71BroncoSean
New Member
I have a 1971 U15 4x4, and the engine, transmission, radiator, etc. are currently out of the body, because it was just painted. Before I start putting everything back, I thought I'd inquire about the most difficult must-do upgrades. I am looking to keep this as an everyday driver with modern upgrades (I travel 2 miles to/from work). I plan to rebuild the 302 and keep the factory tires (P215/75R15) and rims, and I would like to maintain the "original" look as much as possible. BTW, I am located in Fort Lauderdale.
In the interest of time, I'm going to pay someone to rebuild the engine and reinstall everything to get the car in operational condition. So here are my questions (my budget, time, tools, space and skill are limited, so I'm trying to prioritize upgrades the mechanic has to do now vs. what I can do later):
1. Should I keep the existing transmission or upgrade to a 4 speed automatic or something else? Should I have the mechanic upgrade the transmission now or is this something I can do later?
2. Should I replace the drum brakes now or upgrade myself later? Should I go with disc brakes on the front only or all the way around?
3. Should I have the mechanic convert the engine to EFI or is that something I can do later? Regardless, what do you recommend for the conversion?
4. Should I convert to powered steering? Should I have this done before I put the engine back in or can I do this later?
5. Prior to putting the engine back in, what other upgrades are must-haves now?
In the interest of time, I'm going to pay someone to rebuild the engine and reinstall everything to get the car in operational condition. So here are my questions (my budget, time, tools, space and skill are limited, so I'm trying to prioritize upgrades the mechanic has to do now vs. what I can do later):
1. Should I keep the existing transmission or upgrade to a 4 speed automatic or something else? Should I have the mechanic upgrade the transmission now or is this something I can do later?
2. Should I replace the drum brakes now or upgrade myself later? Should I go with disc brakes on the front only or all the way around?
3. Should I have the mechanic convert the engine to EFI or is that something I can do later? Regardless, what do you recommend for the conversion?
4. Should I convert to powered steering? Should I have this done before I put the engine back in or can I do this later?
5. Prior to putting the engine back in, what other upgrades are must-haves now?
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