66 Experts - Eyebrow Grille

[Scoop]

Are all 66 Broncos with the eyebrow grille Budd bodied Broncos? Or did Ford continue with the eyebrow grille for a short while after taking over production? Is there a VIN number cross-over from Budd to Ford?

I have been assuming all eyebrow grille Broncos were Budd bodied but I'd like to confirm.

 

[okie4570]

They eyebrow ended mid November 65' from what I can tell. As far as when the Budd bodies ended, I'm not sure. Start looking at where the FORD rectangle should be below the drivers seat, Budd's won't have the rectangle impression of course. Just off the cuff, I'm going to say yes all eyebrows were Budd's. Need to find someone with a 11/65' or later and see. My 10/65' is a Budd.

 

[1strodeo]

They eyebrow ended mid November 65' from what I can tell. As far as when the Budd bodies ended, I'm not sure. Start looking at where the FORD rectangle should be below the drivers seat, Budd's won't have the rectangle impression of course. Just off the cuff, I'm going to say yes all eyebrows were Budd's. Need to find someone with a 11/65' or later and see. My 10/65' is a Budd.

My April 66 does not have the rectangle impression

 

[toddz69]

Would love to see some correlation on this as well based on what people's trucks have because I don't think there's any documentation that exists which gives definitive information.

I'm surprised how much of a role Budd played in the development of the Bronco. They did a lot of the body engineering on the truck and also did frame testing.

Todd Z.

 

[hucklburry rev2]

My April 66 does not have the rectangle impression

My March 66 also does not have that rectangle. I'd think there would be a mix match body and grill for a few weeks??

 

[okie4570]

Needabronco has a 11/65' build IIRC, maybe he'll chime in.


Jim Allen's article mentions Budd building bodies into mid October 65'.

http://www.fourwheeler.com/features/1608-the-bronco-at-50-a-history-of-fords-trail-pony/

 

[eaglenest66]

I have a 1967 military bronco and there is no rectangle either.

 

[fordfan]

Can someone show a picture of the 'rectangle' below the driver's seat?

Duhhhh. Why did I ask that...

 

[thegreatjustino]

Can someone show a picture of the 'rectangle' below the driver's seat?

https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/66-67_Ford_Emblem_Driver_Rocker_Panel/earlybroncoemblems

 

[ep67bro]

My Feb of 67 doesn't have the square for the Ford badge and has the 66 style tailgate. The grill was replaced at some point so don't know about the eyebrow grill.

 

[toddz69]

Jim Allen's article mentions Budd building bodies into mid October 65'.

http://www.fourwheeler.com/features/1608-the-bronco-at-50-a-history-of-fords-trail-pony/

It actually says October '66, which always seemed really late to me.

Todd Z.

 

[jim3326]

My Dec '65 build has the eyebrow but doesn't have the rectangle.

 

[okie4570]

It actually says October '66, which always seemed really late to me.

Todd Z.

Yeah sure enough big misread on my part! That makes since with the posts above.

 

[Scoop]

Yes, must be a typo in Jim's book. Oct 66 build would be a 67.