RARE Ford Durango Revival! Will it Drive 400 Miles After 9 YEARS?

[@spyderMN]

I recently inherited my uncle's 1965 Ranchero. It isn't the car I would have chosen, but I've enjoyed the teardown and parts acquisition. 289 4-speed manual car. I'm falling in love with the car. About 15 years ago Kit and I rode our motorcycles from Utah to Cali. Pulled the engine in an orange orchard, got her running, put my bike in the tray and made our way home. Kit didn't get to finish the car, but I'm going to do it for him.

[@mexicanspec]

Think of it as a Mustang pick up.

[@DrivinghardOregon]

@@mexicanspec itll be cool if diggs and demo get together and race their Durango vs Ranchtang. if you dont know go check it out.

[@TheReaper42069]

Beautiful story

[@stuartcote4915]

@@DrivinghardOregon A bit of a mismatch. That thing has way more power.

[@stuartcote4915]

I would want a 74-76.

[@bobwgower]

That vans backup sound is supposed to make that noise. The fact that both of you took notice is exactly why they now use that sound. We have become so accustomed to the normal beep that we now ignore it, but this strange new sound catches our attention, and we look for the potential danger, you look towards the truck and instantly think it must be backing up.

12:28 This is actually pretty common backup sound used by some larger chain delivery companies in Europe. Seems that it got to US too. There are two reasons for using this sound. It has wide spectrum which makes it harder to miss even if you don't hear some frequencies well. Much better than single frequency backup signal that some people may not hear or may be masked by surrounding noise. The other reason is that it is audible from close even if it's not as loud as single frequency ones. That makes it a bit less invasive in cities.

[@bradhaines3142]

also the tone of it is easier to catch and not tuned out like all the BEEEPs things like to do these days

[@joedirt5378]

Yeah I’ve heard several Amazon trucks that sound like they got a dying goose for a back up beeper

[@algnedpe7271]

also you can tell instantly which direction it is coming from, unlike a high frequency beep.

[@AxionSmurf]

@@joedirt5378 Maybe someone ordered a dying goose

[@nathankim7664]

Oh Heck Yea! I've ALWAYS wanted to see a Ranchero on the channel, but the Durango is even better! I wish Ford made a Ranchero out of the panther platform. That and the 5.0 would've been amazing!

[@michaelchan8915]

That would be an awesome build!!! A Panther platform Ranchero with 5.0 Coyote backed by a 6R80.

[@rayrussell6258]

There were no plans to produce this as a factory option, it was strictly an aftermarket idea. I think it sold for around $7000 (I had an '80 Futura coupe that I recall paying $6400 minus a $300 rebate at the time, and I still have the car). The conversion was advertised in Automotive News among a very few other places. I worked at Ford Engineering at the time and retired a few years ago. I had - as part of my job - all the future product plans back then, and read updates daily; Durango was never discussed in-house by management, even as an unofficial program, it was never shown on what we called the "cycle plan". We had far too much on the plate already with downsizing the line-up and meeting new emissions laws. Of course, we all knew about the aftermarket conversion, and a few of us talked about it around the lunch table once or twice.

[@ReflectedMiles]

I couldn't imagine what kind of market niche there would have to be to justify something like that actually being in production. The number of prospective customers would have to have been very small for a major manufacturer.

[@rayrussell6258]

@@ReflectedMiles actually both Ranchero and GM's ElCamino were quite popular, and sold well, until gas prices made them unpopular as cars. We just didn't have the in-house resources at the time to make this Fox-bodied car/pick-up. Of course, gas prices later mitigated and we sold a lot of small pickups like Courier and the Ranger. The market was there.

[@ReflectedMiles]

@@rayrussell6258 Mostly in the Pet Rock sense, I'm afraid. They weren't especially practical--not even compared to small pickups because they had shallower beds. My former boss, a painter, used to drive an El Camino daily and it left a lot to be desired. It was convenient to access whatever was in the bed, when it survived the trip, and that's about all that could be said for it. By the time the 80's came around, sales of the El Camino were, what, maybe half of what they were during the gas crunch (not because of it)? And this "Durango" doesn't look like it is any El Camino as far as carrying capacity in the bed, either.

[@rayrussell6258]

@@ReflectedMiles I had a family friend who worked on the State Highways as an engineer. He owned two of the ElCaminos, back to back, that he used on the job. He never said anything negative about either of them. In fact, he convinced two other guys in my small town to buy ElCaminos. The slower sales in the '80's reincarnation was more due to resistence by the dealers to stock, and customers to buy, a vehicle made in Mexico. People today don't think of that as an issue, but veterans of the wars back then sure did. I think it's Hyundai right now that has a really small pickup with a 4 foot bed, not much carrying capacity, smaller than either the Ranchero or ElCamino back in the day. They sell to people who just don't want a vehicle with a trunk or an SUV. I get it. Ford's Maverick is getting rave reviews from all over the place, and it has a bit more capability than the Hyundai. It was sold out early for 2022, very popular, and the build book for 2023 models is finally reopening later this month. It meets the price and utility needs of many buyers. You should open up to what others want in a vehicle. Maybe these aren't right for you, granted, but that doesn't mean they are "pet rocks" to other buyers. Fairmonts were a lineup that included one of the most popular station wagons of the late 70's/early 80's. It was capable of carrying a reasonable weight in cargo and passengers, and I imagine the Durango utilized a few parts from that wagon bin to build in load-carrying capability.

