Noob needs lots of advice

[BlueDevilSean]

First off, thanks for any help. And I do know what a search function is and how to use it. But time is of the essence and just wanted to start a thread. I will be searching to answer questions as they come.

I have been commissioned from a customer of mine (I sell Fords and Lincolns) to find/select shop/select mods/rebuild a classic Bronco. I have found a frame that already has a 3" lift on it and body to go with it. And I have selected the shop to do the work. Now I have to do my homework because I don't know anything about classic Broncos.

I will be selecting engine and tranny next. But I need advice on everything!!! Money is not an issue. Feel free to throw advice out, websites, links, anything!!! I just found this site so I have my reading to do, but I have to select an engine by next saturday. I know most of you are thinking just ask the shop what to do, but I want to educate myself and make the right choice. Only stipulation my customer has made is the paint scheme. Orange exterior with blue accents with a simulated pigskin interior. GO BRONCOS!!!

Please and thank you for responses and help. PM me or respond. Thanks!!

-Sean

 

[rguest3]

What does you client want to do with the Bronco? Daily Driver, Off Road, Original/Stock Build???

The options are almost endless.

Most common Engines are Carb 302, Carb 351W and Fuel Injected 5.0 and 351w.

Common Transmissions are Factory 3-speed and C4 Automatic. Overdrive versions are readily installed as well.

 

[lowbush]

If money is not an option I would go with a crate drivetrain from Ford Racing.

http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts/part_details.asp?PartKeyField=11829

since you are going custom, I would go with a modern drivetrain.

 

[BlueDevilSean]

Going to be a vehicle to take to Denver Broncos games and run around town sometimes. Go off road if the the feeling strikes. Going for a few flourishes but no showpiece that can't get dirty. Original cosmetic parts but new internals mostly. He says orange paint with blue accents like the roll bar and I'm feeling like I have a standard to meet! But this is going to be fun as it should be! I'm building a custom classic that I don't have to pay for! And I love cars but have never done anything like this for somebody! And thanks again for any responses

 

[DirtDonk]

Thinking myself that it should give at least lip-service to the old "Denver Bronco" Edition Bronco. Painted like a Stroppe "Baja Bronco with the Wimbledon White upper body, Poppy Red lower, and a Blue (not sure what color code) on the top panel of the hard top.
Not hard to do the blue roll-bar and other highlights.

And for sure the color coordination is up to you and the customer, but having a historical precedent to go by might give you some inspiration.

I could be wrong on the colors, as those are the Stroppe colors. I thought the Denver was the same thing, but without some of the more specific Baja details.
Do a search here when you get the chance and you should find some threads about it.
Or talk to Andrew at BajaBroncos.com. Forum name here is bajabronco (oddly enough!) and he might be able to steer you in the right direction.

Good luck. And post up pictures as your project progresses.

Paul

 

[BroncKrawler]

Paint it like the '75 Denver Edition Bronco

http://www.stratadrome.com/bronco/
I'd just do a nice carbed 302, NV3550, Dana 20, and stock axles (Dana 30 or 44 will be fine if its not going to be abused much) front and rear flares with 33x12.5 tires on some 17 or 18s.

 

[moses_m]

If money is no option the Ford Coyote Motor with AOD transmission would by my setup. B.C broncos has a sweet install on their website.

 

[DanHall]

Since you are swapping out the engine anyway, I would go injected over the carb for the simple reason that its very easy to gain several thousand feet of elevation on a day trip out of Denver and it would easily adjust to the changes. I like the all the recommendations from the post above other than the carb. That color scheme is sweet. Throw in power steering and power disc brakes and it should be really nice.

 

[DuctTape]

Since you are swapping out the engine anyway, I would go injected over the carb for the simple reason that its very easy to gain several thousand feet of elevation on a day trip out of Denver and it would easily adjust to the changes. I like the all the recommendations from the post above other than the carb. That color scheme is sweet. Throw in power steering and power disc brakes and it should be really nice.

X2. Wish I would have gone efi. Ps/pb huge change.

Take a look at the steering setup - I'm guessing you will want to make it as street able as possible, so check c bushings, toe, caster, etc. maybe add a trac bar from whorses. Sounds like customer isn't a dirt nut so having a rig that tracks well on road probably important.

