crab
Bronco Guru
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2004
- Messages
- 2,268
So, I’ve owned several EB’s over the past 25 years. From uncut to full on crawler doing all of my own work. Engine, suspension, interior, body and paint.
I purchased a ‘77 a few years ago, right before the market took off. It’s pretty clean and very reliable. I drove it 500 miles home and easily a daily driver. EVERYTHING works. It was used on a farm in Idaho it’s whole life. I bought it 100 miles from where it was originally sold with the dealer sticker still on the tailgate. The rear fenders were cut from the dealer like most Broncos sold in the area which is the only mod besides a stereo. In 2000 the PO hit a deer and had the grill, hood, drivers fender and inner fender replaced with donor factory parts. Those parts were repainted and it appears the whole bronco may have been clear coated at that time. Not sure if Ford used clear coat in ‘77?? All glass is original except new windshield that I installed. New jasper long block in 2001. A simple bolt together roll cage was also Installed at this time. C4 must have been rebuilt at some point. Shifts super smooth and fluid smells great. No leaks.
The cracked dash pad really annoyed me, so I bit the bullet. I gutted the interior which was restored in ‘98 with James Duff covers matching original including door panels and rear quarters. All Still in good shape, no rips. The original vinyl floor, which I don’t believe has been reproduced, is in remarkable condition. It was pretty stressful carefully removing the vinyl. Upon inspection, the floor pans are a 8 out of 10. Probably not worth replacing entire pieces and structurally sound. Obviously I had to remove the roll cage, wiper cover and unbolt the hardtop to replace the dash pad. What a PITA, but worth it. I cleaned everything up and put it back the way it was.
The body is very solid. Tiny rust hole in the bottom of the tailgate and surface rust on the drivers rocker that I “touched up”. Seams are just starting to stain. I replaced factory suspension with Wild Horses 2.5” complete kit. I’m he PO converted the inverted y with traditional. I rebuilt the 44. Bearings, seals, brakes, warn hubs etc. I Had PSC rebuild the PS box and put a new set of 33” Toyo’s on US mags. Man it drives great.
I think it looks great but always wanted a uncut ‘77. I’m not getting any younger and my health is declining, so it’s now or never. My question is, am I making a mistake thinking it would be more valuable restored, or should I leave it with its history exposed? Right now, the whole family enjoys driving it. Kids drive it to school on nice days. Wife drives it to work and we all jump in it for sporting events, visit friends etc. No plans to sell, but I’m also a believer that everything is for sale
I know the cost of everything and would probably sink $25k into the make over.
What would you do? What is the value as it sits vs restore? Here’s a few pics as well as some of my earlier projects.
I purchased a ‘77 a few years ago, right before the market took off. It’s pretty clean and very reliable. I drove it 500 miles home and easily a daily driver. EVERYTHING works. It was used on a farm in Idaho it’s whole life. I bought it 100 miles from where it was originally sold with the dealer sticker still on the tailgate. The rear fenders were cut from the dealer like most Broncos sold in the area which is the only mod besides a stereo. In 2000 the PO hit a deer and had the grill, hood, drivers fender and inner fender replaced with donor factory parts. Those parts were repainted and it appears the whole bronco may have been clear coated at that time. Not sure if Ford used clear coat in ‘77?? All glass is original except new windshield that I installed. New jasper long block in 2001. A simple bolt together roll cage was also Installed at this time. C4 must have been rebuilt at some point. Shifts super smooth and fluid smells great. No leaks.
The cracked dash pad really annoyed me, so I bit the bullet. I gutted the interior which was restored in ‘98 with James Duff covers matching original including door panels and rear quarters. All Still in good shape, no rips. The original vinyl floor, which I don’t believe has been reproduced, is in remarkable condition. It was pretty stressful carefully removing the vinyl. Upon inspection, the floor pans are a 8 out of 10. Probably not worth replacing entire pieces and structurally sound. Obviously I had to remove the roll cage, wiper cover and unbolt the hardtop to replace the dash pad. What a PITA, but worth it. I cleaned everything up and put it back the way it was.
The body is very solid. Tiny rust hole in the bottom of the tailgate and surface rust on the drivers rocker that I “touched up”. Seams are just starting to stain. I replaced factory suspension with Wild Horses 2.5” complete kit. I’m he PO converted the inverted y with traditional. I rebuilt the 44. Bearings, seals, brakes, warn hubs etc. I Had PSC rebuild the PS box and put a new set of 33” Toyo’s on US mags. Man it drives great.
I think it looks great but always wanted a uncut ‘77. I’m not getting any younger and my health is declining, so it’s now or never. My question is, am I making a mistake thinking it would be more valuable restored, or should I leave it with its history exposed? Right now, the whole family enjoys driving it. Kids drive it to school on nice days. Wife drives it to work and we all jump in it for sporting events, visit friends etc. No plans to sell, but I’m also a believer that everything is for sale
I know the cost of everything and would probably sink $25k into the make over. What would you do? What is the value as it sits vs restore? Here’s a few pics as well as some of my earlier projects.
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