Greetings to all

[Trident]

My name is Trident and I have Bronco problem...

Shout out to Sanndmann3 and Halfcab over on test and help forum.
My plans for my Bronco is to do a nut and bolt restoration (and uncut).
What can I tell ya’ folks, I’m very limited with mechanical skills, so I’ll be outsourcing most of the Bronco project.
I’m kinda’ overwhelmed with all the knowledge the members of this forum have.
I’ve been lurking on this forum for a while and there is some real talent when it comes to restoration.
Any information and advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[661buster1963]

I lurk here too, learn a lot from the experts, put it away somewhere in my brain for when I get that far. I like the stance of your ride, like uncut rear fender, very cool bench seat, cool looking jack rack on the inner fender, radiator cowl still there (nice), cant say I have seen a mirror you can adjust from inside, nice front bumper, not factory but well designed, looks like the battery must have blown at some time corroding hood. i would blow those leaves off the cowl so they dont collect water. Ask me how I know they will spped up the cowl rusting out. good luck with that sweet ride. Anything you feel 75% sure you can do yourself you should try it, worse thing is it aint right and has to be done again, but it just seems to feel better when you correct an issue with your own two hands.

 

[Blue Bastard]

Welcome aboard!
You are right there are very knowledgeable people here that are more then happy to help you through just about any problem/project.
Looks like a good truck to start with, from what you can see in the pictures.
I agree try some things out of your comfort zone, that’s how you learn.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[73surf]

Welcome Trident, I'm a lurker as well, , I have gleaned a lot of knowledge from this site, , and we'll even be cheerleaders for ya if you decide to do the work yourself

 

[RPM289]

Welcome to the group!!!!!

 

[sanndmann3]

Welcome aboard! Off to a good start with a solid truck and contributor and posting pics for us to see!

 

[AZ73]

Welcome. You came to the right place. You might want to read a few build threads so you can get immersed and understand what needs to be done and what it takes to do it so you don't get taken advantage of from the shop, although there's some good shops in tx.

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116734

 

[DJs74]

Welcome Trident!
Looks like you have a good solid Bronco project, congrats on the new to you Bronco and joining CB.com

DJs74

 

[DirtDonk]

Great looking Bronco. I wonder if that's an original color?
Is that a '70 model (at first I thought of a '72), or has it kind of been a mix of parts that you've found.
Stunning compound you've got yourself there too!

The good news about a project like this is multi-faceted. On the one hand having someone else do the work keeps your space clean of parts that look like a truck exploded in your yard or garage. And it can be a quicker turnaround time too, if you find the right shop (hard to do with older vehicles in many cases).
Of course, how fast something like this gets done depends on how much you're willing to spend. A lot more money invested in them at both ends these days. Pay more to get them and pay more to fix them, but many can absorb that for fun too, so it works out.

But expect to pay four or five times what the vehicle will be worth when it's done though (like any custom built car), so if resale value, or return on your investment were your primary goals, step back and take a second breath!
They may be "simple" looking, but the work takes just as long, if not longer than other builds due to inconsistent fit and finish right from the factory and 40+ years of abuse heaped on them. Oh, and rust...

It's obviously had a fire, so some of what's under the hood must be new-ish? At least some of the soft stuff like wiring and such? Hard to say what's good or bad sometimes with rigs like this, until you (or someone) starts to dig into it.
Lots of things you can do to them though, that make them more street friendly and fun for the family.

Did we mention rust? The mechanical stuff is pretty straightforward for anyone that knows older vehicles, but the body work can kill a project as fast as you can say whatever it is you say when you wake up and get up off the floor. Some here have even just tossed out their Bronco after realizing the body work alone was going to cost more than the truck was worth and started over.
Can you say, time & materials? Most shops can't give you a reasonable or accurate estimate unless they've done them before.

Anyway, where are you located nearabouts? (edit: sorry, I see you posted up Adkins. Texas, right?) And do you know of some shops in your area that will take on the work?
What are your plans once it's done? Hang out at the lake with the family? Take younger kids to town on Saturday for ice-cream? Take it out to the hunting cabin and follow the odd trail here and there? All of the above?
Some of those will make a difference on how you build it, but it's not that big of a variance between the needs. Just still good to know though, to help direct the little details.

Good luck! And have fun.
And welcome again!

Paul

 

[kip60]

Welcome to the group, Trident. You will see we have a 13 step program that only makes things worse! Lots of folks here have several, as you can see in their signatures. I think a few have one for every day of the week and depending on what they are doing that day! Anyway, looks like a good solid EB to start with. Sometimes as you start digging, they start to reveal the hidden secrets that lay below years of paint and grease. (And PO's customization). Good luck with what you want to do with it, you will find someone here that can help with almost anything.

 

[69broncofun]

Welcome aboard! I too am out of my comfort zone when it comes to wrenching on my Bronco. This site is been the best when I get in a jam or ask a question. People have been very helpful here. This site has made me more confident on working on my car. If you can find someone in your area that might be on here maybe they can swing by to help you with the Bronco. If you are going to have someone do the restoration then search the forum on here for thread on that subject. There is tons on here. Anyway welcome and have fun with that Bronco!

 

[bmc69]

Welcome! You'll love it here...speaking as another lurker. ;-p

That appears to be an amazingly solid and largely unmolested truck you've found!

 

[Trident]

Thank you ALL for the warm welcome.

A bit of a back story. I bought this 1970 Bronco about two years ago and has been in storage ever since. I test drove the truck and was pretty solid for a +40 year old truck with the exception of the drum brakes and a loose 3 on a tree.

DirtDonk,
The original color was light blue and as far as I know, the only part that was replaced was the tailgate according to the previous owner. I plan to use the truck as a daily driver with occasional trips to the beach and hiking/camping at the Big Bend area.
I’ve contacted a couple of shops near me and are willing to help me out with the restoration project. Two of which have experience in classic car restoration.

AZ73,
Thank you for the link.
I have followed your 73 restoration project. Can’t wait to see it completed.
Certainly has motivated me to move on with my project.

 

[sprdv1]

Welcome aboard! Nice ride for sure.

Sounds like you want a LUBR? lifted uncut bronco

Take your time, one step at a time. Start w/safety first. Brakes, cage, steering.

Then add your lift, taller tires etc.

Best of luck

 

[mpboxer]

Welcome! Good looking truck and nice foundation to work on. Really like the middle front seat too!

 

[langester]

Welcome Aboard! Congrats on getting started on your build! Looks like a solid foundation to start from as well. Keep us posted on your progress, we love to look at pics of rigs that are being fixed up. You never know when you will pick up a new idea or trick that will help out later.
Have a good one!