1970 Ford Bronco 302 - Build Thread

[tonytony9]

Hi All,

Starting up a build thread to document my gradual progress of a mostly original, North East origin Bronco. This is my first Bronco, and my first solo restoration; other than classics throughout my childhood. Following the guidance of this forum, my goal is to achieve a reliable, true to its history, mostly stock EB.

Step One: Fix it if it is broken, leave it if not

Leaking AutoLite 2100 2b Carburetor (March 2024) - Replaced the accelerator pump gasket. No more gas leaks from the carb.

Front & Rear Stock Intake Manifold Oil Leaks (April 2024) - Replaced with a Fel-Pro 1250 S-3 Intake Manifold Gasket, gasket maker around the water jets, painted and cleaned the manifold

Replacement Radiator & Thermostat (May 2024) - Kept stock fan shroud, replaced stock radiator (temporary) with Tom's Offroad Working Man #6370 Aluminum, Tom's Offroad SS brackets, 13lb cap, and a Robert T Shaw 195 Degree 330-195 Thermostat

Exhaust Doughnut Gaskets (May 2024) - Replaced the exhaust doughnut gaskets that were leaking badly. Replaced with a Fel-Pro gasket from the auto parts store. Stock exhaust manifold, 2 to 1.

New Suspension Components (June 2024) - Bilstein Shocks x4, New Stock Height Coil Springs, New Coil Spring Bucket, New Retainers, New Coil Spring Straps, New Radius Arms, New C Bushings, New Stock Height Leaf Springs, New Leaf Spring Shackles, New Shackle Bushing Kit Urethane, New U Bolts, New U Bolt Plate, New Hardware all around (Thanks Nick @ North East Classic Ford)

New Bronco Script Emblems (July 2024) - New Bronco Script Emblems (Thanks Nick @ North East Classic Ford)

New Duralast Starter Relay and Relocation (August 2024) - Replaced the starter relay, relocated for better protection from heat, cleaned up wires.

Gasket Galore (October 2024) - Oil pan gasket (FelPro OS13260T), rear main seal, valve cover gasket (FelPro VS13264T) &, WIX in-line fuel filter, PCV valve, new oil cap. All Fel-Pro gaskets, oil change (Valvoline VR1 High Zync 10w-30 Conventional) w/ WIX Oil filter 1515

Various Projects (November 2024) - Rebuilt Autolite 2100 2B (Steve's Carbs LLC in North Jersey - amazing work!) & new dash pot, replace Transfer Case Oil w/ Lucas Synthetic 75-90, redo intake manifold gasket FelPro 1250 S-3 & RTV black, replace heater core valve & hoses, replace spark plugs (Motorcraft ASP 45), replace spark plug wires (MPW 2801), replaced hardtop weather stripping (Toms Off Road & 3M Weatherstripping Adhesive + new push clips)

An exterior picture would not hurt to include!

 

[kbooth5]

Congrats on the Bronco and starting a fun project! Looking forward to seeing the progress!

 

[tonytony9]

Congrats on the Bronco and starting a fun project! Looking forward to seeing the progress!

Thanks I look forward to keeping the thread up-to-date.

 

[tonytony9]

May 2024 Updates - Radiator, Thermostat, Doughnut gaskets

 

[tonytony9]

Does anyone know the proper way to store the stock radiator? Empty? With anti-freeze in it? I plan to get this rebuilt when the aluminum one goes...maybe 3 years down the line...hopefully

 

[Yeller]

dry is fine for radiator storage. any residual antifreeze the water will eventually evaporate but it rehydrates easily and is not a problem.

 

[tonytony9]

dry is fine for radiator storage. any residual antifreeze the water will eventually evaporate but it rehydrates easily and is not a problem.

great thank you!

 

[tonytony9]

June 2024 Update - New Suspension components all around
July 2024 Update - Added Bronco Script emblems

 

[tonytony9]

August 2024 Update - New Duralast Starter Relay and Relocation to Passenger Fender

 

[tonytony9]

October 2024 Update - Oil pan gasket, rear main seal, valve cover gasket, WIX in-line fuel filter, PCV valve, new oil cap

 

[Speedrdr]

Just make sure if you’re going to store it dry to plug the inlet and outlet pipes to keep the mice, dirt daubers and other destructive critters from homesteading in it. Don’t ask my why I know that.

Randy

 

[JeepGuy]

October 2024 Update - Oil pan gasket, rear main seal, valve cover gasket, WIX in-line fuel filter, PCV valve, new oil cap

Little bit every week if you can't swing a little a day. It will get there.

 

[mhinchliffe]

@tonytony9
I like your style. Enjoy driving it and dial it in as you go.
Congrats

 

[tonytony9]

@tonytony9
I like your style. Enjoy driving it and dial it in as you go.
Congrats

Thanks man! Yes, repairing and driving in between is what I prefer.

 

[tonytony9]

Just make sure if you’re going to store it dry to plug the inlet and outlet pipes to keep the mice, dirt daubers and other destructive critters from homesteading in it. Don’t ask my why I know that.

Randy

Swapped the caps from the new radiator, it is nice and sealed up.

 

[m_m70]

Yes, repairing and driving in between is what I prefer.

Been doin that for decades now! Can't imagine not driving my truck for years but that's just me! Enjoy seeing your progress! Have fun with it!

 

[tonytony9]

November 2024 Update - Rebuilt Autolite 2100 2b Carburetor (original) with Steve's Carbs in North jersey (excellent excellent excellent craftsmanship, runs beautifully!), new Dash Pot (no more stalling on deceleration), redid the intake manifold gasket w/ fel pro 1250 S3 & RTV Ultra black, New Spark Plugs, New Spark Plug Wires, New Heater Tubes all around, new heater core control valve (I have heat!)