'71/'76 Badass Bronco Bronco Build

[ba123]

Engine runs too well now that it even starts up with my coil power disconnected. What the heck! Main power to the relay not connected at all. It must still send ACC on power but that's annoying. I didn't intentionally not have my coil power connected but noticed after I started it up again after fixing a trans cooling line.

I should measure how much power is still going through but not sure I want power going to the coils unintentionally since I have the coil power fused. That seems to defeat the purpose. Maybe it's only enough to limp home and not enough to rev the engine. Not sure, but it's not like it's one coil. It's eight that need a lot!

 

[ba123]

So, I connected the Estopp to switched power and connected the safety wire to a 4-terminal brake switch which will give power when brake not depressed for safety. I guess the only worry would be if someone pressed it while I was driving and then if I gave it just a little brakes, it would engage but that’s better than fully open.

The other issue now is that it seems the parking brake works best when power isn’t cut. It loses the slightest amount of pull when power is disconnected and I don’t like that but if I can’t figure anything else out, then I’ll make it work. I shouldn’t need the 600lbs of force for the parking brake anyway with an automatic.

BUT, I’m not one to half-ass things either so, I thought of something. This latching 6-terminal switch seems to have 4 spots for the latching and 2 for the ring led. 2 of those and tied into one white wire and the other two are purple and grey. When the switch is depressed and the brake ON, that connects the GREY to the WHITE and when the brake is OFF, that connects the PURPLE to the WHITE.

So, I’m wondering if I can cut that purple wire that tells the brakes to come OFF to a relay that connects the cut ends only when ACC/IGN is ON.

That’s all I can try ink of. Anyone else have any thoughts that are better?

 

[ba123]

So I think the purple with and relay scenario is the best thing if I want to do that but for now, I’ve decided to not do that and make pace the button in my locking center console instead of the glove box. If I change my mind; it won’t be hard to move.

Here is the plunger style Painless brake switch I installed:

I tried to find a bracket that would work, even bought one that I thought would be perfect, but angled aluminum was absolutely perfect and made it so I could use the existing hole in the pedal bracket. I wanted the switch down a little so it wouldn’t take much to activate it.

Worked on the dash and finished up my modified defrost ducts. I could’ve made them work stock but better to mod them and be happy. I cut the inlets off, heated and flattened them to make them oval and take less room.

Once lined up, I used course screws, torched them and “screwed” them back together, haha!



It took one screw on each side and was strong as needed and then used Gorilla Epoxy Ultimate to fill it all in.

Then, since my dash is custom and I don’t want the screw holes in front, I riveted them in and out wedge spacers as well to make it snug.

 

[ba123]

I went to the DMV yesterday since I feel I'm somewhat close to getting to road test.

When I bought the Bronco, I started the process of transfer--I brought the title and all forms to the DMV but never got an inspection as this '71 Bronco was all parts and not gonna be able to get inspected. I paid taxes and transfer fees back then at least though and a year of registration but then nothing. I had a letter from the DMV a year later reminding me to complete but that's all.

Sooo, I bring this stuff in there, stressed and worried how it was gonna go. I explain to the lady who looked over my paperwork and literally laughed out loud at my purchase price shown from over 20 years ago.

Anyway, she said they had to start everything all over again since it all dropped off the system. It took them about an hour of me standing there, even though I filled out all the forms for them just in case. Anyway, I'm not totally sure what I paid since I was given ZERO detail, but I'm guessing I paid 23 years of non-op fees, which sucked, but I guess could've been worse.

I received a 1-day slip to operate for an inspection and a 1-day slip to operate for a weight scale..

Progress.

 

[DirtDonk]

Well, we’re all crossing our fingers out here.
We know how smoothly it can go, sometimes, but we also know how much of a nightmare it can be. Sometimes…
I hope your state doesn’t go by current value for tax purposes. Or go by weight either!
We’ve heard some horror stories here about Broncos, either being too heavy, or them using the wrong GVWR scale rate to bill an owner.
Don’t know if it’s worse for having been out of the system for so long, or not.

Here’s to a smooth transition to driving again!

