Original Paint??

[Rebuilder]

Hey Guys... Dumb question but humor me. I bought this '72 last summer and I've always considered it to be original paint but now I'm planning on selling it and I don't want to make that claim because I really don't know. This post obviously won't clear it up 100% but I just want some more eyes on it to see if anything jumps out as being resprayed. I bought it from the widow of the deceased previous owner and all I got out of her was she hated orange so she wasn't much help with what's been done to it. I don't see any signs of masking or layered paint but there are a few swirl marks under the paint on the passenger rear quarter but for all I know that could have been there all along. I'll try to get pics of the swirls but it's not easy to capture. Sorry for the sideways pics and I know the first pics aren't very helpful but more pics to come...

 

[Rebuilder]

Here are some close ups. The Paint OK stamps are a nice touch but the question still remains..

 

[Jebus]

What is the paint code letter under the vin # on the vin tag on the back of the glove box door?

 

[NewDog]

Is the vin decal missing from the driver's side door B pillar? That might be a clue, if it's missing or painted over.

If nothing else, I think the tailgate latch might have been painted. Others please correct me if I am wrong but I think the latches only came from the factory in metallic, zinc coated or something - not painted body colour.

Regardless, it's a nice looking Bronco!

 

[blubuckaroo]

Are you thinking "original paint" might be a selling point??:?
This "patina" thing is just a fad.
People prefer shiny cars.

 

[Rebuilder]

The VIN decal and glove box plate are there so I know it's the original color, just can't decide on if the exterior was resprayed. Nice catch on the tailgate latch. I did paint that because it was replaced with a scratched up red one by the previous owner. I happen to have the correct paint color from my other Bronco.

 

[Rebuilder]

Are you thinking "original paint" might be a selling point??:?
This "patina" thing is just a fad.
People prefer shiny cars.

Ha dang I'm always behind the times...

 

[House]

I like shiny paint over patina, but prefer original paint any day of the week...!
It looks like it could be original paint but hard to tell in pics.
The grille looks pretty white... Maybe the white was repainted?
The FORD on the tailgate should be painted white as well. So maybe new orange there?

 

[Rebuilder]

I like shiny paint over patina, but prefer original paint any day of the week...!
It looks like it could be original paint but hard to tell in pics.
The grille looks pretty white... Maybe the white was repainted?
The FORD on the tailgate should be painted white as well. So maybe new orange there?

Yes, I should have mentioned that the white on the grill and the FORD on the tailgate were repainted white by the previous owner but the FORD was done pretty poorly so I removed it. I plan to redo it but haven't yet.

 

[spap]

It will be really hard to tell with pictures,
Looks like the vin tag door jams and in front radiator was not painted, but who know about the body
Does the engine compartment match the outside

 

[Rebuilder]

Question on this seam... would it have originally been filled with a seam sealer and then painted over because that's how it is now.

 

[Rebuilder]

It will be really hard to tell with pictures,
Looks like the vin tag door jams and in front radiator was not painted, but who know about the body
Does the engine compartment match the outside

Yes the engine compartment matches.

 

[ep67bro]

From what you have posted I certainly looks like it is original paint or at least mostly original. Looks like a real nice solid truck. I am sure you will have no issues selling it. And yes that side body seam will have seam sealer that is painted over.

 

[sprdv1]

From what you have posted I certainly looks like it is original paint or at least mostly original. Looks like a real nice solid truck. I am sure you will have no issues selling it. And yes that side body seam will have seam sealer that is painted over.

agreed here.. and nice looking rig

 

[DirtDonk]

Presumably you have had it fully buffed out on the outside? Otherwise, did the outside match the fading of the door jams and engine compartment?
If so, it buffed out VERY nicely!

Paul

 

[broncobird]

I agree it appears to be original really nice bronco

 

[Rebuilder]

Thanks for the input guys.

I should have done this before starting this thread but I picked up a paint thickness gauge and the majority of the interior and exterior paint is right around 2-4mil. Some area read 0 which I assume is thinner than the gauge is calibrated for and some areas like the white on the grill that has been repainted reads 8-10mil. As a comparison I also measured my other Bronco that I repainted and it reads 10mil +/-. That's conclusive enough for me.

 

[mebco09]

When are you listing it on here for sale? That's a nice solid one!

 

[Rebuilder]

This should probably go in the for sale section but I figured I'd post it here for anyone interested. I was having a hard time putting a value to it so I figured an auction might be best.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1972-ford-bronco-37/