Possible Roadster purchase...

[Dave_in_Texas]

Hey ya'll-

I'm still pretty new to Broncos, so please bear with me. I've done lots of research, but thought I'd get everyone's opinion on this.

I'm looking at a '66 Roadster project and want to know if I should keep it a Roadster or make it a full cab version along the way with a back seat, which is what I would prefer.
A couple questions with this:
-Is it possible to convert a Roadster to a full cab one? I.e., will a top fit fine on a Roadster?
-How difficult, and costly, is it to locate doors and a top?
-And finally, how desirable are Roadsters? If they are highly desireable, I may keep it stock...if not, I may build a full cab from it since that is what I originally wanted.

Thanks and I appreciate any thoughts ya'll have.

Dave

 

[Tito]

Thats a tough one, if it is an original U13 roadster, you gotta restore it to original, those are real rare and will be worth a ton in the near future. You can always throw a top in it for winter, etc without damaging it, I believe it has all the bedrail holes and rear post holes to mount one on it. If you just want a wagon I'd look for one already with doors and a top...and send the roadster my way.

Honestly I think you should just restore it, it is a good find especially if the price is right. I passed up a 66 roadster and definitely regret it (good deal too).

 

[clarrance]

If it is truly a U-13 Roadster then I would keep it a Roadster. To convert to a Wagon you will have to drill several holes in the bed rails, Roadsters did not come with any holes for a hardtop, add door hinges, doors, might have to add strikers on the rear door posts, possibly modify the windsheild frame holes depending on what year of hardtop you use. None of this is hard to do but the value of a true original Roadster is going to be worth a little more than a wagon in the same condition.

 

[trailpsycho]

If you want to run doors and a hard top, just find a wagon....all Broncos in good shape are appreciating. If it is a true, clean U-13 it will be worth more to keep it stock and keep the mileage low as aforementioned. If you plan on really driving it, I would definitely just find a nice wagon and personalize it how you want it. You can always install a roadster kit on an uncut wagon, if that floats your boat and essentially have a roadster "replica" + have your wagon and drive it too. Roadsters are neat, but if you plan to really drive any Bronco (other than maybe a true, original U-13) get a roll bar or full cage if you plan to run topless....actually, even with the hardtop (they have been known to fold).

 

[Dave_in_Texas]

Thanks for the response guys. I hope to check on the VIN after work today, which I neglected to do when I first saw it yesterday.

Sounds like if it is an orignal U13, it would be a crime to deviate from factory specs. The owner claims it is original and has been sitting for 10+ years...maybe more. Besides the inserts and no drill holes in the bed for a top, what other disguishiable charteristics are present in a true, original Roadster?

And IF it is a U13, how much more premium do these command, if any, as compared to a wagon? My intention would be to restore it myself, but knowing if there is extra value to it will help me justify the initial purchase and subsequent parts purchases to the wife. ...its an investment, honey!

Oh yeah, it is uncut, but does have a roll bar in there.

Dave

 

[Tito]

The VIN will tell you exactly what it is...if it starts with U13 there you go. If you want a little more detail from the VIN check it with this site, real useful and tell you about when the Bronco was built in line.
http://www.broncohio.com/tech/ebvins.html

 

[66roadster]

Nice find on the Roadster!!
If you want to see some pictures of my roadster to compare it to just go to www.66roadster.com. You can also email me with any questions. -Ernie

ernie.combs@66roadster.com

 

[wildbill]

%) %) %) My 2 cents I would keep it a roadster even if it had top and doors they would go there is nothing like driveing a roadster down the road good luck and have fun with your new toy.;D ;D ;D Bill %) ;D

 

[Tito]

Were roadsters only produced in 66 and 67? Just wondering, this thread has me hankering for a roadster to add to the heard. I think I live in the wrong part of the country for a roadster though, need to move back to Cali.

 

[Gummi Bear]

Dave,

PM me who you're looking at the Roadster through. We're a pretty tight knit group here in North Texas, maybe someone in the club knows more about it.

I promise nobody here will snake it out from under you. There's lots of resources around here for rebuilding it too. Let me know how I can help.

 

[mike.l]

If it is truly a U-13 Roadster then I would keep it a Roadster. To convert to a Wagon you will have to drill several holes in the bed rails, Roadsters did not come with any holes for a hardtop, add door hinges, doors, might have to add strikers on the rear door posts, possibly modify the windsheild frame holes depending on what year of hardtop you use. None of this is hard to do but the value of a true original Roadster is going to be worth a little more than a wagon in the same condition.

Very true,mine doesn't even have holes for a soft top or doors.

Sounds like if it is an orignal U13, it would be a crime to deviate from factory specs.Dave

If you alter it the roadster police will find you.

It's only original once.

Buy it and keep it original,or sell it to someone who will.

Mike

 

[Dave]

If you are looking for something to cut, cage, jack, and wheel, I'd bet a bunch of guys looking for a roadster would make you a very good trade.

 

[66roadhorse]

Definitely keep it as a roadster, there were only about 5000 made. We bought one a couple of years ago that had been converted to run a hard top and doors. It has since been converted back to a roadster, luckily they did not drill any holes for the top. Now I do have another one that has been cut already and will get the full treatment. So one stock roadster, the other way not stock.

 

[Dave_in_Texas]

UPDATE! I took another look and bought it! Put half down today and will pay the remainder on Monday, so it is sold...to me!!!

I checked everything out and believe it to be an ORIGINAL ROADSTER! It has several key items like:
-VIN starts with U13...VIN matches the title too.
-Mirror on Fender
-Original convertible top with vinyl door and plastic windows...in great shape!

I'm am pretty pumped. Little to no rust, floor boards/fenders are solid, but it is definately a project.

I tried to visit the bronco id website, but my computer isn't allowing me to open that web page...could someone run this VIN for me?
U13FL750658
092 B U130 796 C 03 54

I believe it was originally turquoise, as it was aparently repainted red and that is chipping off. Looks to be very straight, no rust, and maybe not even an accident. Has been sitting for 16 years, so the drum brakes have locked up...will be fun to try and fix before pushin on the trailer.

I don't think I'll be able to sleep until I have that VIN broken out, so if you can do that for me, I'd really appreciate it. I'd love to post pics, but not quite sure how...I just joined up this week.

Dave

 

[Tito]

roadster, 170 6 cyl, michigan build, sept build (second month), omaha sold, 4.11 gears, 3 spd, turquoise

Looks like one of the very early ones, nice score!!!

 

[mike.l]

Can't wait to see it.Send them to me and I'll post em.

mlucas001@sbcglobal.net

Mike

 

[Orange Crush]

Wow! Great find! Welcome to this site and to the addiction. You'll find a lot of great help here. Now let's see some pics of that beauty!!

 

[Dave_in_Texas]

Mike - Just sent you some pics...thanks for offering to post them!

Dave

 

[mike.l]

Glad I could help.

Mike

 

[77Bronco636]

Keep the truck stock, and if you have the soft doors and soft top for it, keep them clean and dry, they are very hard to come by. The roadsters ae rare and becoming populare. Wagons are a dime a dozen. If you want a wagon instead of the roadster, drop me a P.M.
Paul