1971 Survivor(ish) Bronco

[Jimmy Berg]

First time EB owner here. I have built two second generation Camaros, but took on a bronco as my next project - its a bit more realistic with little kids.

Anyway, here is the situation. I found a 1971 Bronco with an all original body (except front floors) and a numbers matching drivetrain. Early 71 build so it has a Dana 30, drum brakes, a three speed. The Bronco was purchased from West Wyoming and brought back to Illinois where it got a fresh paint job (albeit not a high dollar spray job).

A rust free, uncut Broncos in stock suspension and numbers matching drivetrain seems to be a bit of a rarity. I am having reservations about converting such a nice Bronco into a Restomod more capable 4WD. The stock interior is not there, but everything else is. Even the original trim tags (and bushings, seals, etc) are in it. Overall it is a really nice Bronco with an updated paint job and soft top.

Listen, this is going to get a variety of responses but wanted to get thoughts on the future of this Bronco. Should I sell it to someone who values a restoration or just do what I am going to do by virtually upgrading and updating everything.

I paid a fair price for it and know I could get my money back as the truck is extremely solid.

Pictures in profile.... Comments welcome.

 

[SHX669]

To me its not original enough to worry about " molesting it " more.

 

[JoePro]

To me its not original enough to worry about " molesting it " more.

Agreed. With cut rear fenders, no doors, and no original paint it isn't gonna hurt to keep upgrading. Does look pretty slick though, congrats on the purchase

 

[Slowleak]

Pictures would help but I will tell you this based on your description. It's pretty difficult these days to find one more original than what you have. The uncut, unmolested and rust free ones are bringing top dollar even if they have had a repaint. Down the road, what you have now will be more rare than anything you turn it into.

Based on the fact that you are having reservations, I expect you will one day regret doing what you are thinking. You might also be surprised at what people will pay for the one you have just because it has not been modified.

My suggestion is find what you want, and sell what you have, to someone who will appreciate it the way it is.

Edit: just found the pics. Forget what I said. That's no where near an original Bronco. Have your way with it.

 

[elan]

What the others wrote. Not so stock currently so have at it.

 

[JWMcCrary]

I think the Bronco you purchased is perfect for your intentions.

 

[sykanr0ng]

You are coming from the Ch*vy world where there is an obsession with 'numbers matching' in the collectors side.

That is really not a thing with Broncos.

The Bronco in the pictures is not uncut.


Modify away.

 

[hyghlndr]

In the Bronco world there's no such thing as matching numbers. Ford through in whatever engine happened to be next in the line. They are not serialize or VIN stamped. As a bunch others have already said, it's not nearly close enough to original to have any real Survivor advantage.

 

[thegreatjustino]

You describe the Bronco as uncut, but it's not. And it's cut poorly at that. Non-stock paint, non-stock seats, air cleaner missing pieces, engine bay blacked out. All kinds of modifications to that thing. No one looking for an unmolested stocker would give that a second glance.

 

[Jimmy Berg]

Perfect feedback... thanks and here we go.

 

[half cab]

Hurry up n do something with those fender flares