WonksBronc
New Member
- Joined
- Dec 10, 2020
- Messages
- 1
Fellow Bronco enthusiasts, I really need help in making a decision on what to do with my '75 Bronco Ranger. When I first acquired my Bronco, I had the intention of restoring it to its original condition, keeping it uncut with the same paint (Sequoia Brown w/ cream-white top) and interior (ginger houndstooth), but over time, my preferences have changed.
Instead of ordering expensive parts and fixing the original uncomfortable seats, as well as the cost to find the right houndstooth fabric for the upholstery, I decided to replace them with the premium buckets seats with folding back seat (from TBP) to save space in the rear, and I absolutely love them. Because I went this route, I also swapped out the houndstooth side door and quarter panel covers to match these new seats. So.......since I've gone this route, I have started to consider changing the paint from it's original Sequoia Brown to all black, green, or maybe even a modern 'bullet' color.
Because I am making so many changes, I have been offered a trade for a '73 Bronco that has almost everything I need, except for a new paint job, but I just want to ensure I am not giving up too much for what I already have and would appreciate some advice. Here are what I consider the 'Pros' and 'Cons' for the swap and I would really appreciate any insight that I may not be aware of, so I can make an informed decision. Maybe I am over-thinking it, but it's a big decision.
Pros for my '75 Bronco:
-rebuilt C4 tranny w/ 3 year warranty as of March 2020
-Power drum brakes
-Spare tire carrier w/ spare
-35-50% of wiring replaced
-1975 was the lowest production year after '68 at 13,125, while the '73 has considerable more at 21,894
Cons:
-needs new hood; not fixable, so would be difficult to match semi-patina color
-uncut and I prefer cut body
Pros for '73 Bronco
-already cut, with decent tires and wheels
-body is in great shape; hood is clean
Cons:
-no Power Brakes (is the cost to convert drum to power disc comparable to power drum to power disc, if I did this on my '75?)
-Unknowns on tranny, wiring
I welcome any and all ideas and opinions. Please help me decide!
Instead of ordering expensive parts and fixing the original uncomfortable seats, as well as the cost to find the right houndstooth fabric for the upholstery, I decided to replace them with the premium buckets seats with folding back seat (from TBP) to save space in the rear, and I absolutely love them. Because I went this route, I also swapped out the houndstooth side door and quarter panel covers to match these new seats. So.......since I've gone this route, I have started to consider changing the paint from it's original Sequoia Brown to all black, green, or maybe even a modern 'bullet' color.
Because I am making so many changes, I have been offered a trade for a '73 Bronco that has almost everything I need, except for a new paint job, but I just want to ensure I am not giving up too much for what I already have and would appreciate some advice. Here are what I consider the 'Pros' and 'Cons' for the swap and I would really appreciate any insight that I may not be aware of, so I can make an informed decision. Maybe I am over-thinking it, but it's a big decision.
Pros for my '75 Bronco:
-rebuilt C4 tranny w/ 3 year warranty as of March 2020
-Power drum brakes
-Spare tire carrier w/ spare
-35-50% of wiring replaced
-1975 was the lowest production year after '68 at 13,125, while the '73 has considerable more at 21,894
Cons:
-needs new hood; not fixable, so would be difficult to match semi-patina color
-uncut and I prefer cut body
Pros for '73 Bronco
-already cut, with decent tires and wheels
-body is in great shape; hood is clean
Cons:
-no Power Brakes (is the cost to convert drum to power disc comparable to power drum to power disc, if I did this on my '75?)
-Unknowns on tranny, wiring
I welcome any and all ideas and opinions. Please help me decide!
