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Restore or Build it the way I want??

tmaddux911

Jr. Member
Joined
Jan 19, 2013
Messages
117
Man.... I had this same delima when I started mine. Mine was my grandfathers and he drove it off the showroom. I knew all the history of it and knew how original it was. In the end I dis what i wanted and still am. The only thing I wont do it cut the fenders. My gramps would roll over in the grave if i ever did. Its your Bronco, do what you want so you are happy driving it.
 
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1963hotrod

1963hotrod

Jr. Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2015
Messages
99
Loc.
Oroville
Man.... I had this same delima when I started mine. Mine was my grandfathers and he drove it off the showroom. I knew all the history of it and knew how original it was. In the end I dis what i wanted and still am. The only thing I wont do it cut the fenders. My gramps would roll over in the grave if i ever did. Its your Bronco, do what you want so you are happy driving it.

I'm with you, I am going to do what I want. Not cutting the fenders for now. I will see how I like it with the 2" body lift and the 2.5 suspension lift. Debating the C4 versus the NP 435 trans swap. The 3 speed I have is bad, reverse doesn't work. 302 is all apart but I may be getting a 70 351W that was rebuilt but never fired 24 years ago. The guy put it in a boat and there it sat. The boat is junk so if I get rid of the boat for him I can have the engine. It has been covered up, I looked in the carb after removing the air cleaner. It was nice and clean, no worries of water having gotten in. Where to start? The frame is next, get it painted and ready for the body.
 
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1963hotrod

1963hotrod

Jr. Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2015
Messages
99
Loc.
Oroville
The first coat of POR 15 is on, 2nd in the morning. It went on nice, I sprayed it. It is much thinner than I expected but covers really well. I am getting excited, I decided to get it back together before I do the susp lift. Get the drivetrain sorted and back in, then mount the body.
 
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1963hotrod

1963hotrod

Jr. Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2015
Messages
99
Loc.
Oroville
351w

I have the 351W out of the boat and ready for tear down. It was exactly what the guy said.Pulled the plugs and they look new as well as the water pump. It is a 1970 351 so it should work really well in the bronco. I will dig deeper today and get a sense of what I have. Now to get rid of the boat.
 

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1963hotrod

1963hotrod

Jr. Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2015
Messages
99
Loc.
Oroville
Change of plans

Well I changed my mind. I just picked up a C4 automatic, fresh rebuild. I got the converter as well.I already had the adapter for the trans to dana 20. I had planned on the NP435 with an all new clutch set and flywheel. That setup is sitting in my garage. I decided I did not want a clutch and manual trans. I have shifted gears enough in my life. The 351w I got for free out of the boat is a great score. It was rebuilt 24 years ago and never fired. It was covered up and no water got into the carb. I need to change the cam since it had a marine cam in it and ran backwards. It looks great inside with the oil looking new and assembly lube on everything. 1970 Block and heads so its a good one.
 

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sanndmann3

Bronco Guru
Joined
Jun 13, 2007
Messages
1,774
I say build it the way you want. I've got a Mustang that I restored back to stock. Not nearly as much fun as modifying and driving the Bronco. Not even close...
Sounds like you are on your way and moving pretty quick. Nice score on the 351! :)
 
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1963hotrod

1963hotrod

Jr. Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2015
Messages
99
Loc.
Oroville
It's on it's way to LUBR status. I figured out the reason I liked my last one so much was because I used it. I went hunting in it a lot and enjoyed driving it where ever. So this one will get used the same way.
 
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1963hotrod

1963hotrod

Jr. Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2015
Messages
99
Loc.
Oroville
Update!! Well I have been busy ordering parts from Summit Racing. I have a 408 stroker kit coming this Friday. I decided since it was apart we could make it better. I also have some TFS twisted wedge aluminum heads and a new cam and intake.I need to order the 2.5 SL and I will have enough work to keep me busy for a good while. The engine should have plenty of ponies to smoke the tires. I have to remind myself that it's a street rig. I have been drag racing too long, I think its under powered because I am used to my 598 CI BBF in my racecar. I can see building a Bronco is a lot like building
a racecar.
 
