Bronco body measurements

[63A]

I think the bed part of my 72 Bronco is spreading apart at the top. The tailgate gaps get wider on both sides from bottom to top and both doors stick out at the back bottom corners even though the doors are adjusted correctly. Does anyone know where I can get the correct measurements for the body (inside bed to inside bed). I am hoping to pull both sides of the bed in then attach the bed sides to my cage to prevent them from spreading again. I assume the bed spread was caused by the weight of the hardtop but would be interested to know if anyone else has a similar problem on their EB. Thanks.

 

[mountain14er]

I've got the same problem and the tailgate wouldn't open properly. Disconnecting one of the tailgate latch tabs did the trick for now but that's the lazy man's solution and I don't mind an ugly truck.

 

[00gyrhed]

I think I set mine at 56 inches front and rear of the bed measured at the top edge. I went to go check but couldn't find the tape measure. I welded tabs to the roll cage front and rear. Get the rear close and look at the tailgate. You want the gaps even on the tailgate. Put some shims under the tabs. bolt them to the bed and weld them to the cage. the shims allow you to move it slightly to make the gaps line up later if they move for some reaason or you do not get it perfect the first time. do the back first get it square at the tailgate. Bolt it down solid to the cage and then do the front. get the front square and tack it. Check the doors, if the doors look good weld the tabs solid to the front.

The key is to give yourself some shims under the tabs so you can adjuct everything slightly if you make a mistake or something shifts later.

 

[thesnake]

Maybe you could get Chad to measure it for you once he gets the bronco home.

check out this thread in Bronco chat - Congrats to the winner of the '76 (1780 mi.) Bronco.

 

[BUCKETOBOLTS]

My '72 tub has a similar condition. But the '77 tub that I'm working on swapping out with doesn't. I think it has more to do with the condition of the floor pans, door striker posts, and other componants that tie the bed sides to the tub structure. You can tie the side to a roll cage. I know the Smitty Built bar has tabs that bolt the main hoop to the sides.