 

[Wyo4x4er]

Hydroboost and 4 wheel disc

 

[BlueDevilSean]

Wow! Thanks guys for the suggestions. I clearly have my work cut out for me. I am currently putting together a couple engine options with transmissions for him to pick. And fuel injected seems to fit what we are trying to acheive. And yes it will be on the road more than dirt so comfort plays a part. He has a Raptor so if he wants some serious off roading he will take that. But anyway... I don't know if it matters but the body and frame I have gotten is a 1970. I forgot to mention that above.

But here is another stupid question. What comes after the drivetrain? What else should I be looking for/at for the next step? I want to give the shop as much direction as I can since I am being held accountable for the finished product.

 

[BlueDevilSean]

And full disc brakes are already planned. Currently it has drums in the back.

 

[70_Steve]

But here is another stupid question. What comes after the drivetrain? What else should I be looking for/at for the next step? I want to give the shop as much direction as I can since I am being held accountable for the finished product.

I didn't think you'd even finished with the drivetrain!!!

EFI 302 or 351 with an overdrive tranny (manual or auto???) for sure. That will get the Bronco up to about 15 MPG, not that gas mileage would be an issue. But you've still got front and rear axles, with choices of carriers, gear ratios, tire sizes, etc.

If going with a 351 plan on a 2" body lift. It will make life so much easier, plus gaining some tire clearance without going to a huge suspension lift. I'd plan on a 2 1/2" suspension lift with 33" tires. That will leave the Bronco with reasonable handling. Also consider a front sway bar. Hellwig makes a nice one specific for the Early Bronco. The suspension kits offered from any of the vendors on this site will work well. But the key to a good ride is the shocks. Plan on Bilstein or Rancho 9000 Pro Series

Pick your gear ratio carefully. Here's a great link to a gear ratio calculator. http://www.grimmjeeper.com/gears.html But you will have to have already decided on the power and power band of your engine choice, since you need to decide on the RPM range at cruising speed.

What were you considering is "the next step"?

 

[lowbush]

But here is another stupid question. What comes after the drivetrain? What else should I be looking for/at for the next step? I want to give the shop as much direction as I can since I am being held accountable for the finished product.

Disk break conversion,
Have the frame blasted and galvanized,
ARB lockers front and rear,
HID headlights,
LED tailights,
Twin stick,
The windshield is going to be shot, get a stainless one because they rust out fast.

the list goes on.

 

[BlueDevilSean]

So thanks for the suggestions and help people. Wanted to let ya'll know we are going with the Coyote 5.0 from Ford Racing. Going with new auto tranny with overdrive. And Wilwood discs all the way around.

 

[WheelHorse]

Let's see some pics of this money-is-no-object build. Gives us common folk something to drool over.

 

[tasker]

wow, nice welcome Don....nobody starts at being a pro and questions asked are just fine. This is a forum, last i checked nobody is getting hurt or curing cancer (i can only wish) on here. Do some research, it will help a ton when the time comes. Welcome!

 

[Heus33]

Check out my site for headlight and OFFROAD lighting. We can customize to fit the style / scheme that your customer wants.

HIDprojectors.com

 

[dereksavy]

re: "Feel free to throw advice"

Sean, you are biting off way more then you can chew. If you are too busy or self important to use the search function, and expect the knowlege base here to coach you on demand, you're making a mistake and wasting your client's money.

Professionally building a custom automobile correctly requires being a talented tradesman with years of experience and a well equiped facility. If you want to see what your client is expecting you to deliver, visit SEMA next month. Think you'll quickly learn that you're better suited to selling cars off the lot.

Do your customer a HUGE favor and direct him to this site. Let him research the many PROFESSIONAL builders advertising here that can produce what he expects. Oh, haven't you got homework to do, and stop watching those foolish car building reality shows. Those guys are actors and not tradesmen.

WOW, glad I don't ask to many questions. What a welcome the newbie (like myself) was given.

 

[Scoop]

Don might have been a little blunt or maybe even rude, but he's not that far off base. My advice to the client would be to take the frame and tub to someone with lots of early Bronco experience, a good reputation and a good track record of builds and happy customers. My recommendation would be to go to Nick's Trix for the body/frame and Tumblin for the Coyote.

Wow, just think about the "monies no object" build they could do! ;D

@derek, BC would be a good choice as well!!