 

[ba123]

Well, we’re all crossing our fingers out here.
We know how smoothly it can go, sometimes, but we also know how much of a nightmare it can be. Sometimes…
I hope your state doesn’t go by current value for tax purposes. Or go by weight either!
We’ve heard some horror stories here about Broncos, either being too heavy, or them using the wrong GVWR scale rate to bill an owner.
Don’t know if it’s worse for having been out of the system for so long, or not.

Here’s to a smooth transition to driving again!

Thanks! I have been stressed about this part for-ever, which is why I kept every single piece of paper but honestly, I don't think they can charge me for current value, esp since I bought it and started so long ago and before they back-charged me and also because I paid all the fees back then for a very small purchase price of worthless metal scraps of a title back then--what I've put into it since then is irrelevant.

Which reminds me...a buddy of mine isn't one who's able to do it himself but a Bronco lover and sold his that he wanted a bunch of stuff different and bought a custom one from one of the builders who very smartly, sells the bronco to the buyer BEFORE he does the work to it for this very reason. So the value is pre-work.

I know you can get reassessed for a house, but never heard of it for a car which depreciates instead of appreciates. Hopefully it all works out as expected and hopefully that info helps someone else!

 

[Speedrdr]

I went to the DMV yesterday since I feel I'm somewhat close to getting to road test.

When I bought the Bronco, I started the process of transfer--I brought the title and all forms to the DMV but never got an inspection as this '71 Bronco was all parts and not gonna be able to get inspected. I paid taxes and transfer fees back then at least though and a year of registration but then nothing. I had a letter from the DMV a year later reminding me to complete but that's all.

Sooo, I bring this stuff in there, stressed and worried how it was gonna go. I explain to the lady who looked over my paperwork and literally laughed out loud at my purchase price shown from over 20 years ago.

Anyway, she said they had to start everything all over again since it all dropped off the system. It took them about an hour of me standing there, even though I filled out all the forms for them just in case. Anyway, I'm not totally sure what I paid since I was given ZERO detail, but I'm guessing I paid 23 years of non-op fees, which sucked, but I guess could've been worse.

I received a 1-day slip to operate for an inspection and a 1-day slip to operate for a weight scale..

Progress.

Best of luck with the DMV! Fortunately, Mississippi does not require you to jump through all these hoops. All I had to do was take the title and proof of insurance and was issued a tag and got a copy of the title application. Took about 6 weeks for a title arrived. Mind you, it’s kind of disassembled and not on the road, but it’s good to go from tag and title. I don’t think we have to go through all y’all have to even for a salvage title.

Randy

 

[ba123]

Best of luck with the DMV! Fortunately, Mississippi does not require you to jump through all these hoops. All I had to do was take the title and proof of insurance and was issued a tag and got a copy of the title application. Took about 6 weeks for a title arrived. Mind you, it’s kind of disassembled and not on the road, but it’s good to go from tag and title. I don’t think we have to go through all y’all have to even for a salvage title.

Randy

Wow, I'm SO jealous! This is how CA has always been.

 

[Speedrdr]

Wow, I'm SO jealous! This is how CA has always been.

Yep, we’re kinda cheap(?) that way. Almost makes up for the crappy roads we drive on.
The 2nd year I went to renew the license plate, I was offered an “antique” tag. One time fee of $38, I think, and never pay for another tag…EVER! Made me so happy.

Randy

 

[ba123]

So dash is about ready to go in. Ran the duct hoses and instead of using the adapters on the defrost ducts which would take up more room and since I made my defrost connectors oval, I could either use larger hose, OR use the smaller hose and put it INSIDE the connector, which worked PERFECTLY!


Just for an added seal on these connections, I used aluminum tape.

 

[ba123]

I've made some good progress lately and am close to a first drive.

Dash is all in.


Custom Glovebox with rear access panel for my ecu all in:

Steering column and powder coated Bulletproof Steering tie rods and drag link installed. Had to custom make a seal for the Flaming River swivel mount (here).

Front alignment done (I think). Will retest after first drive.

Bumpers powder coated and rear installed.


Custom rear hitch cover with camera designed, 3d printed, painted and installed.