[@ReflectedMiles]

@@rayrussell6258 As I wrote, it's the sales numbers that ultimately do the talking, and they tanked during a time when consumer spending was rising and interest rates as well as fuel prices relative to inflation were coming down. That's why I referred to it as a niche market once the cultural popularity had passed. None of the current models you mentioned are two-seaters.

[@philbringloe8699]

Thanks!

[@michaelgriffin7717]

Kind of missed Mook haven't been watching enough lately good to see she still gets into the vid once in awhile

[@Sleeperdude]

That thing is awesome I’m glad someone other than me appreciates these cars.

[@CARLXGAMING]

Looks like your Fairmont radar went off the moment this video hit lol.

[@imjustarandomguy9916]

I was waiting to see if you'd comment on this. Can't wait to watch your Malibu video.

[@aydenanderson7916]

Wow I’m glad one of my favorite Creators watches my other favorite creators videos

[@JunkyardDigs]

If you're a big Fairmont fan I've got one sitting in my yard that probably needs rehomed. Baby blue 79 in great shape with a 302 that needs a transmission input seal

[@gearjammin8551]

I was going to say, I bet Sleeperdude would just about bite his own arm off for that lol.

[@rjs2005]

I took my high school-era driving test in a '80 Fairmont 4dr sedan with that very drivetrain. I can confirm it to be a gutless wonder. Still, the Durango is a very interesting piece of automotive history and I look forward to see what you two do with this one.

[@whiskeybuilder6335]

Did you drive the Fairmont to the prom? They made Fairmonts with v8s. Manual transmissions too.

[@rjs2005]

@@whiskeybuilder6335 Hell no. I drove a '75 Thunderbird with a 460. Big engine, huge car, lots of bluster but no go, and terrible gas mileage. At least my date was awesome!

[@LynxStarAuto]

@@whiskeybuilder6335 My dad actually worked at the Ford Fairmont assembly line for a short while in the early 80's in NJ. The only year you could get a V8 with a manual was 79. Where Ford offered as an option a 302 with a 4 speed. Beginning in 80, Ford dropped the 302, and offered the gutless 255 which was only available with an automatic.

[@whiskeybuilder6335]

@@LynxStarAuto My father owned two Fairmonts. One was a four cylinder with a manual transmission the other was a country squire wagon with a 302 and an automatic. A v8 with a manual would be very cool!

[@whiskeybuilder6335]

@@rjs2005 I took my driver's test in a 78 thunderbird with a 302. I had to parallel park that long nosed bastard on a Saturday morning in the busiest part of town. I nailed it. Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good.

[@VinnyG6053]

I just got a 1975 Rancho and I am so excited to finish what my grandfather started by making it the most powerful and quickest he could make it. His dream will not die with him and will carry on through out our family!!!

[@QuantumLeap83]

I've always personally thought that the LaTourneau Sno-Train tires were the coolest part of that build. Anybody that's a gear head, it is well worth your time to research the feat of engineering that LaTourneau achieved when they built those machines and to research them as a company in general.. Absolutely amazing.

[@R.Sole88109]

Or what R.G. LeTourneau done in general was pretty damn amazing.

[@jacquelatourcaptainunderpa8475]

I like the first part of that guys name.

[@pgtmr2713]

I thought they looked familiar, when I saw pics of the train for the first time. Kind of a millipede look to the tread

[@garrettschweitzer7138]

@@jacquelatourcaptainunderpa8475 I see what you did there

[@996porsche4]

I absolutely love your and Mook's videos. Your calm, motivated, and instructional videos are looked forward to with each episode. Thank you for sharing!

[@todd7619]

I'd forgotten all about this model, even after having 2 Ford Fairmonts back in the day. Thanks for the trip down memory lane guys. Awesome video as always ❤

[@nmewarlok]

my first car was a 79 fairmont. Always on the side of the road dead that thing was .. it truly lived up to its namesake.

[@donnajones1603]

Brought back memories of my 76 Ranchero 2 tone sky blue/dark blue and my dad's 79 Fairmont I couldn't even give away ( after selling it to someone I thought was a friend for $25 ),months later I got a call from a neighboring states police wanting to charge me to pay towing charge's for abandoned vehicle...... luckily I had proof of sale ....

[@Gunmetal_Cutlass]

This may be one of my favorite revivals as I have a soft-spot for car / truck hybrids. I am working on reviving a 1964 Cutlass that was converted to a truck (1 of 2 that I know of), with a 403 from a trans-am. The thing was a mess when I got it, but my dad and I are slowly restoring it to its former glory.

[@JohnDoe-zr6bk]

"car / truck hybrid"? It's a UTE!

[@craigmonteforte1478]

BTW i forgot about that stupid Horn on the turn signal Stalk untill you joked around about it and yes the Brakes were horrible ,Many Fords were i found with the Fords i’ve owned it was always best to replace Brake parts with OEM parts ? why i don’t know but Aftermarket Rotors and other parts didn’t work like they did onChevys and Mopars for some strange reasons ? i had a Ford Van and a Buddy of mine who owned his ownAutomobile repair Shop and his Wife had the same year Ford Van and he agreed at that time Napa sold Guardian Brake Rotors and they always wound up Warping ? but the OEM Ford did not ?

