Head light surround for 1969 Ranger

[emmapeel159]

Anyone know where I can find one of these? Need the Ranger version that is polished aluminum with a painted black center. All of the vendor sites I have checked only have a completely silver version. I check ebay every once in a while but I have not seen any. I only need the passenger side and preferably I would like a used item because I suspect the old paint would not match the new. Are there good places other than ebay to get used parts?

Barring finding a new one does anyone have any info on how to paint these? Did they use a standard black paint or something special for going on aluminum? Was it flat/satin/gloss? Ideally I would like to be able to match the original paint I have on the driver side, so I dont have to repaint both, but the paint on that side is partially transparent (from age?) and I can see some chrome coming through. I don't think I could match it with just standard opaque paint. Any help would be appreciated.

[68RGR]

I seem to recall The Grille Guy saying these were getting really hard to find.

The purist might tell you the Ranger parts have a small indention that serves as a border around the black area. My advice would be to use what you can find. If you find a non-Ranger part, paint it and the driver's side as well so the paint will match. If you can't find the Ranger part now, you might find one later if you really want the exact part. When you do, replace the passenger side and you'll be good to go.

They are available at NPD - Not cheap at 65 bucks each.

I'm thinking satin black would be a good choice but someone may have a better suggestion. Glossier paint lasts longer based on my experience. But, I don't think it would look very good.

Of course, you COULD simply remove the paint from the driver's side and go "bare" until a better option comes along. Lacquer thinner works fairly well but you have to be patient depending on the condition of the paint. Yours sounds pretty thin, though.

[emmapeel159]

When I bought the truck it came with one non-ranger style and one ranger style surround. It's funny because I didn't really notice at first, but once seen can not be unseen. So fortunately I don't have to purchase a new one as a stand in. I actually like the ranger style much better so I don't want to remove the paint on the original side.

When I was checking the truck last night I did notice the little lip going around the inside of the original light which makes me realize that its going to be hard to get a good paint job going on the newer one because there is no guide.

I think I am going to try to do as you suggested which is paint the one I have now and then keep my eye out for an original. I actually just checked ebay and someone has a NOS available but its for the wrong side.

[convincor]

There's a pair of polished on ebay now. Not mine.
Item # 191297869384