Scrap it or build it?

[ngsd]

My plan was to part this out as it was part of a rusted out package that I paid way too much for! After I got it home and emptied it out, I saw how original it was and started thinking more about it. I ran a Marti report and it validated that it was a loaded 302 Auto Raven Black 76. While the body has nothing left, the frame is solid and the drivetrain is all intact.

I am second guessing this one even though I know it is a money pit waiting to bite me but I am being lured in by the original build. Knowing it needs a new body and everything else, should it be saved is the question.

What a dilemma!




U15 U-100 Bronco 4x4 Wagon
G 302-2V Engine
L Built at Michigan Truck
092 Wheelbase (inches)
A Raven Black Paint
U152 U-100 Bronco Wagon 4900 Lb. GVW
RV Parchment Knit Vinyl Bucket Seats
G Automatic Transmission
18J 3.50 Conventional Rear Axle with Power Steering
04900 Gross Vehicle Weight in Pounds
1976 Model Year
11 Boston DSO (District Sales Office)
Your vehicle was equipped with the following features: For the 1976 U-100 Bronco 4x4 Wagon
- Skid Plates
- Power Steering
- G78x15-B White Sidewall Tires
- Swing-Away Spare Tire Carrier
- Left Hand Remote Control Mirror
- Locking Gas Cap
- Power Brakes
- Bodyside Moldings
- Manual AM Radio
- Right Hand Passenger Seat
- Rear Seat
- Padded Dash
- Heavy Duty 60 Amp Alternator
- Free Running Front Hubs
- Extra Cooling Radiator
- Wheel Covers
- Convenience Group
- Hardboard Headliner
- Auxiliary Fuel Tank with Skid Plate
- Front & Rear Chrome Bumpers
Your vehicle was actually produced on May 14, 1976 -- thirteen days ahead of schedule.
Your vehicle was one of:
421 With this Paint Code
228 With these Paint/Trim Codes
9,835 With these Engine/Transmission Codes
541 Ordered from this DSO
2,523 With Heavy Duty 60 Amp Alternator

 

[Revelation]

That one is in great shape compared to what I started with. Build it!!

 

[Gupster88]

I would not think twice about building that one. If you are going to scrap it. Sell it to someone else instead. Plenty of bones there to rebuild. My opinion......

 

[ared77]

Yeah, I'd vote to save that one for the reasons you said. Just my 2 cents!

 

[Remos69]

Build it, you will know there is no rot!

 

[sykanr0ng]

So it needs a little TLC (that's Time, Labor and Cash) as much as they keep going up in price, value and difficulty to find it would need to be in a lot worse condition before I would scrap it.

Build it.
Or sell it to someone who will.

 

[NGABronco]

Hey you're leaving out a very important factor.... what the hell did you pay???
Did you get a title & glove box??? If less than $5K, fix it!!!;D;D;D
Good Luck!!!

 

[ngsd]

Hey you're leaving out a very important factor.... what the hell did you pay???
Did you get a title & glove box??? If less than $5K, fix it!!!;D;D;D
Good Luck!!!

Pretty close guess! Yes title and glove box are good with 85k Orig miles on title so that makes it more compelling.

 

[ngsd]

That one is in great shape compared to what I started with. Build it!!

Now that is motivation. You were a brave man rewarded with a beauty for your efforts!. Nice job.

 

[NGABronco]

Pretty close guess! Yes title and glove box are good with 85k Orig miles on title so that makes it more compelling.

That would make it a no brainer to restore!!! It'll cost another $20-25k, but would be worth $40-50K???;D;D;D

 

[half cab]

That color code alone would motivate me

 

[trailerjack]

I agree with everyone else. I have seen way worse. I would fix that one....she needs to be saved.

BTW I have a pair of raven black doors with trim that have equally as much rust that you can have if you decide to do a patina / tetanus shot build!!!

 

[ngsd]

I agree with everyone else. I have seen way worse. I would fix that one....she needs to be saved.

BTW I have a pair of raven black doors with trim that have equally as much rust that you can have if you decide to do a patina / tetanus shot build!!!

Funny
;D

 

[Broncobowsher]

Do a lot more poking/light dismantling. Look deep. It looks like the little stuff is there. You say the chassis is good. But that body looks rough. I think there is a lot more rot hiding in that body that you don't see.

But with that said, it looks savable. Might need a new body to do it, but those do exist. That looks to be a lot better idea than the quarters, rockers, jams, cowl, inner fenders, floors, toeboards and a few more parts that it looks like it will need.

 

[thegreatjustino]

2BrothersBroncos here on the board has built several bodies and shipped them all over the US. They are based in Sacramento, CA.

Maybe contact them to see what their cost and lead time is.

 

[ransil]

That is a good body compared to what you find in the north east.

 

[chuckyb]

i say keep digging if you've got the good title. You've got to be able to see the whole frame. Here was my NJ rust bucket. Not that everyone would agree it was worth it!

 

[BroncoJAK]

I believe if you can save the upper 1/4s you can rebuild. I made a meme of this pic. It's literally where I started rebuilding.

 

[KBUCK1]

My vote is for you to scrap it. Where are you located. Lol

 

[ngsd]

That is a good body compared to what you find in the north east.

This actually came from Boston!