[@daveondre4892]

@@craigmonteforte1478 , like some Ford 4cyl in the 80's blowing oil filters apart unless you ran a motorcraft filter.

[@boris1932]

My first car was a '82 Ford Fairmont Futura --- I can attest to how slow they are with the one barrel carb , lol --- It got me back and forth for 3 years. Had all kinds of fun things to repair along the way. I never knew about the Durango before I saw your video. Doesn't look bad as a small pick up.

[@thomasshreve1976]

My first car was also an 82 Ford Fairmont Futura. Not a hot rod, for sure. LOL

[@jdnrotterdam2150]

What was the topspeed of those machines?

[@noelneptune5312]

@@jdnrotterdam2150 Inhad an 83 Fairmont Futura. Drove it to and from the university. Top speed going down hill maybe 75mph. Top speed going up a steep hill 45 mph if you hit the base of the hill at 65mph. Before I got rid of it I replaced the water pump and the starter. But it got to Vegas and the Grand Canyon.

[@jdnrotterdam2150]

@@noelneptune5312 so a big engine doesn’t say anything back than

[@whammond511]

Never heard of a FORD Durango. I almost bought a 1st Gen Dodge Durango but was surprised at how small the interior was. Great Video!! Loved it when the wheel was frozen!! Very empathetic to your travails getting it home. Better luck on the next one!!

[@auteurfiddler8706]

Really? I don't like small interiors myself but I though the Durango was OK. The Ford Expedition better yet. I even like the Pacifica. The appeal of the first two was a truck that could be used for city commuting but big enough to haul a project car on a trailer should the need arise.

[@jackfisher3906]

It was NOT a Factory Car, It's a Limited Production Coach Built Custom made by National Coach Works Los Angeles CA.

[@kevinwong6588]

@@jackfisher3906 Ford sanctioned and distributed through Ford dealers with factory warranty.

[@mfree80286]

@@kevinwong6588 It's as factory as the old Kar Kraft Boss 429s and the '81-82 Mustang convertibles.

[@kevinwong6588]

@@mfree80286 '83 convertibles were third party as well, with '84s in house.

[@ILOVEBACONBOY2018]

What a cool ride NEVER let these older vehicles die!

[@timmcneil906]

I’m a Lifelong Ford guy at 70 years. I’ve known of the Ford Durango for under a week. My first car was a ‘61 Falcon wagon. A straight six with a three on the tree. Looking forward to more vids on this sweet find. Congrats!

[@russelladams6432]

I love the old reject cars and the rare ones to boot. This one is very cool and surprisingly clean. Hope nothing got hurt getting it that hot. Look forward to more on this one. Take care.

[@edbennett8257]

Brave soul to use a pressure washer on a Maaco paint job.🤣

[@sethtainter2770]

That's what I said😂😂

[@jont0315]

😂😂😂

[@djquinn11]

Uh oh…

[@ياسرعاشوري-م3ح]

​@@sethtainter2770في در5 فيبآل😂😂😊 ؟٩ ‏‪1:18‬‏ 😊

[@0159ralph]

Nah Earl Schibe was the bomb...

[@jeffwomack5821]

That little squeak she made when she became a spark plug was AWESOME. Not that she got bit but just the squeak. I think anybody that has worked on an older car has been bit. Those coils put out enough energy to power several cuss words.

[@wafive]

We used that same 3.3 (or 200 cube) engine in Australia, along with it's bigger 250 cube / 4.1 litre brother. Falcon had been built here since 1960 with the 144 and 170 six. 200 super pursuit was added in 64. Engines were upgraded to the new bigger 188 and 221 in 68 and then to 200 and 250 in 1971. When the 250 was introduced we had a version called the "2v" which had a removable intake manifold with a 2 barrel carb (good for 170hp. Most still had the cast in manifold with 155 hp. Engines stayed pretty much the same until July 76, when they were upgraded to a crossflow head design to try and compensate for harder vehicle emissions introduced at that time (ADR27a). The engine was again upgraded with an alloy head in 1981 (cast by Honda) and then a 2 barrel weber carb in 82. Ford ceased production of V8s in Australia in 1982 (Clevelands, available in 302 and 351), so they were no longer offered in the XE Falcon after that time. In 83 they introduced an optional Bosch injected version of the 4.1. In 1988 the Falcon came in for a total redesign, the engine was upgraded with a single overhead cam and standard fuel injection across the range. The engine was also destroked to 3.2 and 3.9 litres. Single point injection was standard on 3.2 (90kw) and 3.9 (120kW), there was optional multipoint injection on 3.9 (139kw). The same year Holden introduced the VN Commodore which was fitted with the 3.8 litre Buick V6 that had (from memory) 128kW as standard and later a 165kW 5 litre V8 (Australian Holden engine, not a Chev). The base V6 was very lively and you had to option the multipoint 3.9 to have any chance of showing the Holden up... Ford had nothing to compete with the V8. In 1992 The 6 was upgraded to 4.0 and had standard multipoint injection it made a very healthy 148kw. Ford also re introduced a V8 to the Falcon, a 5.0 Windsor V8 with 165kw, this engine remained an option until late 2001. There was a mild upgrade in late 1994 which gave 153kW. The engine basically continued like that until the end of 2001, it was still based on the block / bore spacing of the old 200 / 250.. In 2002 it came in for a major upgrade, capacity remained at 4.0 but it was upgraded with double overhead cams and variable valve timing... also, a turbo version was added... This engine is known as the "Barra" and can still trace its beginning back to the humble 200 and 250.. though you would be hard pressed to find much that would fit from one to the other. V8s continued in the Falcon, after the retirement of the Windsor, they fitted an Australian version of the 5.4 modular, Two versions were available, a three valve, which was pretty much the US truck engine, and another fitted with 4 valve heads which was available for performance models.. That engine was replaced in about 2012 with a supercharged version of the 5.0 Coyote... The Turbo Barra 6 was still the better engine with a lot more performance potential. .. Ford Australia ceased all production on October 7, 2016.

