always felt different than other kid wagons out yhere at the time. I miss her.
Great video. Looking forward to seeing this progress. You’re a brave man!
I’d say a short “lets get it running video” before getting stuck in.
Pob Lwc!
In the spirit of what you said: Get in there. Driving is for later when the car is ready to do so.
I’ll enjoy watching whatever decision you make.
I owned one of these in the 80s, I remember having virtually a new floor welded into it for the MoT one year! It was a bit of a rust box, and fairly underpowered - the quickest it ever went was 80 and that was going downhill on the motorway! It did look nice in white though. I also had a ball joint literally pop out while going along - not recommended!
YES a will it start video 🚙🚙
Really enjoyed this video and looking forward to more on this car .
Always loved them as a lad when they first came out. Desperately tried to get my old man to get one but he refused. Loved them in the red of orange colour.
Great video. What a job you have on your hands there. Makes the small patch of rot on my ZX’s inner wing look very small beer. 😂
The mk1 discovery clearly took some styling cues from these. ❤ When I was a child I used to think these looked so cool. I had a matchbox green toy one.
Go for it! I am tempted to buy one (from Italy) for nostalgic reasons ... I bought one new in 1979, and loved it, partly for its quirky-ness, but I liked the look. The colour was Vert Scot Metallic, (bright green), and my wife commented that it was not a good car to rob a bank with - well, it did stick out a bit! She flogged it in 1982 whilst I was in the Falklands! So I would be interested to see what pitfalls may await me. Good luck.
I say go for it if you can find one! Matra Enthusiasts Club people are very friendly and helpful. As you can see from my other videos, mine has some rust to deal with but none of the bodywork looks terribly complicated to re-make - and an Italian one might still be pretty solid.
Best of luck with it... I remember being fascinated by them back in the day...my mate's dad had a lovely metallic aqua one...would be great to know there was a 3rd one on the road, lol...great channel btw :)
Very nice to get a good look about this remarkable car.
Not sounding like a record stuck in repeat, I agree with many viewers about getting it running first and attempt to drive it a few yards to get that extra motivation. Also, taking the engine engine and box to help with access and make sure the bulkhead is ok.
Looking forward to the next chapter!
It looks like a massive job to get the bodyshell rust-free, but if you can weld, doesn't really seem like it requires any special metal shaping tools.
My friend has a LDV van converted to camper, and he tacked the inner and outer sills with flat metal plate, shaping it using basic tools and a vice, and it was actually a brilliant end result.
Yes please try running it first and making it run well...
On the other hand it looks like you are ready to do the work and you've got a club behind you as well!
Glad to hear you've contacted the MEC UK, I bet they were delighted to learn that someone is trying to raise the number of roadworthy Ranchos with 50% 😅
I think a rotisserie is a good idea, and getting the engine out is also a good idea. You could put a 1.6 litre Solara engine back in, and fit a manifold with double Webers from a Bagheera, upping the power to over 100 bhp, but getting that engine and manifold maybe not so easy as it was 23 years ago when I bought my Murena.
I remember fitting a new front flasher bulb to 2 year old Simca 1100 van only to discover the complete light unit was made of ZAMAK the zinc alloy used for Dinky toys. The whole light assembly had turned to white and green puss.
French auto electrics of that era were terrible, later Chrysler switched to electrics made in Spain particularly coils that have no end of trouble in damp weather.
Eek. No sign of that monkey metal nonsense on this, thankfully.
Interested in seeing it run
A complete engine out body restoration skewered on a rotisserie is the only way to go. If you leave anything in or anything out there's gonna be rust galore in completely hidden places questioning the structural integrity of the car. If it's possible, dismantle the glassfibre shell from the frame. The way they are rusting, I would question if they did any rustproofing or even painting at all on the bits meeting the add ons. There are no short cuts with a project like that, you must go all the way.
In the 1970’s no cars had rustproofing from factory, best you could hope for was underseal painted on the bottom of the car.
