Mismatch Body and Frame. 66 and 76

[JoshuaB]

In the market for a first gen… I’ve got my eye on a good candidate only thing is the first time I’ve encountered this - the frame is a 76 and the body is a 66’. This from a very knowledgeable bronco guy - he has 4 currently .. Just curious everyone’s thoughts? Anything I should be aware of or ask? Or check out? I owned a 75 and a 69 before. he says he loves the 66 body because the metal was better and thicker and most unique being a budd build. I’m buying the shell/frame/glass only - no engine or anything - but all the original dash instruments etc. Thanks

 

[thegreatjustino]

he says he loves the 66 body because the metal was better and thicker

Total hogwash.

There are minor differences in the various bodies over the years, but nothing that would or should concern anyone. When buying certain parts, you'll need to specify they're for a '66 Bronco to get the correct ones. Might be a pain to remember since you technically have a '76 Bronco.

 

[Broncobowsher]

What does the title say?

Back when these were just cheap used trucks it would be fairly common to body swap. Depending on details, which are probably long lost by now, unless one of the VINs shows up stolen, is trying to register a Bronco as an earlier model to avoid emissions testing. As well as getting later model good parts (V8, automatic, power steering, Dana 44).

 

[JoshuaB]

What does the title say?

Back when these were just cheap used trucks it would be fairly common to body swap. Depending on details, which are probably long lost by now, unless one of the VINs shows up stolen, is trying to register a Bronco as an earlier model to avoid emissions testing. As well as getting later model good parts (V8, automatic, power steering, Dana 44).

Title is for the frame and it says 76 - so it’s officially a 76’

 

[serial car restorer]

If the title matches the frame stamping, I don't see an issue. No different than a new replacement body on an old frame. The thicker sheet metal bit is an old wives' tale from what I've seen. The '66 body has different door latch location and hardware, smaller front turn signals, and no side markers or reflectors. That seems to be it, in a nutshell.

 

[JoshuaB]

Thanks

 

[Ol'Blue]

If you are in California, then you'll have to deal with smog since its a frame state. Not sure what other states follow or they're smog regs, but worth checking.

 

[ep67bro]

I wouldnt worry about it. As long as your title and frame match you should be good. You can get repo door tags and Warranty tags to match the title.

As for the older body's holding up better..... I know there is no known difference in the steel but out of 10 early broncos I have owned all the earlier trucks had way lest rust than the later ones, seemed like the 68 and earlier were best 73-69 was ok but the 77s and 75s I had were all total rust buckets. And they came from all over the country. Of course the west coast trucks were the best ones.

 

[ba123]

Like others have said...if you have the title for the frame, that's the important part. I think it's fine to have two vins, but you don't want someone else to be able to claim that it's their Bronco!.

You can order a new vin tag to match the frame for the body.

 

[.94 OR]

Long story short, I put a '67 body on my '71 frame when I lived in Idaho. Once completed, the DMV inspector punched out a door tag with both VIN's.
Moved to Oregon and it was a shit show. They made a new tag with one VIN and the broad made a mess of the number when stamping it.
Some states may need documentation if the top and bottom don't match.

 

[1969]

My frame is a ‘69 with matching title, but the body is like 72 or so. Not a big deal to me.

 

[Gsxr7000]

I have a 67 body and a 73 frame. No issues here. I would look to see what they did to the wiring for the marker lights. It could cause wiring gremlins if you're not careful.

 

[Gsxr7000]

Also you have to mindful of that when you are ordering parts for the chassis vs the body.

 

[bmbm]

In the market for a first gen… I’ve got my eye on a good candidate only thing is the first time I’ve encountered this - the frame is a 76 and the body is a 66’. This from a very knowledgeable bronco guy - he has 4 currently .. Just curious everyone’s thoughts? Anything I should be aware of or ask? Or check out? I owned a 75 and a 69 before. he says he loves the 66 body because the metal was better and thicker and most unique being a budd build. I’m buying the shell/frame/glass only - no engine or anything - but all the original dash instruments etc. Thanks

In my opinion the 1966 body looks better because it doesn't have the side marker reflector light feature.

 

[chuddy]

I would say that in my experience, it seems like Ford used better (or more?) galvanizing on the rockers and possibly other panels vs later years. Not sure if there's any empirical truth to it, or not.

 

[bmbm]

In my opinion the 1966 body looks better because it doesn't have the side marker reflector light feature.

Since you will register as a 76 and if a vehicle inspection is part of the registration titling process you may possibly be required to install the side marker lights since that is federally mandated safety equipment.

 

[Dylan_Shaffer]

 

[73azbronco]

that is such a bad idea in so many ways.

 

[duffymahoney]

Long story short, I put a '67 body on my '71 frame when I lived in Idaho. Once completed, the DMV inspector punched out a door tag with both VIN's.
Moved to Oregon and it was a shit show. They made a new tag with one VIN and the broad made a mess of the number when stamping it.
Some states may need documentation if the top and bottom don't match.

That's why you never leave Idaho

I have never had a clerk find or look for any vin outside of the door or glovebox. Gotta love this state.

 

[ngsd]

Long story short, I put a '67 body on my '71 frame when I lived in Idaho. Once completed, the DMV inspector punched out a door tag with both VIN's.
Moved to Oregon and it was a shit show. They made a new tag with one VIN and the broad made a mess of the number when stamping it.
Some states may need documentation if the top and bottom don't match.

The best bet is taking off the warranty tag before any inspection since it really is not a legal VIN. Many inspectors have no clue and will get it confused. Once it is gone they have to use the frame and all is good. You could also get a repro warranty tag to match if you are worried about it.