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"Peanut" '75 Hunting/Trail Rig Build Thread

JGbronc

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Mar 30, 2007
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Since the "Nightmare" is winding down to what we will call done, I figured I'd go ahead and start a thread on the next project.

It's a '75 base model, Vineyard Gold, has a 5.0 Roller with Serpentine, Edelbrock intake and carb, long tubes with Flowmasters, C4, 4:11 gears with spools, power steering and power drum brakes. Has a well built traction bar setup on the rear and dual shock mounts at all 4 corners. Still has the original floor mat and seats which will be staying to retain the vintage feel and "Bronco smell" that I remember as a kid.

This Bronco has been in our area since it was close to new. I've known about it since the late 90's-early 00's and back then it was beautiful! Unfortunately it had an engine fire around 2008 and went downhill since. After I learned of the fire, Dad started trying to buy it and finally succeeded buying it from the fellow we call "Peanut" in December 2015.

After the fire, Peanut's son wired it up enough to run and drive, but it's not what I'd call suitable. So it's time to put it back on the streets. This will not be a trailer queen, or even a restoration. Just a driver! And I'm gonna name it after the previous owner who had it since 1997.

Plans are:

- 5.0 EFI from 2001 Mountaineer.

- Disc Brake D44

- 4:11 gears with Grizzly Locker Rear.

- 33"x 12.5" Super Swamper TSL's (Thanks to Crush!)

- New radius arm bushings, C bushings, replace trac bar and add a drop bracket. Also a drop pitman arm.

- Replace wiring harness and dash, needs a windshield and top seal too.

- Custom Rear fuel tank with Mountaineer/Explorer pump.

- Replace hood, and plastic vents that melted, repaint engine bay.

- 8274 winch that Dad bought new in 1978 on a better looking bumper.

- Drive the heck out of it and enjoy it!!! This is no pretty award winner, but will be more fun!
 

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JGbronc

JGbronc

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So we finally got it in the shop last weekend, and after working on the Nightmare a little today we took the ugly bumpers off. He has another winch bumper for the front, and I'm giving him the rear bumper of my blue '76.
 

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JGbronc

JGbronc

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It's not perfect, but I'll admit it's probably my favorite of Dad's collection.
 
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JGbronc

JGbronc

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Did some trading with Crush at Super Celebration for some 33x12.50 TSL's. These will be perfect for this Bronco. I'm hoping I'll get some free time in the next few weeks to start taking it apart.
 

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JGbronc

JGbronc

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Hopefully back on track!

This has been my first free weekend in months, so I made use of it! I went ahead and pulled the Mustang 5.0 out.

Dad got home from work right as I was getting it on the stand, and we went ahead and opened it up, only to find it worn out. So, since it already needs a hood, wiring, engine, and lots of other odds and ends, it will possibly end up with an Explorer EFI swap!

Also, Dad pulled the front cover off the D44 a while back and the gears are trash. Plus instead of a spool it had been welded. Luckily I have a D44 with 4:09 gears so I'll be giving it to him for this one.

My wife and I, along with my Mom went in together and bought him a new 9" Grizzly Locker for his birthday so the rear is covered as well.
 

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sprdv1

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Good luck Jimmy! I'm sure you'll keep it on track..
 
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JGbronc

JGbronc

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Steering column, dash, and heater box all came out today. As you can see, there is smoke and fire damage on the cowl and firewall. It is repairable though.

Luckily the steering column survived!

Heater box wasn't as lucky. Not a big deal though as we have plenty, and I was doing the blower upgrade anyway.
 

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sprdv1

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Heater box wasn't as lucky. Not a big deal though as we have plenty, and I was doing the blower upgrade anyway.

been procrastinating w/that myself for a loooong time That one damn bolt lol
 
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JGbronc

JGbronc

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Picked up the 5.0 EFI donor today. An 01 Mountaineer with only 113k on it that's been in a low speed rollover. It was cheap. ;D
 

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JGbronc

JGbronc

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Inner fenders were somewhat rusty, so Dad has been working on replacing them in his spare time. He has the passenger side fit up and almost ready to weld.
 

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JGbronc

JGbronc

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Driver's side is fit up, we will temporarily set the fenders and grille back on to make sure they line up correctly before fully welding them.
 

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JGbronc

JGbronc

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Today, we checked the alignment and got the inner fenders welded on. This was the first time I've used Dad's Lincoln 180 MIG in a while but it welded surprisingly good from the beginning. Only made one adjustment to the voltage during the process.

Also, we removed the front seats, belts, console, and floor mat to start working on the firewall and front floors. The floor pans were covered with thin sheet metal and a layer or two of fiberglass, but were actually not very rusty. Since this is just a hunting truck, they will be patched in the small rusty areas and coated.
 

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