Noob - Considering a stock 1973 Bronco

[CLK Foxhall]

Hi Everyone!

New to Broncos,... But considering purchasing a bone stock 1973 Bronco.

Would like any feedback re: this model year - Pros, cons & anything else.


Cheers!
~CLK

 

[Numberfool]

Welcome!

Do you have any pics of the rig you are looking at?

 

[CLK Foxhall]

Having some trouble posting pics right now

I'll try something different, later when I have more time

Any comments/concerns on this model/year?


Cheers!
~CLK

 

[CLK Foxhall]

Cheers!
~CLK

 

[ObscureMachine]

Looks pretty good from the pictures. Does it have v-8? Power steering? etc.?

How much is it?

Let us know where you are, and maybe one of the bronco family on here can come check it out with you.

Oh, and welcome to CB! There are lots of great people here who have tons of wisdom and experience and are happy to help.

Jim

PS - Don't forget to vote for this site at the bottom of the page!

 

[broncobsession]

That's beautiful! Buy it! ;D Or at least more info

 

[okie4570]

Quit considering it, and buy! That looks great, if it's that clean under the hood and on the frame and you can afford it, step up and turn the key!

 

[CLK Foxhall]

Looks pretty good from the pictures. Does it have v-8? Power steering? etc.?

How much is it?

Let us know where you are, and maybe one of the bronco family on here can come check it out with you.

Oh, and welcome to CB! There are lots of great people here who have tons of wisdom and experience and are happy to help.

Jim

PS - Don't forget to vote for this site at the bottom of the page!

It does have power steering & is a V-8.

I'd rather not mention the price (yet).

How is this year/model,... as a daily driver? Does it have good power? How would it compare to, say, a Toyota FJ40?


Thanks for the replies & information!
~CLK

 

[ObscureMachine]

1973 is a good year. As I understand it, generally there weren't a lot of significant changes from year to year.
As a daily driver (DD), it depends on what kind of drive you're talking about, what kind of shape the vehicle is in, the weather, and if you own your own gas station.

If the engine is in good shape, it should have considerable power, much more than an FJ40. But, it's also heavier. Everyone here will tell you the bronco is a better pick, but hey, it's the classic bronco forum!

Can you get some pics of the underside (steering, drive train, frame etc, engine compartments and interior floors where there might be rust?

 

[CLK Foxhall]

Thanks for the reply & info - I appreciate it!

May have more questions & will let you know if I purchased it,... Then - Lot's more questions.

Thanks!
~CLK

 

[Broncmeister]

First year of the 302. Power steering, I believe first year of the c4 automatic. points distributer. I'm not positive but I believe the 73 still had manual drums all around. There are other things about the 73 that differentiate it from any other year too. The dash light bars are different, they have a light to illuminate hazard switch which resides on the dash rather than the column, no other year has the dash light bars in this configuration. I love my 73. If you get the 73 a front disc brake upgrade with vacuum power assist would be a smart idea, and I'm really glad I upgraded from points to the duraspark II.

 

[CLK Foxhall]

Broncmeister - Thanks for the info.

I would/will upgrade the front brakes.

Also considering putting in a new AC/heat system (Vintage Air). Anything else?

Finally - How does it handle/perform. Feel safe going 65-70 on the freeway?

Any info would be appreciated!

Cheers!
~CLK

 

[broncnaz]

68 was first year of the 302 but irreguardless 73 is a decent year since it started to come with some good options.
As a DD its hard to say but my 73 was a daily driver from 73 to 03 and can still be daily driven. but every bronco is different. I cant see the pics but if its in good shape it should be fine as a daily driver. Power wise even stock they are ok do a few mods and it gets better. Just keep in mind they are old vehicles they need work time to time. Personally I feel safe doing 75mph in mine but there are others that dont feel safe above 55 so it really depends on the vehicle. One thing is they do turn quick so you usually have to pay a little more attention to driving then what you may be used to.

 

[rustbucket]

Where did the pictures go?

A stock '73 should ride a lot smoother than an FJ40. The Bronco has more space. Feels comfortable at 70-75mph on the highway.

