Andre's Build

We have been working on this project for quite a while now, but it is finally a full time project and has some progress to show.

This 74 Bronco is being built of our customer, at All Ways Hot Rods. No we are not a dedicated off road shop, but we have been handling much of this customer's work, and he wanted to see the truck built to our style. It helps to have Driven right around the corner, and the truck would not be where it is now without their help.

We started with what looked to be a clean driver.



The Bronco was torn apart and found to be a little worse than expected.









Once torn apart we had quite a pile of parts that we were not using. All of the parts and interior went to Driven, where Randy can make good use of them.




we separated the body and frame, and set the frame up on our table. Stripping off the mounts and brackets we didn't need readied the frame to be positioned on the table.











Currie provided the F9 housings front and rear. The front has D44 Cs, and a High pinion 3rd member.

We moved the front axle forward 1.5" and the rear back 2", and I started laying out the four link for the rear once everything was secure on the table.

I fit up a mockup motor and trans, and worked through advanced adapters not knowing how their own kit goes together.

Contrary to what AA will tell you, a 4R70W/AODE IS longer than an AOD.
Also the trans crossmember needs to move to the rear with this transmission, even though they insist that you can use the stock location.

all together it will not matter as I am going to build a tube crossmember to replace the factory part. I just needed to confirm that the parts were correct, and sitting in their proper location.








Then started fitting the links and brackets.












The engine is a 347 from Smedding, and will see our typical attention to detail.



Im off for lunch here on the 4th, Ill include more soon. We have some different ideas for the body, and finishes, and the Baer brakes showed up Friday, I just need some better photos.

Anybody who is interested can see many more photos here:

http://allwayshotrods.com/fgallery/46

and if you want to follow along as progress is made, I keep regular updates on our facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/pages/All-Ways-Hot-Rods/124908787581949

Dude... That thing is gonna be sweet! Looking forward to following the build, you definitely are doing a great job so far!

P.S. Nice rods in the back ground as well!

BIG WOW that is all I got to post.

What els can anyone say? The build is fantastic, gets me wound up. Keep the pics coming.

4 link interference

GreggAz, Just looking at the 4 link setup closer and on the 2 top link connections at the frame area, will this limit droop when they hit the frame. I have never installed one, but they have always intrigued me. I hope you do not take this question as critical, and maybe I am missing something? Still some great fab skills there!

sgtdcoulter, I am intending to notch the frame to allow about 8 inches of droop, then reinforce the frame to compensate.

we should see a clean 8.5" compression, and at least 8" droop. There will be KING IBP shocks at each wheel, and a sway bar on the rear.

GreggAz said:

sgtdcoulter, I am intending to notch the frame to allow about 8 inches of droop, then reinforce the frame to compensate.

we should see a clean 8.5" compression, and at least 8" droop. There will be KING IBP shocks at each wheel, and a sway bar on the rear.

Click to expand...

Cool, I will be following to see you work thru it!

Awesome job so far! I'd love to see it in person next time i go by driven.

here are the Baer brakes. They are their monoblock calipers and 14 inch rotors. Blitzkrieg is making adapters for the front hubs, and I will weld the caliper bracket to the steering knuckle.







The intent is to stick with a theme of finishes on this truck. They will include Satin black for the body and details, Gloss black for details (including black chrome), nickle, and blue for a few details like the ford emblems.

Where in AZ are you?

Very nice!! Look forward to the progress.

Im in Phoenix, our shop is on 27th ave just south of Lincoln

Great work so far! Really love the shop too!

first update

first update.

This week we sent the body and second cowl section down the street to case sand blasting. We got back exactly what we expected.

I have the rear four link roughed in and the frame notches finished up, and I have the components for the trans mount in hand.

We have a "new" body guy starting monday. (he has worked for us before)
He is going to get started on the tub right away.









I was able to run the rear suspension through it's range of travel, 16 inches.
Now knowing where things would stop, I filled in the notches. The rear crossmember will be reworked later, I have a neat idea for that one.















Driven set us up with a cowl from one of their broncos, and we will use to door post and some other sections from it.








Next week I will be working on the trans mount, and the front suspension and steering.

Nice work fellas! Can't wait to see some more.

Isn't it amazing how good some trucks look before you strip off some interior and paint??

I subscribed to this, it looks interesting. Nice work.

Its been a couple weeks, and we have gotten a bunch more done.

Rob has started on the body, cleaning all seams, getting it all aligned, fit, and prepped. Then he started cutting. He cut up the spare cowl to salvage the door posts, inner rockers, and door sills. Those parts have begun to be fit to Andre's body, along with some new panels we have made for the floor, and kickpanel.









[IMGhttp://allwayshotrods.com/files/images/Andre%27s%20Bronco%20body%20-046.preview.JPG[/IMG]















With all the "new" parts prepped, the cutting and fitting began. Once both sides are fit, the front fenders and core support will be set in place and aligned. Then the new components can be welded solid.

The Chassis has been steadily moving along. We have decided to change direction on the trans mount / transfer case, and soon what you see here will be in the classifieds.

the rear links are all welded up, and the frame brackets are taking shape. I cut out the rear crossmember, and built a new one out of 2" .250 wall, and 1.75" .120 braces.

As much as I would love to show off all of my welding, this truck will be smoothed out and painted, so many of the parts are designed and built with that in mind.

The front brackets came back from the water jet, and as of Friday I have them tacked to the axle, and the bars all tacked together. Monday will start a panhard bar and steering, and working on ordering shocks.

Baer put together the missing parts from our kit, and I was able to test fit the rear brakes, and I took some shots for size reference.









Version one of the trans mount, this fits the AA adapter for a 4R70W to a bronco D20, and the whole kit will be for sale.





I love this welding helmet, and air filter. Its one of the best tool investments I have made. I feel so much better after a day of welding, and I can only imagine what the long term benefits will be.

I want one of those.

This totally confirms my suspicions. I know very little about trucks, drivetrains, tranny's, welding, mechanics, the ability to imagine the unknown, and the list grows....