1977 Bronco Restoration help

[scm68]

I have a 1977 Bronco that i purchased last summer. It rolled over in the early 80's and a fiberglass body was put on at that time. The work was never completed and the truck sat in a barn for 20 years. I had it at a local shop to complete the build but it sat 6 months and virtually nothing was done.
Any members have suggestions of someone in upstate NY area that may do this type of work? At this point it is basically a fiberglass shell mounted to frame with suspension and steering hooked up. Other than that, it is a blank slate.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you

 

[Whoaa]

I'm sorry to hear of your troubles, however this is common.........

You may consider doing it yourself. A modest garage, some basic hand tools, and lots of patients & effort and you do about anything to these old classic's.

Rebuilding an old Bronco can be a very rewarding experience. And with help from folks on this website there isn't a single aspect of the project you couldn't get help/advice on.

It has been my experience on major build projects that at least 3 things always hold true. Time, money, and change.

They always take more time than expected, no such thing as a budget because they always cost more than anticipated, and your vision of cool will change along the way -commonly several times.

 

[jmangi62]

Perfect ^^^ ;D

 

[smokinjoe]

Build it yo' self!

 

[JAFO]

Build it yourself. You will learn so much, know your truck inside and out and smile every time you drive it. And be able to fix anything that goes wrong with it.

 

[deltabronco]

Yes this is extremely common. I've lost about 6 years of productive time trying to sub out the work. I just ended up going back and fixing most of it anyway.

 

[scm68]

I'm very tempted to try but not sure if I have the mechanical ability. The plan was to have it put together as a first car for my son. We were going to do the interior work and paint prep and have someone else do the mechanicals.

 

[sprdv1]

I'm very tempted to try but not sure if I have the mechanical ability. The plan was to have it put together as a first car for my son. We were going to do the interior work and paint prep and have someone else do the mechanicals.

You can do it, Just ask any questions you have on here.

Have faith.

 

[Pops68]

Does it have power steering??? Power front disc brakes???

Not trying to be a party pooper, but without these as a minimum, it may not be the best choice for a 'first car'.......no air bags either. Maybe save it for when he gets older??

This is just my OPINION.

Pops

 

[scm68]

I appreciate the opinion. It does have ps, auto, and disc brakes.

 

[half cab]

Another vote to go at it yourselves as this site is better then any manuals out there to me anyway!

Post plenty of pictures ask question and ask more question.

Lotto peeps on here from the New England area and you never know who could show up to help out. Might have to buy'm a cool pop.

 

[deltabronco]

Let me know if you need anything. Mine is a mostly stock 76 so it should be very similar to yours

 

[brianstrange]

Is cost a factor? If so, start learning by helping other Bronco Brothers. Before anything, you need to get that motor running, and do a full drivetrain assessment. Cheers!

 

[scm68]

I'm convinced to give it a try. i'll post some pictures of its current state. I have most parts in boxes. Would it be wise to buy a complete parts car of the same year and just try swap. I found a rusted but complete parts truck for $800. Might make sense to pick that up so i can see what mine is supposed to look like

 

[smokinjoe]

Yay!!!! Good call brother!!! It will mean so much more to you when you're done. Don't ever feel timid to post a pic or question on here.

 

[JAFO]

I'm very tempted to try but not sure if I have the mechanical ability. The plan was to have it put together as a first car for my son. We were going to do the interior work and paint prep and have someone else do the mechanicals.

Is your son in diapers? You might be done by the time he is driving. Sort of just kidding. This restoration stuff takes some time out of your daily schedule. When I first answered I was thinking you were just building a Bronco and I still say build it yourself. But it will take some time to complete.

 

[half cab]

I'm convinced to give it a try. i'll post some pictures of its current state. I have most parts in boxes. Would it be wise to buy a complete parts car of the same year and just try swap. I found a rusted but complete parts truck for $800. Might make sense to pick that up so i can see what mine is supposed to look like

Great and yes pick up that parts truck! At that price you can't go wrong!

 

[deltabronco]

Is your son in diapers? You might be done by the time he is driving. Sort of just kidding. This restoration stuff takes some time out of your daily schedule. When I first answered I was thinking you were just building a Bronco and I still say build it yourself. But it will take some time to complete.

When I started I has one in diapers and 1 in preschool. Now I have 1 in high school, one in middle and one in preschool. But I am very close to being done...

 

[JAFO]

When I started I has one in diapers and 1 in preschool. Now I have 1 in high school, one in middle and one in preschool. But I am very close to being done...

Roger that!

 

[blamejane]

Great encouragement here, I sure hope you give it a try!