There were many small businesses that for a fee would spray waxoyl into the box sections and of course things like wheel arch liners hadn’t been invented for most cars made.
Luxury in those days was having a radio as standard or an optional extra or a heated rear window!
Cloth seats were also a luxury and we all bought a locking petrol cap as fuel draining was very common once petrol jumped massively up to 75 pence, a gallon!
Great video. Look forward to seeing this progress. Best colour Iv seen one in. Be interesting to see if you can coax her back into life 😎
Always fancied an Espace, but it was discontinued while I was still saving up!
Well, all things considered, it could be a whole lot worse! Look forward to seeing you tackle it - it definitely deserves saving!
Make it run please!
I have just found your channel today. I was immediately interested because I served my apprentiship as a panel beater at a Rootes / Peugeot Talbot dealership in the late 70,s. I eventually found a much better paid way of earning a living. These things would rot out like the morning dew & I have seen 5yr old examples in nearly a bad a state. So for its age its not in bad nick, but they where beyond saving years ago. Personnal I think you really need to get that engine running before anything else. They had such a horrid tappety sound to them to make it hard to tell a gooog one from a bad one. I believe you will struggle with this car but I shall enjoy following your trials. Oh & that A post ...... they just vanished over night. That will be a real task for you to sort. Good Luck.
Welcome to the channel! Thanks for that, I agree... it'll be a lot of work that wouldn't make any economic sense whatsoever on a 10 year old banger, but they're so rare now (for the reasons you say). By now you might have seen the next video where I did actually get it running, and I didn't think this one sounded bad at all, especially on the fresh fuel. So I'm still at that naively optimistic stage.
You just keep on going. I would like to make one point style wise as to how far ahead of the game Simca et Al, really where. Later vechicles rocked up such as the Diahutsu Sport Track & then the Landy Disco. Very similar silhouettes & use of glass.Can anyone reading this point me towards a good old fashioned book covering the whole Simca saga ?
Hi Martin, another great video. I would get it running just to reassure yourself. Check for leaks etc then remove for the welding.
As you well appreciate, leaving stuff half done is always tempting, so perhaps finish existing projects first. regards Nigel
I'm for getting her started and running first. Not because it makes the resto any easier (it doesn't) but purely for the boost it will give your enthusiasm (if you're anything like me). Once you've driven it around a yard and got a feel for it's character, it will create a stronger emotional bond and the incentive to get it properly road ready will be much greater.
I so wish you luck with it it's a really interesting car
For rolling over with axles on the CJAutos Autovip is excellent though alot of resolve required when it is half on/off.
I have something very similar already - but unfortunately the rear axle will have to come off, so that won’t work in this case.
Maybe a compression test first, if that looks promising then try starting. I know that sometimes we need a win to push through to the next stage.
Are there any clubs in southern Europe who might know of spares cars for sale? Chopping out an inner wheelarch or scuttle section is much easier if you’ve got a non-salty replacement ready.
Good luck with it!
Thanks! I believe the Matra Enthusiasts have pretty good contacts with our French brethren - and my inherited spares stash does have a couple of bits of outer sill and that sort of firewall thing between the scuttle and the engine.
That just reminds me of how they were back in 87- thats a good example , 97% probably disintegrated by 1992 lol , good luck
Thanks, I'll need some of that luck!
Damn, that bit under the scuttle looks tricky. Can't see a good way to tackle that that doesnt involve the screen and dash coming out. If I get a Simca 1100 from somewhere I am defo gonna check there first!!!
Hallo Martin, guten Tag. Geee, that's what I'd call a project. Will be a long journey. The Rancho is absolutely worth it. And on the other hand, the purchase of the English Wheel will now definitely pay of.😅
Looks like the Gamma remains still on the waiting list, but I'm patient.
Viel Glück bei diesem Projekt und gute Nerven wünscht Christian
Danke Christian!
I had one,the clutch release arm cracked, took gearbox out and replaced arm ..Put gearbox back in and no second gear..Sold it and last seen in ashford in kent.
