Noob - Considering a stock 1973 Bronco

[Rustytruck]

If you are truly thinking about a Bronco for California get all the smog equipment with the rig even if you dont use it, keep it in a box and store it. The volital California politics can render your rig usless any day they want to. pre 75 dont require smog checks doesn't mean smog equipment exempt. They can check you anytime they want to, if they want you or if there is enough environmental pressure to go after you. California is the world leaders in making life a pain in the ass if you dont suscribe to their phylosphy.
As for the FJ-40 they are cool but cant turn for crap with the stock axle. Like the Bronco they are much more fun to drive with the top off. They have all the rust issues the Bronco's do, but dont hide it as well.

 

[CLK Foxhall]

Any Bronco in good shape is a good find. The changes from year to year are pretty subtle until you get to disc brakes power steering etc. I'm in love with our bone stock no power anything 1970. Buy it and make changes as you think you need them.

Sounds reasonable enough.

However, at this point - My knowledge about EBs is very limited, & I'd like to make, as an informed purchased as possible,... or at least,... with more info than I currently now.

I know I want an uncut,... stock (or restored stock) EB, without or minimal lift, & with a few upgrades, including PS, front disc brakes, & probably AC,... to use a driver.

I don't know if I should look for a "great survivor",... with beautiful original paint, stellar body & no rust,... only requiring some minor upgrades,.... Or look for an EB that's been restored to stock, in a wonderful restoration. Ideally - I'd opt for the "gorgeous original stock survivor",... but we shall see.

I do appreciate the kind reception & informative replies.


Cheers!
~CLK

 

[CLK Foxhall]

Welcome aboard CLK... Jump on it if you really like it....


and don't forget to vote for our site "daily" as top 4x4 site..

Thanks!

I voted,... Hope it doesn't result in jury duty ;D


Cheers!
~CLK

 

[CLK Foxhall]

Just a little extra info for you!

All great stuff - Thanks!

I live in WA state, & vehicles older than 25 yrs are exempt from emissions testing (from my understanding)

I asked about the emissions issue because,.... while reading through hundreds of posts - I recalled one, in which a member commented, something to the extent that EBs subjected to emissions testing in CA, tend to sell for less money, because of the potential hassle they present to prospective buyers from CA. Although I am not from CA, if the comments are/were true, if could effect the value of any EB.

Regardless - I do appreciate all the information - Very helpful. A follow-up question on the same topic: Do EBs that are smog compliant, perform any less/differently, than those without all that crap (pump, cats, etc) in them? Specifically, does all that stuff diminish hp or mpg? And practically, if I live in a state where emission testing isn't it an issue - does it make more sense to get an EB without all that "stuff" in it? Or does it even matter?

Thanks again!
~CLK
ps - Really like your Ranger.

 

[CLK Foxhall]

Early Broncos are way better driving and handling than any FJ40 I've been in. The FJ40's Rube Goldberg experiment for steering linkage doesn't help.

Good to know - Thanks!


Cheers!
~CLK

 

[CLK Foxhall]

Since you asked about the differences in the Bronco from one year to the next, I'm posting this link FYI:

http://www.westcoastbroncos.com/Bronco History.html

Read through it - Thanks!


Cheers!
~CLK

 

[CLK Foxhall]

As for the FJ-40 they are cool but cant turn for crap with the stock axle. Like the Bronco they are much more fun to drive with the top off. They have all the rust issues the Bronco's do, but dont hide it as well.

I'm in western WA (read rain).

I have an FJ40,... & unfortunately,... the top stays on.

Would be the same for any EB I buy - Don't have the garage space to store tops.


Cheers!
~CLK

 

[patterdale]

Sounds reasonable enough.

However, at this point - My knowledge about EBs is very limited, & I'd like to make, as an informed purchased as possible,... or at least,... with more info than I currently now.

I know I want an uncut,... stock (or restored stock) EB, without or minimal lift, & with a few upgrades, including PS, front disc brakes, & probably AC,... to use a driver.

I don't know if I should look for a "great survivor",... with beautiful original paint, stellar body & no rust,... only requiring some minor upgrades,.... Or look for an EB that's been restored to stock, in a wonderful restoration. Ideally - I'd opt for the "gorgeous original stock survivor",... but we shall see.

I do appreciate the kind reception & informative replies.


Cheers!
~CLK

At this point with the state of EB's it seems like it is more prudent to nail one down that has a solid body and frame than the exact options you want. Most of the mods can be made with reasonable effort for a reasonable cost if you have mechanical ability. If you don't, then you will have to wait out the "perfect" EB. I don't know if they use salt on the roads there but they do here and if we find one with a good body it is worth more than just about anything else. One of our members here (MN/WI) looked for 2 yrs for a restorable tub and just gave the search up. He went fiberglass. My wife and I were lucky as hell to find ours in the shape it is in. Check out my garage for pics. The most important mods are: roll cage, Shoulder belts, power brakes, (then front disc) Basically safety first, then comfort, then wiener waggin Pi**ing contest stuff like horsepower, fuel injection, etc. etc.