Bronco to purchase?

[BroncoBub]

Since I am looking for an EB to restore is one better then the other. Meaning what should I be looking for? I have a lead on a 77 that is totally rusted or a 74 that is the same way. Both are comparable as for as price goes. $3000-$3400.
But everything in that price range is in the same rusty condition. Which one would you choose?

Thanks Bub

 

[Action]

In Ca. it would have to be the 74 because of smog

 

[1strodeo]

Broncos in that condition and price range you are basically purchasing a frame & TITLE (that matches the frame, very important) and all the parts that it comes with because the tub is probably junk, but no way to get valid opinions from the forum without pictures and lots of them. If you are serious about buying then invest $12 and become a contributor so you can post all the pics you want and get good feedback.

 

[THEBONE]

77 may have power disc front brakes and upgraded rear brakes, also has a beefier rear end housing and larger rear gas tank. As well as quicker ratio steering. And gas doors, a one year only option. But nothing wrong with a 74.

 

[Jamie Chriss]

As stated above if in CA go 1974. Do either of these trucks have current registration?

 

[BroncoBub]

Off to work now. I'll pay the fee so I can post pictures when I get off tomorrow.

Bub

 

[1strodeo]

77 may have power disc front brakes and upgraded rear brakes, also has a beefier rear end housing and larger rear gas tank. As well as quicker ratio steering. And gas doors, a one year only option. But nothing wrong with a 74.

77 may have a sway bar too, isn't that highly sought after? but yeah if in Cali mind the emissions stuff

 

[LilMixedUp]

Depends on your end goal... if going back orginal then as THEBONE stated above the 77 would be my choice; IF ALL PARTS ARE THERE... If you're going completely restomod and have open check book, either.... just MHO

 

[DirtDonk]

Neither one is "always" worth more than the other just based on the year, but the '77 (being the last year of production) can sometimes gain a little value for the right buyer based on that, as well as the little details that the others have mentioned.

With the VIN you can tell too if it's a later build truck as well. It "might" be worth more being a very late '77 than perhaps other year models. Other than a very early '66 it might have some added value.
But right now, that potential added value is pretty minimal. It's all about how "cool" it looks for the time being. As the collector market matures (which it is at a surprisingly fast rate already) you'll see originality and particular models carry more weight.
But for now, a rust bucket is just another rust bucket unless it's something special.

Paul

 

[BroncoBub]

This is the 1977 I'm looking at.

I also purchased the Marti report on it to see what it had. It's in PDF below.
Not sure if the drive train is original or not. In the pictures it missing the power steering pump and the report says it has it.

He's asking $3400.00.

 

[BroncoBub]

The 1975

It's actually a 75 and not a 74 as I stated earlier.
He's asking $3000 without the tires and $4000 with the tires..

 

[BroncoBub]

more pics...

 

[svastano]

To me the 75 looks to be in better shape but without seeing the underneath of the 77??? Check the frame on both for rot.

 

[hyghlndr]

What state do you live in? The 1975 looks to be in better shape, I would skip the wheels and tires for $1000.

 

[BroncoBub]

What state do you live in? The 1975 looks to be in better shape, I would skip the wheels and tires for $1000.

Louisiana the 75 was delivered to a dealership in New Orleans

 

[DirtDonk]

Maybe $500 for the tires and wheels, but only IF you like them. Otherwise used they are not worth anywhere near that. Maybe brand new, what with tire prices being what they are, but I don't see anything exotic there at all.
He probably does not really want to sell them because he might be able to use them on another rig. He could have paid that much new, but that does not mean he can get it back. Unfortunately for anyone once they become the "seller" rather than the "buyer" of said stock.

And he'd better have a receipt for the tires, or you should know how to decode the date stamps on the sidewall. Anything over a year old and their value goes way down. And unless you can start to utilize them right away too, new tires are not worth anything to you if this is going to potentially be a multi-year project.
Would not be the first time a brand new set of tires went to waste sitting in a driveway or pile in the corner of the garage.

Neither truck is a gem-in-the-rough. They're just rough, as most are at that price. Certainly not out of line on the pricing for either one, but there ain't a corner that won't need to be touched on either of them. So just be ready for that no matter which one you choose.

Paul

 

[BroncoBub]

Maybe $500 for the tires and wheels, but only IF you like them. Otherwise used they are not worth anywhere near that. Maybe brand new, what with tire prices being what they are, but I don't see anything exotic there at all.
He probably does not really want to sell them because he might be able to use them on another rig. He could have paid that much new, but that does not mean he can get it back. Unfortunately for anyone once they become the "seller" rather than the "buyer" of said stock.

And he'd better have a receipt for the tires, or you should know how to decode the date stamps on the sidewall. Anything over a year old and their value goes way down. And unless you can start to utilize them right away too, new tires are not worth anything to you if this is going to potentially be a multi-year project.
Would not be the first time a brand new set of tires went to waste sitting in a driveway or pile in the corner of the garage.

Neither truck is a gem-in-the-rough. They're just rough, as most are at that price. Certainly not out of line on the pricing for either one, but there ain't a corner that won't need to be touched on either of them. So just be ready for that no matter which one you choose.

Paul

I don't mind the work and would enjoy redoing an EB. I know the ups and downs of restoring these as I am currently restoring a 1975 Trans Am that came with a lot of work itself. Looking for another challenge.

 

[DirtDonk]

Sweet! But boy, aren't you just the glutton for punishment!;D

Enjoy them both!

Paul

 

[BroncoBub]

What does this mean "Hand Control Throttle"

 

[OX1]

77 looks more original, but I agree 75 seems in better shape.
I say "seems", as some of those good looking panels may have been
bondo'd or even filled with window sealer (apparently) and might really
be in worse shape than the 77. The underside of 75 makes it seem like
the top side should be in much worse shape than it appears.