My grandad had a brand new Rancho late 70s it was a T reg. My dad had his own business and had several Simca vans.which my mum used as a car.you can tell they are.practically the same car ( van).
It would be great to see it run before you do any more. As for getting at the welding what about jacking the rear so high it’s effectively standing on its nose?
I'll be working on the running this week I think, so hopefully that'll be the next video. That's a good point about jacking it up: effectively that's what my tilter does, and I think I'll give that a try before I spend a bunch of money on a rollover jig. I suspect ultimately it'll be easier to turn it on its side though.
Martin, I thought for one moment you’d bought another…😮 it looks massively daunting but with your skills sharpened by the Accord I’ve every confidence in you! Bon chance!
I don't see the vision but all the best with it.
I love the Rancho, my brother owned one whilst living in Italy and I used to occasionally drive one for a couple of days when my Peugeot 305 van was in for a service when I worked for a Peugeot/Talbot garage back in the 1980's it was this colour I think, maybe darker brown.
I always wanted one but they held their value because they rarely came on the market back then...so I bought a MG Metro Turbo (Mk1) instead, a car I wish I still had.
I think the engine will need to come out… but that will make it a little lighter and as you say, a rotisserie would certainly be a great way of tackling the rust. It would be fun to hear it run… and even take it on a little drive
Thought I recognised the plate... I sold it to you then!
Hello there, great to hear from you! You’ll see from some other videos that I’ve finally made a proper start on restoring it. We should meet up somewhere when it’s done!
i would love to see this car restored
Don't we just love a bit of wishful thinking when looking at rust 😂
What a great project though, only ever seen one in the flesh at LeManns Classic this year.
Could you fit a 1.6l simca 5 speed in the Rancho. It will be torquier and more quiet
Agreed, and that has crossed my mind. I probably won’t actually do it as the original engine and gearbox are quite low mileage and seem to be in good order, but that would make it a better car.
PS Lots of Dynamat will also make it quieter - that’s on my shopping list!
Great support from Serbia
Thanks and Здраво!
Hi Martin hope you are well
Well done on another great video on the rancho do you know any history of the car as it’s Coventry registered just wondered if it was a Peugeot talbot company car?
It’s a great survivor and deserves to live again I think it would be good to see engine is sound first after standing those engines are fairly strong we had one in our horizon albeit the 1.3.
The metalwork looks straightforward and look forward to seeing how you get on keep up the hard work Daniel
Hi Daniel, and thanks - I don't _think_ I've got any of the early history of the car but like you, I did wonder if it's a Peugeot Talbot company car with the Coventry registration. I must have a further dig through the paperwork.
I’m getting a real Simon Bates ‘Our Tune’ broken hearts vibe with this video! Get stuck into it if you’re up for it. It’s way beyond my skill set repairing all that rust - I can weld and braze good clean metals in a workshop but I’ve no appetite for frilly paper thin metal on cars. No idea at all. Good luck with saving the Rancho if you can.
Not a fan of the; "been in storage, will it start videos?" so would enjoy seeing the process of restoring the bodywork😊👍
Yes, I agree it’s a bit* of a cliché, which is why I thought I’d ask. I fear I may not be able to help myself though 😬 Perhaps combined with a ceremonial first bit of knot wheel action?
*Ok, a lot.
The working class person`s Range Rover alternative? Best of British luck with this unique vehicle. 👍
I think that my late dad liked these but perhaps would not have bought one. Didn`t meet his criteria for a family car with at least 4 doors. However, the closest he ever got was a tappetty Talbot Horizon.
You have to do a will it run vids. It's the law, you know.
Are these things 4 wheel drive....I think I remember them from way back when.
Front drive only I’m afraid - the original ‘soft roader’ SUV.
running is the least of its problems sadly - good luck with it when you start it (the resto)
WCPGW?
