66 Roadster project in route from CA

[BroncoPoor]

I picked this gem up on EBay a couple of weeks ago. Looks to be fairly complete and rust free. I'm plannnng on a frame off resto in the next couple of years.

What are your thoughts on a vintage 289 swap and not keeping it a 170?

 

[Billsboat]

Wow, nice! I'd say it depends on your goal. In that u r doing a frame off. Do u want to bring it back to its former glory, if so keep what is there assuming its origina...find factory seats, original paint color, and so on. If you are going to be making a bunch of mods than make the change, do what suits you, have fun with it! The pictures show that it's in pretty good shape, and un cut. I could tell u what I'd do if it were mine...but it's not, so what I would do makes no difference. Hope u keep us posted on progress with pictures! Good luck!

 

[half cab]

I would keep the I6. To much involved in making the change.
Now if you're gonna make some kinda restomod I would go for the V8.

 

[hucklburry rev2]

If its a U13 roadster, I'd keep it stock, as stock as I can. There just weren't many made, there are plenty of U15 wagons to mod out the way you want. You could probably make a few $$$ on it for your troubles and put towards something already cut/lifted if that is your end goal. Just my thoughts. I have a 66 wagon that was really nice but already cut and lifted, so I am keeping it a six (but not a 170 anymore), but disc brakes and dual master cylinder, but exterior will stay like it is, as close to a 66 as I can keep it. But I also have a 69 thats a toy, so I can have both....

 

[billd987]

If its a U13 roadster, I'd keep it stock, as stock as I can. There just weren't many made, there are plenty of U15 wagons to mod out the way you want. You could probably make a few $$$ on it for your troubles and put towards something already cut/lifted if that is your end goal. Just my thoughts. I have a 66 wagon that was really nice but already cut and lifted, so I am keeping it a six (but not a 170 anymore), but disc brakes and dual master cylinder, but exterior will stay like it is, as close to a 66 as I can keep it. But I also have a 69 thats a toy, so I can have both....

Agreed...

Nice buy!

 

[okie4570]

Keep it 6cyl to match the vin IMO, nice find, congrats!

 

[71Broncitis]

If doing a true restoration (not a restomod), I'd keep it authentic as it rolled off the assembly line.

Sure, the 289 is more powerful which makes for a bit better driver, but so does many other later options like an automatic, power disc brakes, power steering, sway bars, etc. like on 76-77s.

But none of those things are what makes the early 66 U13s unique. It's about the ultra bare bones utilitarian simplicity if them, which the original I6 fits right into as well.

Here's a couple pics I took during a magazine photoshoot that was just done on my dad's U13. It's a 15 year old frame off restoration, but it still shines up pretty nice for the camera.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[Beer and Fish]

This is making me drool on my keyboard! Very, very nice!

 

[bamabaja]

X5 on stock. Taking nearly identical '66 U13 back original as possible. BUT also collecting parts for '73 U15 for street and comfort. No Rule can just have ONE !

 

[half cab]

X5 on stock. Taking nearly identical '66 U13 back original as possible. BUT also collecting parts for '73 U15 for street and comfort. No Rule can just have ONE !

Hay I came up to Shoals last summer to the all Ford show on the Tn. River and you were a no show. I sure wanted to see your ride.;D

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=269402

 

[bamabaja]

Half Cab - sorry missed you. Let me know when head this way or just come visit ! Could have ridden to SC with me last week. Should plan CB picnic or something on the Trace for MS-AL-TN trucks. Maybe drive up to Franklin to see the Vol boys. Be nice ride.

 

[Specracer]

Another strong urging to keep it stock.

 

[hyghlndr]

Everyone says to keep this stock but they told the guy with the 1968 U13 to build it the way he wants???

 

[okie4570]

^^^^ I guess I don't remember that thread. Surely I didn't suggest such?

 

[DirtDonk]

And how early is it? The earlier it is, the more it deserves it's original six I would think.
I agree the 289 is more fun driving, but are you going to drive this thing regularly when you're done? Or are you going to show-n-shine it or re-sell it after it's done?
All these things can influence which way you could go with an early restore of any model vehicle.

Paul

 

[Classic 4x4]

Yeah, an original, mostly complete U13 deserves some consideration before it's extensively modified. Should be a little "agony" in the decision to modify it or not.

 

[Specracer]

I consider our U13 somewhat of a driving "event" at 50 MPH, I love it, but having a 289, to get to that terminal velocity a tiny bit quicker, would do nothing for me.

I like the truck for what it is, and by contrast our LUBR with a 302, is not any more exciting to drive, in the acceleration dept. We have mustangs for that.

And for the record, I would have never said, its your truck do what you want. I would suggest to leave it stock, or say nothing. Just my 2c, and where my personal interests are.

 

[BroncoPoor]

Thanks for the advice. The roadster showed up today and after a deeper inspection the truck is worthy of an original frame off restoration. Being a Bronco enthusiast from Michigan for over 20 years I've done my share of rust repair and I was thrilled to see this roadster will not need rust repair. The Bronco will sit for a few months while I wrap a 69 Build. Thanks again for all the input I'll keep you posted once I start.

 

[MyOriginal66]

Congrats on the sweet score! If you don't have plans for them, I sure could use those black plates for one of my 66's back here in CA.

 

[Vin218]

Looks solid, look forward to seeing what you do with it