1969 Bronco Build Need Help!

[69broncofun]

I need some advice from you guys on this. So I have decided to do a full restore on my 69. I need a boost in my finances so this will be a slow build. Buying parts as money allows. Will try to do most of work myself and learn as I go , but leaving the heavy restoring to the pros. I was told by the PO the engine was rebuilt back in 1993 ( not sure the miles on it ) My question is. Where do I start. I need a game plan. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have included some pictures. Thanks

 

[okie4570]

Full restore back to original?

 

[Skiddy]

get it running and driving good 1st. then just do just a little at a time. I have seen to many just tear it all apart and it sets for years, then some lose interest and end up selling. drive and enjoy it first. just my .002
make a complete list of things you want to do and then prioritize, the ones that have done it can help as well

 

[blubuckaroo]

I've seen a lot of projects go unfinished because of high expectations.
Perfection is great if you have the resources to finish it.
For me, all I want is a car that will do the things I see as fun. A good running rust bucket can do just that.
Too many times a perfect project just ends up being trailered to one event or another.
But then... maybe that's fun for you.

 

[DirtDonk]

Put the CB radio back in it for sure.;D

I agree with the get it running and driving philosophy. Clean it up the best you can and drive it.
That way you can spend some time with it, have some fun and let it tell you what needs replacing.

Check the date codes on the tires to make sure you're not rolling on rubber that's just a few mph shy of a blow out. Change the rear wheel bearings and ALL OF THE FLUIDS in every corner and every component, add some "snake oil' to the oil and drive it around.
A rebuilt engine that doesn't have high mileage could still be a bonus. There's still a chance that it will come back to life with some TLC and the aforementioned snake oil. Engines like to be run. Not sat in a corner somewhere.
If it's sat for a long time it will probably smoke, use oil and make unhappy noises. Driving a bit and cleaning the insides and tuning it up might just wake up the newness back into it.
You never know, it's happened many times before. If it turns out to just be near death, well at least you were not out much money on the maintenance items and it was worth a shot. If it's successful, it's money and time saved.

Check brakes, check fluids (can't mention that enough), re-adjust and re-pack front bearings, check the steering and suspension and have fun.

Good luck.

Paul

 

[69broncofun]

Full restore back to original?

Yes full restore

 

[69broncofun]

That sounds like a game plan. I think I will get it running and then go from there. It only needs some a few parts 2 barrel carb, motor mounts (already have new one ;D) rear brakes are leaking and rear diff is leaking. I think if I get it running it will motivate me to keep working on it. You are right I have friends that bought cars to restore from ground up and thy start tearing it apart and half way through life gets in the way or money runs out and they sit for years or they sell it. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Skiddy]

it could be the rear axle seal that is leaking instead of the brakes. as Paul said replace the axle bearings and seals in the rear. when the bearing goes usually so does the tire and wheel go down the road without you

 

[69broncofun]

it could be the rear axle seal that is leaking instead of the brakes. as Paul said replace the axle bearings and seals in the rear. when the bearing goes usually so does the tire and wheel go down the road without you

Ok thanks for the tip I will check them out.

Thanks

 

[FordBronc]

I would like to take credit for this list, but it is from a friend and normally applies to Ford trucks.

Pre-Teardown Phase
Determine the purpose of your rig... street/strip, trail riding, daily driver, etc.
Determine time line and budget...one can drive the other.
Now add another 20 percent to your budget.
Determine sources for tech support and parts.
Build a Reference Library
Order lots of catalogs!!
Invest in a factory shop manual. Chilton's is better than Haynes.
Get your work area and tools in order
Needs....Money, time, and patience.
Make contact with all "farmed out" jobs contacts and ck their work ability schedule.

Phase 1 - Teardown
Bodywork / Interior Disassembly.
Digital camera pics everything. Catalog, label, and bag your parts!
Engine & transmission removal
Bed & cab (front clip and tub) removal
Chassis disassembly (including rear axle) and hardlines

Phase 2a - Bodywork
Clean & strip body finish
Bodywork, body mods, and seal with epoxy primer
Door fitment & gaps (rebuild your door hinges now)
Paint job!

