1976 LUBR build "Tina"

[fishinman78]

I recently purchased an uncut 1976 from a member on here. If they want to speak up then that is up to them.

I have been trying to get home with enough light to be able to take some pictures, but between working late and the rain it has been tough. Finally last night I made it home in time and we had some decent weather for a few quick picks. I took the marker lights off and gas cap in the pics. With the bad weather I have been working on wet sanding and polishing it, which I am getting close to having done and I hadn't had time to get the marker lights back on.

This is a 1976 with factory power steering, power disk brakes and an automatic transmission.

My plan is to set it up as a nice driving LUBR that my whole family can enjoy.

Plans include a 2 1/2" suspension lift and a 1" body lift with 31 x 10.50 tires, keeping the original hubcaps and wheels.

I pulled a 1997 Explorer 5.0 engine with 29k on it last week. I have talked with EFIguy and I am in the process of getting that conversion started. I also have a 4R70W I will install as well.

Other items on the list will be rewiring the electrical, gear change to match the 4R70W, and a few other odds and ends to make it a reliable driver.

My wife is really digging this rig. Lots of patina so she has affectionately name it "Tina" Patina. Nothing will be done to the exterior. I am going to finish buffing and polishing it and drive it as is. I have a little bit of rust to take care of in a few spots but I am going to attempt to do that without affecting the originality of the exterior.

I have attached a few pictures and I will try and keep things updated as I move along!

 

[1strodeo]

Cool! Nice to see your ride out in the sun, I'll be following

Do you plan to remove the tub for the swap? I imagine that would make it easier but would probably lead to a full blown restore %) or so I've heard

 

[fishinman78]

Cool! Nice to see your ride out in the sun, I'll be following

Do you plan to remove the tub for the swap? I imagine that would make it easier but would probably lead to a full blown restore %) or so I've heard

Tub is staying on!! ;D

My goal is to have most of this stuff done by the spring so we can start driving it. I don't really see us driving this too much in bad weather/rain

 

[JaxLax]

My plan is to set it up as a nice driving LUBR that my whole family can enjoy.

Plans include a 2 1/2" suspension lift and a 1" body lift with 31 x 10.50 tires, keeping the original hubcaps and wheels.

STOP STEALING MY PLANS

But looks like a great place to start and you're going farther with the mechanical change outs than I am, but we're in the same boat.

 

[gavindg]

Nice work! and Jealous!
Looks like you bought the For Sale, but not naming a price because "Asking for a friend" Post.. LOL
Either way congrats and welcome!
http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=279900

 

[fishinman78]

STOP STEALING MY PLANS

But looks like a great place to start and you're going farther with the mechanical change outs than I am, but we're in the same boat.

HAHA!!

I saw your post and really like the '77 you are working on.

I would love to have a Ranger!

 

[Apogee]

Chad, looks like a great starting point and I can't wait to see how it turns out.

I saw in your 351W ad in the classifieds that you were maybe looking for some plate style bumpers...is that for this build or something else in the works?

 

[1strodeo]

Plans include a 2 1/2" suspension lift and a 1" body lift with 31 x 10.50 tires, keeping the original hubcaps and wheels.

STOP STEALING MY PLANS

For the record, you both stole my plan, i did it first, well among the 3 of us at least %);D

...although Jax has probably had the plan longer than I've owned my EB

 

[fishinman78]

Chad, looks like a great starting point and I can't wait to see how it turns out.

I saw in your 351W ad in the classifieds that you were maybe looking for some plate style bumpers...is that for this build or something else in the works?

Actually, I am going to put them on this rig...eventually!

I still plan on doing beach trips and the occasional trip to the mountains in the winter and I want it to be capable and able to self recover ;D. I also want to be able to haul a 31" tall spare tire and I don't want a stock style carrier on the back.

 

[fishinman78]

This is what I'm going for...

But original paint ;D

 

[1strodeo]

Pretty sure those are 31x15x9.50 tires, which are hard if not impossible to find anymore, not a huge difference but noticeable to someone that's done tons of research during the planning stage ;D

 

[Apogee]

Actually, I am going to put them on this rig...eventually!

I still plan on doing beach trips and the occasional trip to the mountains in the winter and I want it to be capable and able to self recover ;D. I also want to be able to haul a 31" tall spare tire and I don't want a stock style carrier on the back.

Ahh...if/when I get around to building my bumpers, I'll let you know in case you're still looking. I'm leaning towards a plate-style front and rear on mine too, so that could just work out.

 

[Mustangs2]

This is what I'm going for...

But original paint ;D

So, it looks like you actually "stole" from my vision and execution ...
I was inspired years ago by the "Ketchup" and "Mustard" Builds done by Zillacon.
That's my 'ol '74 Ranger...
You are starting with a much nicer base...
A few more pics...a couple "before" and a few "after"
Pics in my "Garage" as well.
Enjoy the journey...I love everything about early Broncos!

 

[ep67bro]

Nice rig and love the plans. That's exactly what I want. I have my 67 with 35" tires on it and lots of lift , its cool but I really want a more stock truck for a driver. My search continues for the right starting point truck. Hum....some day!

 

[fishinman78]

So, it looks like you actually "stole" from my vision and execution ...
I was inspired years ago by the "Ketchup" and "Mustard" Builds done by Zillacon.
That's my 'ol '74 Ranger...
You are starting with a much nicer base...
A few more pics...a couple "before" and a few "after"
Pics in my "Garage" as well.
Enjoy the journey...I love everything about early Broncos!

Love this Bronco!!

Can you confirm the tire and lift size??

 

[fishinman78]

Engine and transmission are out

Time to start cleaning!

 

[Mustangs2]

Love this Bronco!!

Can you confirm the tire and lift size??

My pleasure...31x10.50x15 on 5.5" stock steelies.

2.5"SL and 1" BL. This truck had a built 351W added so I needed the 1" BL.
I am a big fan of a 1" BL anyway. All three the Broncos have owned have a 1" BL.
I really love the extra space a 1"BL gives you to work.

 

[fishinman78]

Of course I can...31x10.50x15 on 5.5" stock steelies.

2.5"SL and 1" BL. This truck had a built 351W added so I needed the 1" BL.
I am a big fan of a 1" BL anyway. All three the Broncos have owned have a 1" BL.
I really love the extra space a 1"BL gives you to work.

Great rig!!

I was really leaning towards a 351W but after thinking it through and taking into account who will be driving it is settled on the Explorer 5.0

 

[Mustangs2]

Pretty sure those are 31x15x9.50 tires, which are hard if not impossible to find anymore, not a huge difference but noticeable to someone that's done tons of research during the planning stage ;D

Pre-planning does payoff...
I still have the 3" three ring binder I created when trying to anticipate and make major decisions 12 months before I even bought my Bronco. We worked to observe a similar process that we use when building new homes.
(Plans and Specs)

 

[JaxLax]

Pre-planning does payoff...
I still have the 3" three ring binder I created when trying to anticipate and make major decisions 12 months before I even bought my Bronco. We worked to observe a similar process that we use when building new homes.
(Plans and Specs)

This.
I tell everyone I'm working on a 5 year plan. I'm going to drive and fix the little things for 2 years while I mull over all the decisions and think about what I REALLY want in the end (and begin budgeting). Year 3 to start collecting parts. Year 4 to pull it apart and do the major work (body/chassis/paint) to roller status. Year 5 to do all the "finishing" for wiring, interior, shake-down, etc.