Passing California Smog, one of my biggest challenges

[markatherton]

The last time someone brought me a 1976 Ford bronco in California and asked me to make it smog legal, I swore I would never do it again. Well I did it again. After searching all over the country for parts and pieces we finally did it. It passed a California emissions test today. Now I am REALLY saying I won't do it again. Mark in San Diego, Beach City Broncos

 

[JeffG]

Wow! That is a lot of extra sh.. stuff that I have never personally seen on a Bronco. I don't blame you for not wanting to do that again. Its a shame the final two years of the EB have to pass CA smog requirements. I know they didn't target our beloved Bronco's, but can you just round up to 1980!

 

[JeffG]

I have a '77 project I have been slowly messing with for a few years that I will end up selling at some point. The '69 has been in the family since '75, so she stays.

I guess I can exclude any California buyers.

 

[Glass Pony]

I am so glad my state (Delaware) doesn't worry about all the pieces to make it clean, they just do the tailpipe sniffer on 1968+ vehicles to make sure you're not a gross polluter.
I don't know how but my 351W with long tube headers, 4-barrel, RV cam and dual exhaust in my 1974 passes emissions.

 

[BroncoJimbo]

I struggled with my '76 in California for 7 years and never was able to get it smogged (legally ). All of the original equipment was there but the PO had added a dual exhaust with dual cats but the smog nazis would not allow it. Moved to GA in 1997 and never had to have it tested again.
I'll never go back.

 

[Scoop]

Mark, next time someone wants their Bronco smog legal suggest an electric motor swap. Probably easier and cheaper!!

And the regulators will love you!

 

[markatherton]

right on...

 

[904Bronco]

If you really what some excitement, try getting a 77 smog legal with 1988 Mustang fuel injection. I did that 10 years ago and would not ever try to do it again.
I was sucessful, but three trips and one minor argument withe Referee... I had done a lot of research and collected documentation, which I had to bring in hard copy form so the Ref would change his stance. California just wants these old rigs (cars in general) off the road... Congrats on your sucess and sticking with it for the Customer!

 

[BPerry]

Move to Arkansas "the natural state", we don't care about smog... lol

 

[ngsd]

I moved from San Diego in 2017 to Phoenix. I love San Diego and miss the weather but not the state or the cost. Nice job on the resto work.