Cost Building New Bronco From Scratch (Hint it’s in the 80’s)

[T-7ToNewOldB]

Pricing

You will be looking at a parts spend of about $65K for that build less your labor or anything you may have to sub out. When you start putting the fine details together, electrical, switch bezels, trim etc. you will see 10K fly by so fast it will make your head spin. Your KE chassis, axles etc. could start out at 2K for the base chassis but you could multiply that number by a large factor real quick if you want 4 link, Fox, etc. There are a lot of variables but 65K will be a realistic starting point for an at home build from scratch.

You would have to do some things very differently than I did to hit that number. Mostly body work on your own and a cheaper paint job. I avoided adding unneeded cost (Coyote engine) and made it easier than a 351 by sticking with a 302 derived 347. My two cents is if very careful on new parts $75k. If you buy an existing rolling chassis and the rest new you could hit the $65k you mention. My only “extra” outside cost was the LAL work. The rest is all parts. I did fairly high end so I agree there is maybe $10k in parts that go could lower if you went with less expensive stuff. Not an atlas 2, a cheaper engine, less bling in general, simpler paint job etc. Though you could also spend quite a bit more. Coyote, custom parts, coil overs etc. . .

 

[T-7ToNewOldB]

Scary isn't it! How many hours do you have in it? Wrench time? Screen time? I am always amazed by the folks who walk up to you and think they are making an offer you cant refuse @ $30k.

Bet your wife is looking forward to getting her garage space back.

Enjoy it, drive it, and try not to think about how much each mile cost you!! LOL. @ 10 mpg also!!

I think she is, though we do have a covered space outside which she seems ok with. Since this project is keeping my 18 year old out of trouble she has been much more lenient on the space used. I’m a believer in creative cost allocation. I’m putting $65k in the first mile and spreading out the rest from there. After day one it looks pretty affordable!

 

[T-7ToNewOldB]

You will be looking at a parts spend of about $65K for that build less your labor or anything you may have to sub out. When you start putting the fine details together, electrical, switch bezels, trim etc. you will see 10K fly by so fast it will make your head spin. Your KE chassis, axles etc. could start out at 2K for the base chassis but you could multiply that number by a large factor real quick if you want 4 link, Fox, etc. There are a lot of variables but 65K will be a realistic starting point for an at home build from scratch.

You guys build some nice stuff BTW. Used some of your projects for inspiration on how to set the truck up.

And I also have to pimp LAL here. If this route is your bag give them serious consideration!

Hugh

 

[englewoodcowboy]

You would have to do some things very differently than I did to hit that number. Mostly body work on your own and a cheaper paint job. I avoided adding unneeded cost (Coyote engine) and made it easier than a 351 by sticking with a 302 derived 347. My two cents is if very careful on new parts $75k. If you buy an existing rolling chassis and the rest new you could hit the $65k you mention. My only “extra” outside cost was the LAL work. The rest is all parts. I did fairly high end so I agree there is maybe $10k in parts that go could lower if you went with less expensive stuff. Not an atlas 2, a cheaper engine, less bling in general, simpler paint job etc. Though you could also spend quite a bit more. Coyote, custom parts, coil overs etc. . .

My parts estimate to him was for reference and only for parts, not including painting etc. But as you attested, it doesn't take much to push the spend very high and very fast...

 

[T-7ToNewOldB]

Numbers

My parts estimate to him was for reference and only for parts, not including painting etc. But as you attested, it doesn't take much to push the spend very high and very fast...

I’m with you, and for estimates I’d trust your numbers before mine. A little more experience. .

And of course a ton of labor, I would have a hard time even guessing at this point. Hundreds of hours at least. And research probably almost as much. Necessitated by a first time build. Both would be much lower for round 2, which won’t ever happen. . . . . Or maybe. . .

 

[Cecjap]

Here’s my numbers

I basically did a restoration replacing everything on a 72, Replaced most of tub and drivetrain. Purchased in Feb 2017, frame off restoration, crate coyote, 6R80, Hydratech hydroboost braking, 4wheel disc, Dakota Digital RTX, Ron Davis radiator, Ididit steering column, 4:56 gears, Duff 3.5 suspension lift, and Tom Wood drive shafts . I’m at $49000, last thing to purchase is a BC soft top. I did everything myself so no labor in this total.

 

[T-7ToNewOldB]

That makes sense for a restoration.

 

[duffymahoney]

I don't want to add up how much I have into mine.

 

[T-7ToNewOldB]

Neither did I. I think honesty will stop here. Consider any increases as rounding errors. This was meant as a public service as I wanted to find this data and for the most part people were a little loose with the numbers. I understand why now!!

 

[T-7ToNewOldB]

I will put together the detailed parts lists from the main vendors, scan and put in here for those that like data. I have 95% of it well documented. Will add more photos later as in the end $s are $s. It’s the truck part that is cool. For some reason both my boys get irritated when I call it a truck. For them if there isn’t a bed or can’t haul a huge trailer, it it isn’t a truck.

 

[steelefx4]

I'll add a little bit of fuel to the fire...

I was going to build all custom 4 link front/rear and run coil over shocks...with the cost of new axles, or even rebuilding the ones I had (with adding a front D44)...by the time it was all said and done, I was looking at over $8k for parts alone...with new axles, even if I built them myself, it was over $15k...add countless hours into that equation, and my work schedule and I would have ended up a 5 year project...

