Feedback on 1977 Bronco Purchase

[Hoss4677]

I located a 1977 Bronco Sport that I am considering for a full restoration from frame up. The truck found its way overseas and I am looking to being it back after restoration.

The specs are 1977 HD Package 302 V8 engine Built in Michigan May 1977 C4 Automatic B8 2900# 3.50 LS Color Dark Jade Mettalic. According to the VIN plate.

VIN plate shows-092 B U152 AR G B8J 1977 B6 0099

I have done restorations of other vehicles but this would be my first Bronco project.

The engine is in good shape and I would overhaul the engine. Its got some trans and diff leaks and some panels are fiberglass but all I would fix. It runs and drives ok but I want one fully restored.It is a Bronco that was shipped to Canada originally.

Curious what group thinks of this spec level? Is a desirable year and spec? I would go full restoration with the 302 and keep original as possible.

The VIN and engine numbers match out and are all there.

Any feedback and advice greatly appreciated.

I attached photos in this share folder: https://www.flickr.com/gp/thehofmanns/5xQLCaJyZr

Thoughts on price as is? Seller is asking $25k but I think can get for $15-$20k.

Thoughts on price once fully restored. Seems $60-80k range?

 

[okie4570]

Dark Jade Poly 77' wagon with a 302/Auto built in May 77'. Large bearing 9" rear 3.50LS gears, power steering, Ranger Jade front buckets with rear seat and interior, it was a western Canada export special order.

I'd get a Deluxe Marti Report for it and then you can see where it was delivered originally.

 

[DirtDonk]

Hey there. Welcome.
That’s a strange one for sure… First of all, something seems bent.
Reason I say that is the nutty body mounts.
On at least one mount, you have a new polyurethane stock height bushing, with what looks like an original rubber bushing stacked on top of it.
Automatically a three-quarter inch body lift.
On another there’s an obvious phenolic block that looks to be at the 2 inch category. On that one, and at least one other, the bushings are doubled up underneath the frame mount for the body.
All I can think of that would create a need for such mis-matched parts, would be a bent body or frame.
Might be less dire reasons, but then again it might not.

What makes you think that the engine matches? Seems like it would be a rare bronco indeed if it had a VIN matched on the engine block.
They generally did not do that for Broncos.
However, being at 77, I guess I shouldn’t ever say never.
It’s just not a standard Ford practice except on certain specialty engines.

Generally, speaking, a 77 model is special just because it’s the end of the line for Broncos. Other than that, I don’t automatically see anything special about it that makes it worth more than other 77‘s. Or other year Broncos. Someone might be able to drill down in the codes to see if there’s anything rare about it.
Such as color, or options.
Remember though, there wasn’t an extensive options list on these things like we have today. Nothing, or very few, that the presence of would add a great deal of value to a particular model.
Some fun things like manual brakes, no radio or no right hand seat would be interesting tidbits.
But nothing I can think of that would increase its value by much.

As for value fully restored? Sky’s the limit these days!
Sure a casual private party restoration could be 50 or 60 K. But if you do it up all fancy like, and with an extreme attention to detail and quality, you could be north of 150 K.
It all depends on how many buyers are interested.

 

[DirtDonk]

There you go. Sounds like a Ranger, with none of the Ranger stuff left. Might enhance its value somewhat. If restored with that in mind.

 

[Hoss4677]

Hey there. Welcome.
That’s a strange one for sure… First of all, something seems bent.
Reason I say that is the nutty body mounts.
On at least one mount, you have a new polyurethane stock height bushing, with what looks like an original rubber bushing stacked on top of it.
Automatically a three-quarter inch body lift.
On another there’s an obvious phenolic block that looks to be at the 2 inch category. On that one, and at least one other, the bushings are doubled up underneath the frame mount for the body.
All I can think of that would create a need for such mis-matched parts, would be a bent body or frame.
Might be less dire reasons, but then again it might not.

What makes you think that the engine matches? Seems like it would be a rare bronco indeed if it had a VIN matched on the engine block.
They generally did not do that for Broncos.
However, being at 77, I guess I shouldn’t ever say never.
It’s just not a standard Ford practice except on certain specialty engines.

Generally, speaking, a 77 model is special just because it’s the end of the line for Broncos. Other than that, I don’t automatically see anything special about it that makes it worth more than other 77‘s. Or other year Broncos. Someone might be able to drill down in the codes to see if there’s anything rare about it.
Such as color, or options.
Remember though, there wasn’t an extensive options list on these things like we have today. Nothing, or very few, that the presence of would add a great deal of value to a particular model.
Some fun things like manual brakes, no radio or no right hand seat would be interesting tidbits.
But nothing I can think of that would increase its value by much.

As for value fully restored? Sky’s the limit these days!
Sure a casual private party restoration could be 50 or 60 K. But if you do it up all fancy like, and with an extreme attention to detail and quality, you could be north of 150 K.
It all depends on how many buyers are interested.

Thanks for the insight. I think I misspoke on the engine VIN. I believe its original engine, that's all. Yeah, it seems it's been thru the ringer over the years. Nothing that can't be fixed I guess.