[@deangale4496]

Sad day

[@robertthayer5779]

Multi POINT? Or multi PORT?

[@wafive]

@@robertthayer5779 I've always heard it referred to as "Multi Point Injection" The lower cost system was referred to as "Single Point Injection".

[@stevemyers1078]

Still driving my 97 falcon with a 4.0L started with 157kw doesn't burn oil, Little rust, interior and paint is a bit sad but I'm really gonna miss it when it's gone because I really don't like the new stuff' out there

[@Tinmy354]

@@stevemyers1078 have been in Australia for 1 Year and drove a 98 AU 4.0 station wagon. Such ja nice reliable and comfy car. I really miss it. Nothing similar here in Germany.

[@Gadgetman1989]

Really enjoying this, my mom had a Ford Futura growing up and a Ford LTD cop car, I feel if Sleeperdude sees this he'll freak and want it, not like it's a bad thing, gorgeous car Kevin and Mook

[@adancarrillo9675]

I was just thinking about Sleeperdude when I saw this too.

[@troynutter8902]

Me too

[@porticojunction]

I didn't realize they were so rare. I remember seeing a brand new one, burgundy and tan with a nice interior (despite the wood grain) It seemed highly optioned and looked pretty slick, even the tailgate.

[@wsbill14224]

They are rare because no one bought them. The Fairmont was an awful car as was anything based on it. (Ugly no power poor handling)

[@klc3478]

That is one beautiful automobile! With a new suspension and 5.0 with 5 speed and a good differential she’ll be something anyone would be happy to own, and a ton of fun to drive. Good find!

[@1984xlx]

AWESOME find! I'd love to run across one of those myself, just because they are so rare.

[@tairdudeusa7981]

I worked in 1978 and 79 at the Ford Hapeville plant building Fairmont's and LTD's, that sure brings back memories.

[@ni_wink84]

Kevin I really feel if you keep the videos like this coming, you’re going to be the next one being invited all over the place for special events and big races, I’ve watched since the beginning and I would love to see you up there with the rest of them ASAP! Love this channel, always have

[@JunkyardDigs]

I sure hope so!

[@kd5inm]

Build a burnout car like the ranchtang. When you get it done in whatever form, share it with Matt Carriker.

[@davidremy4470]

Now THAT is a piece of automotive history right there, wow. Great job getting that 'i got no balls' Ford Durango as far as you did. Honestly my first thought was water pump, they seem to go at the most inopportune time. Lookin forward to seeing what you do with it, peace.

[@jamesmancuso3666]

I lived in the st Louis area for a few years. Visiting the bigfoot shop was the most memorable thing I did there. They had the massive bigfoot (largest tires ever #5) out front along with trackfoot. Again a great time to behold. The durango needs white walls!

[@TheIronDuke502]

Hey Kevin & Mook. I really enjoyed your video. That is the first time that I had ever heard of a Ford Durango. My dad purchased a new Ranchero in 1974 that had a 351 Cleveland with a ice cold AC. My dad never liked the Ranchero because it was not really usable for farming like a pickup truck was and a severely bad gas hog back in the days of fuel embargoes and such. If you had the $$$ to put in the fuel tank, The Ranchero definitely would open up going down the interstate. Thanks again for your video and taking me back to my childhood memories.

[@johnmajors4892]

Kevin, you and Mook have to be the coolest most down to earth KZbinrs I have seen in a long time. The awesome content and unbelievable cars are a plus!! Keep up the great work brother.

[@JunkyardDigs]

Thank you!!

[@theathjr]

Agree. I LOVE this channel. Real Americans doing Real American things.

[@oxidizedolive]

I believe Bigfoot 8 was in my hometown of Liberty, Texas about 10 years ago. My 12yo self went nuts when I saw it parked in front of the Discount Tire on Main St. 🔥

[@antli0ncs]

What an absolutely sick find! I've always loved cars with truck beds. The perfect mix of utility and size/stature. Too bad they're practically extinct around here these days.

[@LynxStarAuto]

Have you seen the new Hyundai Santa Cruz? It's basically a car with a bed.

[@americanrambler4972]

And the new Maverick. Then there was the 1982-1984 Dodge Rampage and the Plymouth Scamp, the Subaru Brat and Baja, the 1979-1984 Rabbit Pickup. And don’t forget the 1947-1949 Crosley CC4 pickup.

