Considering buying a Bronco

[SantaCruzBronco]

Hi there new to the site and I had a few questions

As the title says I'm considering buying a bronco, as one has come up in my area that seems like it might be a good deal.

The Bronco I'm looking at is a 1974. The bad part is the truck has been rolled. From the pictures provided the roll cage is clearly bent. It appears as the windshield frame hood and grill will all probably need to be replaced. Apparently though the engine still starts and runs.

The other not so great part of the deal is that it will be a lien sale, as the vehicle has been abandoned since 1994.

The good part though is the asking price, which I could easily remake just parting it out.

I'm planning on inspecting the vehicle sometime this week and was hoping for tips on things to look for. I know to check the floor pan for rust, check the steering for any damage from the roll, but are there any other things I should look for?

I plan on doing a carfax before I commit to the buy to make sure it's not a stolen vehicle, and I'm going to contact my cousin who's a lawyer for more specifics on how a lien sale works. If anyone has any experience with lien sales (especially in California) I'd be glad to hear about it.

 

[Jsp]

Yeah I saw the one your talking about. If i was looking to buy it I would price out all the parts to fix it. Plus the guy is tryin to get money for something that's not his so low ball him! I have an extra hard top to

 

[SantaCruzBronco]

Yeah definitely going to low ball him, but we haven't gotten to price negotiations yet. I was hoping he'd be willing to trade it for my project truck (88 Nissan Pathfinder with a dead transmission) but that was a no go.

 

[Jsp]

I would be check to see how bad body is bent or misaligned

 

[SantaCruzBronco]

I'm not too worried about body alignment as long as the frame is straight. This project will probably end up being a weekend wheeler whose only street use will be getting to and from wheeling destinations. I don't mind if it's ugly as long as it drives straight and performs well

 

[TBS-POPS]

Check with DMV to see if there are any back fees on it. They will tell you if you give them the lic. #... That could be the killer....

 

[g8rb8t]

I plan on doing a carfax before I commit to the buy to make sure it's not a stolen vehicle,

Does CarFax cover trucks this old?

 

[sprdv1]

Welcome to the site...!

 

[SantaCruzBronco]

Does CarFax cover trucks this old?

Just checked and no I guess they don't, 81 and newer only.

 

[SantaCruzBronco]

So the guy hasn't gotten back to me since sending him my contact number

There is another Bronco in my price range (aka cheap), but it is only the frame and tub, no axles, no motor, no drivetrain, no front clip! Probably more hassle than it's worth (even though I do have an extra 302 with a 2wd C4 and a 9" rear, both from a 75 Econoline)

I'll keep my eyes peeled though. Also anyone want to buy my old Pathfinder? ;D

 

[ehumaui]

I think I saw that one...pass on it. You will spend to much time and $$ on parts. My first was a 66 rust bucket, I will not do that again. Save up to buy one semi-built and solid.

RC

 

[markw]

I looked at on in Magalia, out of Chico last night. It is on CL. It is a '70, been rolled, not a stright panel on it but almost no rust..just the battery tray, inner fender. 6 cyl. Pretty rough, well really rough but for someonw who wants a start on a trail rig this would be good. You wouldn't feel bad if you hit something. He's asking too much but also REALLY needs to sell it. Mark

 

[SantaCruzBronco]

I looked at on in Magalia, out of Chico last night. It is on CL. It is a '70, been rolled, not a stright panel on it but almost no rust..just the battery tray, inner fender. 6 cyl. Pretty rough, well really rough but for someonw who wants a start on a trail rig this would be good. You wouldn't feel bad if you hit something. He's asking too much but also REALLY needs to sell it. Mark

Different one then, one I'm referring to is in the Bay Area (east of Oakland). 74 also been rolled with a 302 and C4.

Hmm but the one you're referring too sounds like it might be up my alley as well. I could care less about dinged up body panels as long as the frame is straight and the drivetrain is OK. Rust is annoying especially because I myself don't know how to weld. But a couple of my friends do so as long as the rust damage isn't too extensive I could probably get them to help me out.

 

[markw]

Yeah, check this one out. I don't know how to do the link to CL. This one sounds like it may be what you are looking for. Kind of a long haul from SC to look at it though. The guys' name is John. I just wouldn't pay very much for the thing. And if you go look at it maybe take a trailer it isn't drivable and hasn't been registered in a couple of years. It does run though. Ina sense it would be the best kind of trail rig causeyou could put good stuff on it and beat the heck out of it without worry. Will never be a mall cruiser though!!!

 

[SantaCruzBronco]

The local guy also got back to me, he apparently didn't get a chance to move it over the weekend. Said he'll give me a call once it's available for viewing.

I'll keep the one outside of Chico in mind too though.

 

[markw]

Okay, good luck and have fun. These things are sort of addicting.

 

[SantaCruzBronco]

Okay, good luck and have fun. These things are sort of addicting.

Haha I know

I used to wheel in my Pathfinder but since it was a daily driver I couldn't wheel as hard as I wanted to. The plan was to replace the transmission in it so it could be a dedicated fun truck, but well the EB bug has bitten! ;D

 

[mattyq17]

Where is the "bronco tub and frame" for sale? That is something I would be interested in if you dont buy it. Thanks

 

[SantaCruzBronco]

So the Bronco I was looking at fell through, boo

Guy who was selling it has stopped responding to email

So the search continues

I am looking at the Bronco mentioned earlier by markw (70 with straight 6 and 3 speed)

Question is how much work would it be to swap in a 302 with a two wheel drive C4? The donor vehicle is a 74 Econoline if that matters

 

[fordtrucks4ever]

The main trouble you will have swapping in a 302 are engine perches. They would have to be cut from a V8 Bronco only frame and welded to the 6 cyl frame. I have an extra set cut from a dead frame. The donor Econoline 302/C4 is a great choice. You would need the transfer case adapter and main shaft to fit C4 tranny. Readily available new from any vendor that sells Advance Adapter products. Other than some mods to fit a Bronco only V8 radiator, you can use everything else from the 70. Unless you just have to put in the 302, that little 170 will work offroad just fine. Doesnt set any world records for top speed on the road, but not too gutless when gear properly.