Phase 2b - Chassis
Strip & refinish frame
Build axles and install new brakes
Build new suspension & steering
Install fuel tank, fuel line, brake lines.

Phase 3 - Powertrain Build-up
Build engine
Build transmission
Build transfer case

Phase 4 - Cab Assembly
Install cab/tub on frame
Install & adjust door & window mechanicals
Install door window glass, rear glass, and windshield
Install firewall pad
Run all electrical wiring, vacuum hoses, & control cables.
Install under dash components like wiper motor, etc.
Install instruments, steering wheel and column
Install climate control systems
Run any sound-system wiring
Lay sound deadener (like Dynamat) and carpet underlayments

Phase 5 - Powertrain Installation
Install engine/transmission/transfer case
Install brake hydraulics (MC/booster/proportioning valve)
Build exhaust system
Install core support & radiator

Phase 6 - First Run
Perform preliminary engine system checks and FIRE IT UP!
At this point you should have a truck that is driveable, but not road legal.

Phase 7 - Front Clip Assembly & Bed/Tub Assembly
Install inner fenders, fenders, and hood
Install bed and route wiring to rear

Phase 8 - Interior
Upholstery & headliner
Install interior accessories
Watershields & door panels
Carpeting
Install seat(s)

Phase 9 - You're Almost There!
Dial-in engine tuning
Install exterior electrical components (head, tail, side marker, running lights, etc.)
Perform a thorough vehicle system checks
Detail work (emblems, grill, bumpers, etc.)
Exterior accessories (winch, light bars, auxiliary lights, etc.)

 

[69broncofun]

I would like to take credit for this list, but it is from a friend and normally applies to Ford trucks.

Pre-Teardown Phase
Determine the purpose of your rig... street/strip, trail riding, daily driver, etc.
Determine time line and budget...one can drive the other.
Now add another 20 percent to your budget.
Determine sources for tech support and parts.
Build a Reference Library
Order lots of catalogs!!
Invest in a factory shop manual. Chilton's is better than Haynes.
Get your work area and tools in order
Needs....Money, time, and patience.
Make contact with all "farmed out" jobs contacts and ck their work ability schedule.

Phase 1 - Teardown
Bodywork / Interior Disassembly.
Digital camera pics everything. Catalog, label, and bag your parts!
Engine & transmission removal
Bed & cab (front clip and tub) removal
Chassis disassembly (including rear axle) and hardlines

Phase 2a - Bodywork
Clean & strip body finish
Bodywork, body mods, and seal with epoxy primer
Door fitment & gaps (rebuild your door hinges now)
Paint job!

Phase 2b - Chassis
Strip & refinish frame
Build axles and install new brakes
Build new suspension & steering
Install fuel tank, fuel line, brake lines.

Phase 3 - Powertrain Build-up
Build engine
Build transmission
Build transfer case

Phase 4 - Cab Assembly
Install cab/tub on frame
Install & adjust door & window mechanicals
Install door window glass, rear glass, and windshield
Install firewall pad
Run all electrical wiring, vacuum hoses, & control cables.
Install under dash components like wiper motor, etc.
Install instruments, steering wheel and column
Install climate control systems
Run any sound-system wiring
Lay sound deadener (like Dynamat) and carpet underlayments

Phase 5 - Powertrain Installation
Install engine/transmission/transfer case
Install brake hydraulics (MC/booster/proportioning valve)
Build exhaust system
Install core support & radiator

Phase 6 - First Run
Perform preliminary engine system checks and FIRE IT UP!
At this point you should have a truck that is driveable, but not road legal.

