1:24 Scale Model Ranger with a 5.0L Swap

This is a 1995 Model Ranger by AMT/Ertl and was purchased on eBay for $15. You will find them on there from time to time. The donor car was a 1995 Mustang 5.0L by AMT/Ertl. Also found on eBay from time to time, and purchased for $15

Here is the engine built:

Installed in the Chassis:

Neither exhaust systems will fit the model properly so I found some small and thin aluminum tubing at the hardware store. I had the bed and bumper sitting there to judge where the exhaust would come out.

This model came with lots of custom options such as American Racing Wheels and the option to lower the suspension. Here's a lowered rolling chassis:

The Cab needed some modification, and there are no specific alignment points on this model, so you really have to eyeball it on there...

The model also came with a tanneu cover option, but I did not want to "seal" up the bed and tailgate. Since those of us with tanneu covers don't just forget about the bed, I wanted to try a spray-on bed liner look. I used Black Stone Textured spray paint by Krylon, and painted over it with flat black:

The kit came with an optional billet shifter like in the FX4 Rangers, but oddly it didn't fit. So I used the stock one:

And the completed Project:
(Notice Clear Corner Lights & Blue Ford Oval)

The Exhaust Tips:

License Plate:

And the Engine Compartment with a 5.0L snuggled in:
(Notice the decals on the Battery & Blue Ford Oval)