Earliest Broncos known to exist (1-30)!!

[U13FL735]

I've not noticed that valve cover bracket with the PCV hose going thru before, on any of the early 66 170's. Another early feature?

 

[okie4570]

I've not noticed that valve cover bracket with the PCV hose going thru before, on any of the early 66 170's. Another early feature?

There's not one on my 9/65 or 10/65, but there is on u13fl732194 I know.

 

[Gas Pig]

There's not one on my 9/65 or 10/65, but there is on u13fl732194 I know.

Yeah PCV hose bracket seems to be prevalent on very early trucks.

Also did anyone notice my washer button on #51 is very tight to my hand choke control! I know ‘66s washer button was hand drilled (because it was an option) but all of my ‘66s washer buttons were roughly in the middle between headlights and the hand choke.

 

[okie4570]

Hadn't noticed, and I've never really paid attention to see if both of mine are centered or not I'll have to look.

 

[U13FL735]

I never knew they added the washer button by hand...wonder why. You think hood holes too? Mines pretty much centered. What does the connector on the back of the washer button look like, if you don't mind. Haven't figured out where power comes from, or how it gets out to the pump on mine yet.
Yours is really looking good!

 

[Gas Pig]

I never knew they added the washer button by hand...wonder why. You think hood holes too? Mines pretty much centered. What does the connector on the back of the washer button look like, if you don't mind. Haven't figured out where power comes from, or how it gets out to the pump on mine yet.
Yours is really looking good!

Thanks!!!

Actually the only dash controls not hand drilled is the ignition, headlights and hand choke. All the other controls were options. Obviously the glovebox, ashtray and speaker grill were also factory stamped.

 

[DirtDonk]

Did you get lucky and happen to get a heater intake plenum that sat flat up against the cowl like that? Or did you manipulate it somehow to get it to sit flat?
I'm sure that was the original design intention, but most of them sit so "bowed up" that I'm not sure I've ever seen one lay flat like yours.

Paul

 

[Jedhead]

There's not one on my 9/65 or 10/65, but there is on u13fl732194 I know.

Great info here, need to subscribe .
Thanks again for that skid plate! Have a great Memorial Day!

 

[Gas Pig]

Did you get lucky and happen to get a heater intake plenum that sat flat up against the cowl like that? Or did you manipulate it somehow to get it to sit flat?
I'm sure that was the original design intention, but most of them sit so "bowed up" that I'm not sure I've ever seen one lay flat like yours.

Paul

Hey Paul, from my experience most of the early ‘66 production trucks the heater box intakes sit very flat like that. They actually screwed directly to the upper cowling. I’m guessing they changed the design in short order do to leaks. That is the whole internal ‘66 rain gutters thing they added at some point. Funny thing is this truck didn’t have all the extra drain holes and rain gutters. I would be curious on how quickly Ford learned of the Bronco’s leak issues?

Anyways here is a couple progress pics of #051. It’s finally starting to look like a bronco again.

 

[ford man]

Looks great Jeff like always.

 

[BajaFresh75]

Good '66 point Jeff.

 

[Gas Pig]

Thanks guys!!! I’ll try to keep the pics coming.

 

[toddz69]

That is the whole internal ‘66 rain gutters thing they added at some point. Funny thing is this truck didn’t have all the extra drain holes and rain gutters. I would be curious on how quickly Ford learned of the Bronco’s leak issues?

I think they learned of them pretty quickly (and surprised they didn't realize it until assembly started). The TSB I have on all the water leaks mentions fixes for some leaks as early as early Sept. '65 and more in Nov. '65.

Todd Z.

 

[T-Bird]

looking good Jeff. Looks like it will be ready for SC. I look forward to seeing it in person!

 

[gunnibronco]

Hey Paul, from my experience most of the early ‘66 production trucks the heater box intakes sit very flat like that. They actually screwed directly to the upper cowling. I’m guessing they changed the design in short order do to leaks. That is the whole internal ‘66 rain gutters thing they added at some point.

I didn't realize there were Budd tubs without the rain gutters. Must have been very early trucks. Is there a guess at what VIN they first appeared? Yours is super early U15FL723051. My friend has 733999, but I never looked for the gutters. That truck is 1000 miles away now.

 

[T-Bird]

I didn't realize there were Budd tubs without the rain gutters. Must have been very early trucks. Is there a guess at what VIN they first appeared? Yours is super early U15FL723051. My friend has 733999, but I never looked for the gutters. That truck is 1000 miles away now.

Both of mine are early September builds and they have the rain gutters. The VINs are listed in my signature

 

[okie4570]

u14fl748 has gutters

 

[sprdv1]

from my experience most of the early ‘66 production trucks the heater box intakes sit very flat like that. They actually screwed directly to the upper cowling. I’m guessing they changed the design in short order do to leaks. That is the whole internal ‘66 rain gutters thing they added at some point. Funny thing is this truck didn’t have all the extra drain holes and rain gutters. I would be curious on how quickly Ford learned of the Bronco’s leak issues?

Anyways here is a couple progress pics of #051. It’s finally starting to look like a bronco again.

Looking pretty good there..

 

[Gas Pig]

Looking pretty good there..

Thanks!!!

 

[Gas Pig]

Few more progress pics unfortunately I lost my good light for any chance for decent quality pictures. So she better in person then my camera phone pics!