One piece power windows and custom weatherstripping done, switches in center console. (on this thread) and side missis installed


Power door locks done, switch in center console.


Header gaskets and bolts re-done for the third and hopefully last time! (that frustration here) and exhaust redone to fit better around the AOD. A little cutting and happy with that now.

Was a struggle figuring out my sealing of 3 shift cables all in the same spot (two for D20 sticks and 1 more for B&M AOD Shifter) but managed to get that done here.

While I might add wipers at some point, I don't really plan on even putting on my top so unlikely any time soon and made wiper delete plugs.

WH Windshield braces and Tom's Family bikini top installed.

My seats are getting seat heaters installed and my JGZ door panels are getting matching covering at the upholstery shop. Any day now, I hope!

Tom's Fold and Tumble rear bench installed.


DMV Vehicle verification signed off and U14 converted to Wagon (still need to get weight and go to the DMV though).

 

[ba123]

I went from slow and wondering what I could do to so ma y last things taking a ton of time. My Bulletproof Steering was a pain to get all in a set right.

Seems like I would line it up and then manage to get the pitman arm on and the steering e poo ild move when I did it and was a pain to put the pitman arm on and the then drag link, but I had to do it that way and I strapped the steering wheel so it wouldn't move as well and stay straight.

Then I posted another thread abut drilling those aircraft 3/4" bolts for cotter pins, oh joy!

Anyway, that is all locked down except the drag link adjustment screws in case I need to adjust my perfectly straight wheel.

I've been having an issue with one of my AMP Power steps that it makes a clank sound when it retracts. Been a royal pia to track it down but finally did and Jason at Tom's has been such a great help to me throughout this project and with this as well. The problem is that AMP seems to constantly change parts! Finally narrowed it down to the Motor bracket.

My seats and door panels were finally ready so got to pick those up! They did an amazing job. Was pricey but wow! @JGZ check these babies out!

I can't wait to put those on!!!

I put my WH stainless Fender Guards in the front. This is the 4-piece with the front section protected as well since I have wiring in there on both side.



My Tom Woods driveshaft would be in but the nice Moroso caps I had were the wrong spacing so correct ones ordered.

Not much left to do before a first drive. Thinking it'll be this weekend!!! At least a trip around the block without the hood on!

 

[ba123]

Driveshaft in.

Front seats in and seat belts in.


FIRST TIME SELF PROPELLED SINCE 1999:

I pulled her out of the garage and then put the front bumper on but it started raining before I could go for a spin. Need to check a few things over still anyway but a drive down the street and back would've been SWEET!

 

[ba123]

Drove down the street and back today.



Might not get to do anything else for a bit since more rain coming.

 

[ba123]

Progress!

Had to flip my Lee PS bracket in order to fit under my hood, not sure why but ok.


And hood is on!!!

Went for a slightly longer drive and my daughters both wanted to come.

 

[DirtDonk]

Of course they did! After all, you're driving "their Bronco" now!
Looks good out of it's hermit hole in the garage, and out in the real world again. How's it running so far? Get it up to operating temp yet?

Have fun with it. And the girls too, since outings with kids in the rig, on a sunny day with the top off, doesn't get much better.

 

[DirtDonk]

I say "kids" but for all I know your girls are all grown and out of the house!
But whether 2 or 20, it's all fun times for them in a Bronco with dad.

Paul

 

[ba123]

Thanks! Girls are 11 and 15 (and asking to drive the Bronco, nut NO WAY, maybe someday!)

Got to temp, settings seem to be pretty good. Some sitting at stop lights, now with all regular coolant and the DeltaPag fan only ran at 40% with a max temp of 209° (I was logging). Not really sure yet what temp is ideal and it ran so-so, I've not tuned anything but a base tune yet (enough for it to run). I've got some work to do on that and really hoping nothing major comes up, but I'm sure it will! But, whatever, being able to drive it was a milestone!

Thanks!

 

[kman67]

Congrats on finally driving it! It’s looking great!
Kyle


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ba123]

Congrats on finally driving it! It’s looking great!
Kyle


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks, Man!