The North American domestic-built small pickup that Ford introduced in 1983 was called the Ranger. That ’82 held up far better than the early Rangers that joined our fleet. They don’t exist anymore as I once knew them. Your email address will not be published. Tom, with apologies to Elvis: “I searched (I searched), and I searched (I searched), but I couldn’t find…no way on earth to find that ad for thine” (Sung to the tune of “Crying In The Chapel”). Ford Courier is a model nameplate that was used by Ford; several vehicles have been produced under the Courier name from the early 1950s to the 2010s.Initially denoting a sedan delivery, the Courier nameplate has been used for compact pickup trucks, panel vans, and coupe utility pickups.. The Courier swap that got me all hot and bothered previously are the 4WD conversions, complete with Jeep running gear and lifted suspensions (see “Sasquatch”). It turns the 4runner into a good truck when it’s hooked up. This one brings back a flood of bad memories. Since their production, Ford has replaced Courier … This is a second-generation (1977-1985) pickup and the turn signals mounted in the grille (and not the bumpers) mean it’s not a 1977, but beyond that, it’s difficult to pin down exactly what year this one is, although the Courier was replaced in the US by the Ranger in 1983, much like the LUV was replaced by the S10 a year earlier. V6 Conversions have developed a Conversion Kit that allows the installation of the Holden Commodore V6 3.8ltr EFI V6 engine to the above vehicle. Bugger. Background. A forum community dedicated to all Mazda owners and enthusiasts. … IMPORT ” . I wonder how these couriers were in reliability? (You can always strip off Ford … I had a summer job at a Mazda service department in 1987. I always found these to be the best looking of all of the little imported pickups, bar none. The red Impala is more interesting though, I wonder if it is a rental or a private vehicle. Ford Courier which I think was a Mazda B1800. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The Courier was manufactured by Toyo Kogyo (), and imported and sold by Ford Motor Company as a response to the unforeseen popularity of the small Toyota and Nissan/Datsun pickups … But the bodies don’t rust, or at least not much. These little trucks, and even more so the Mazda B1800 were wildly popular at the time. An 87 stripper ranger. In mid 90’s I had a first genration post courier ranger. The handyman who used to do some home repairs from my mother had a long string of International Travelalls and Scouts, but eventually settled into one of these – a blue one with a cap on the back. We have thousands of listings and a variety of research tools to help you find the perfect car or truck thats generally what i was thinking umm err about the older Mazda pickups ive seen i found a site where this guys buddy has several older Mazda pickups with Wankels in em. Paperfox Rotary Die Cutting Machine with ext table and stand ... 2008 FORD F350 4x4 SUPER CAB LARIAT 12 VALVE CUMMINS SWAP $12,995 (VT NH) pic hide this posting restore restore this posting. That rear part of the drip rail was done away with starting in ’79, as seen in this picture of mine. Mazda Rotary Truck CC Here Ford Courier … The only real issue was the emission solenoid on the carb which failed between Philly and WV. They bought one of these as a test to see if it was suitable for field duty.They hoped to save a few bucks on gas compared to the Chevy and Dodge pickups that made up the rest of their service department fleet. When I got it in 83, it had no floor and no rocker panels. . I drove for Sparks Auto Parts for a while and they had a first year Courier in mustard yellow , it was anemic but went right along , I still remember the big decal filling the entire rear window ~ ” . This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I had the Matchbox version with the camper on the back. Ford Coyote 5.0 L Falcon XK-XF, Fairlane ZA-ZL, Mustang 64–73, Maverick 70-77, Comet 64-69, Torino 68-70, Falcon 60-70, Fairlane 62-70, Cougar 67-70, Ranchero 66-70, Montego 68-71 He remembered what his dad told him as a young boy ~ "I wish I had kept my 1st car" ....Kip was listening! I have a good friend with a 1985 Mighty Max 4×4 with the turbo diesel engine – it’s a great (but loud on the highway) little truck. This picture was taken in Arizona, helping to account for the fact that this truck is remarkably rust free, other than the obvious hole on the wall of the bed. The diesel engines have timing gears instead of timing chains. It cost 5000 dollars new in the Fall of 1978, and has to be the best used vehicle I ever bought –close to 200,000 miles and still ticking! The City of Los Angles bought a whole fleet of them , mostly with automatics and in 1989 they were still chugging along just fine , battered but never bowed . The badge in the grille shows that this Courier has the 2.3 engine. Interestingly, the B1600 was rated for 1,000kg load (2,250lbs) -- more than 800 lbs more than the Ford Courier which was only rated for 1,400 lbs. A great, honest little truck. But this 302-powered example gives me considerable pause, and I have to believe $3K is a bargain if this Courier … JavaScript is disabled. Ford