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1963hotrod

1963hotrod

Jr. Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2015
Messages
99
Loc.
Oroville
408 stroker is built, fresh C4 and new torque converter. Going to buy 3.5 SL with bilstein shocks and use a 1 inch BL. Have a dana 44 for the front, hydro boost and a borgeson power steering kit. I just got the adjustable track bar from WH. It looks very nice and beefy. Leaving it uncut.I just retired from UPS after almost 32 years, now it's time to have some fun building this thing.
 

kens bronco

Full Member
Joined
Sep 29, 2015
Messages
300
Loc.
Virginia Beach Va.
Congrats on your retirement. My 72 was a retirement project also. Down the road you may want to think about a overdrive trans. We built mine as a trail/street rig, so I went with the zf5. Now I'm getting started on a 66 which is my wife's retirement Bronco.
Kenny
 

sprdv1

Contributor
REBEL
Joined
Mar 8, 2007
Messages
81,734
It's on it's way to LUBR status. I figured out the reason I liked my last one so much was because I used it. I went hunting in it a lot and enjoyed driving it where ever. So this one will get used the same way.

Good plan... And keep going on that list, one thing at a time.. Coming along for ya
 

73azbronco

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Nov 11, 2007
Messages
7,796
Some of the boat motors are normal rotation. But yes, in either case dump the boat camshaft and put in one you want.
 
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1963hotrod

1963hotrod

Jr. Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2015
Messages
99
Loc.
Oroville
Overdrive trans

I did consider an AOD trans but I have a nice C4 all done. It's ready to drop in. The bronco has 3.50 gears so that will help a bit. And I will put as big of a tire as will fit with the uncut fenders. I have seen others talking about moving the rear axle back an inch to help with tire clearance. I will look into that as well.
 
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1963hotrod

1963hotrod

Jr. Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2015
Messages
99
Loc.
Oroville
Well things are progressing. The 3.5" sl with bilstein shocks is getting installed as well as the dana 44. The 44 has been rebuilt with a new gear ratio of 4.11 and terminator axles from TBP. Truetrac diff carrier with 4.11 gear and new 31 spline axles for the back from WH.Rebuilding the 11" rear drum brakes with new drums, wheel cylinders, hardware and shoes.The engine and trans are ready. 408 windsor with a c4 auto. The transfer case is being gone through as well. I bought fender flares with the intention of cutting the fenders. Now I am leaning toward not cutting it. I can all ways do it later if I decide to. I need to know what size tires will fit. Moving the rear axle back 1" and also have the crossmember from TBP to move the shocks inboard. I like the US mags in the 17" wheel size. Any ideas on the wheel tire combo fitting it uncut? Thanks guys, this site has been both an inspiration and great resource for my build.
 
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1963hotrod

1963hotrod

Jr. Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2015
Messages
99
Loc.
Oroville
The body is in primer, the chassis is almost done and the engine, transfer case and trans are done. It's moving along and I am making room in the garage for when it comes home to be finished. Exciting to see a plan come along.
 

clarrance

Bronco Guru
Joined
Mar 3, 2005
Messages
2,674
I joined so now I can upload pictures.

Just by chance did you happen to buy a new drivers side fender? I've been looking for years for a candy apple red original painted drivers fender for a 69. I would gladly buy you new fenders or give you a nice amount of money for that drivers fender. Just thought I would ask since you were going to be replacing some parts and painting anyway. My fingers are crossed.
 
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1963hotrod

1963hotrod

Jr. Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2015
Messages
99
Loc.
Oroville
body shop

The body is in epoxy primer. It's making progress.
 

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1963hotrod

1963hotrod

Jr. Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2015
Messages
99
Loc.
Oroville
Updates.. 3.5 sl installed with bilstein shocks, new WH rear axles with truetrac, front terminator axle package from Tom's also with truetrac, gearing is now 4.11. borgeson steering box along with adjustable track bar and HD tie rod package from Wild Horse's. Dana 44 with disk brakes installed,Sway bars for front and rear arrived. Moved axle back 1 inch in back, new spring perches,inboard shock mounts as well as Wild horse's Axle wrap kit.
The body is coming along and is close to being painted. Seats are at the upholstery shop awaiting a replacement seat cover for one seat from Toms. 408 ci stroked 351 with trickflow aluminum heads is done and so is the C4. Still lots of work to do but I think it will be pretty nice.
 
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1963hotrod

1963hotrod

Jr. Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2015
Messages
99
Loc.
Oroville
Pictures

The door jambs are painted.
 

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