 

[Hoss4677]

Dark Jade Poly 77' wagon with a 302/Auto built in May 77'. Large bearing 9" rear 3.50LS gears, power steering, Ranger Jade front buckets with rear seat and interior, it was a western Canada export special order.

I'd get a Deluxe Marti Report for it and then you can see where it was delivered originally.

thank you for your feedback.

 

[Hoss4677]

There you go. Sounds like a Ranger, with none of the Ranger stuff left. Might enhance its value somewhat. If restored with that in mind.

I should note this Bronco is in Dubai. I found it there. It's made it way around the world. Guess it could tell some stories if its could talk. Was brought over from Canada years ago apparently. I have a garage in Dubai and have been restoring Land Rover Defenders and shipping them over the USA. Labor is cheaper there. This is my first bronco seen over here. Not much interest in them here. Hence I think I can get a good price. My mechanic thinks $15k will do it.

 

[trailerjack]

I should note this Bronco is in Dubai. I found it there. It's made it way around the world. Guess it could tell some stories if its could talk. Was brought over from Canada years ago apparently. I have a garage in Dubai and have been restoring Land Rover Defenders and shipping them over the USA. Labor is cheaper there. This is my first bronco seen over here. Not much interest in them here. Hence I think I can get a good price. My mechanic thinks $15k will do it.

wait, what? In Dubai?

 

[DirtDonk]

Yeah, you know how this internet thingy works there trailerjack. It's all over the world, but feels like right next door!
But yeah Hoss, it could probably tell some tales. Wonder if it was a straight shot to Dubai, or if it took some detours along the way.

Paul

 

[gmduncan]

Congratulations and welcome...

I'm in the process of frame off restorations on two '77's. I had other early Broncos but didn't restore them, just sold them. I like the '77's because having gas tank doors sets them apart from other early Broncos and I think it's cool. Good looking Bronco you are starting with. Hopefully when you starting "peeling back the onion" you don't run across hidden damage or rust.

How far you want to take it depends on how deep you're willing to dig into your pocket. I found that out through trial and error. I don't even want to add up the receipts I have for one of the '77's I started a few years ago and I'm not even finished.

Keep us posted...

 

[migs]

Welcome aboard! That one looks to have a full fiberglass tub with fiberglass front fenders. The front inner clip looks to be steel, which is a common way to do it with those older glass tubs. In fact, it looks pretty similar to the old Malotte fiberglass tub on tasker's project that I'm currently doing in my garage right now.

That would possibly explain what DirtDonk was saying about the different body mount heights, unlike later glass tubs molded underneath similar in design to a factory tub this one may have the plywood cores in the floors which are just flat and sit at varying heights. I've fount that it sits closest to the frame near the front floor boards, the four rear most body mount spots are up higher and then the two under the core support require even more height to get everything squared up properly.

The good news if it's fiberglass there won't be much rust to deal with. but if going for an all original type restoration then one might want to consider replacing the glass body with a steel tub which would add significant cost. But in the end I'd wager that a nice build with a steel tub would have more value than one with an older glass tub.

Good luck with your Bronco endeavor, and yes, please keep us posted.

 

[MThalfcab]

There you go. Sounds like a Ranger, with none of the Ranger stuff left. Might enhance its value somewhat. If restored with that in mind.

Hey DirtDonk,
It's nice to see some one else to share a story of starting out on his Bronco. His story has a lot more zig to it though and he has a really nice. 77 starter, BTW, did you get any of the rain?

 

[DirtDonk]

Yes, we finally got a little hint of it about noon today. Came and went in less than an hour.
Got the ground wet, but that was about it.
We skirted all the heavy stuff.
My sister is still bailing out her house cause she was at Ground Zero near Palm Springs.
No actual flooding in her neighborhood, but most of the houses had water intruding through the slab foundations.
My brother lives up just a few miles from Boise, and even though they set some records in town, he hadn’t seen any rain at all when I talked to him.
That could’ve changed, but he might have been in a little lucky window.

 

[bigmuddy]

Welcome aboard! That one looks to have a full fiberglass tub with fiberglass front fenders. The front inner clip looks to be steel, which is a common way to do it with those older glass tubs. In fact, it looks pretty similar to the old Malotte fiberglass tub on tasker's project that I'm currently doing in my garage right now.

That would possibly explain what DirtDonk was saying about the different body mount heights, unlike later glass tubs molded underneath similar in design to a factory tub this one may have the plywood cores in the floors which are just flat and sit at varying heights. I've fount that it sits closest to the frame near the front floor boards, the four rear most body mount spots are up higher and then the two under the core support require even more height to get everything squared up properly.

The good news if it's fiberglass there won't be much rust to deal with. but if going for an all original type restoration then one might want to consider replacing the glass body with a steel tub which would add significant cost. But in the end I'd wager that a nice build with a steel tub would have more value than one with an older glass tub.

Good luck with your Bronco endeavor, and yes, please keep us posted.

I agree with the comments, but especially on the return of fiberglass vs real steel. Fiberglass always brings less dollars,
On a personal note, if I do another bronco it will likely be fiberglass.