Buck 'n' a Bronco

Howard2x4x4 · Aug 3, 2018

Thanks guys, yeah, I had promised him the first ride, but, like they say, Man plans, God laughs. I'm thinkin' about having a ring he left me made into the Bronco's keychain.

Well, on with the story. I continued today to meld the old dash into the new blank dash. First pic is how the day began, last pic is how it ended. Please remember, I don't work long days, but make up for it by being incredibly slow!

Howard2x4x4 · Aug 7, 2018

I reckon part of the slow is 'cause my skill set way undercuts my FQ (fussiness quotient). Whoever said they weren't real particular when they stuck these things together in the first place was spot on. Anyhow, after I couldn't find anything else to take apart, I started puttin' 'er back together. a liitle old dash, a little new blank dash, cleaned up the gusset mcjobbers and now here I am. Not much closer to driving her home, but a pretty fair chunk older.

Howard2x4x4 · Aug 25, 2018

Decided to go with the "Ginger" dash pad from Melissa at Bronco Hut, should be here next week. In the mean time, I'm re-thinking the front end. I don't like the "expanded metal hardware store look" of the grill. Not sure where to head next, but I did start trying to smooth things out a bit like some one here suggested. Really not sure about a front bumper or not plan...… Judges..... opinions please.....

rydog1130 · Aug 25, 2018

Sorry to hear about your dad, a key chain would be a cool tribute!

My opinion on your grill? It's super cool man! I'd leave it like that and yes you need a bumper to protect that work of art! Not sure what style bumber but you need one! I'm thinking this smooth plate bumper from duffs would look great on there! https://www.dufftuff.com/smooth_plate_bumper_early_bronco_ford_p/4940.htm

Crush · Aug 26, 2018

Howard, where are your blinkers going? I have some ideas depending on the bumper you choose. I would recommend a rear bumper off a late 70'3 early 80's f150 flare side truck. they are about the right width and are a smooth chrome with rounded top and bottom.

as far as the grill, look into street scens grills for other applications. they are a more automotive looking expanded aluminum. something with a big grill like a GMC truck or the likes. then maybe turn it around so it is concave and that would recess the corralled horse a bit and kind of emulate the mustang recessed grill look. If you do it with using the left over material for the scoop area i think you will have enough to do both

Chuck

PS - thanks agin for helping get those tires for me!!!

Howard2x4x4 · Aug 27, 2018

The grill and bumper and blinkers are still works in process, but here is what I'm considering. In the first pic, the front marker lights would be recessed into the apron and contoured out to approximate the shape of the hood scoop, pan scoop and Mustang corrals. I am thinking about fabbing up bumperettes to go between the blinker recesses and the pan scoop. In the second pic, the pan is scrapped and things become a little more simple.

Howard2x4x4 · Aug 27, 2018

Here's an idea I had a year or so ago for a bumper, before the apron air scoop came into existence.

sprdv1 · Aug 27, 2018

Do what makes ya like it brother... One thing at a time

Teal68 · Aug 27, 2018

I'm liking them in the roll pan a lot. Looking great, and keep us posted!

Howard2x4x4 · Aug 27, 2018

Also moving on the blinkers recessed into the apron plan. Thinking of using side marker lights recessed in pockets. Fabbed them up in cardboard today and gave them to Quality Sheet Metal in Zeeland to make in metal. Also, ordered the "Ginger" dash pad from Bronco Hut.

DonaldDouchebag · Aug 28, 2018

Howard2x4x4 said:
Decided to go with the "Ginger" dash pad from Melissa at Bronco Hut, should be here next week. In the mean time, I'm re-thinking the front end. I don't like the "expanded metal hardware store look" of the grill. Not sure where to head next, but I did start trying to smooth things out a bit like some one here suggested. Really not sure about a front bumper or not plan...… Judges..... opinions please.....

I would definitely remove the Ford and 5.8 GT logos which are, in my opinion, cluttering the grille. You already have a lot going on there as it is.

You could get headlights that have blinker bulbs in them.

DonaldDouchebag · Aug 28, 2018

Crush said:
Howard, where are your blinkers going? I have some ideas depending on the bumper you choose. I would recommend a rear bumper off a late 70'3 early 80's f150 flare side truck. they are about the right width and are a smooth chrome with rounded top and bottom.

as far as the grill, look into street scens grills for other applications. they are a more automotive looking expanded aluminum. something with a big grill like a GMC truck or the likes. then maybe turn it around so it is concave and that would recess the corralled horse a bit and kind of emulate the mustang recessed grill look. If you do it with using the left over material for the scoop area i think you will have enough to do both

Chuck

PS - thanks agin for helping get those tires for me!!!

Yep, a tighter "weave" would look cool.

Howard2x4x4 · Aug 29, 2018

Oops, maybe a goof, maybe...… I mocked up the pockets using side marker lights - maybe I should have used parking/blinker lights. Hmmm. I made the pockets a bit over-size for the side markers, but I don't have a set of parking/blinker lights in my stash to compare, size-wise. I'm thinking the original blinker lights would be better than side lights. Can some Bronco Buddy out there give me a size comparison, maybe a pic? Oh, and thanks for the input and comments! Crush, I'm checkin' out the grilles and Don, that thought had also crossed my mind! Howard, keepin' the ball rollin' in beautiful west Michigan

Howard2x4x4 · Aug 30, 2018

The new "Ginger" dash pad from Bronco Hut came today! Hooray! Looks great, I think it will match the Rampage "Spice" top real nice! My better 3/4 had an old, chunky drifter pose with it for these pics. Also, saw an older Mercury Mountaineer (1998 +/-) and started wondering about using a similar grille to frame the corral. Hmmmm……..

Rustytruck · Aug 30, 2018

Check out Mc Nichols expanded and perforated metals.

https://www.mcnichols.com/perforated-metal

Howard2x4x4 · Aug 31, 2018

Little bit of a diversion today - I painted the trailer rims to match the colors that will be on the Bronco eventually. Used three different colors and made a spray guard out of a plastic flower pot and some cardboard.

Howard2x4x4 · Sep 1, 2018

I am considering a different direction for my grill. I was leaning toward a Mustang GT corral and lights, but it's never as easy as I think it should be.
Thanks to the Bronco Buddies here, I'm expanding my horizons and thinking instead about a Mercury Mountaineer grille, 1998 style. I would have to use two grilles, plastic-welded together to fill the void. I would put the small corral with the Bronco inside in the round opening. Any of you ever plastic weld? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIMl9vtRqPg I am wondering what would happen to the chrome-ish finish on the face. Once again, comments appreciated. Howard in beautiful west Michigan

Crush · Sep 1, 2018

I like the mustang theme

rydog1130 · Sep 4, 2018

Crush said:
I like the mustang theme

x2 on the mustang theme...the mercury grill gives it to much of a jeep wagoner look.. the chrome finish might get messed up but there are shops that do "spectra chrome" which is a spray on chrome finish for composites

Jeep_Wagoneer,_Bj__ca__1968_(2015-08-12_b).jpg

Teal68 · Sep 4, 2018

Howard,
I agree with Ryan and Chuck. Can you do a Mustang type grill but with the sides vertical instead of angled? Basically a smaller version of the outer most trim of the grill. The angle on the sides does not compliment the overall front end of the Bronco IMO. Especially the Mountaineer grill.
Just my thoughts...I enjoy your work no matter what you decide!
Tyler

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