Just don't tailgate. A disk brake conversion is recommended. Made a huge difference in mine. Much better brake modulation, and less chance of sudden lane change if I brake suddenly after driving through a puddle with one wheel.

 

[CLK Foxhall]

broncnaz & rustbucket - thanks for the replies & info.

I took the pics down,... Until I decide whether to purchase this particular truck.

How reliable is the V-8 302 engine? Assuming it's well maintained & serviced - is it still a leaker? What kind of mpg,..? 8-10?

Would an original stock truck, in great shape w/ original paint & no rust,... Tend to be more sought after/valuable,.... Then a great restoration truck?

Finally, generally - are the 73-75s more desirable, than later models ('77) because of emissions/smog testing, in places like CA?

Whether I buy this particular Bronco, or some other - I am interested in getting one. Having a better idea re: pros & cons of various years,... original stock vs restoration,... Etc will help me in my decscion making.

On thing for sure - Want uncut & stock looking,... Not interested in high lifts or rock crawlers. This will not be used off-road (already have something for that), rather as a grocery getter & weekend driver.

Thanks again for everyone's comments.


Cheers!
~CLK

 

[sprdv1]

Welcome aboard CLK... Jump on it if you really like it....


and don't forget to vote for our site "daily" as top 4x4 site..

 

[patterdale]

Any Bronco in good shape is a good find. The changes from year to year are pretty subtle until you get to disc brakes power steering etc. I'm in love with our bone stock no power anything 1970. Buy it and make changes as you think you need them.

 

[Stroppe-Envy-77]

Regarding different years

You asked about having a later ('76-77) model as a driver, specifically about it passing emissions in California.

Everyone seems to get their Underoos in a bunch with the "OH GOD, YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO GET IT SMOG TESTED!" argument, but really it's not a big deal if you're going to keep it fairly stock. Mine passes with flying colors every other year when I take it in, though it helps that the engine was rebuilt and doesn't burn oil or run strangely. If you do buy a later-year Bronco and plan to register it in California, be sure all the emissions plumbing is intact and functional, including the Thermactor pump and the stock air cleaner. (And obviously the catalytic converter, although as with any vehicle, you're allowed to do whatever kind of cat-back exhaust system suits your tastes.)

I've found that while the factory power rating of the 302 in '77 is kind of laughable (133 horsepower, although that was up from 1976's 125), the torque was rated at 236 lbs-ft @ 1800 rpm, and for these vehicles torque is really your friend. Even having a Ranger with the added weight of a roll bar and air conditioning, I don't really find mine to be underpowered when entering freeways and what have you. Is it a muscle car? Not by a long shot.

As a driver, the big advantage to the '76-77 design is the power disc brakes and the revised steering set-up. The latter doesn't suit everyone, as it's great for an unlifted street-driven Bronco, but less desirable for one with much of a lift that'll do some serious crawling. Obviously disc brakes can be added to the earlier year Broncos.

Finally, to address fuel economy, how you drive and how it's set up will make a big difference. I find that out on the road, if I go 65-70 I get about 12 miles per gallon. But if I can hold it to about 60, the mileage goes way up to about 16-17. The Bronco's aerodynamics (or lack thereof) really come into play at higher speeds. Huge tires will also diminish gas mileage to a degree. Around town I see about 10-12 mpg.

Just a little extra info for you!

 

[turbotim2]

How would it compare to, say, a Toyota FJ40?

Early Broncos are way better driving and handling than any FJ40 I've been in. The FJ40's Rube Goldberg experiment for steering linkage doesn't help.

 

[Oakland Bronco]

Since you asked about the differences in the Bronco from one year to the next, I'm posting this link FYI:

http://www.westcoastbroncos.com/Bronco History.html

When I bought my 1973, I was a student out in Washington DC, but knew I would be moving back to CA after I graduated. I purposely went with a pre-1975 vehicle so I didn't have to worry about smog testing. What with the stress of moving, looking for work, etc., I just didn't want to add another issue to my plate.

I love my rig. Mine has a 5.5" lift and 33" tires, and I'm comfortable driving at 75mph no problem. I agree that you should consider front, power disc brakes to be a mandatory upgrade if the rig you buy is drum all around.