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'73 Bronco Build Thread - Smokey

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Casey4wd

Sr. Member
Joined
Apr 30, 2015
Messages
560
Loc.
Austin, Texas
Got the lift installed. Then upgraded to 33x10.50 BFG Muds.

Ordered the parts for the ZF transmission swap. The new to me ZF is being shipped and hopefully will arrive before Thanksgiving so I can work on it that weekend.

Then it will be time to order new drive shafts.
 

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Casey4wd

Sr. Member
Joined
Apr 30, 2015
Messages
560
Loc.
Austin, Texas
I got it running and drove it around this last weekend with the new ZF tranny, rebuilt t-case, BC headers and exhaust. It is also the first time to drive it on the new suspension and rebuilt steering system. Amazing the difference in the granny first gear!
 

nutter3

Full Member
Joined
Jul 28, 2005
Messages
302
Looking good! Did you do a body lift at all to fit the ZF? Where did you end up finding it (ZF)?
 
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Casey4wd

Sr. Member
Joined
Apr 30, 2015
Messages
560
Loc.
Austin, Texas
I already had the 1" WH body lift, so that helped. Not sure that they really fit without one?

I ended up sourcing my ZF off of craigslist from a guy in Illinois. He shipped it to me via Fastenal.
 
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Casey4wd

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Joined
Apr 30, 2015
Messages
560
Loc.
Austin, Texas
Nice job on the Bumper. Looks really good. Is there any way to possibly raise it up about an inch in your design of it? I think that it would look better if it were a bit higher. But that is just my .02 for what it is worth. Lookin good though! ;D

Made some changes to the front bumper this weekend. I think it looks way better now.
 

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Casey4wd

Sr. Member
Joined
Apr 30, 2015
Messages
560
Loc.
Austin, Texas
Been a while since I updated my build. I have completely disassembled the Bronco and have the frame being sandblasted. The top is being media blasted as well. I have a rebuilt '96 Explorer 5.0 (really a 347 stroker now) pretty much ready to be dropped into the frame and the axles have all been rebuilt and re-geared. I just installed the short throw shifter on the ZF, so it is ready as well.

The body was toast, so I ordered a reproduction body from Dennis Carpenter that is ready to go. I will need to do a few adjustments and some additions, but excited about the new sheet metal. Before I move to paint, I want to add some speaker cans to the kick panels. I think I saw someone do this on here, but not sure what they used for the cans?

Next item is to paint the frame when it returns. I have some semi-gloss black POR-15 that I am planning on using. Curious if those that have used this ended up using a top coat as well? Does not seem necessary since it will be out of the UV light, but want to make sure I do it right the first time.
 
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Casey4wd

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Apr 30, 2015
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560
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Austin, Texas
Got some work done this weekend on the Bronco!

Back to a rolling chasis!
 

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Casey4wd

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Apr 30, 2015
Messages
560
Loc.
Austin, Texas
love that bumper, really looks like a nice solid platform for the winch too - I vote powder coating it...

Thanks! I need to post a new pic of it, but I had the bumper powder coated. Looks pretty good, but I wish the powder coater and I had the same definition of "I can clean this up a little so it looks perfect". I was under the impression he was going to fill some of the small pin holes from the welder and he did not. Still looks good, but I am picky (especially for the cost of the work!).
 

txtruk15

Contributor
Sr. Member
Joined
Apr 1, 2017
Messages
749
Loc.
Highland Village, TX
I had a bumper powder coated on my truck and definitely they didn't go the extra mile either - had to make sure it was the way I wanted it an they just did the powder coating....
 
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Casey4wd

Sr. Member
Joined
Apr 30, 2015
Messages
560
Loc.
Austin, Texas
New Rollers

I made some wheel dollies this weekend to make moving the Bronco around easier. I also started working on repairing the rust damage on my tailgate. It still needs a little work, but I am getting close to the right shape. I think I need to pick up some body hammers... my framing hammer and some vise grips probably are not the right tools!
 

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Casey4wd

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Apr 30, 2015
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560
Loc.
Austin, Texas
Made some progress on the body. Making the modification to the cowl. Still need to clean it up a little, but it is almost there. Every step gets it closer to the body shop for prep and paint.
 

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Casey4wd

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Apr 30, 2015
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560
Loc.
Austin, Texas
Not as clean as EnglewoodCowboy's, but It will work. I think with a little work cleaning it up, it will look close to factory.
 

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Casey4wd

Sr. Member
Joined
Apr 30, 2015
Messages
560
Loc.
Austin, Texas
Welded the cage up this weekend. It is going for Body and Paint work in a couple weeks.
 

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mp

Bronco Guru
Joined
Dec 22, 2001
Messages
2,914
Loc.
Austin, TX
Who is doing body and paint?

I like the passenger side cowl mod. Gonna do the same on one of my future builds.
 
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Casey4wd

Sr. Member
Joined
Apr 30, 2015
Messages
560
Loc.
Austin, Texas
Who is doing body and paint?

I like the passenger side cowl mod. Gonna do the same on one of my future builds.

I am having a guy in Hamilton, Texas do the paint and body. They did an old Ford truck that looks amazing and have done some broncos in the past. I am looking forward to moving the project along. I really want to make it to super celebration in Townsend, TN next year... but that is a lofty goal with all the things I have scheduled between now and then.
 
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