I forgot. Let the engine run and bring it to op. temperature. Content for a quick video. Old start cold start. Will it run. First start since years... etc.😂
I am convinced you'll find a better phrase. Cheers
You can’t beat a bit of easy content! Well, I hope it’s easy 😬
Get that carpervert bloke over to see if you can get your 'barnfind' (it's a very loose term nowadays) running. Three birds with one stone. He gets content of a car he adores, you get a car up and running and exposure for your brilliant channel.
Ha! He does know about it, we swapped messages a while ago. As you say, Jonny himself is a big Rancho fan, but I suspect they're a bit niche for his viewer base. And I want to get it running myself!
Definately historic, may have been an ironic satire/parody... but was famously memorable for it.
Don't think I'd too concerned mechanically though must admit if it did need anything it may take time for replacement parts to surface. I'd tip it sideways 40deg giving resonable access easily.. But haven't seen Aerodeck done yet...
Another vote for a “will it run” video 👍
If you know the engine is likely to run then (if you can avoid the temptation!) I'm not sure what merit there is in starting the engine
To get best access (to the area near the scuttle) taking the engine and gearbox out sounds sensible - if you have the height for a high lift it might be easier than a rotisserie - do you need to remove the fibreglass box to fit a rotisserie? Is the fibreglass box bonded to the chassis rails?
Good luck with the renovation, I'm looking forward to it
Wise words. The fibreglass is bonded to the steel sides of the pickup, which run below the windows. It should mount on a rotisserie ok - I’ll have to fabricate a mount, but then you always do.
Was that a 2.2 Tagora I spotted ?
Sadly not, though I’d love one. It was probably a Rover SD1 or Lancia Gamma Coupé.
Done a few restorations and rebuilds Mini to RR good luck .
I always say start with the engine before anything else, so at least you know it runs. However in this case, where you are possibly taking the engine out as part of the bodywork process, it might be wiser to focus on the body first then do the engine after, as the latter is the easy bit really. Besides, if the engine has to come out, there is only so much you can prove/learn if you put the work in to start it beforehand
I wouldn't start it up, if something goes wrong it could you back both mentally and actually. Dig in and focus on the body shell.
I drove them a long tme ago in 1986 ; the hotel owner had 2 or 3 of them. Used them on the beach etc. I forgot but are they 4x4? Without it I think they are useless, but with 4x4 they would be amazing
Front wheel drive, so not the best off-road. But they look good and are otherwise very practical - see my previous video for more on that :)
Its not that bad definitely seen worse, those scuttle mounted lights are like hens teeth look after them - Hope to catch up on the club stand at the NEC.
My thinking exactly! (Although I am a hopeless optimist.) Looking forward to seeing you there.
I'd prefer to see you get started on the rot first rather than a Will It Start because I've been looking forward to you getting into this one for quite some time. It really doesn't look that terrible except for figuring out how to unpick the layers and rebuild them. I always like to start with the worst bit I know about first, that way everything else should in theory be easier and more fun.
Thanks, that makes sense. I was thinking of you by, by the way, when I was talking about vinyl paint on the seats - inspired by the great job you did on the Princess a while back 👍
@@GrandThriftAuto Kind of you to say so. I can strongly recommend a clear top coat on the dye if you do have to go that route, I didn't and there's a couple of spots that would have benefitted from it.
YO, I've had amazing vinyl painting results with 94 graffiti spray paint on vinyl and leather, the basic formulation is the same as most vinyl paint i.e an oil based acrylic but its cheap, comes in 1000s of colours and has a lovely finish
That sounds like a top tip, thanks a lot! I'll give that a go - feels like that stage will be a long way in the future, mind you.
If it will give you more enthusiasm to take on the project by all means make it run first 💪🏼😃👍🏼
I'd say get it running so you know what you might be up against mechanically but do the bodywork first. This is going to be more interesting than, say, a Ferrari restoration. Also you'll be breaking new ground - I suspect you'll be doing work on this that not many people have on on a Rancho before. I look forward to more.
