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Finally starting my ‘66 U14 restoration

OP
OP
KFS35

KFS35

Jr. Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2017
Messages
128
Loc.
Belleville, MI
I have finally had a chance to work on the Bronco a little over the last couple of weeks. Hadn’t been able to do much since the middle of October.

I finally got everything stripped off the body, and moved it outside a couple of days ago so I can concentrate on the rolling chassis. I did find some rust holes through the grill shell, just forward of where it attaches to the fenders.:-X I though it was solid, but apparently not. Still kicking around options for the body. I’m basically down to two options, either the tub kit from the graveyard or the tub from Northeast Classic Ford. Still have some time before I need to make a decision.

Today I got all of the gear lube drained from the transmission, transfer case and front axle. I’m not sure how long the gear oil had been in them, but it had been a very long time. I’ve owned it for a little over 20 years now, and I have never changed it. It smelled really bad!

Driveshafts are out, and I should be able to pull the engine, transmission and transfer case off tomorrow. I need to keep it as a roller for a little bit, have a little project coming up that I’ll need the lift for. Once that’s done, I can remove the axles and start cleaning up the frame.

My current plan is to clean up and paint the frame and suspension. Clean up and put seals in the axles, (and whatever else they need) then get it back together as a roller.

Once that’s done, take the engine apart and see what it needs. I’m hoping I can get by with just gaskets and seals since it’s got such low mileage. We shall see once I get into it. Same plan for the transmission and transfer case: refresh, gaskets and seals.
 

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Firefloor

Newbie
Joined
Oct 1, 2018
Messages
26
Very interested in following your build. I have a 66 and have no idea where to start. Thanks for posting this!
 
OP
OP
KFS35

KFS35

Jr. Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2017
Messages
128
Loc.
Belleville, MI
I got some more shop time in today. Unfortunately that’s it until next week.

I guess I should replace the clutch while everything is apart, it could probably go for a little longer though.;D
 

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okie4570

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Jul 16, 2012
Messages
9,218
Loc.
NW OK
I've still got front air bags in my springs like yours, first one I've seen other than mine :cool:
 

sprdv1

Contributor
REBEL
Joined
Mar 8, 2007
Messages
81,696
DO what ya can when ya can... Every little bit counts :)

I got some more shop time in today. Unfortunately that’s it until next week.

I guess I should replace the clutch while everything is apart, it could probably go for a little longer though.;D
 

markw

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Sep 10, 2009
Messages
2,047
Nice project! Welcome. Are you a pilot? Noticed the sectional on the all by your workbench.
 

markw

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Sep 10, 2009
Messages
2,047
Private pilot, Vans RV9-A... Previously 172, 182 and Citabria. Those were my expensive hobbies before building Broncos. Well, and horses and mules but they're gone now too.
 
OP
OP
KFS35

KFS35

Jr. Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2017
Messages
128
Loc.
Belleville, MI
Very cool.

How do you like the RV?

I was in love with the idea of building an 8 several years ago, but was able to resist long enough to move on to other things.
 

markw

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Sep 10, 2009
Messages
2,047
I like it a lot. Didn't build it but have gone through it and updated the panel with some nice Garmin avionics. Fast, efficient and fun to fly. However, it's a little, light plane and not a big comfortable one. If I did a lot of travel and IFR flying it wouldn't be my first choice. But, I don't so it's pretty ideal for me at the moment.
 
OP
OP
KFS35

KFS35

Jr. Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2017
Messages
128
Loc.
Belleville, MI
Today’s progress:

Changed my mind on keeping it as a rolling chassis. I figured if it’s in smaller pieces I can move it out of the way easily enough when I need the lift. Of course the rear springs fought hard , but with a little heat I managed to convince the bushing to let go of the bolt. Got almost everything stripped off the frame, few more items to go, and then I can start on it with a wire wheel.

So far, the frame looks good. The rust goes a little deeper than the surface back by the rear axle on both sides, but doesn’t look bad. I’ll see for sure once I hit it with a wire wheel. Found a mouse nest inside the frame on the left side back there too. The body mount brackets all look good so far.

I should be able to spend some more time on it tomorrow, so hopefully I can make some more progress.

Today’s pics:
 

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bronkenn

Contributor
Bronco Guy
Joined
Apr 27, 2017
Messages
2,662
Loc.
Southeast Ohio
Your lucky. That frame doesn't look to bad. Should clean up nice. By the way here is a suggestion for moving the frame around in and out of the shop pretty easily until you get the axles back on. Ken
 

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