Bronco Hunting

[Schloer2]

I believe it is just a roll bar (not full cage) but the tire rack looks in good condition and I am encouraged by the apparent lack of rust on the lower tail gate. Haven't seen any pictures of the interior so that is a unknown. Here is pic of the front end and another that highlights the nasty quarter panel seam rust (same on other side):

 

[KyleQ]

Buy it - nice find.

 

[Rox Crusher]

that looks like it would be a really great project

buy that sucker up and make it proud !

 

[Mono]

What is the asking price?

The rear quarter rust would led me to believe there is significant rust throughout the tub.

More pictures are needed.

 

[Fireball05]

That quarter panel seam rust is pretty bad! Mine had some rust there and on the front edge of the hood, nowhere else. But the quarter panels weren't near that bad. I'd make sure to give it a thorough inspection for other hidden "treasures"!

 

[Schloer2]

Just got back from checking it out.

The Bad: Rust was much worse than expected. Door strickers, front floor pans and cross support (cross support so weak that the tub was leaning and making it so that the driver door would not close), rear floor behind inner fenders, upper and lower rear quarters.

The Good: all electrical worked, engine oil was clean, trans and transfer case shifted smoothly, frame was clean, interior was all there including clean dash and dash pad.

In the end, I bailed at $2,500. If anyone is interested in checking it out, just go to St. Louis Craigslist and search for 1977 Bronco. It is a Ranger and deserves to be brought back, just outside my skill set for a first Bronco. Unfortunately, it was raining so I did not take any additional pictures or video, but I will do my best to answer any questions.

The hunt continues!

 

[Schloer2]

Looks like the seller took the craigslist ad down, so I assume someone snatched it up. Anyone on here the new owner?

 

[Schloer2]

New possibility much more in my wheelhouse. Only remaining rust to repair is the lower tailgate (and the patch is included). Mechanically only needs clutch/trans work and electrically it is clean. Seller description:

1973 Ford Bronco, 302 motor, 3 speed tranny. Runs and drives but does need work. This is a project. Needs clutch replaced or adjusted, slips out of first gear except when in 4wd. It has a lot of new body panels replaced, but some need adjusted, the previous owner only tack welded them in so it wouldn't be hard to make minor adjustments to them. Tailgate is rusted, but I have the patch panel to fix it. Includes bumpers just not installed. I have 3 other broncos, so I'm selling this one because I have too much on my plate as far as projects go.

 

[half cab]

Wonder what happened to the rear side marker lights?May have been some different rear quarters??....I don't know...maybe me but I would tackle the other bronco as apposed to try and fix someone elses mess...just me I'm sure...

 

[Schloer2]

It definitely has metal from a few different donors. Would you take it on at $3500?

 

[Fireball05]

If you are "by no means a mechanic" what's your total budget for a build? Judging from the photos above and your description, it's going to be at least another few grand to get it running right.

 

[half cab]

I first would see if the other cat would take 2k for the '77...

"(cross support so weak that the tub was leaning and making it so that the driver door would not close)".....this isn't that hard to fix..

Will the 2nd dood take 3k? The "skill set" for this one will need to be about the same as the '77..

 

[Schloer2]

$2500 and $3500 are their low dollars respectively. I guess the 73 just seems easier to a noob like me. I was hoping to buy a rig and get it to the point that I could drive/enjoy it for under $5k and then slowly put more money into it over time. It will mostly be a warm weather rig with some tame offroad use on occassion. Think I am better off finding a rig that is a little further along?

 

[half cab]

Yea just be patient and keep asking questions on here.

Some peeps look for a spell and some don't.You learn more about them and what to look for the longer ya look!

I'm also not sayin that 3.5 is bad for the '73...just hard to say and me not looking inperson..I just know for me the '77 right off the bat would have a few better upgrades if still stock..

 

[BronCowie]

...I just know for me the '77 right off the bat would have a few better upgrades if still stock..

In my state, '75 and older require bi-annual inspection before you get new tags. One reason I dig my '69.

 

[Schloer2]

Thanks HC. I appreciate you taking the time to lend your thoughts. Seller sent a lot more pics of the 73 and the body panel gaps are pretty bad and the floors are a bit jenky. Add that to the trans issue and the lack of PS and PDB and I am probably passing on the 73. The 77 seems to have sold so no reason to give that one any more thought. I will just keep saving cash and keep searching.

 

[sprdv1]

Thanks HC. I appreciate you taking the time to lend your thoughts. Seller sent a lot more pics of the 73 and the body panel gaps are pretty bad and the floors are a bit jenky. Add that to the trans issue and the lack of PS and PDB and I am probably passing on the 73. The 77 seems to have sold so no reason to give that one any more thought. I will just keep saving cash and keep searching.

Great idea, save & search....

It'll happen, you'll find that one

 

[half cab]

In my state, '75 and older require bi-annual inspection before you get new tags. One reason I dig my '69.

Yea but they don't know that you've had a Jet put in that thang...%)

 

[sprdv1]

In my state, '75 and older require bi-annual inspection before you get new tags. One reason I dig my '69.

I'm a big fan of the historical.. "one inspection" and done...

 

[lil bronco]

I been looking for almost 2 yrs.I can't never line my pocketbook up the the unrusty buckets.