'Raptor' Build - Updated 5/1/2012 - It's DONE!

[RyanITV]

Not many - seats are done, front dress is assembled and got the streering ordered (Trailproof TRO setup) - trying to sort out fitment issues with the Atlas and 4R70W now.

Getting there!

 

[sprdv1]

Dude! Very Nice set up! Great work on that stuff

 

[RyanITV]

Thanks, but I can only take credit for planning the build and picking out the parts - the guys at buildAbronco.com are the ones who are making it happen.

Ryan

 

[blk_fxstc]

Very jealous! Everything is coming along great Ryan!

 

[MyOriginal66]

I can only hope that one day my bronco is half as nice as yours! ;D

Btw, are u keeping the sport trim? What about the cut outs from the '68? I'd be interested.

 

[talltire]

looking good any new updates

 

[Dark Knight]

I would like to see some updates on this build also.

 

[RyanITV]

There's some issues with the custom frame from JBG that's causing some panel alignment problems. As far as I can tell, the vertical location of the body mounts is the problem - they've had to machine the body lift spacers and hinges in an attempt to get it right, but it's still not 100%.

Another problem is that because most of the stuff is custom or aftermarket, nothing's just bolting right up - it's taking a lot of work to get everything fitted right. Things like two of the front shocks had to be sent out to a Bilstein service center have alternate fittings installed because the lines to the remote reservoirs hit the body when installed...

Here's a bunch of pics:

Underhood shot:

Another underhood shot:

Engine, Atlas II and 4R70W:

Passenger Side: (Is it just me or does the fender seem to droop down in the front?)

Bilstein porn:

More Bilstein porn:

Fuel Pressure:

No doors:

Radiator:

Twin stick Atlas:

Vintage Air A/C:

Driver's side:

Steering:

I'm mostly happy with the stuff, outside of some of the seam sealer stuff. A couple decades ago when I did bodywork fresh out of high school, I was pretty particular to only use what was needed when doing things like core supports or door skins. In some areas, it looks like the shop spread seam sealer like a preschooler doing finger-paint (see the shot with the transfer case shifters). Before the interior gets lined, it'll get cleaned up with a blade, otherwise the liner's going to make it look even worse.

Ryan

 

[johnnybgood74]

she is looking SWEEEEET!!! i would say your right though, looks like the front end droops down just a little. i wouldnt think it would take much to get it aligned to perfect. what a great build! beautiful paint but i am with you, it doesnt take nothing but a few extra minutes and a wet finger to smooth out the sealer and make it look good. for that kind of money, you shouldnt have to do a damn thing.

 

[camomog]

Overall very nice.

 

[markperry]

Wow, very nice work!

 

[RyanITV]

Quick update - it turns out the problem was the aftermarket frame (the JBG/TDK one). The body mount points were off vertically - requiring countless hours of fiddling with panel fitment, then custom machining the aluminum spacers to get it right.

Ignore the wheels and little tires - they were only on there while they were doing the above work. The beadlocks and 37s should go back on this weekend.

Ryan

 

[TTTGOWYO]

This will be unreal... very nice..

 

[RyanITV]

This will be unreal... very nice..

I can't wait to see it with the grill, tailgate, bumpers and beadlocks on. Fingers crossed for this weekend!

 

[RyanITV]

Body is together at last - the lines look GOOD! Plan is to do the liner inside this weekend; then I guess it's on to wiring and interior assembly.

Notice on the tailgate that we shaved the license plate bracket - the plate gets relocated to the jerry can & cooler rack that goes with the back bumper once it's all together.

 

[Heus33]

Gaps look MUCH better (man its been a long time!)

The rig is looking GREAT!!!!

One question though - why didn't you black out the core support? With a black grill inset like you have it would help in my opinion. With a blue core support the colors look like they're fighting to see who wins.

Love that hood too btw!

Did you get your seam sealer issues resolved?

 

[RyanITV]

Seam sealer was trimmed, sanded and cleaned up so it'll look better under the liner.

I thought about blacking the support out, but want to wait till the lights and stuff are in place to have a better look at it. I don't think the blue showing through will be as bad at that point...

Ryan

Gaps look MUCH better (man its been a long time!)

The rig is looking GREAT!!!!

One question though - why didn't you black out the core support? With a black grill inset like you have it would help in my opinion. With a blue core support the colors look like they're fighting to see who wins.

Love that hood too btw!

Did you get your seam sealer issues resolved?

 

[sprdv1]

That thing Looks Damn good man!! Nice work.

 

[Cobra11]

do you have the steering redone a little bit from picture in thread 48 to #55 pic of the front end? it looks like you moved it to entirely up above the steering arm in 55. where as it was splitting it in 48? im curious if you had them do that...did it change anything with steering geometry or why did you decide to change it? thanks

 

[BluebroncoNC]

Totally feel for you on stuff not coming together as planned with alignment issues or Custom stuff not working just right with stock locations. Totally. Job's that I figure will take 1 hour take 3...

>beats head on desk<

Great job on the truck... I would expect nothing less.