Courier CC Here. relationship with a Japanese automaker, almost as successful as the Colt. MAZDA B2600 & FORD COURIER 4X4 CARBY. –From 1994 to 2009, Ford and Mazda both sold small pickups of North American Ford … My class stripped it and I turned it into a trailer which I still use all the time. bargain if this Courier runs, drives, and stops. Ran great but it was guam and the bed was so rusty it just about fell off. I was talking about the old 2.3 turbo carb setup. I've been pondering on what to buy as my next vehicle my dad owns an 04 B-2300 even though its a step down from his 4wd 02 Sonoma i've found it to be a pretty good little truck in the past year or so ive become enamored with Rotaries and one day when watching a new Toyota Tacoma X-Runner fly past my house i got to thinking could i POSSIBLY build a performance truck out of a b-series? It was as basic as you can get. We have thousands of listings and a variety of research tools to help you find the perfect car or truck That was one of my all-time favorite finds here on Curbside Classics. My dad bought one new in 1978, drove it for 10 years and then sold it to me. It really opened my eyes to how primitive much of the Japanese technology was at the time (such as using point-type ignition systems into the 1980s while American cars had all switched over to electronic by 1975). As we’ve been discussing Chrysler’s connection with Mitsubishi this week, the sighting of this blue Ford Courier by Cohort member Eric Clem is well timed. . A high school friend (ca1979) had one of these that took our shenanigans with aplomb…. RE: Ford Courier Diff WILL fit 2007/01/10 00:16:02 0 Its good to see this still alive, i have two complete diffs sitting here to be converted one day, there very very strong, the only issue is the open centres … There have been a couple false starts, but given the positive response, we’ll begin to make more of an effort. The factory cylinder head has been ported by the … How about the injection pumps? Find 12 used Ford Focus in Norway, ME as low as $3,495 on Carsforsale.com®. The foam expanded more than I expected though, making big warts where it pushed through my duct tape molds. Ford Courier … Perry I like the new links at the bottom of the articles. In the early 80s I worked summers for the local water company. Use our search to find it. Of course they had changed everything between the two years (which resulted in months’ worth of fabricating a whole lot of adapters, emission system exhaust block-off plates, etc). Simply remove the front suspension and crossmembers, measure out and drill your alignment pin holes through the bottom of the frame. The Mazda Rotary … At work we had some early automatic Couriers, and we had a stick shift ’82. It was odd in that way. This 1978 Ford Courier was sent to the Ford Performance inbox as part of a submission for its ongoing Ford Fan Spotlight series, which highlights the raddest Ford rides that are sent in by … FORD Bolt Pattern Cross Reference and Wheel Sizes Vehicles by Wheel Bolt Pattern Select... 3x70 3x90 3x100 3x112 3x120 4x85 4x90 4x98 4x100 4x108 4x110 4x112 4x115 4x130 4x137 4x140 4x143 … The engine in mine long outlasted the body. –From 1983 to 1993, Ford and Mazda each sold their own unrelated small pickups. I will say that out here in the midwest when I do see Mazda trucks, their beds are less rusty than those of their Toyota counterparts. Ford’s was called the Courier. While teaching I picked up a Ford Courier with a blown engine. That Ford looks pretty good for a 30 year old Southwestern vehicle and I wonder what caused that rust hole in the side. If you can find a really old B1600 from 1972-1976, that would be even better, but they're rarer than hen's teeth. 302 Swap: 1975 Ford Courier Pickup - Barn Finds Shop Ford Courier Engine Mounts and Adapters parts and get Free Shipping on orders over $99 at Speedway Motors, the Racing and Rodding Specialists. The truck was by far my favourite Mazda vehicle. Engine: Hagen's Mazda-built 1980 Ford Courier relies on a Ford 2.3L/2300cc Turbocharged SVO 4 Cylinder with 8:1 compression. I recall them as being relatively plentiful in middle America once upon a time. And any of those would be better than a Courier. Everything all bloated. The office boss chap says to his assistant: “Miss Smith, fetch me a courier”. V8-Swapped Ford Courier Carries Lots of Hot Rod Appeal By Brett Foote - January 25, 2019 Stuff a build 302 in a tiny, lightweight Courier, and you’ve got a guaranteed recipe for sleeper fun. NZ ads genuinely rule over ours, your industry is much respected from our side. It was my daily driver for 13 years, and I kept it around for hauling duties until 2010. I need a motor/tranny for it … It was such a well-built and designed little truck. What shocked me the most were the primitive brakes – drums on all four corners, with a pair of single-acting wheel cylinders at each corner, with NO AUTOMATIC adjusters! I picked the only one with air conditioning, an under the dash … I hope it isn’t too much work to do that. I remember the NZ TV ads for this model or the one after it. And, naturally, the water company didn’t spring for A/C, so it was brutally hot to ride in during those hot Virginia summers. Copyright 2011 - 2020 