[@leehest1564]

My uncle takes modern vw bugs and Jettas and makes bug trucks for people using a Smyth kit. He has a KZbin Hesty32 I think.

[@bodysuitguy]

Ford explorer sport Trac, all the explorerness, with a bed....and no trunk

[@toddmccarter45]

Don't forget the honda ridgeline, theres a whole growing segment of not trucks with beds coming now

[@laramiekreeper]

As a monster truck fan, Thank you for being so very respectful to Bigfoot 4X4 !!!! Love you guys!!!!

[@is_what_it_is]

Love it! Years ago I obtained a '79 Fairmont with a factory 302. That sucker was light and quick. Miss it badly.

[@jimdieseldawg3435]

Hey Kevin and Mook 🙂 Great choice, will be following this build for sure! The first Bigfoot you saw has tyres from the LeTourneau Overland Train - a near-legendary monster that is well worth a Google 🙂

[@chrismba777]

I'm in Des Moines and find myself in Ames every so often; I'll keep a look out for this rig on the road in the future! Love it!

[@GarrisonsMadHouse]

I just bought a 1990 Ford F250 in Mt. Vernon. Nice to see the I-80 stop is finished

[@forresthoffman489]

It's really fun watching these videos again! Car guys all around the US have you to thank man!

[@theathjr]

I can honestly say this video was probably my fav of all time on this channel. Maybe top 5 favorite. Regardless this editing and content ding’d all the bells and Mook is definitely a soul mate for you my friend. Great content. Safe Travels Amigos

[@L-A-C-IV]

Kevin, I have no clue how into these limited release "mostly official" models you are, but man, there is no one on KZbin I'd want to see get and save a Pontiac Tojan more than you. Way too bad ass of a piece of American history for it to be talked so little about and for it to cost as little as it does. Fingers crossed 🤘

[@jebediahgentry7029]

I'm usually a car encyclopedia but that's one I've never heard of. Off to Google I go!

[@trwerbelow8241]

@@tetedur377 I'm a big fan of the rare-ish non desirable faux luxury cars of the late 70s to 80s. especially the ones I never knew of

[@jebediahgentry7029]

Just looked it up and it looks amazing!

[@gregpiller2331]

This or a Grand Amino

[@JunkyardDigs]

I just Google that, sign me up 😂

[@evenberg8499]

The technical information from this channel is immense. Thanks Kevin ! 😊

[@TylerJ2015]

Keep it up guys, I absolutely love watching you, you know how to keep people coming back

[@mrbill8542]

Been a ford guy my whole life--have never seen anything like this!!!!What a find---Sure needs a 5.0/5 speed swap.Way to go kev&mook!!!!

[@Psalms19.1]

Man the Bigfoot museum tour made my day… I was a huge fan when I was little… I guess I’m still a fan…😂🤷🏻‍♂️ That was freaking awesome.

[@RC-fu6hg]

What an absolutely amazing find and in such good shape for its age. I can’t wait to see what the both of you have in mind for this project.

[@dustedone]

Give it a Bob Glidden restoration

[@fatboilxke9037]

Definitely want an update when you do the swap🙌🏻cool little car!

[@jeremyf7867]

I had a '79 Fairmont 4 door as my first car and loved it - except for lack of power. I never even knew the Ranchero existed but have always loved the El Camino Idea. This is my first time seeing your videos so I don't know your style but everyone sticks a big V8 and typical Mustang parts in a Fox body. I enjoyed seeing this one totally stock and think you should do something to honor that. :)

[@AmstradExin]

I just compared the 3.3l engine of his with my friend's old 90s Opel Omega. Wow, yeah....like 90hp vs. round 150 on my friend's old Omega. Which alredy was a heavy car.

[@wtk6069]

The El Camino actually copied the Ranchero idea, because it came out two years earlier than its Chevy counterpart.

[@SuperGameguy007]

"We're doin' 50! That's the fastest we've gone yet!" While he passes at 25mph speed limit sign 😆

[@oldmanfromoc7684]

My 83 Ford Fairmount would do 100, and purr like a kitten! Loved that car! My 1999 Toyota Avalon will do 130!

[@jamieh4148]

Those signs are just suggestions.

[@badbiker666]

Pretty bold to drive at 2x the posted limit when you only have a signed off title, no registration, you're from out of state, and you have your fuel supply in the front seat.

[@firewalker1372]

@@badbiker666 🤣 Was thinking the same thing. Especially that fuel can in the front seat.

[@frankdeboer1347]

@@oldmanfromoc7684 I thought that the 83 Tempo took the place of the Fairmont. I thought that all Fairmonts were then sold as LTDs.

[@artking1839]

Really nice find amazing 1 of 212. If this is nearly unaltered. Keeping it all original (numbers matching) would seem to be worth while. Seems it would be a great collector.

[@michaelnevanssr206]

I am with you, Kevin. This is a cool car. I had a Fairmont wagon and enjoyed it immensely. I often thought that a "pickup" that size would be nice. I am looking forward to your future work on this car. You are always full of info about the vehicles you work on and th history is amazing. Thanks for being so helpful.

[@kcav5374]

Actually I wondered about the water pump earlier and when you started having heating problems I immediately thought, "Rent a trailer and get t home!" Good call to do just that.

