1977 Restomod build. Can it be done for 20K?

[Grey owl]

20K or close to it is possible. I am finishing a 1975 highboy, and have added up receipts totaling $25585. Of that, 2000 is for tools (just tools bought during the project since 2017), $4800 is paint, $1760 in consumables (sand paper, cleaners etc...) I'm sure I've missed a few receipts and parts on my list, but it's pretty close. I bought things I didnt use, broke things I had to replace and basically made lots of mistakes. But its almost done. Oh, the truck was free, inherited from my father.

I built for my 69 for about 30 k canadian. That included changing over to a C4, rebuilt both diffs, added front disc brakes floors, inner fenders, both front fenders, did all my own body work, engine work, diffs if you can do your own work you can save alot of money.

 

[Hillbuilt]

20K or close to it is possible. I am finishing a 1975 highboy, and have added up receipts totaling $25585. Of that, 2000 is for tools (just tools bought during the project since 2017), $4800 is paint, $1760 in consumables (sand paper, cleaners etc...) I'm sure I've missed a few receipts and parts on my list, but it's pretty close. I bought things I didnt use, broke things I had to replace and basically made lots of mistakes. But its almost done. Oh, the truck was free, inherited from my father.

That's awesome. Those trucks just keep jumping up in value as well, not that you'd probably ever sell it.

 

[Hillbuilt]

I made some more progress this weekend. Got the tires mounted up, ended up going with a 255/80/17 which should be about perfect for it being uncut. 33x10 roughly. Also sold my orange bronco and worked out a deal with the new owner to make some changes and paint a set of doors to replace the roadster inserts.

 

[Hillbuilt]

Little update on the 77 project. I have doing a ton to it and havent posted in a while. Here are some pics of what ive been working on.

Chassis specs:
77 bronco front D44 3:50 gears.
Factory disc brakes with T-Bird calipers
Deaver 3.5 soft ride springs
Fox 2.0 shocks
Adj trac bar
Mile marker hubs
11 pack leaf springs
Fox 2.0 rear shocks
HD spring plates/shackles/u-bolts
Factor 9 inch with 3.50 gears
Weld on gm disc brakes
Stainless brake lines and flex lines
Aero 20 gallon fuel tank with efi pump
Xterra steering box
Base clear on frame.
17x7 steel wheels with 255/80/R17

LS 5.3 ( I know, I know… it was free)
Efi carb intake
Edlebrock throttle body
Stainless turbo headers
Psi harness stock computer
6AN fuel lines
4l60e
Np241c with JB SYE and clocking ring


I’m getting pretty close to being ready to put the body on and then final gap and the ready for paint. My plan is to prep the body for a coyote in the future as funds allow. I am debating on raptor or base/ clear on the underside as most of all the metal is new and would appreciate your thoughts. I will fit and finalize engine location once the body is on and build a cross member. So far I’m still under budget. I will add it up later but my hope is to get it painted and running and driving for under 20k. Then over the winter do a nice interior and do a hardtop that will most likely exceed the budget. Appreciate all the info on this site.

 

[nvrstuk]

Your quote from yesterday... "Little update on the 77 project. I have doing a ton to it and havent posted in a while. Here are some pics of what ive been working on."

Just saying haven't posted in a while... been 7 months... lol

How have I not seen your build thread for the past couple yrs?? Nice job for sure!!

 

[mdainsd]

sure was unable to do it myself for that kind of money. The donor I started with was twice that budget. Now WELL north of 100K into it.

 

[Hillbuilt]

Your quote from yesterday... "Little update on the 77 project. I have doing a ton to it and havent posted in a while. Here are some pics of what ive been working on."

Just saying haven't posted in a while... been 7 months... lol

How have I not seen your build thread for the past couple yrs?? Nice job for sure!!

Thank you, yeah I actually took a new job and my account had my previous job email on it so I was locked out. So been a crazy last 6 months with moving and a new job but looking forward to updating more often. Appreciate it!

 

[Hillbuilt]

sure was unable to do it myself for that kind of money. The donor I started with was twice that budget. Now WELL north of 100K into it.

Yeah I agree it’s low for sure, I’ll probably end up being over when I add up all the little stuff but it’ll be in the ball park. It can sure add up pretty quick.

 

[Yeller]

Don’t be beat up about the power plant, your in good company

 

[nvrstuk]

I''m all for the power plant... now you have a "hot rod" Bronco!

 

[Hillbuilt]

Don’t be beat up about the power plant, your in good company

I appreciate it, I had a bunch of ls parts left over so it made it easy. I used your info on the motor mounts as well. Still trying to figure out engine angle, I think I’m shooting for around 6 degrees and have around 10 right now. Anymore and the oil pan hits the crossmember.

 

[Hillbuilt]

I''m all for the power plant... now you have a "hot rod" Bronco!

I am leaving it stock for now so I hope 300hp is enough… for now.

 

[nvrstuk]

Seems like EVERYbody I know locally (this includes the swaps I'm part of) that swaps in a 6.0 LS just dumps a cam in and then dyno's on the same dyno I go to and they have 560HP at the crank... oh, and it runs FOREVER!! oh, and they get 16mpg in a Bronco... oh, I can't remember if I saidy this already... they get 500+HP and 16mpg in 5,000# rigs... it's not legal... lol Oh, they can get to the spark plugs if they ever need to also.

 

[blade]

Great build so far! Where did you get the clips for the wheel covers? or were they on the wheels when you bought them.

 

[Hillbuilt]

Great build so far! Where did you get the clips for the wheel covers? or were they on the wheels when you bought them.

They are available as an installed option from us wheel. I called them and ordered through JEGS. You should be able to buy them separately. Thank you!