Phase 7 - Front Clip Assembly & Bed/Tub Assembly
Install inner fenders, fenders, and hood
Install bed and route wiring to rear

Phase 8 - Interior
Upholstery & headliner
Install interior accessories
Watershields & door panels
Carpeting
Install seat(s)

Phase 9 - You're Almost There!
Dial-in engine tuning
Install exterior electrical components (head, tail, side marker, running lights, etc.)
Perform a thorough vehicle system checks
Detail work (emblems, grill, bumpers, etc.)
Exterior accessories (winch, light bars, auxiliary lights, etc.)

Wow this is a great list thanks!!

 

[Bardahl1]

I did my '69, complete restoration that ended up very nice. My starter was a very nice original with minimal rust.

I did all of the work myself except the transmission/transfer and the paint.

It was 2 years and about 40K to finish.

Before tearing it apart make a plan as to just how detailed you want to go. Expect to spend a couple of years min and close to the above $$ if you want it done right.

I love it now, just like a brand new truck.

 

[Crush]

Yep. Great list for a full rebuild. Inlearned the hard way that to have fun driving it do like paul said. Change all fluids and pack all bearings. Check steering and brakes and drive the crap out of it. Now that you are driving you can work on small things to make it nicer. Now that it runs if you want to do the frame you can drive it til the weather gets bad and then lift the body off the frame and cet it cleaned up and new bushings and suspension if you want. Get that all put back together and running. Then the next time the weather gets bad you can have the body work done. Point is NEVER do two different projects at once. It is called the snowball effect or the while im at it disease. Start with a simple engine swap then while im at it do the trans. While im at it lift it. Heck i have it this far apart might as well do the whole thing. Thats what happened to me on my 76. I still have it and it is in many pieces. I have since bought a 77 and a simple engine swap turned into a five year engine/trans/lift/soft top/and bunch of modifications

Bottom line if you want to enjoy driving it do one project at a time. Now if it is a simple as i have out the engine or trans and want to put in a new clutch and flywheel then do it while it is apart. Dont do the same work twice

Lol. Enjoy

 

[69broncofun]

Yep. Great list for a full rebuild. Inlearned the hard way that to have fun driving it do like paul said. Change all fluids and pack all bearings. Check steering and brakes and drive the crap out of it. Now that you are driving you can work on small things to make it nicer. Now that it runs if you want to do the frame you can drive it til the weather gets bad and then lift the body off the frame and cet it cleaned up and new bushings and suspension if you want. Get that all put back together and running. Then the next time the weather gets bad you can have the body work done. Point is NEVER do two different projects at once. It is called the snowball effect or the while im at it disease. Start with a simple engine swap then while im at it do the trans. While im at it lift it. Heck i have it this far apart might as well do the whole thing. Thats what happened to me on my 76. I still have it and it is in many pieces. I have since bought a 77 and a simple engine swap turned into a five year engine/trans/lift/soft top/and bunch of modifications

Bottom line if you want to enjoy driving it do one project at a time. Now if it is a simple as i have out the engine or trans and want to put in a new clutch and flywheel then do it while it is apart. Dont do the same work twice

Lol. Enjoy

Great advice! Thanks. I am gonna fix it as is drive it then do one thing at a time.

 

[69broncofun]

I did my '69, complete restoration that ended up very nice. My starter was a very nice original with minimal rust.

I did all of the work myself except the transmission/transfer and the paint.

It was 2 years and about 40K to finish.

Before tearing it apart make a plan as to just how detailed you want to go. Expect to spend a couple of years min and close to the above $$ if you want it done right.

I love it now, just like a brand new truck.

I bet its a great ride!

 

[69broncofun]

I found this info helpful as well. Scroll down to see info
http://www.cjponyparts.com/ford-bronco-parts/c/4096/

 

[Mtgrizzlymn]

Mine took 2 years around 20k plus to finish, it's not perfect but I love it and drive every chance I get. I was lucky to and started with a decent body and drivetrain 13500 for it.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[FordBronc]

Point is NEVER do two different projects at once. It is called the snowball effect or the while im at it disease. Bottom line if you want to enjoy driving it do one project at a time.

Amen to that. To many projects can kill your wallet and your motivation at times.