Project Roadster Pics and Restoration process question

[Dave_in_Texas]

Guys-

I got my Bronco Roadster home last Saturday and am finally posting some pics. Its definately a project, but that's what I was looking for. The red paint is chipping off to reveal the original turquoise color beneath. There is zero rust on the body and most of the floor boards are sound. Granted, it hasn't run in 17+ years, but it has been well preserved and everything is there...even the top and soft doors...all of which are in pretty good shape!

Links to pics:
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r191/Dave_in_Texas/Bronco Before Pics/Bronco0010.jpg
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r191/Dave_in_Texas/Bronco Before Pics/Bronco0001.jpg
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r191/Dave_in_Texas/Bronco Before Pics/Bronco0007.jpg
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r191/Dave_in_Texas/Bronco Before Pics/Bronco0005.jpg
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r191/Dave_in_Texas/Bronco Before Pics/Bronco0004.jpg
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r191/Dave_in_Texas/Bronco Before Pics/Bronco0012.jpg

Now that I have it home, I have a general restoration question for you. I would like to create some type of written restoration plan to help guide my efforts. Not necessarily something with due dates, but what order to work on things. So, I'd love your thoughts and if anyone wouldn't mind sharing thier's I'd really appreciate it.

Coming from a Mustang back ground, I've seen tons of Mustang restoration guides, but haven't seen any on Broncos. If you know of any, please let me know.

Thanks!

Dave

 

[70EB]

You have probably asked the best question out there prior to diving into a Bronco restoration. I wish I had done that myself when i tore mine down. i would recommend a few things to get in order prior to beginning:

1. Get a digital camera and take pictures of everything before you take it apart. it could be a substantial period of time before you put that particular part back together again.

2. Get plenty of ziplock bags, tupperware containers and markers. label everything.

3. Take a look on this site of other members resttoroations, teardowns, etc. See what issues they ran in to.

4. Budget. This will probably guide your timeline. There will be things that come up that you are not expecting that will cost more. Decided what you want the truck to be and stick to that plan. I didn't and have redone things more than once. This gets expensive.

5. Room. Do you have the room to do all the work and store it while it is being worked on? I used my entire 2-bay garage.

The order that I did mine in (and it is not quite finished yet) is:

Took all the parts off the body then removed body from frame (this takes a little while and there are alot of small parts to bag and tag). Body went in one bay and the frame went in another.
You can decide to work on the body first or the frame/suspension/mechanicals.
With the body off, you can tackle the drivetrain, suspension, frame and axles. Then reassemble.

Send a PM to Drew Peroni as he has done multiple restorations. NicksTrix has also started complete buildups.

Bill

 

[Tito]

That looks like a real solid starting point, those soft doors look perfect! I take it that this is going complete original, right? Get in contact with the other Roadster owners on here, there are a few. I think your idea of a written game plan is pretty good because as Bill said you can really get sidetracked and redo too many things. At least with a straight resto (not mod) the picture is a little clearer. Post up what all you want/need to do, there might be a good order to do it in. I'd do a full frame off, it adds some time but man, no regrets afterwards.

 

[mike.l]

Did they ever come with a black top?

 

[77Bronco636]

Did they ever come with a black top?

The company that made the soft tops for the roadster were in Colorado and were offered in white and black;D

 

[bax]

Wow that looks like a nice project. It will require a full frame off restore. But it is worth the effort. I like to do all the frame and running geat first. Take the body off and put it aside on a fixture that will keep it from flexing and that you can move if you are cramped for space. Take your time and pictures are a good help. So are the people on this board, they will always help. If you get tired of it sell it to me. Nice find good luck.

Bax

 

[broncojack]

I will agree with everything 70EB said. The only thing I am doing different is I am restoring the parts as I take them off the Bronco. I then put them in plastic bags. That way it will go back together faster. Take your time and do the dissassembly slowly.

 

[tx1ton]

Too, if you haven't yet, you should check out the LEBC at http://www.lonestar-ebc.com/LEBCPortal.asp ....a great group of Broncoholics who are always helpful and can be a great source of parts and advice...

 

[the fool]

that is how mine looked when i first got it but i am slowly getting it right. i don't know whether i will go so far as to take the body off the frame because then i would not be able to drive it.

i suggest that you get it running first and drive it and restore it at the same time.

 

[Dave_in_Texas]

All great advice guys. I do intend on a frame off and will keep most of it original...the three deviations I'm contemplating are:
-Adding an original rear seat
-Keeping roll bar (already installed)
-Disc brake conversion (front)

I would prefer the above, but need to weigh my personal desires with keeping it original. Are those deviations too much on an original U13? Haven't decided yet, but everything else should be pretty straight forward.

If I do the frame first, then get it running, then move to the tub, would it hurt the "new" drive train to sit there for months and months and months without driving it since the tub wouldn't be done? My initial thought was to do the frame/suspension first, tub, then drivetrain simply to keep the engine fresh. That said, ya'll are the experts, so let me know what flaw I have in my thinking.

Thanks!

Dave

 

[fordtrucks4ever]

Hey Dave, I am down south a little in Garland with several Broncos in the worx. There are some things I may be able to help you with. I build my own floorpans with original grooves and recess for body mount etc, made from 20ga, aprons and cowl panel with 18ga steel. Also sandblast complete frame, axles etc. I use POR-15 for most undercarriage parts. Also can help with what parts and where needed for disk brakes, front and rear. Working on hydraulic clutch setup thats about ready. Currently adding some more equipment to improve on everything. Even keeping your roadster close to original, a 5.0 EFI conversion is not out of the question.

 

[trailpsycho]

Safety is paramount Dave, so I say go with at least front discs. I take it you plan on actually driving it, right? Not just building a show truck? Then go disc brakes and anything else that you feel will make it more comfortable with having fun it in. If you eventually sell it, a purist could surely find some drums and or a carb for it%) . The wheel wells and other original aspects, I would try to keep. As was mentioned earlier int he thread...if you REALLY plan to KEEP it and Drive it, anything goes...just realize that a physically original will do better in a sale being that its an early 66...if it were to have to go.

 

[mike.l]

I'd remove or find a roll bar that looks better.
It's an early 66,they didn't come with a v8 yet.Leave the 170ci in it.Mine starts,idles,and runs excellent.

 

[Dave_in_Texas]

Guys-

You're correct, this is something I'll restore to drive but it won't be a trailer queen. No trails either, just a cool car to cruise around in and use when the family and I go camping. I have a Camry for a daily driver and the wife has a Freestyle, so the Bronco is my fun car.

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm leaning towards keeping the original 170 ci, but upgrading to disc brakes and a different roll bar. I'm not a big fan of the current roll bar, so I'll be on the look out for some roll bar ideas. I hope the Bronco doesn't ever have to go, but I like the idea of keeping most of it original simply because you don't see too many of them any more.

Dave

PS-FordTrucks4Ever...I'll send you a PM