[@sykwookiee]

Love it, love it, love it! Dodge is so jealous! This is going to be one of your best builds...I saw one at a car show back in the day and always kinda wanted one...I'll be watchin' ...y'all be safe, but if you're not, record it for our entertainment...peace...

[@Silencer051]

I am just hoping and praying that Kevin does go through and make sure to put a heavy rust treatment coating on it, I would hate to see it just rust away to nothing. :( While I wouldn't keep it stock, I would be keeping the motor and everything I took out of it to put the motor that should have been in it. Good luck Kevin! Glad to see you save something from my home state!

[@onnikilkki7423]

That volvo p1800 looks amazing

[@Kronofogden69]

Yeah just saw now 2 years later that it was a fucking wagon too haha

[@DJRicoche]

This car is so rare! Worth a full restoration for sure! Hope you can hang on to it and restore it!

[@michaelb.5345]

Catching up from a year or so ,, Kevin you are one sharp minded car guru..and a well spoken host..keep it all up, great videos well done. Mike

[@CR500R]

That belongs in a museum! Don't ruin it with a conversion! Especially, considering you have all vintage paperwork.

[@lsswappedcessna]

I agree that it's a piece of history, but I'd rather see it be driven, even with a completely different drivetrain, than just sit around in some museum without a purpose while a bunch of people stare at it from 7 feet away.

[@SHOdown13]

Congratulations on making it as far as you did. Looking forward to episode 2

[@jetjazz05]

Love Eric the Car Guy, he's been making repair videos and how to videos on car repair since about 2009. Nobody ever taught me how to work on cars so a lot of his videos really helped me have the courage to do my own automotive work... but regardless he got a Fairmont and dropped a big engine in it and made a sleeper out of it. Cracks me up too because that thing has so much body flex lol, putting down 400 horsepower or whatever it is to the wheels a lot of these Fox bodies (stock anyways) twist like soda cans crush, it's crazy.

[@icerazar713]

Power tour car for next year? What a cool, unique car. Love watching you revive the oddball cars like this.

[@Project_Low_Expectations]

I have always loved and always wanted a Ford Durango! That is an awesome score you have… And I hope you do it justice! Can’t wait to see more on it!!!

[@kcstart6265]

Came across this channel by accident but I have thoroughly enjoyed you and your crews adventures. This offsets the monotony of a corporate job any day. Thanks for takin me along for the sometimes smoky but always great ride.

[@jasonpetrich4141]

OH MY GOD KEVIN that is such a rare car you have found right there!!! That deserves to be in a motorama museum!!! Thats way to cool to keep and smash on, you definitely need to restore it 😀 that's Bigfoot #1. Omg so dam sick bro that's absolutely sick. He built that truck in his back yard!!

[@chuckschultz7028]

Wow! My hobby is writing terrible automotive based fiction. Today, I was editing a project about a cable TV show that just completed putting a Ford 302 in a Volvo P-1800 before moving on to converting a rusty Fairmont Futura into an Aussie style Ute. To see both my fictional project cars crop up on this most excellent video is a real hoot. Thanks for the fabulous content; almost like it was custom made for me!

[@BillLaBrie]

This post is interesting.

[@platinumencasedpenile4812]

Huh

[@andrewmeadows2596]

What's that smell again.

[@dalehadley3283]

Oddly specific,but I love it

[@chuckschultz7028]

@@dalehadley3283 If it had not been "oddly specific", I would not have commented on it.

[@TheGoodChap]

Its wild you ran into the Bigfoot shop lol my mom is from Florissant MO so as a kid I spent a ton of time every time we visited going to the Bigfoot shop, I had a ton of their VHSs, one year we were there and we randomly ran into dan runte when I was a kid and got a picture. Surreal seeing you there, that place is weirdly a big part of my childhood. His Boeing 727 jump is huge, I honestly didn't realize they were still rebuilding every part of the cars all these years later

[@imdeplorable2241]

About 10 years ago, I saw one of these at a small neighborhood cruise. It was in really good shape and it had its original paint. A little odd looking compared to Ranchero and El Camino.

[@tedious_bait5798]

Mook getting shocked had me dying

[@armadillerff]

40:20 “We’re doing 50, the fastest we’ve gone yet” as he’s passing a 25 MPH sign LMAO

[@jcargentum]

AWWWW HECK! Mooks back in this one! 🥳

[@stomper2582]

👍👍👍👍

[@EliMatthews]

POV: its 11 months later and there"s still no new Durango video.

[@haulngrassracing]

8 months later and still nothing… I’m pretty sure it’s gone now.

[@jaydenthiel5389]

It’s 20 months now and still nothing new

[@unspokensage2974]

@@jaydenthiel5389 hope has to end at some point

[@tom115]

There seems to be a pattern of starting something and never really finishing it on this channel!

