Buddys barn find- Opinions- what would you do?

[mebco09]

My buddy just stumbled across this 1973 that has been parked since around 2000 under a tree. Amazingly, the body exterior is good, and the only rust is the floor (needs complete replacement). His cost is $0 (he got it for "free"-long story as to how-ill leave that part out, but it was legal)

He is not really a bronco guy, but his inclination is to keep it as a driver. It appears to be original paint. He is going down the rabbit hole of lining up guys to fix everything, repaint it. It currently runs and drives.

My thought is that he should fix the floor, drive as-is, that it is only original once. He is planning on putting disk brakes on it, which I agree is a good thing to do. 2 1/2 inch lift is on order, not so sure about that one. (I have one stock, and one lifted, so who am I to have an opinion.)

Its his truck, he can do what he likes, but seems to me that the value is to leave it alone, but just interested in what you guys think he should do? At what point does a repaint and all the restoration work become detrimental to the value?

 

[77Bronco636]

If it was mine (and I wish it was by the way)...I’d leave the paint the way it is (it looks to be pretty good shape), I would do a small lift (2 1/2”) with some stock wheels and hub caps with some bigger tires (can change all that stuff back so no harm done)
As far as value, he has nothing in it so he has nothing to lose.....
Really nice find he has there!!!

 

[ared77]

That's an awesome looking FREE Bronco!

I'd fix what has to be fixed and maybe add a safety feature or two and leave the rest alone! Looks great now!

Norm

 

[Jaybr]

I’ll be interested in how the experts here respond.

I recently bought an all original 76 and have been watching the used market. I plan on doing a complete restoration and don’t think it will hurt the value at all. From what I’ve seen, the restored ones bring more $ and rest-mods bring top $$.


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[Jaybr]

That's an awesome looking FREE Bronco!

I'd fix what has to be fixed and maybe add a safety feature or two and leave the rest alone! Looks great now!

Norm

That’s the same advice I got from a local buddy that is a long time bronco owner and lover. But not because of value, he just likes originals.


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[Gupster88]

First off. NICE FIND ! Amazing that one outside in the state of Washington for that long looks that good. I am on the keep original with slight lift and tires as stated above. Redo brakes , fuel lines and other essential mechanicals. And drive it. Wish him good luck. Nice Bronco

 

[hyghlndr]

My vote, get it running and driving well then enjoy. It can always be painted later but is only original once.

 

[sanndmann3]

I echo what most others said. Get it running and driving and enjoy it.

 

[Nobody]

Unless it's 100% original, I don't really see any loss in value from modifications. Bronco values really don't seem to demand everything be original. Probably because there is so little information out there. Broncos have only recently become a desirable collectible to the masses, so the knowledge base just isn't on par with mustangs, etc, and I don't think it ever will be.

Personally I think once you start replacing floorboards, etc, its no longer original, but restored. I say make it what you want and drive and enjoy it.

 

[okie4570]

Whatever he does with it, great find and tell him congrats!!!

 

[andyp]

Great find and a great color combo. Fix the rust, get it running and if he likes a smooth ride I prefer stock height

 

[luke]

Fix floors and buff out the paint. It will look glorious!

 

[green61bug]

It sure would be a shame to see that one painted. But if the man with the title wants to paint it he sure has the right to. As for value, Original paint is getting harder and harder to come by and people are scooping them up quickly and stashing them. I see painted ones sit for sale longer, but also usually priced a little higher.

 

[Slowleak]

There is a strong, and growing, market for original paint and patina. Fresh paint starts to depreciate as soon as it drys...

 

[half cab]

Don't paint it please! Fix floors and other safty issues and drive it.

 

[THEBONE]

Patina is not for everyone, especially the closer you get. There is a point when there are just too many dents, scratches, and blemishes. I don't think fixing the rust and dents and a fresh paint job will hurt the value. Stick with the original color and put the stripes back on.

 

[gnpenning]

Nice find.

I'm not sure what the ROI is on body work and paint verses leaving the original patina when selling??

Some buffing may really surprise him afterwards.

Make it safe to drive then over time he can decide if it's something he really enjoys driving.

 

[No Hay]

Yep, depends on how much money he has to burn. Too much rust, I mean patina for me so I'd paint it. But any slim chance he'll sell it later, like most do, leave it as is.

Pretty cool addition either way!

 

[OX1]

Unless it's 100% original, I don't really see any loss in value from modifications. Bronco values really don't seem to demand everything be original. Probably because there is so little information out there. Broncos have only recently become a desirable collectible to the masses, so the knowledge base just isn't on par with mustangs, etc, and I don't think it ever will be.

It's also that very few want to drive even locally without PS and brakes at least. And there wasn't really that many special broncos, almost none with any significant mechanical upgrades, so no point really on keeping a 2bbl 302.

 

[Lon L]

IMHO, Classic is cool, but Resto is King. If you plan on actually driving it I mean. I would rather feel comfortable than be nostalgic . That is the beauty of it, I mean, you are the artist and the Bronco is the canvas.