'77 frame, rolling with drivetrain, should I buy?

[ared77]

Imagine a rusty '77 Bronco frame sitting outside. Still on old (rotten) tires, still has a 302 and automatic transmission but you know those are going to need attention. Body was butchered several years ago to use parts to fix a '73.%)
Still has the plastic gas tank, steering column but no steering wheel, and he says he still has the title and glove box door/VIN.


I found this yesterday and my gut says maybe I should buy because of the automatic trans parts, etc. But he wants $1000 firm. Buy or walk away??

 

[DirtDonk]

In this market that's not an unusual asking price. Depends on just how rusty it is though, and how rough the rest is.

Unfortunately from my perspective, the bottom line is whether you want it bad enough or not.
Others might say buy it or pass, but I say it depends on how much you want the title to a '77.

Paul

 

[sanndmann3]

Like Paul said, depends on how rusty... but it does sound tempting.
Got any pics?

 

[ared77]

Thanks guys. I'm wanting a nice uncut original type EB with an automatic for my wife but keep finding stuff like this. %) But then I'm tempted just so I'd have the automatic parts around. Thanks again!

 

[DirtDonk]

The correct pan-fill C4's seem to be getting slimmer and slimmer pickin's these days.
Engines are a dime-a-dozen, and might not be what you want in the future anyway. But if the axles are '77 models they alone could be worth the grand if not trashed.

The rear 9" has the wider webbing than the earlier "banjo" style and the front is just a 44 but with disc brakes.
Or at least the "cores" for a start.

So yeah, very tempting.
Might check and verify those details though. Otherwise just the frame and tank don't necessarily a vehicle make.


Paul

 

[THEBONE]

I agree with Paul, the axles alone are probably close to worth the money. 4-turn steering box, power steering. You're there.

 

[SteveL]

If it's got the 77 axles and the frame is useable you're ahead of the game. If it has the bronco c-4 is the dana 20 still there? That's a bonus. Buy one of those assembled bodies and you're on you're way to a pretty clean bronco

 

[74 Bronco Billy]

At least your not in CA where a '77 would have to be smogged

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

 

[fatboy]

If it is complete as others have said, a glass body and you have the wife's driver. And its already titled.

 

[sykanr0ng]

At least your not in CA where a '77 would have to be smogged

Some parts of CO it would need to be.

 

[Apogee]

I've seen the front and rear axles go for over $1k, so it sounds like a low risk purchase no matter what you choose to do with it.

 

[LSUpete]

Look at the body mount hole locations in the frame. If they are elongated or deteriorated from rust....walk away. Otherwise, I would buy it.

My sense is that the engine is a throw away or scrap. The trans and transfer case are good for cores only and will cost at least $1,500 to rebuild.....IF you want the C4 in the first place.

Is the dash included? That would be another $300 you can save.

The axels are the jewel here because they represent the best that Ford ever offered on a Classic Bronco.

There are several suppliers that offer a complete, metal body for approx. $15,000.

 

[sprdv1]

Thanks guys. I'm wanting a nice uncut original type EB with an automatic for my wife but keep finding stuff like this. %) But then I'm tempted just so I'd have the automatic parts around. Thanks again!

good luck sir..

 

[sprdv1]

The correct pan-fill C4's seem to be getting slimmer and slimmer pickin's these days.

I like the one w/the extra fluid, after market

 

[ared77]

I ended up buying it.%)

Did most all '77 EB's have the N-case rear end?

 

[DirtDonk]

To my knowledge, no.
Likely none of them did. Or maybe "almost none" would be a better term, because yours does!

I can see that being installed either by a PO when upgrades were wanted. Or by Ford if they ran low on regular housings and had one of those laying around. Or by a dealer that was doing warranty work. Or any of a number of possible scenarios.
But generally speaking, the Nodular Iron housings were found only in the big engine muscle cars in the very early '70's.

At least that's when they were all talked about. Maybe the '77's had them and I just missed that memo.

Paul

 

[DirtDonk]

Oh, in other words... SCORE!!!!!!;D

Paul

 

[DirtDonk]

Be real curious what gears and diff are in there. Maybe someone found one out of a '70 Boss Mustang with track-pack gearing like 4.11 or something like that.
Mine has 4.56's and a Detroit Locker, but it was not original to a Bronco as far as anyone knows.

Paul

 

[ared77]

Thanks Paul.

Yeah I was pleasantly surprised when I noticed that. I owned a '69 Boss 302 for 38 years so I'm very familiar with them. Next time I'm messing with it I'll see if the axle tag is still there as well as looking for date code.

Here's my old Boss -

 

[DirtDonk]

I hate it...
Hate being jealous that is!

Very nice. Do you still have it, or is that what's helping feed your Bronco addiction?

Paul