Althea..A '76 Build Thread

[idus25]

OK..Here I go. Purchased a 1976 Bronco here in Missouri. The previous owner sanded the body down, but did not paint which led to surface rust on probably 50% of body.

So I sanded all the surface rust off, wiped down with White Vinegar and water solution to kill rust, then painted with Primer. Finished with Rustoleum Hunter Green Spray paint. I have and extra can in the glove box for accidentals like trees and what have you.

Mods/Upgrades/Fixes to Date (Need up to date picture):

1. BFG All T Tires on each corner.
2. Ramage Soft Top
3. Rebuild Dana 44 and Ford 9"
4. Installed Detroit Lock in rear
5. Rebuild Dana 20
6. Rebuilt C4
7. New Speedo/Gauge Cluster
8. Wildhorses JBA Headers with O2/Flowmaster Dual out the back. Muffler shop gave me plugs for the 0z sensors.
9. Lengthened driveshafts front and rear. For some reason there was not a CV joint on the front driveshaft. Added one.
10. Roll Cage
11. Added marker lights to both sides.
12. Longer brake lines (frame to axles)
13. Wildhorses Saginaw Power Steering Pump.

Spent last weekend scouring the salvage yard for a Mustang motor. Found a complete motor out of an 89. I got everything Upper intake to the pan. Complete wiring harness for engine, and computer. I mean I got everything, I tore apart the cab/dash and took everything including the fuse panel with wires. Dropped the block and heads off at machine shop toady for rebuild. I have all of the EFI stuff for the motor, but for now the cost to switch everything over is just too much. So I have ordered an edelbrock intake, new 4-barrel carb, and MSD distributor for the rebuilt engine.

Told the machine shop I wanted the block painted FORD blue. He said there were three shades of FORD blue. I chose the darker of the three. Does anyone know what shade/color number FORD used in '76?

More to come. I am located in St. Louis, MO. If anyone out there is nearby and wouldn't mind me puller their ear for tech knowledge, that would be great.

 

[Justafordguy]

Lookin good so far, keep us posted on your progress.

 

[mp]

Unless you will never leave level pavement, save yourself the frustration of the 4 barrel carb and return it and the intake. Put the money towards your EFI swap or slap on a cheap/free 2 barrel intake and freshened 2100 2 barrel.

If you stripped a whole EFI car for your swap, your additional costs will be:
-external fuel pump (you are going to have to run one anyways with a 5.0 block)
-EFI rated fuel lines
-EFI harness modification (unless you do it yourself)
-throttle cable to accelerator pedal cable and mod
-misc sensors

 

[Blue Bastard]

That looks pretty good for a rattle can job! I keep telling myself I will get one like that that I can beat up but then always end up taking it to the next level!

 

[idus25]

Unless you will never leave level pavement, save yourself the frustration of the 4 barrel carb and return it and the intake. Put the money towards your EFI swap or slap on a cheap/free 2 barrel intake and freshened 2100 2 barrel.

If you stripped a whole EFI car for your swap, your additional costs will be:
-external fuel pump (you are going to have to run one anyways with a 5.0 block)
-EFI rated fuel lines
-EFI harness modification (unless you do it yourself)
-throttle cable to accelerator pedal cable and mod
-misc sensors

Thanks for the heads up. I will for be moving to the EFI setup, probably when the weather gets warmer. The engine that's in there now is just tired, ran the numbers and it is an 86 block. Has an HEI Distributor, looking forward to throwing that darn thing across the street against a wall. In addition to listed above, I NEED to re-wire the entire Bronco. The PO had it in such a rat's nest, took me two days of figuring a patch job wiring just to get everything working properly in order to pass MO Safety Inspection. From wipers to blinkers. Still can't get the fuel gauge to work properly so I taped a O'Reilly special to the steering column. Running out of gas once was enough.

Just purchased a reman-gauge on eBay. Looks good in the pictures, will see soon enough.

 

[idus25]

Power Steering Vibration/Shimmy Issue

Hey All, Have been trying to figure why my Power steering make a vibration/shimmy at certain points while turing. Not happening all the time.

So far I have replaced the stock pump with a new Saginaw Pump and hoses from WildHorses, as well as flush and replace with new fluid. Still have the issue. Thinking the box is the culprit???

Could it possibly be the Steering Column???

Any help would be appreciated.

New Engine should be done next week. Pictures to come.

Thanks

 

[idus25]

Strap Assassin/WildHorses SUPER PEOPLE

So, Down here in Georgia, took a nice Doe this am. Waiting for evening run and decided i had might have spent too much for my flexplate. 76 C4.

Perusing the internet, funny (have satilite internet, but cell phones are worthless). I saw WH had flexpates at a 1/3 the price. Only problem is they don't have 10.5 inch bolt pattern.

Spoke to Paul at WH, great guy. He confirmed what they stocked was not for the smaller torque converter. I can't send out a nicer thank you, these guys know what we need and are a real help to us new guys. Thanks to Paul and your Team.

will keep the parts i have, and move on. Please note that WH has been more than helpful getting this newbie back on the trail

 

[idus25]

Pulled the 302 Today!!

Took me and my dog almost 2 hours (newbies). All went well for the most part. Had to take the pass side header off to reach the last Tranny housing bolt. New motor ready today, need to do some cleaning/decreasing and painting before I drop her in. I think I might drop the tranny and put back in as one unit.

Check the pick of the motor. NO, your not tripping, the PO had the FORD running on a Bowtie HEI. HeHe!

 

[Justafordguy]

I hate to admit it but the HEI ignition is a good setup, A ton of Ford guys use them.

 

[idus25]

I hate to admit it but the HEI ignition is a good setup, I ton of Ford guys use them.

Good to know. After I bought it, took it for a tune up and state inspection. All of the mechanics laughed at me, I mean all of them.

 

[idus25]

Engine almost put together!!!

Unboxing all the parts for the new motor. Coming together nicely. Still to finish up some wiring on Althea before I drop her in as well as new TQ for the C4. Getting there! I think the Darker Ford blue look great with the black.

 

[idus25]

She In!!

Spent the morning dropping in the new 302. Plumbing and wiring to go. Doing my best to keep the engine bay clean and clear of messy wiring.

 

[Moore40]

Is it just me or are all the pics of the engine upside down?

 

[idus25]

Look Straight Up on my page, forget the pun.