Balloon chaser on campus finally

[DirtDonk]

And the week before. And the week before that…
Sorry for the hijack Andrew. But thinking of Broncos, bumpers, road trips and food, gets me all excitable.

 

[BajaBronco]

I guess I may have to wait for Leno’s law? Or? But I can always dive something else

 

[fordfan]

Congrats on the Chaser purchase! Anxious to see the progress with it Andrew.

 

[BajaBronco]

Very cool piece of Bronco history! I've never seen a restoration of something like this, so I'm very interested. My first question is: when it comes to bodywork that needs attention, do you buy best quality repops and repaint after you straighten everything or do you spend the time and effort in keeping all the original body panels? I suppose this question would apply to every piece, but the bodywork comes to mind first.

Yeah, that is a tough one. Several of the 77 body panels are not reproduced, so that is just one way it is challenging. Luckily over the years I’ve collected nos parts and original parts for projects such as this. I also have access to a couple of 77 parts Broncos and one complete 77 Bronco, if I need anything. Pieces can all be straightened but sometimes a good original replacement part makes for the best restoration. At this point, I’m making lists of needed parts and will un lift the Bronco soon. Possibly make a video outlining what is special about it!

 

[green61bug]

So awesome Andrew! Congrats! I sure am looking forward to seeing it in person. I support the video showcasing the special bits!

 

[joebronco73]

Yeah, that is a tough one. Several of the 77 body panels are not reproduced, so that is just one way it is challenging. Luckily over the years I’ve collected nos parts and original parts for projects such as this. I also have access to a couple of 77 parts Broncos and one complete 77 Bronco, if I need anything. Pieces can all be straightened but sometimes a good original replacement part makes for the best restoration. At this point, I’m making lists of needed parts and will un lift the Bronco soon. Possibly make a video outlining what is special about it!

So, THAT'S why all the NOS parts have been disappearing on Fleabay... Yeah, it was coming to mind that the bodywork would be some of the most expensive by labor-hour, yet, would pay dividends on the final product. I assume the rest of the suspension and steering components would essentially be a Stroppe, but I'm not familiar enough with the Balloon Chasers to know what else would be identifiably unique to them.

 

[JGbronc]

So, THAT'S why all the NOS parts have been disappearing on Fleabay... Yeah, it was coming to mind that the bodywork would be some of the most expensive by labor-hour, yet, would pay dividends on the final product. I assume the rest of the suspension and steering components would essentially be a Stroppe, but I'm not familiar enough with the Balloon Chasers to know what else would be identifiably unique to them.

Andrew isn’t the only one to blame for the NOS parts disappearing

 

[LUBr LuvR]

Big congrats, Andrew! Glad your persistence in the pursuit finally brought this one home. Willie must be looking down and thrilled to see Gopher now in your corral. Can’t wait to watch the next chapter unfold in it‘s history.

 

[LUBr LuvR]

Andrew isn’t the only one to blame for the NOS parts disappearing

Me suspects there‘s a few locations in AL with piles of NOS goodies…..!

 

[BajaBronco]

Yeah that was my thought too! Ha. Most of my collection has come to me many years ago, and between the Long Beach lifeguard Ambilance Stroppe and Gopher I see it all but depleted in the next few years.

 

[JGbronc]

Me suspects there‘s a few locations in AL with piles of NOS goodies…..!

I know of one in the Northeast corner somewhere

 

[markatherton]

great project

 

[hyghlndr]

I guess I may have to wait for Leno’s law? Or? But I can always dive something else

Anyway to do an out of state LLC or dealer tag??