1973 Bronco with 495 Original Miles

[andyp]

I've started to clean the engine bay up a bit. I've never seen any value with leaving things all dirty. I do however think there is value in this Bronco for leaving it as original as possible. I like the results so far. I've been using a light rubbing compound, then a spray on wax for the most part.
This truck was stored outside for much of its life. As I move around the engine bay you can really tell where water and moisture was pooling causing oxidation or minor surface rust. I've included a few before and after pics.
I wasn't going to move the water bottle but glad I did. Also got a nice shot of the date paint stamp.

 

[andyp]

Check out the vent debris, crazy.

 

[andyp]

More before and after shots.

 

[Fireball05]

I hope you bagged up, labeled and saved that vent debris. The next owner might want it

 

[andyp]

Most of the driver side of the engine bay done. I still need to clean the hoses and the metal surfaces a bit. Saving that fun task until the end.

 

[DirtDonk]

I've always been fascinated by the dirt and the stories it could tell. But since I don't speak dirt, I ultimately prefer the cleaned and polished look.
And since it's only original once, as they say, you might as well enjoy it and get to look at it in all it's glory!

Speaking of original, and since yours falls into the same year vintage as others that have found them, do you see the usual welding wire sticking out of the welds on the crossmember under the engine where it meets the frame?
And what about the oblong-ish holes in the fender aprons and wheel wells that look suspiciously like burn-through?

Where the jack mounts to the wheel house and the handle to the apron on the driver's side seem to have more than their share of odd looking holes.

Looking great. Sure is a purty blue.
I see you're making good use of your spare time!

Paul

 

[DirtDonk]

I'll have to check my '71 again, but I bet that the "burn through" that I see on mine could be where the original studs for the jack pulled out.
Or were unceremoniously yanked out by the roots by a PO!

Paul

 

[904Bronco]

NCIS Bronco

 

[toddz69]

Is that an original master cylinder? Ford didn't use the brass adapters on the lines when new, did they?

Todd Z.

 

[DirtDonk]

Nope. It might be an original master, or not. But the lines are for sure replaced.
Guessing the old ones rotted off and the PO replaced them to get it rolling? They don't look all that new though.
Did you do that Andy? Guessing not, and probably the PO did it the first time they tried to get it running years ago.

Let me know if you need a stock replacement set. The ones in my '71 are still in surprisingly good shape for being from about '79 or '80 or so. I replaced the originals myself when they were showing way too many signs of deterioration.
They were looking pretty haggard at about 8 years old and 80k miles or so. The "new" ones have gone another forty years and almost 100k and still look new.

Uh, or at least they did the last time I had the hood open!
Guess I'll have to check them anyway.

Paul

 

[andyp]

Is that an original master cylinder? Ford didn't use the brass adapters on the lines when new, did they?

Todd Z.

Previous owner replaced the master and wheel cylinders. They have all been retained. He also replaced most of the brake lines. At this point I'm keeping the current set up as found.

 

[andyp]

Took pics of some under hood tags. I don't know where to look for these I just keep finding them while poking around the engine bay and cleaning.

 

[andyp]

I've always been fascinated by the dirt and the stories it could tell. But since I don't speak dirt, I ultimately prefer the cleaned and polished look.
And since it's only original once, as they say, you might as well enjoy it and get to look at it in all it's glory!

Speaking of original, and since yours falls into the same year vintage as others that have found them, do you see the usual welding wire sticking out of the welds on the crossmember under the engine where it meets the frame?
And what about the oblong-ish holes in the fender aprons and wheel wells that look suspiciously like burn-through?

Where the jack mounts to the wheel house and the handle to the apron on the driver's side seem to have more than their share of odd looking holes.

Looking great. Sure is a purty blue.
I see you're making good use of your spare time!

Paul

It won't get back to it's original glory but it is cleaning up pretty good so far. I'll take a look for the welding wire, interesting. And yes, there is a lot of new found time, that's for sure.

 

[sprdv1]

NCIS Bronco

Yeah,

 

[sprdv1]

long as it gets right for you Keep on with it brother

It won't get back to it's original glory but it is cleaning up pretty good so far. I'll take a look for the welding wire, interesting. And yes, there is a lot of new found time, that's for sure.

 

[sprdv1]

Would be my guess too

Nope. It might be an original master, or not. But the lines are for sure replaced.
Guessing the old ones rotted off and the PO replaced them to get it rolling? They don't look all that new though.

 

[andyp]

Started work on the passenger side of the engine bay.

 

[andyp]

Keep on cleaning.

 

[Rustytruck]

lost its hood to cowl seal I see. thats the first one to go.

 

[svastano]

Looking great!