New Member, New Project, Old Bronco

[hoffenpepper]

Hello,

My Dad bought a 74 Bronco brand new back in the day. It's been sitting for a while, but all in all isn't in too bad of shape. I recently had it towed away, and I've decided this "someday" project needs to start. I've spent hours and hours looking at youtube restore videos, reading about Bronco specialist across the nation, and sifting through anything "Bronco" I can find.

I have no idea where to start. I'm concerned about making a mistake...should I keep it all original with the original 302? Does a Coyote motor and custom seating make it worth more, or reduce the value? It has a little rust, should I spend the money now for a frame off restoration and start slowly from the ground up?

I know the question is "what is my budget", to which I don't have much of an answer. I'm getting married this year, so that obviously hurts the Bronco budget significantly. From what I've seen, the final product that matches my vision seems to be $50,000+. That is NOT the budget, not right now anyway. It could be the budget over the next few years though, so does it make sense to do this at pace of $1,000 a month and do it 100% impeccably? Could I do rust repair, engine rebuild, mechanical and all not cosmetic tasks now for $15,000 then do all of the cosmetics when the budget allows?

Thanks in advance! This is an overwhelming task to say the least. FYI, my mechanical skill level consists of 4 years changing oil at Jiffy Lube and 1 year of mechanics class in high school. I know basics, but I certainly don't have the knowledge to come up with ideas on my own or to talk shop with the experts. I'm putting my faith in to this forum for the rebuilding or the Bronco my Dad bought new in '74!

 

[sprdv1]

Welcome to the site, Pics would be great Best of luck and lots of info on here for you.

Great history as well, Keep it in the family..


Here's a link on Pics
http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34373

 

[surfer-b]

I would recommend just getting it running. The 2 most important parts are the brakes and steering. I would highly recommend power brakes and disk for the front, power steering is also a must on my list, a 4 turn box is also a must for me but this is more personal pref than a must have. After these 2 things, get it running, drive it and enjoy, you can do the other mods as you go. These Broncos are the best to learn to work on, very simple

 

[Vin218]

If I was you I would get it running and new brakes first then check all the steering components. Nothing wrong with doing a complete frame off but you might not be driving it for a few years possibly more so it depends on how soon you want to drive it. I would also leave the paint alone if its in decent condition and guys here can help you address the rust areas if you can post up some pictures.

With that being said congrats on the acquisition, very cool that its been in the family that long.

 

[Pops68]

You asked about original motor vs. coyote and seats etc. in relation to future value......

What are your short/long term plans for it??? Are re-doing it as an investment?? Or do you plan on keeping it 'forever'?? Off-roading, rock crawling or just street driving??

These thoughts should play into your overall plan/budget.

First thing would be to get it running/driving SAFELY!! Enjoy it as you either save to 'restore' it or work on it gradually yourself.

I have had mine for 7+ years, only use it in 'nice' weather for street driving. I do what repairs/modifications I can when the budget or time allows. Example: this year I MAY add my hydroboost set up - have had everything for 3-4 years but never get to the installation. Just bought tube doors, so switching the doors and hinges to lift-off hinges and adding the tube doors is more of a priority for me. The current power front disc set up works fine for my purposes.

I NEED to start driving it more!!!! ENJOY yours!!!!

PS: I am NO EXPERT or mechanic!

 

[hoffenpepper]

 

[hoffenpepper]

The end goal would be to have a "Sunday Driver". I don't plan to rock crawl, but I wouldn't mind having something to take on a weekend camping trip. The investment aspect is important to me being that I work in the investment industry, however, I can't think of any scenario I would ever sell it. Does a new fuel injector motor have much impact on the value in either direction? I'm leaning towards something new and fuel injected, but if that reduces the value then I am perfectly ok with rebuilding the 302.

 

[broncobsession]

What a great story. I friggin love that truck! I would leave the exterior as is (aside from body color matched rear flares) and work on all the mechanicals. I wouldn't want to modify the exterior that I remembered my dad every time I saw. I would do reversible things like 351w, transmission of your choice, disc brakes, power steering, power brakes, and a roll cage.

 

[AFLtCol]

Welcome to the forum and I only wish I had my dad's eb! It looks great and very solid! When I first saw your "name" I immediately thought of the Bugs Bunny "Hasenpfeffer" episode.

 

[Kbpony]

Congrats on a really nice starting point! I would lean toward keeping it pretty much intact as it seems to be in pretty decent shape. You might be able to re-ring and re-seal the engine, add a Tbi injection kit, and have yourself a very reliable and driveable ride. I would also add a rollbar, brake booster, and maybe front discs down the road.

 

[Lawndart]

Nice looking machine and good story.
If it were mine, first thing I would do is remove the carpet; traps water, promotes rust.
Next, a thorough cleaning in/out/engine bay will help learn the vehicle and note trouble spots. This all nearly cost free and will help you plot the next steps.

Then a full service (greasing, packing, fluids, inspection).
Of course ignore all this this and fire it up!!!

 

[Wyflyer]

I think it is a mistake to begin any resto mods or major alterations unless you have a very well defined and strong 'vision' of what changes you want to make to it. I believe most failed restorations are because the owner begins the project before they really know what they want to do. Or the vision changes as they go along. Unless you have the cash on hand now and plenty of time to drive the project forward its very likely it'll turn into a 10 year project. People underestimate how much time it takes to do a complete project, which is why there are so many unfinished projects (broken dreams) for sale.

That Bronco is very special now due to it's original unmodified condition. And it is in VERY GOOD condition as it sits.
If it were mine, i'd tune up the engine with carb kit, plugs, hoses, wires, ignition etc and make it run and drive. New suspension bushings and brakes. Then get it legal and drive it awhile. This is very cheap and gives an opportunity to drive it awhile and see just how good it is in it's current state. No more hauling it around on wreckers, drive it
This is a quick and cheap effort, and gives time to evaluate it further while you enjoy it a bit. If you tackle a frame off restoration you'll need good memories to keep you motivated as the years tick away

 

[Timmy390]

Good looking rig.......Get it safe and drive the heck out of it......enjoy it. You can make upgrades and mods as you get time and money.

Mine sat for the first year I owned it while I made it safeish to drive.

Tim

 

[kancox]

I think it is a mistake to begin any resto mods or major alterations unless you have a very well defined and strong 'vision' of what changes you want to make to it. I believe most failed restorations are because the owner begins the project before they really know what they want to do. Or the vision changes as they go along. Unless you have the cash on hand now and plenty of time to drive the project forward its very likely it'll turn into a 10 year project. People underestimate how much time it takes to do a complete project, which is why there are so many unfinished projects (broken dreams) for sale.

That Bronco is very special now due to it's original unmodified condition. And it is in VERY GOOD condition as it sits.
If it were mine, i'd tune up the engine with carb kit, plugs, hoses, wires, ignition etc and make it run and drive. New suspension bushings and brakes. Then get it legal and drive it awhile. This is very cheap and gives an opportunity to drive it awhile and see just how good it is in it's current state. No more hauling it around on wreckers, drive it
This is a quick and cheap effort, and gives time to evaluate it further while you enjoy it a bit. If you tackle a frame off restoration you'll need good memories to keep you motivated as the years tick away

Read this again as this as this is spot on perfect advice

 

[Justafordguy]

Welcome.

That's a great looking truck as is, I wouldn't mess with it much if it were me. I'd check/upgrade the brakes, check the steering, drivetrain, and service the engine and trans. Just make sure it's safe and go enjoy it.