- Joined
- May 8, 2012
- Messages
- 5
I'm finally ready to share my '77 Bronco.
First, I'd like to say a big thanks to everyone here. After a long time lurking around this website not only did I learn more than I could imagine about the Bronco itself, but I learned from people's mistakes and successes on how to bite off a project like this. And, most importantly, I learned how I wanted my rig to ultimately turn out. I've always been from the school that you cut it, lift it and throw some 33's on it. That quickly changed after drooling, day in and day out, at some of the masterpieces I've seen on this board. Plus, I developed a hardcore sense of respect for the uncut Bronco.
A little backstory: Originally it was a well loved (but rusted-out) '77 Sport from Alaska. The first year alone was spent just getting it smog legal so that I could register it in California. which was a nightmare in itself. It involved hunting down all the smog equipment and exhaust manifolds. A new exhaust system, 50-state Cat, 2 new gas tanks, lines/sending units and about 8 trips to the DMV. There were a few mechanical issues, but nothing really that substantial. I did add a disk break conversion, rebuilt steering column and rebuilt transfer case.
When it finally came time to think about the body, I just started acquiring parts....mainly metal. Aprons, kick plates, floor pans, roll bar, front grille, tailgate, R/F fender, door posts, quick release door hinges, trim/molding, hitch mount and bumpers. As well as a lift kit and 5 tires. Then interior...rubber floor, seat covers, door panels, etc. When I had a good head-start on parts, I started saving for the labor.
...Fast forward 2 years. The body work turned out to be much more work than I though (same for my body guy). In fact, his estimate was about 300% off in way of time. Which was fine with me because I needed the extra time to earn the money. But after the metal was replaced, lift installed and prepped for paint, it was off to the paint shop. I decided to go with the stock color combo. They even used the ford color code to match as best they could.
Anyway, here are some shots. Thank you again to everyone who contributes to this forum. This would probably have been a dramatically different looking Bronco if not for you.
'77 Sport, 302, 2.5" WH S/Lift, 1" body lift, 31"x10.5" BFG mud tires, flowmaster Super 44
First, I'd like to say a big thanks to everyone here. After a long time lurking around this website not only did I learn more than I could imagine about the Bronco itself, but I learned from people's mistakes and successes on how to bite off a project like this. And, most importantly, I learned how I wanted my rig to ultimately turn out. I've always been from the school that you cut it, lift it and throw some 33's on it. That quickly changed after drooling, day in and day out, at some of the masterpieces I've seen on this board. Plus, I developed a hardcore sense of respect for the uncut Bronco.
A little backstory: Originally it was a well loved (but rusted-out) '77 Sport from Alaska. The first year alone was spent just getting it smog legal so that I could register it in California. which was a nightmare in itself. It involved hunting down all the smog equipment and exhaust manifolds. A new exhaust system, 50-state Cat, 2 new gas tanks, lines/sending units and about 8 trips to the DMV. There were a few mechanical issues, but nothing really that substantial. I did add a disk break conversion, rebuilt steering column and rebuilt transfer case.
When it finally came time to think about the body, I just started acquiring parts....mainly metal. Aprons, kick plates, floor pans, roll bar, front grille, tailgate, R/F fender, door posts, quick release door hinges, trim/molding, hitch mount and bumpers. As well as a lift kit and 5 tires. Then interior...rubber floor, seat covers, door panels, etc. When I had a good head-start on parts, I started saving for the labor.
...Fast forward 2 years. The body work turned out to be much more work than I though (same for my body guy). In fact, his estimate was about 300% off in way of time. Which was fine with me because I needed the extra time to earn the money. But after the metal was replaced, lift installed and prepped for paint, it was off to the paint shop. I decided to go with the stock color combo. They even used the ford color code to match as best they could.
Anyway, here are some shots. Thank you again to everyone who contributes to this forum. This would probably have been a dramatically different looking Bronco if not for you.
'77 Sport, 302, 2.5" WH S/Lift, 1" body lift, 31"x10.5" BFG mud tires, flowmaster Super 44