[@gabrielv.4358]

frfr

[@cruddycornstalks]

I have a special spot in my heart for the small block strait six motors. had one as a daily driver for over 10 years now. 1975 mercury comet 250IC I6 , it has done good for me for thousands of miles. one trip from northern Iowa to kcmo it ended up having a radiator cap fail dumping 2 gallons of a 2.5 system out of the engine. drove it 100+ miles not knowing so. ended up filing it up and fixed the cap and she hasn't missed a beat since. most reliable engine I have ever owned. and gets great milage for its age. not a big fan of the idea of taking such a rare car and removing half of what makes it original and ripping it out. but it yours and its all up to the owner. but the drive train is a big part of what makes that era fairmont what it is. and its a fairly uncommon drivetrain in this modern age to see. but you see 5.0s all the time , it is a lot cooler to see an engine like that in a line up at a car show. same as seeing the first gen mustangs with them in them. yes they are gutless but they are a big part of that era of small car. the small block 6 was a really cool motor for its time. be a wonderful car either way.

[@shannonschneider8413]

Same engine as used in the late 60s to 1978 in australia,the venerable logger head falcon 6 cylinder,started out as a 170 cube and transitioned to a 250 cubic inch engine that was mass produced here in australia

[@GTSW1FT]

Its probably a rebodyed falcon

[@vintagetintrader1062]

@@GTSW1FT a fox body this Durango/Fairmont is completely different to a Aussie Falcon. The suspension is interchangeable from a 1967 XR Aussie Falcon to a 1987 XF Falcon. I put the complete front suspension from a XF into a 1967 Mustang to upgrade to disc brakes

[@shannonschneider8413]

@@GTSW1FT same chassis as a fox body mustang,less weight,go well with a V8 5 speed conversion,but its 1 of 200 odd built,it's a great starter

[@earlscheib7754]

Trump 2024

[@BillLaBrie]

The Thiftpower 6!

[@jasonbucher5622]

That classic Volvo was gorgeous - and it has very similar lines to the much newer Volvo C30 (particularly the rear hatch) - pretty cool

[@BloodRaven1969]

It's an 1800 model, to see the sweetest do a search for the P1800 spots coupe

[@TimeToBeKind]

I was a sports car kid. Even the beach bug was cool. Then I came to America and I flipped completely. Big Foot did it. Then my first vehicle was a 1979 K5 Blazer and all the shit hit the fan. Lift kits, big tires nice engines, custom paint jobs, etc. And now that I’m in my 60s, I replaced all the parts needed and I got an awesome paint job on my 1993 K1500 Silverado 5.7, and it’s the last truck I’ll ever have. It’s getting difficult to get in and out due to my health, and I’m already considering sell it after months of dumping almost $20,000.00 into it. Interior still looks new, all original. Not a spot a rust. I regret not adjusting the transmission when I got it, because it only has about 150,000 miles but shows 191,000. For every 4 miles I drive, registers 5. Thanks for sharing.

[@mcrozoo]

this is probably the coolest and most valuable car you got. cant wait to see what happens with it aand pls keep it og as far as looks go (i know u will) and DONT sell the original engine, car s gonna be even more collectible in future!!!

[@archstanton9206]

Amazing find Kevin! I am excited to see you do the V-8 swap and put some suspension under it. It will be a very rare very cool car that will be fun to drive. A hard combo to beat!

[@dyer2cycle]

..the V8 swap would definitely be cool..but if it's as rare as you say it is, I would be inclined to leave it as original as possible...

[@paxhumana2015]

@@dyer2cycle , also, it would be easier to just find a regular Ford Fairlane Futura and do the same kind of quality build as an official Ford Durango, as well as have a Coyote/Godzilla engine swap under the hood, as well as improvements all over via custom/aftermarket parts.

[@dyer2cycle]

@@paxhumana2015 ..I agree on all points, except, for my part, I would keep a simple Windsor small block..something in the 200-300 HP range for plenty of get up, I don't need, or want, insane HP numbers, and I would want to steer clear of computers, sensors, turbos, excessive wiring, EFI, etc...I want something I can work on myself and id simple..part of the beauty of owning an old car, IMHO...

[@Plarndude]

I know this is an old video, but I’m still enjoying it. MOOK! ❤❤❤

[@tonydowd8566]

Very interesting discovery. Looking forward to seeing what you do with this one.

[@jeffreyanderson5304]

Really enjoyed your videos thanks for all you do to make it happen

[@graemejohnson9025]

Wow, a copy of the Aussie Ute, who would have thunk.. New Corvette, has been pinged for being a Clone of a Lotus.. with a v8... Look up, Maloo Ute.. look up HQ Ute, we did it first, and faster, and made out of steel, in a country with 24 million people... American Engineered, shitbox, tell Jay..

[@ralphgeigner5497]

Kevin & MOOKS teamwork are my favorite series ! Nice little truck, Segment 24:26 / 49:08 Looks Like Kevin has a tail, Funny

[@thunderroad7289]

My uncle had one. His was stolen. They never found it. Loved that thing lol. That will be super cool with a 5.0 in it. Really enjoying this one. Can’t wait to see what you do with it

[@Trenton-om9qs]

Notification Squad 🔥🔥. This will be an interesting one because I didn't even know these existed and I was very confused when I seen this on Instagram

[@bobcatsmith246]

Hello, My first truck was a 1971 Ford F250 6cyl 3 speed. The rear brake cylinders were both shot, I put a screw in the master cylinder well for the rear brakes. I drove it for two years like that with no problems.

