As For Originality.... (a little long winded)

[DebosDave'72]

Here is my dilema... I have a 1972 Bronco, and as most do, it needs work. I read the tech articles, and there are so many things you can do to make these more modern and better functionality wise. So how far can you go before it starts changing the originality? I see several discussions on cutting fenderwells, which obviously changes the orginality a lot, however, there doesn't seem to be any hesitation on changing carbs, brakes, steering, roll bars, lifts, bumpers, heaters, and many many other things. Why is there such a hesitation with fenders, when other things are obviously going to get changed? Where is the line on what can be changed and what can't, just in a value stand point. What I want to do with my Bronco is achieve a look that I like, and a ride that I like, but am tearing my hair out with the originality issues. My bronco is mostly stock, the fenders are un-cut, but the dash has been cut for a cd player, and I was told the engine was replaced. I think without a matching numbers engine, the fender issue is mute, but I am wondering what your opinions are? Anyway, I am just confused on what to do to achieve what I like without kicking myself later for changing the value.... It is like I own a pre-64 winchester, and it has a different trigger and butt pad, but everything else is original... do I re-blue????

What are your opinions on Originality of the Bronco???

I guess what I would like to have is a completely modified '72 (the one I have) and find a completely un-touched, all original, barn-queen 1977 in mint condition. BUT, until I find this barn queen, I am torn on how much to change on the '72 I have.

Thanks for your input and opinions!

Dave

 

[bluebronco69]

leave it uncut they look freaking sweet like that especially if they are lifted with bigger tires. as far as the engine goes if it is closed under the hood then it seems less critical. i think the uncut is the most important over all. basically if it is uncut it is waaaaaay more valuable no matter what else is modified on it. look at pics of lifted uncut broncos, they are sweet. thats my opinion. leave the fenders and mod the rest for trails or whatever you want

 

[JFX]

IMHO,I am going to upgrade mine for safety and reliability's sake. I will keep it uncut,add disc brakes on the front with a 1" WH body lift and add EFI to the original rebuilt 289. Redo the wiring with a Centech harness.Seam seal and put some sort of liner on the underneath and inside of the tub.

To me, any value will be in the enjoyment that I get out of it.

Mine is a rusty, non-running 1 owner '67 with 51k miles that was used as a truck (rode hard and put away wet)...I have no reservations when it comes to upgrading it.If I didn't buy it, it would've went to the crusher.

Good Luck,

JFX

 

[stlkikn]

As far as modifications go, if it bolts on it can easily be changed back to stock.
Cutting the quarters is much harder to "repair", that may be considered as the point of no return....
There are no limits as to what you can do to your truck, but what you want to do to it, and what look you are trying to acheive should be your goal.

Unlike GM products where an engie serial number is recorded on the build sheet, Ford only used an engine casting number, as long as the block is from the correct vintage and product line, "numbers" don't mean a thing.

In the end what really matters is, are you going to always regret making that choice to cut???

 

[gddyap]

The 1/4 panels contribute to the look of the Bronco. Changing the carb or brakes affects it's performance but not the way it looks. For me, I hate body work. It's easy to convert an uncut to a cut. Converting a cut to an uncut would be a lot of work for me that I would probably end up paying someone to do. If I wanted to put the stock carb or drum brakes back on, it's a bolt-on deal that will take an hour.
There are so many more cut Broncos out there which makes uncuts valuable. Supply and demand. If you want a Bronco with cut 1/4s, it's easy to buy one with them already cut. If you want an uncut, your choices are more limited. But it all comes down to the fact that it's your Bronco so do with it as you will and enjoy it. You want a completely modified '72, then modify your '72. Just realize that in the future, that stock '77 you want may be real hard to find. My next Bronco will be uncut and possibly even 6 cylinder. Now, if my company's stupid stock would just go up...

 

[Devin]

I have never been one for keeping things "original". I say modify the heck out of it. We have a lot of things that can make them perform better and be safer. Plus, all of the "extras" that you add kind of make it your Bronco.

 

[DBrown]

I looked at hundreds of pictures before I cut the fenders because I hate body work too but when it comes down to it, they make replacement quarter panals so if you drive it for a few years and realize you don't like it get some new quarters and have them installed. I cut mine for the simple fact that the tire options suck if you leave it stock. I am also going to go with a full width rear though so there was no way to keep it stock.

I think the thing that make the Early Bronco valuable is the fact that it is an Early Bronco. personaly I think the upgrades make it worth more. I bought mine fore $1500 and when I get all the upgrades on the brakes, axles, steering, and get the new motor in it I will have around $2000 in a running complete(but rusty) 71-1/2. after I get the body panals welded in I am estimating I will have around 3k-4k in it and I will have a solid toy. and that is the way I look at things, it is a toy and you pay to play. the good thing is with an EB you don't loose money on the resale you make money.