So after deployment I jumped in head first:

Kincer Chassis (Coilover), lots of accessories from Kincer (yes, I could have gotten them cheaper by piecing them together from various places), Coyote w/6r80 and atlas 2 speed.

All said and done, I'll be around $70k for a driver...That does not include ANY body work, but does include all new everything else...and everything can be easily transferred over once I decide on a color and buy the new body.

 

[T-7ToNewOldB]

Another good route. The body was a big portion of the project. I think a lot depends on obviously how much you can/want to spend and what you are going to do with the truck. A ton of off-road then put the money in the chassis, the body is less important as it is going to see some quick wear. If you are going for street use/show look then the chassis doesn’t “need” to be built up as much. My build is biased to daily driver, though I’m still torn on the decisions to go manual over automatic. I love manuals but something nice to be said for jumping in, turning the key, slamming it into drive and taking off.

 

[73azbronco]

I'm just under that minus exterior body paint, but repainted top/ Zero body work needed.

Funny some think you can find a resto for under $40,000.

 

[T-7ToNewOldB]

I'm just under that minus exterior body paint, but repainted top/ Zero body work needed.

Funny some think you can find a resto for under $40,000.

Figure as value goes mine takes a hit on day one but should hold well for quite some time. Unless Midwest salt has its say. . . My 2004 wrangler is looking rather tired, granted it wasn’t as well prepped as the bronco is, I hope.

I’ll probably go easy on it for a bit and drive something else in the salt.

 

[fordguy]

I basically did a restoration replacing everything on a 72, Replaced most of tub and drivetrain. Purchased in Feb 2017, frame off restoration, crate coyote, 6R80, Hydratech hydroboost braking, 4wheel disc, Dakota Digital RTX, Ron Davis radiator, Ididit steering column, 4:56 gears, Duff 3.5 suspension lift, and Tom Wood drive shafts . I’m at $49000, last thing to purchase is a BC soft top. I did everything myself so no labor in this total.

What was the cost of just the bronco?

 

[Cecjap]

What was the cost of just the bronco?

$5000


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Madgyver]

labor and shipping will double costs of parts...
that is true.

 

[matt w]

I was at a show last month and the guy had 125,000 in the restoration of a Impala convertible. It was nice but nothing special. There was no emotional attachment like it was his parents car or his from high school. Wow.

Ive noticed the car guys and the Harley guys are getting older. Yeah there is some young guys replacing us but not at the rate it needs to be. Im looking at the crowds at the events....at the auctions...lots of gray hair.

My goal is to leave a trail of memories with my vehicles...my kids are grown and they can join me while im out and about.

In the car world, the Camaro game is different than the Bronco game. They are trying to get the Camaro as close to original as possible and the Bronco guys are headed as far as possible from original. I imagine there are guys that like the Bronco in its stock form so not trying to offend. You know thy have an electric step....could always invent the electric elevator step...wonder if it is possible to have the drivers seat deploy to the ground..get in and then lift into the driving position. Did see one for sale that said he was 70 and couldnt get in it anymore. Sorry, thinking toward the future. I just had a Rosanne, Rosanna Danna moment.

Well as far as me getting into and out of my bronco. It has a 3.5 inch lift and 33’s. It is way raiser for me to pull myself UP into it with my Cage handle and rock slider steps than it is for me to gut down into and stand up to get out of my wife’s Honda Accord!

 

[T-7ToNewOldB]

I'll add a little bit of fuel to the fire...

I was going to build all custom 4 link front/rear and run coil over shocks...with the cost of new axles, or even rebuilding the ones I had (with adding a front D44)...by the time it was all said and done, I was looking at over $8k for parts alone...with new axles, even if I built them myself, it was over $15k...add countless hours into that equation, and my work schedule and I would have ended up a 5 year project...

So after deployment I jumped in head first:

Kincer Chassis (Coilover), lots of accessories from Kincer (yes, I could have gotten them cheaper by piecing them together from various places), Coyote w/6r80 and atlas 2 speed.

All said and done, I'll be around $70k for a driver...That does not include ANY body work, but does include all new everything else...and everything can be easily transferred over once I decide on a color and buy the new body.

Kincer sells some very nice stuff and let’s you choose the level you buy. They have a builder kit that is shy of the rolling chassis. Good intermediate choice and not a lot more than doing it yourself. Love their frame, totally sealed and has sealed threaded sections for many of the “bolt-on” components that other people drill into the frame. Great thing to prevent rust from the inside out. We did assemble everything ourselves as that was the point of the project. Added a HUGE amount of time for non-professional builders. Super busy with work and other car projects but I’m about 2 weeks away from my daily driver being done. It’s crazy how many little issues pop up. How many bolt on parts need modification even with a new build.

 

[trailpsycho]

Kincer sells some very nice stuff and let’s you choose the level you buy. They have a builder kit that is shy of the rolling chassis. Good intermediate choice and not a lot more than doing it yourself. Love their frame, totally sealed and has sealed threaded sections for many of the “bolt-on” components that other people drill into the frame. Great thing to prevent rust from the inside out. We did assemble everything ourselves as that was the point of the project. Added a HUGE amount of time for non-professional builders. Super busy with work and other car projects but I’m about 2 weeks away from my daily driver being done. It’s crazy how many little issues pop up. How many bolt on parts need modification even with a new build.

Was your frame treated, PC-ed, Galvanized? Just curious. Enjoy!