Finally getting started

[hunter1]

Starting off, I've been a lurker here since 2013. I had been in the market for a Bronco first for my oldest son for him and I to build for his first vehicle. I had previously owned a couple of early bronco's years back, a 71 and 73 so I knew what I was getting into. Ended up with a TJ that we customized for him so forgot about the bronco for awhile. Fast forward a few more years and my youngest son ended up with another TJ. We done extensive tub off repairs and mods to it for his first vehicle. Since getting them started, I turned once again to searching for a Bronco for myself. I looked at several for the last couple of years and let a few good ones pass. My wife (yes my wife) had heard all she could stand and she found one and set it up over Facebook (which I refuse to do) and I ended up purchasing it. It is a titled 77, but that's about as much of a 77 that it appears to be. So this is a build thread I'm starting to hopefully keep you guys entertained enough to keep me going on this. Using an Android tablet, so as soon as I figure out how to post pics I'll get it going.

 

[kylakekevin]

Congratulations and welcome to the insanity. You are in the perfect location for a yearly shot of motivation, Just drive down to the Super Celebration! That will give you the motivation you need! Lot of good bronco people in your area to help out on a regular basis also.

 

[hunter1]

Thanks, I go to the SC every year to drool. There are alot of local resources around here. I have a cousin close by that has a 75 that belonged to my uncle that I can use as reference when starting panel replacements. Krawlers Edge and James Duff are also close by for advice. I will be relying heavily on folks from this site as well. Lots of talented guys on here for support.

 

[hunter1]

Let’s try from the ole iPhone

 

[NGABronco]

Hey not a bad start!!!! Don't forget ole Rob, he's right there in Maryville!!!
Good Luck!!!;D;D;D

 

[hunter1]

Yea, I’ve already hit him up for a couple of things. Actually got a 77 frame and a new tailgate from him. Great guy!

 

[NGABronco]

Yea, I’ve already hit him up for a couple of things. Actually got a 77 frame and a new tailgate from him. Great guy!

HaHa!!! Well between Suzy, Thomas, Rob and this site....you got it covered!!!;D;D;D

 

[hunter1]

Here are a few pics of the frame after blasting. I had a couple of rotten areas to patch along With new rear shock mounts, rear spring front hangers, track bar mount and had to repair a few of the Body mount supports. Also got it primed and painted with matte black chassis paint.

 

[hunter1]

Try it this time

 

[hunter1]

A few more

 

[hunter1]

Shock mount, track bar mount and finished frame

 

[hunter1]

Got a little time and fabbed up a twin stick setup. Used a donor bronco that I had gotten for the frame but it was bent too bad. May make a rotisserie out of it.

 

[Cortez]

Nice work!

 

[stout22]

Great start. Got to love shiny paint on a good frame!

 

[sprdv1]

Congratulations and welcome to the insanity. You are in the perfect location for a yearly shot of motivation, Just drive down to the Super Celebration! That will give you the motivation you need! Lot of good bronco people in your area to help out on a regular basis also.

Most definitely should do that...

 

[Bferrari]

Nice work, look forward to seeing your progress!

 

[hunter1]

A little disappointed in myself today. Was taking the donor Bronco transfer case apart to do a shift rail mod for independent shifting of the front and rear. Had it all apart except for the front output shaft and was having trouble with it. Started out with an aluminum drift trying to drive it out past the bearing. Then I went to a 2lb brass hammer, still wouldn’t budge. I then put it in my 20 ton press and it moved Alright. Just moved the whole back end of the housing! It’s been a few years since I was inside of one of these cases and I even looked online at a schematic. Am I missing something here? A hidden snap ring or something? I luckily have a couple more cases but I feel stupid for this even happening.

 

[hunter1]

Thrill of victory???

Well, finally started laying out the rear quarters and floor today. Surprisingly everything so far has measured out and lined up. It will either be the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat, probably a little of both. The lower quarters are going to need some fitting to close the gaps a little better. They came with the bronco when I bought it and have no idea what brand they are but appear to be cheap. Anyway I have everything Tek screwed together and will keep it like this until the kick panels, A pillar and dash are in and doors hung and gapped correctly. I need to order the front floor support next and get it in.

 

[hunter1]

The donor bronco as it was when I picked it up. Has good running gear and power steering. That’s about it! I will remove the engine and trans and rebuild the engine. I really want efi but have never fooled with it enough to know much about it. Has a 2 barrel Holley on it now. Starts and runs pretty good considering. I aired the tires up and drove it home yesterday about a mile and a half from our barn. Didn’t drive too bad and the brakes worked good.

 

[hunter1]

A little more progress

Been awhile since I have updated. Been working on it a little as I get time. Since my last post I have gotten both A and B pillars mounted, firewall, windshield and cowl panels repaired and tacked in and doors, fenders and hood installed and mocked up. Basically have had it put together with teck screws and fitted everything. I have removed everything now and have started welding everything in. Here are some pics of the progress.

Trivia question: How many spot welds held the cowl panel in???