Curbside Classics. No intention to get rid of it. while the rx-7 and rx-8 both have rotary powerd engine read that Mazda branded a ford … There was also a Plymouth version called the Arrow pickup. Looking for a Ford cars for sale within 25 miles of New Haven, VT ? I’m pretty sure it was equipped with the sliding rear window, like the example above, which helped a lot to bring fresh (but still hot) air into the cabin, but I still envied the full timers in their new, full-sized, air conditioned American trucks. since i first learned about the rotary engine i wanted one! As an 8-year-old I loved that ad! All Rights Reserved. Vinyl, no radio, no power assist in basic functions but one of the most reliable cars ive owned. Use our search to find it. Learn how your comment data is processed. . My first car was a 76 1/2 Courier. These trucks have a nice design with the front fascia having a bit of similarity to 1970-1972 Dodge Darts and the oversized sideview mirrors are like bunny ears. and then the idea of a Rotary B-series popped in my head and i was wondering if its been done before and if possible what would the labor be and what type of rotary would i use 12b? However, there were several companies doing 4×4 conversions of the Ford Courier … I never had any problems with mine. Also, Dodge dealers sold rebadged Mitsubishi Monteros as the Raider in the late 80s. STK 2665 1957 Ford Courier The sedan delivery, a car-based panel van, first appeared in the Ford line in 1932. blah blah blah 20b? Ford Couriers 4×4’s: The Ford Courier was never available as an OEM 4 wheel drive version in the US (the Mazda B-series didn’t get 4 wheel drive until 1986). I fixed the floor with fiberglass and Kydex, and the rocker panels with spray foam. These things were unkillable and believe me , many have tried . Shop Ford Courier Engine Mounts and Adapters parts and get Free Shipping on orders over $99 at Speedway Motors, the Racing and Rodding Specialists. Came to believe you couldn’t go wrong with a Japanese truck. I gave it to my son two years ago, who now drives it 25 miles per day as his daily driver. Unlike the LUV, however, Ford offered a large displacement engine of US origin, the Lima 2.3, as an option. The Mazda B series is a series of pickup trucks that was manufactured by Mazda.Produced across five generations from 1961 to 2006, the model line began life primarily as a commercial vehicle, slotted … For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Teddy, It may well be an original Az. haha, this is exactly backwards from where I am... that seems about halfway pointless.... a 302 in a friggin B-series pickup? They are indestructible and so inexpensive to operate. Seriously tough if cheap little trucklets they were . One can tell because of the marker lights in the grille and the drip rails that extend down behind the door. Easiest way would be to go with an older B-series - probably the 1977-1985 or 1986-1993 generations - and a 12A (carbed) or 13B (injected) rotary from the first-gen RX-7. Great show that’s worth checking out (one season wonder….all episodes on netflix. Mazda Rotary Truck CC Here I worked on a 1977 Courier in high school auto shop . Perfect little go-getters. Anyone out there remember the ford courier pick-ups and pintos?? With a bed loaded up with old, solid-brass water meters, it barely moved at all. This is a ’78. fender clean off , he still wanted to keep it because it ran so well , but I junked it and got him a different cracker box pickup . So this truck may have been sold and the newer plates obtained at that time. Of course, looks shouldn’t be everything with a pickup, but these were uncommonly attractive. video I shot a while ago. It had the old body, but the back of the cab was like this one, rounded, not crimped. He seemed quite happy with it. Built, as we know, by Mazda, this truck represents another rather fruitful (exploitative?) I loved that Hank & Britt drove a Courier in Terriers. Vehicle.Plates in Arizona stay with the driver originally assigned. I don’t know what engine is in this one, but seeing as the RX-7 shared a lot of its transmission design with this truck, a rotary engine swap would be both easy attained and truly inspired. Whenever I see one of these I can’t help but think of the orange rotary pick up in the link. Unlike the LUV, however, Ford offered a large displacement engine of US origin, the Lima 2.3, as an option. From 1979 to about 1992. The kit … It failed the test, but they kept it around for a spare — and for summer help like me. The Ford Courier never had a rotary engine, it was a Mazda B series pickup, even though Mazda built the Courier for Ford the B series Rotary had body designs that set it apart from looking like a Courier. Actually you’re so wrong about the brakes it’s laughable : The 1937 ~ 1950 Chevrolets used ” Huck ” brakes (rhymes with ‘SUCK’ and they certainly did) whereas the dual leading shoe brakes on that old Courier were head and shoulders above Huck ir even Bendix brakes . Ford Courier Engine Mounts and Adapters … OK, not loads of power, but far more fun to drive than anything else we had. Since this truck has 5-6 year old license plates I wonder if it is a recent transplant from Texas. As most cars were getting smaller