New tub territory?

[joshua]

Opinions wanted. Pretty much every seam is this way on the truck. I have fixed a ton on the back. But still need much more. Not looking to be perfect. And I think I could make these pieces, as I have made the pieces in the rear of the body. But I’m afraid I will be chasing where to even weld to on this cowl. Other side is worse. And this truck was definitely wrecked. The hood has 3 shims on the driver side to make it fit. Making it stick out past the fender on that side. And the core support is all bent.

The frame was bent and this apron is all wavy. I pounded it out some. Question is does this look like more trouble than it’s worth getting into. Should I just find a different tub. I know it’s been asked before. I also know it’s a tough question to answer. But if I could get some opinions that would be great!

There is a pretty nice tub out in California for 2500 But I’m in Minnesota. It’s hard to actually take a look though. That’s the big problem with another tub option. Not finding one here in the land of the salt.

 

[joshua]

California tub

 

[jeffncs]

Looks fixable to me… but I’m stubborn and love a challenge

 

[joshua]

Looks fixable to me… but I’m stubborn and love a challenge

You think making the cowl pieces and welding them on when it’s not on the frame would matter?

 

[jeffncs]

You think making the cowl pieces and welding them on when it’s not on the frame would matter?

Mount the body to a stripped frame or a carefully built frame jig to repair the body and maintain correct geometry. If you’re anywhere near NC, shoot me a PM.

 

[Speedrdr]

My ‘77 was way worse than the OPs and I’m fixing mine. Mind you, it’s a challenge but it is definitely doable.

 

[jeffncs]

100% fixable even without a jig. I did the full front clip using my frame for points of reference. Floors are easy.

That cowl looks reasonably solid compared to others that were salvageable and much worse!

 

[AZ73]

Looks ugly but it's a fairly easy fix. I cut the whole front clip off at once, and welded together a new front clip on before welding it on the body. I did find additional rust in the passenger side kick panel, but that was an easy fix too because I was doing the rockers. Harbor freight spot weld drill made removal a breeze.

Barn Find Restomod Build

Another day in the garage. I was rushing the disassembly because the heat was coming and the coating for the the frame is supposed to be done with the temp lower than 85 degrees. Engine out, then 3-speed/D20. Pulled the brake and fuel lines, and the steering box. Dropped the rear suspension...

classicbroncos.com

Barn Find Restomod Build

Another day in the garage. I was rushing the disassembly because the heat was coming and the coating for the the frame is supposed to be done with the temp lower than 85 degrees. Engine out, then 3-speed/D20. Pulled the brake and fuel lines, and the steering box. Dropped the rear suspension...

classicbroncos.com

Barn Find Restomod Build

try a heat gun and scraper for your glue and deadener under the dash. might want to consider a good sealant to paint into your seams before you get into your bodywork. www.buykbs.com makes some great products that will help your project out and keep it around for the next 40. kbs also makes a...

classicbroncos.com

I guess it depends on how much you want to work on it. The other consideration is time. The more time you spend building the parts, the longer it will be before you can drive it.

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[joshua]

Couple more pictures. And thanks for the replies. I’ll keep plugging away. I hate to give up. But just wanted some opinions if I was crazy to keep trying to fix this.

 

[AZ73]

Well now you're getting into cost effectiveness of replacing everything v new/used tub.

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[Yeller]

cowl area can be purchased assembled, taking out a lot of labor. Front apron is not hard to replace.

 

[joshua]

Well now you're getting into cost effectiveness of replacing everything v new/used tub.

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This is my concern…. I have had this bronco since my teens, I’m 46 now. Sentimental thoughts are nice. But money is money.

 

[joshua]

Going to California is going to probably tack on another 1600 to 2000 bucks.

 

[Hillbuilt]

Going to California is going to probably tack on another 1600 to 2000 bucks.

Hi Joshua, I'm in Iowa and am in the same boat as you, I started replacing metal and basically have the cowl and windshield frame left that's original. I did see a nice tub for sale in Nebraska on Marketplace for around 5K. I'm not sure if that's a good deal or not but looked clean and mostly new metal, good luck with your build.

 

[joshua]

Hi Joshua, I'm in Iowa and am in the same boat as you, I started replacing metal and basically have the cowl and windshield frame left that's original. I did see a nice tub for sale in Nebraska on Marketplace for around 5K. I'm not sure if that's a good deal or not but looked clean and mostly new metal, good luck with your build.

If you had to do it again, would you have picked up the other tub?

 

[Hillbuilt]

If you had to do it again, would you have picked up the other tub?

There is one still for sale on marketplace if you are interested in that option is what i meant, my bad. If I knew at the time mine would have needed all the extra metal, yes i would have, although the reason for buying this one is it came with a lot of new metal. I think it depends on skill level and end result, I have fought the door posts and new panels for 6 months, Id be done with paint by now if i would have saved up and bought a better body. I hope this helps.

 

[serial car restorer]

I've had to replace a lot of metal on my '69 project - windshield frame, inner and outer cowls, half of the firewall and both floors. (Both doors and front fenders, too, but that didn't require welding.) It was a lot of work, but not too difficult. But if I had needed A or B pillars as well, I would probably looked for a better tub.

 

[Sendero]

Looks salvageable to me but I cannot recommend enough to have it blasted, or at least do some test areas to see what can survive blasting. you may end up with more pin holes and spots that need repair than you think. I salvaged my B pillars which were similar to yours and by the time I was done with it, I should have ordered new ones. By the time I was done with the whole thing.....I probably should have ordered a new tub. I replaced all metal except for the inner tub (quarters, rockers, fenders, grill, hood, tailgate, doors, windshield frame) and it is a sentimental build for me so in the end, I feel like it was worth salvaging. It just took me an extra year and a half and I probably only saved 8k. Is that worth it to you?

Look closely at all of the seat bracket mounting locations, pillars, and other areas, I didn't realize how bad mine was until I kept getting further into it.

 

[nvrstuk]

This is my concern…. I have had this bronco since my teens, I’m 46 now. Sentimental thoughts are nice. But money is money.

... add in if you're not a body guy then the extra amount of time... a guy that has done 2 or 5 or more of these can get them done in 1/5th the time that you possibly can... Be fun to drive it before you're 50 yrs old right??

Just tossing that out there.

 

[joshua]

There is one still for sale on marketplace if you are interested in that option is what i meant, my bad. If I knew at the time mine would have needed all the extra metal, yes i would have, although the reason for buying this one is it came with a lot of new metal. I think it depends on skill level and end result, I have fought the door posts and new panels for 6 months, Id be done with paint by now if i would have saved up and bought a better body. I hope this helps.

This is my biggest worry, is the door posts!!!