72 Bronco Frame Damage

[Jamie Chriss]

I have an opportunity to purchase a 1972 Bronco, overall the there is allot of value for the price. I found one big areas of concern: just in front, or at the rear drivers side shock mount there is a curve in in the frame. The truck looks to have been clipped in the rear. How hard would it be to replace that portion of the frame, does it need to be replaced? It looks to only impact the shock mount.. the shock mount area of the frame looks to be pushed in 1 inc, the rest of the frame looks good. The current owner has no record of the crash he purchased it as is. I have pictures..

 

[NC-Fordguy]

I have an opportunity to purchase a 1972 Bronco, overall the there is allot of value for the price. I found one big areas of concern: just in front, or at the rear drivers side shock mount there is a curve in in the frame. The truck looks to have been clipped in the rear. How hard would it be to replace that portion of the frame, does it need to be replaced? It looks to only impact the shock mount.. the shock mount area of the frame looks to be pushed in 1 inc, the rest of the frame looks good. The current owner has no record of the crash he purchased it as is. I have pictures..

Post the pictures up. It'll help.

 

[Jamie Chriss]

1972 Bronco Frame Damage Question

I have pictures..

 

[bronconut73]

They are in his other/same thread.
It doesn't look super bad but it doesn't look easy to fix either.

Bronco frames are pretty cheap used.

 

[grant_71]

Not really sure what is going on with that frame. I see the damage but cant place what caused it. Maybe impact from side to the shock mount? Frames can be straightened and fixed. Replacing sections is not difficult if you are handy with a welder. If the rest of the truck is solid, I would not hesitate to pic kit up because of that.

My truck has had a bent frame since I bought it. Had a plow on it originally. if it drives good, and is able to be aligned, and the body fits, it will be fine.

 

[toddsrods]

i did body and frame work for years, and that damage is minimal. an easy fix if the shock mount was removed and a little heat applied.

 

[Swerve]

It looks like the typical rust out on the frame behind the shock mounts that we need to deal with often here in the North East. The shocks pushed into the frame from trying to do their job without a solid base...

 

[Jamie Chriss]

Thanks, I have been looking for a few years for a good project bronco! this one has hope. Bare bones truck, interior is basically two seats, almost a shell with an engine.

Looking for budget help: replacing the body parts in the pictures, better to just buy new sheet metal or try and repair? Right drivers rear fender bondo and rust, front both fenders are slightly crumpled, mostly at the front as seen in picture. Full transmission rebuild and new interior, carpet, seats, bench etc

The damage was caused by a impact to the rear right side of the truck. The damage is at both ends of the frame where the bumpers attach and the area in the pictures.

 

[Jamie Chriss]

Basic days work for a Bronco owner. Sold my 73 when I got my first kid.. bad decision

 

[Jamie Chriss]

Front fender is beat up as indicated in picture.

 

[Swerve]

Why not get the truck so it is safe to drive as is and in the meantime search for a good frame to work on separately while you enjoy the truck? Swap frames or complete chassis later on...

 

[NC-Fordguy]

From what I can see toddsrods is spot on with his diagnosis.

I'm not seeing any buckles in the hat channel or bed. If there's not any other damage or frame rot elsewhere,this is an easy fix.

 

[DirtDonk]

...Bare bones truck, interior is basically two seats, almost a shell with an engine.

Heck, might be actually how it was delivered from the factory.;D
Some were pretty skimpy in the option department after all.

The spring shackle in the picture is on backwards by the way. Open face to the rear is the correct orientation for a factory shackle.

Paul

 

[Jamie Chriss]

Thanks everyone!! the truck needs a new transmission, any recommendations?
C4: since the entire truck will eventually be made whole any gearing thoughts for a full season Bronco? I want to be able to drive it Bronco events, do some off road and other Bronco stuff.

 

[langester]

Looks like the shackle mount is cracked vertically just inboard of where it is welded to the frame. Maybe its just paint flaking but it looks cracked to me.

 

[5001craig]

Not trying to be negative but my frame looked absolutely perfect...until I cut my shock mounts and leaf perches off. Moisture had been trapped in those areas and the frame had some bad spots because of this. I would imagine the frame will look worse when the mounts are removed. Make sure you cut enough out to get out of the rotted area. Here's some pics of mine in that area:

 

[sharon.schmidt]

I had a similar rust problem with the shock mount areas. But worse on the bottom rear of the frame rails.

Royce