We don't need to hear it run. We can shake a biscuit tin full of old bolts to recreate the Talbot rattle. 😂
I’m sure I don’t know what you mean! 😉
WOJ 500T
Lol, my first purchased car i had paid £1,500 from Coventry.
A mistake!
The Rancho, look great, all plastic, Emerald Metallic Green amazing...
I thiught i was buying a good car, way back in 1988!
I couldn't afford an original Safiai Suzuki Car as they was £4,250 !
So a RANCHO was a classic looked like a Land rover, before Land Rover copied the original Smica Rancho design style by the Discovery? Back in 1992/4.
After 3 weeks getting my first passion car...
I had an acciendent, plus police!
My new car, looked totally good, until the police said...
Your both wings are totally full of RUST, but i said that the wings are Fibreglass, like a reliant/ semister all fiberglass!
Then I realised the whole RANCHO was a RANDOM Rust instead!
Nothing was left of Steel, just Rust and fibreglass and lots of plastic ISOCAN?????
Sorry, as i had a massive stroke, i can't remember names, as the stroke means i suffer CCD dues to Aphasia, so i lost a lot of my original memories names.... Another RUST after my real stroke!!!
I then started a project to t ry and rebuild the car.... Ummmmmm impossible, many thanks to Scima to become a Scam from the 1980's who used rubbish steel, just like the original Alfra Roma!!! A total 1980's Scam, including British Leyland as well!
My passions cars since my student car, way bacjpk in 1986.
1985 Red LADA 1500. Cost £40
1987. Green Emerald Metallic, WOJ SOOT also RUST. £1,500.
1989. Green Two Colour D482 ??? TOYOTA Tercel 4WD
1994. Maroon, M865 MOJ ? NISSAN TERRANO II
2007. Pearlence Silver, NISSAN Elgrand XL shipped from Toyko, still working OK to 2023, but now rust. BS52 ??G !
2009. my Madness! Black + Vinyl L4ND G. Vauxhall FRONTERA SWD.
2019. My Stroke Car, SMART CAR 450, Autumn Gold (Mercedes metallic/ rare) YE54 DAY.
MY NEXT CAR WILL BE A .... ?
Mitsubishi Delica D5 4WD, without rust....
Your friend
Clive + Alive
Engine and gearbox out. Get it on a rotisserie and make life easy for yourself and,also help speed up the whole process.
These were definitely not built to last... That level of rot is distracting to say the least.
Yes, it would be very interesting to see this Mantra restored and added to the fleet of two.
It's odd isn't it that an enthusiasts club exists where only 2 cars are in fact road legal, I wonder just
how that works? Do club members keep Chickens in their examples.🤔
Rotisserie or not Rotisserie,? If the engine is in poor shape, it will have to be removed anyway and
rotating the body always gives better access to the camera.
Good luck with this project, it is going to be a challenge.👍🏼
Thanks! The club covers all Matras, not just Ranchos :)
When these were new, we always used to pronounce the name 'Ranch -o'. You say 'Raan-cho'. I wonder which is correct ?
No idea! Your way sounds more like the original French though, so you're probably right.
would you block me if i said sack off the jag and use the money on this and the honda? (and the royale)
You’d have to say a lot worse to get blocked! That may in fact happen.
I decide we need you.
:-D
One of the worst cars rust wise, - they were notorious for their double skin rust, - especially at the A pillars and rear strut upper mountings !
A pillars consists of double layers, - best to renew both outer and inner skin if parts can be sourced !
Also where front suspension mounts, - and again double layers, - so pay attention if spotwelds bulge there !
In fact, - the list is endless on these cars !
I have worked on these cars, - knows every spotweld by heart !
I would do the body before the drive and get it on a spit. If it can suck squeeze bang blow that'll do.
No body no car. 👍
Think his brother saw you coming.
I'd get it crushed and pocket whatever they'll give you.
Was never a good idea, just a joke, off road noddy car.
It’s 40% fibreglass so not worth much as scrap. Might as well restore it.