[@ShenanigansWrenchRepeat]

Sweet Durango! Can't wait to see what's in store for it... Thanks as always for the awesome content and inspiration 🤘🤘🤘

[@jimgould2829]

Wow I was so sure the Ford Durango was going to make it too until it didn't lol I really hope you keep and restomod it! Its a rare cool ride and deserves a fresh 5.0/5 speed in the near future!

[@bigwater52]

I just found this channel randomly while i woke up and my tv was still playing KZbin. But this guy absolutely loves turning rotors and doing brakes you can here it in his voice

[@davemelton3874]

Waiting for more episodes on this car…seems like a trend on this channel. I like multi episodes from purchase to envision completion. Hopefully we see this rig back on the channel showing us that engine/trans swap you mentioned. Cheers!

[@tonykomski7370]

It's frustrating for sure. I want to see the swap on this as well. It would hum with a sweet 302 in it. Oh well.

[@jamesmiddleton4741]

Still waiting

[@pibbanon1987]

I never knew National Coach Works tried to create a replacement for the Ranchero. Kevin and Mook are preserving automotive history.

[@steve-ph9yg]

It sounds like it’s a custom conversation.

[@shvrdavid]

That is because Ford didn't. Everything down to the original Vin (which will still be on the car in a few places) was a Futura. It was a Futura when it left the Ford factory.... It is not that valuable of a car, it is a cut up Futura with a useless bed... Approximately 1600 of the rear tub sections were supposedly produced, which led to more fakes being made than actual National Coach Works versions. And as you can imagine fakes made with the exact same parts are a bit hard to tell apart from the original conversions. Ford did not make any of them, and only ok'd them to be sold on Ford lots as custom conversions. Which is no different than the Conversion Vans you could buy in the same era. Those vans are not worth anything either, and there are far less of some conversion vans made as well....

[@steve-ph9yg]

@@shvrdavid it’s on the same line as the 460. V8 TBIRDs that were sold at dealers about the same time or the 5.0 V8 Rangers that Total Performance of Mt Clemens MI were producing that could be purchased at your local Ford dealership.

[@shvrdavid]

@@steve-ph9yg Sort of. In every custom you mentioned they did not ruin the chassis, an many cases they strengthened it. You can't really use the bed in the Durango, it wont support much weight. Simply because they ruined the chassis structural strength of the unibody and made the bed out of thin fiberglass. You could not get one with a sunroof, because the sheet metal of the roof is now a structural member... Think about that for a bit.... The Durango was a neat idea, done horribly wrong..... If you know your history that was the last custom to be that invasive to the chassis, for a reason.... Jim Stephenson of Barris Kustom in Sylmar, Ca built the first Durango as a concept car. Then later took it to National Coach to see if they were interested in duplicating it after Ford didn't want it.... Most people don't even know that.....

[@pibbanon1987]

@@shvrdavid I initially thought Ford commissioned these vehicles to be made. It makes me wonder why anyone would go through the effort of copying such a poor bed design for an already gutless car. It's still interesting to see one running since they're so obscure, though.

[@garysimonson9593]

I knew these existed but I've never seen one in the wild. Thanks for this one. That painted-up interior reminds me of the '72 "USA" Sprint package on Mavericks, Mustangs, Pintos.

[@KeepinitRealGarage]

Haha that awesome. I had no idea these even existed. Thanks for the great content

[@stevenhansen1985]

Can't wait to see that with some upgrades! Great stuff as always!

[@claytonmatheny2428]

I love it! My father's business had a 68 that carried our logo on the side and then I got a 73 and put a 71 front on it with a 460 police interceptor, probably my favorite car ever, I have to find one of these for myself now!

[@douglasbrown8175]

Really like that color combination ,add a V8 and a good strong transmission, and rear end and it will be unique and fast.

[@americanrambler4972]

I always thought these were an interesting version of the Fairmont. I believe if they would have used the fairmont wagon with the Futura slope back body, theses could have given the elCamino a run for its money. In my viewpoint, the one big downfall of the fairmont was its city bus sized turning circle. Never understood why American manufactures build mid size and compact sedans with 40+ foot turning circles when 35 foot turning circles would have been more suitable for tight parking lot maneuvering.

[@auteurfiddler8706]

What are the details on that? I drove a Fairmont wagon, I think it was a 78, once or twice and didn't notice the turning circles being wide. Is that true of all Fox body box cars or even Fox body Mustangs?

[@americanrambler4972]

@@auteurfiddler8706 I looked up the specs. They list a 36 foot turning circle. The early models I drove definitely would not do that. The residential streets I used has 40 foot curb to curb distance. And the fairmont would not u-turn turn in that dimension. Most of the other cars I drove could easily u-turn turn in that area.

[@MikeJBlues]

That's cool, was in that Bigfoot shop a year ago. I remember when they were by the St. Louis Airport

[@bobrekowski631]

Holy crap, you guys were 3 miles from my house! Great video btw

[@Maximus65]

Like you said, throw a 5.0 with a 5 spd in it with some upgraded brakes and suspension and you’re all set. A great find and 100% a keeper 👍

[@thomasbeleskey133]

Beautiful I've been hunting one of these for years!!

[@johnheard2814]

Never knew that car existed. Really cool. Definitely a candidate for a 5.0 and auto trans. Be looking good if you also use the 5.0 Mustang wheels give it that wide look. Put on a set of Flowmaster mufflers and shell be a highway bandit!