Windshield Latch on a 1976

**douglasmiller** · 04/23/12, 10:30 AM

Did any of the later Bronco's come with a windshield latch on the hood like the 66-67 Bronco's? I am looking at buying a 1976 that is about 600 miles from home and I am a little suspicious about the latch. It seems to have all the right parts other than that. Thanks

**bknbronco** · 04/23/12, 10:57 AM

Could have been added later on? I like all the chrome door and windshield trim, rare stuff. Nice truck!

**douglasmiller** · 04/23/12, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bknbronco

Could have been added later on? I like all the chrome door and windshield trim, rare stuff. Nice truck!

I like the look of her as well. The owner says it is original paint. I hope it looks good in person.

Mark in Memphis · 04/23/12, 01:13 PM

I don't think they were factory installed after 1968 or so (I don't remember the exact year), but they could have been a dealer installation. Tom's Bronco Parts still sells the pieces. After all, what good is a folding windshield without the hardware to hold it down?

**Jeff76** · 04/23/12, 04:30 PM

If you are questioning the make year, the serial number tells the tale. On a '76 model year it is located on a metal plate on the glovebox door, a laminate on the driver's side door striker post (which should be intact on a original paint vehicle), and on top of the frame by the passenger side exhaust manifold near the wheel well. All three should match. I would ask for close ups of these three to verify before driving 600 miles.

Its something like U15GLxxxxxx where 'xxxxxx' is a 5 digit serial number preceeded by a letter.

'76 models years were built from August 1975 through August 1976.
1975 calendar years (Aug-Dec 75) range approx A00000 to B24999
1976 calendar years (Jan - Aug 76)range approx B25000 to D24999

**broncnaz** · 04/23/12, 06:17 PM

hood latch wasnt factory installed in 76 probably not a big deal but i would suspect that the hood was either replaced or the PO liked to fold down his windshield and installed the latch. Probably wouldnt worry about it much as long as the body is in good condition.

clarrance · 04/23/12, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by douglasmiller

I like the look of her as well. The owner says it is original paint. I hope it looks good in person.

I might have the original color paint on it, but it looks like it has been repainted. Grill color should be argent silver.

**bigpitbull** · 04/23/12, 07:25 PM

Not a bad looking ride. Like previously stated I would request detailed pics. 600 miles is worth the travel if she is clean.

Broncobowsher · 04/23/12, 08:49 PM

Hood latch was up until mid '69, up until the wipers changed from vacuum to electric.
But that is a nice clean looking Bronco

jckkys · 04/23/12, 09:57 PM

The wiper pivot points are shifted towards the driver side.That means electric wipers so the fold down windshield is not original.