Broncorod: build thread

ehumaui · Sep 20, 2008

I have been working on a new project since the first of the year. A street rod bronco. I have seen some others on the board and always wanted to try and build one. Well here is the progress.

I picked up a hot rod frame for a early model chevy...i think, and modified it for the bronco. Shortened the wheel base and add a 4 bar with coilovers.

RC

ehumaui · Sep 20, 2008

Install the 351w on new motor and tranny mounts.

Located a 77 tub with right rear end damage. Talked the owner on just selling the tub.
I thought I just could pull out the damage but without a frame puller that was not going to work. I wanted to go back to uncut rear fenders and thought I could just use the cut-outs I have been collecting over the years but, the body took a big hit in the right side and pushed everthing forward. I had to remove or replace the entire right side. What to do....Oh I have both bed sides from a 66. Ya that will work, I will graft it on the damaged side. Here we go!

RC

RIbronco · Sep 20, 2008

Cool.
Is it going to be for crusing or are you making it for the 1/4 mile?
Keep the updates coming as progress continues.

sprdv1 · Sep 20, 2008

Keep dem pics coming...

ehumaui · Sep 20, 2008

Next on the list was to replace the rockers. They were covered by the PO with some heavy steel. They were toast on both sides. Lucky I had a pair in my attic that no one wanted to buy. This was my first try at rockers. Glade I and a spot welder cutter handy. Must have gone through 2 bits.

ehumaui · Sep 20, 2008

Its going to be crusing around town.

Time to get it off the frame.....so I could get it back to the PO. I saw everyone using the engine hoist. Lifted it up from the side but since I am on the driveway, I couldn't move the hoist safely. I moved it to the rear and extended the lift arm and legs to removed the body. It did drop to the tub on the left side and I damaged the right apron, will have to fix latter. Got the tub up angain and I had my wife stand on the hoist to remove the frame out. Thanks honey!

behemoth · Sep 20, 2008

Welcome to the neighborhood. Nice work. Modifying the bronco frame is proving to be a little more work than I had expected. The front ride height is pretty limited without modifying the frame up front. Not an issue with your plan though.

The other drawbacks are the rear, yours are solved, but you will be cutting the bed a bit to fit that frame under it.

Keep the pictures coming, nice work.

ehumaui · Sep 20, 2008

Now for the driver side quarter panel, rocker, floor and rear bed brace.

For those who are about to do a rear bed brace replacement, I did run into a problem with the bed brace. I measured my brace and the one that came out of the 66 and it measured at 3 1/4 and new part was just short of 3 1/2. I installed it and of couse the 1/4 inch mad a big difference. I could not get the gate on. So a custom mod was in order. I cut it off at 1/4 inch to the edge and lap welded it back on.

ehumaui · Sep 20, 2008

I just cut the bed today and ran into a problem........

Now with most of the body work done lets try a test fit. Since the engine hoist did not go well, and not to safe to boot. I needed a beter solution.

How about a post and beam with a electric winch.

ehumaui · Sep 20, 2008

I have been waiting for this day.....the test fit. Cross your fingers and I hope all my measurements are correct!

Got up early and winched up the tub and rolled in the frame. Here we go.

ehumaui · Sep 20, 2008

I ended up cutting the rear bed to clear the suspension and ended up removing the rear tires (need new off set wheels) to get the tub low enough. Looks great but, something is wrong! I am to far forward. I am not centered in the wheel well. Now for the problem......

I thought I measured the correct distances but, the motor is to far to the rear. I off about 4 inches. Darnittttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt. Oh well its my first try to make a custom rod. Anyone have a good line on motor mounts or do you guys make your own?

Back to the garage........I will keep you updated.

RC

behemoth · Sep 20, 2008

I have been looking at the motor mounts used on the early mustangs, they look more like hot rod parts than stock and give more steering clearance.

I did a test fit of mine last weekend and I too have an issue with the tape measure. Simple fix should be done tomorrow.

I like the post, beam and winch solution, my association already loves me that would make their day.;D

ehumaui · Sep 20, 2008

With the motor going forward, I now have a oil pan clearance problem.

B did you use an early bronco pan or an aftermarket

RC

65 mustang · Sep 21, 2008

ehumaui, looks awesome!!!!! Keep up the good work. Scott

zombie66 · Sep 21, 2008

Thanks for posting the pics its nice to watch this as you go. Sorry to hear about the engine location issue. I can imagine there are alot of measurements to factor in a project like this. Please keep the pics coming i cant wait to see it when its done. I;D 'm curious to see your plans for the paint, etc.

behemoth · Sep 21, 2008

I am using the stock explorer pan at this point. I have a mustang pan and pickup if needed. It looks as though it will fit, but I will not know until the engine stands are in.

bluebroncodrive · Sep 21, 2008

It was good meeting you today Russell, I have not posted any of my bronco rod pics yet. one of these days?:?

ehumaui · Sep 27, 2008

Not much done the weekend. Here is the bed cut out for the new suspension.

BronCowie · Sep 27, 2008

Yeah man! Keep the posts commin'... I feel some good vibes offa this one. Maybe its cuz I was born in San Jose.

ehumaui · Sep 28, 2008

Pulled engine and tranny out. Pulled the tranny off and guess what I found. A broken shaft....hum the PO did not tell me that. I guess thats why it was free. Good thing to find out now and not to far into the build.

RC

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