the ’77 Courier was getting bigger. There is a 1st gen one in this S.O.T.S. with the bad knees) bought in the mid 1990’s got so hot the babbit in the OHC bearings _melted_ and dribbled down the cam towers as he struggled to make it home so I could fix it for him….. $95 of Machine shop work and a head set of gaskets , slapped it back to – gether and it ran fine another several years before he clipped a parked ’87 Buick Sedan and ripped the R.F. It really takes the guess work out of doing this swap. Your email address will not be published. in the Ford Courier's 77-85's same as the Pinto's and Mustang II's, or if diesel's are your thing you could find a Mighty Max/D50 2.3l diesel all should bolt up … The little four cylinder and its 3-speed automatic could barely keep up with traffic with an empty bed. . 1976 Ford Courier above – 1977 Ford Courier below. My 1941 Chevrolet’s brakes were more advanced than that! I bought a 1981 Ford Courier in 1984 from a big Ford dealer in Atlanta that was selling lots of used Orkin Termite company trucks. During the late 80s through the early 90s, Mitsubishi dealers sold the Ram 50 as the Mighty Max and most of them were no frills regular cab models with 2.0 and 2.4 liter engines and 5 speed stickshifts. That may not be rare but I have never seen it required for any other vehicle. Shop millions of cars from over 21,000 dealers and find the perfect car. FORDS NEW 1800 C.C. The original Ford Courier … VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Come join the discussion about performance, troubleshooting, maintenance, engine swaps, modifications, classifieds, and more! The Ford Courier was much the same as the new B1600, but with a larger 1.8 liter engine, and a different grill. Required fields are marked *. I recall in 1988 seeing the B2200 advertised at $5900 and by this time it was a pretty nice truck. 13b? The Volt in the background is somewhat interesting, but only because I never saw any on the streets when I was in Arizona in late 2012. Jump to Latest Follow ... a Mazda-built Ford Courier (1972-1976 and 1977-1982) might make an interesting alternative - and it'll be easier to find. for the better part of a year. American Brands: AMC, Jeep and All Others, Tractors, Lawn Mowers, Off-Road Equipment, Vintage R&T Review: 1967 Lamborghini Espada – The Lamborghini of Personal Luxury Coupes, Vintage R&T Review: 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix – The American Espada, Curbside Classic: 1969 Citroen 2CV – The Most Original Car Ever, COAL #44 2018 Subaru Outback Touring – Waving the White Flag, Cohort Pic(k) of the Day: “7 Passenger VW Rabbit, 1980”. They could run with no coolant for quite some time before blowing the head gasket , the blue one Vitalino (ex F.I.L. The problems with the Rotary … Dodge dealers sold a Mitsubishi built compact pickup called the D-50 and later the Ram 50. I’ll take a note of that. In what year did the Ford Courier have a "wankel"/rotary engine in them? Well, I have the chance to buy a running 2.3 with 5 speed, from a courier, to put in my 64 ranchero. Granolas and Hippies as well as Old Organic People loved Mazda trucks since they were tough and cheap. It survived me learning to drive a manual (trial by fire: Dad picked me up at work in it, handed me the keys, and said, “drive home”. Yep, here in Arizona, rust moves slowly, and lots of cars never suffer from it at all. See more ideas about Ford courier, Courier, Ford. Shortly thereafter she crashes through the walls in Ford Courier. HIGHLY recommended). After that Jack up the new Crown Vic suspension … They ran for years and cost peanuts to run, hauled all you’d ever need was easy to park. Aug 10, 2014 - My husband has owned his Courier now for 35 years! The one in my friend’s LUV needed to be rebuilt–at 300k miles, of course. Paint, rubber, plastic, fabric–all of that rots in the sun here. My first truck was a 74(?) B-2300 to Rotary Swap? Stripage aside, that’s a clean design. She says “Ok” and exits the office. Sold it and bought my first Datsun when I left the island. The Mazda B2200 version of these trucks are great for farm use. Looking for a Ford cars for sale within 25 miles of Colchester, VT ? The owner was a teacher at the school, and had towed it in with a year-later engine in the bed that we were to install. 2 Answers. I don’t know what engine is in this one, but seeing as the RX-7 shared a lot of its transmission design with this truck, a rotary engine swap would be both easy attained and truly inspired. On the note of injection pumps; I had an early 80 Datsun extended cab diesel pick up that required Cod liver oil in the injection pump. Every timr I’d decelerate it would backfire like a shotgun. hey all im new here, looking to get a mid 80's carbureted 5.0 mustang to swap the engine and drivetrain into my 72 ford courier... some questions i have on the this is the tranny, are the … if i wanted a compact V8 pickup i would buy a Dakota R/T my Bronco and Mustang both had 302's i wasnt in love with either at least in a Rotary your getting more power per litre and lb the 95 Mustang Cobra 5.0 was putting out a measley 240 horses 285 ft lbs of torque and weighed 3300 lbs Compare that to the 95 RX-7. Since I’m slight of build, they fit me well.