Saving a 66’ Roadster

[sprdv1]

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Well, after 11 years of being a member of this forum, it is time for my first post!

I was fortunate enough to get my first Bronco through Steve Wiseler at Big Sky Broncos back in 2010. It is a beautiful green U15 Wagon, and was the cure to a lifetime obsession with owning an early Bronco. I have taken it all over Texas, and last year it made its first trip to the San Juan mountains in SW Colorado where it cleared 13,000’ Carbureted!

As much as I love my U15, I have always had a soft spot for owning an original U13 Roadster. After recently surfing Craigslist at around 2am while trying to put my newborn back to sleep, I stumbled on this gem near Seattle. It’s an October 65’ build date U13 with all of the original equipment in place, and an unbutchered radio delete dash.

Thinking I may have lost my mind, I called my friend Steve at BSB, and we started trading pictures. Rusty, front brakes locked up, and a seized engine just weren’t enough to scare us off of it. I am not sure which of us talked the other one into the idea more, but our combined positivity led me to strike a deal with Fred, the seller. Special thanks to Fred for making the transaction a breeze, and even loading the Bronco and trailering it to Montana just a couple days after we struck the deal!

Fred was able to provide the original title, showing the truck was purchased in the Denver area. A 6 digit DSO code indicates it was a custom order. Standard early production 6 cylinder, with an eyebrow grille, and still sporting Rangoon Red paint on what is left of the original sheet metal.

This project is going to be a long one! But it is safely in Steve’s hands. I plan to post as we continue the project together, and start sourcing parts for the restoration. I am incredibly excited to get to work with Steve on this one, as the build quality on his restorations are second to none.

Stay Tuned! Should be an interesting journey!

Ken

Nice Ken.. Good luck and look forward to it

 

[sprdv1]

Definitely planning to keep the 6 cylinder. We are going to evaluate the condition for rebuild once it’s torn down. May need to source a replacement block

and have a back up maybe both

 

[stevew]

and have a back up maybe both

Ok , guess it's time for to chime in . Well Ken does have a way with words .... Tho I've never completely retired I haven't restored any Bronco's in 2-3 years . Technically Ken's is scheduled for 2023 but I have been taking it apart so we will know exactally what we're getting into .
So what are we getting into ... a real mess ! But nothing I haven't dealt with before , probably some even worse . For a Bronco that never saw salt I've NEVER seen so much corrosion ! And I mean EVERYTHING is corroded . That said so much is coming apart easily it blows me away . I expect something to break & it threads right out . Every couple of days I send Ken more cringe worthy pics and ask if he's still in .... Yep , going for the long haul ... me too . It's about half torn down , not going much further until Spring as I can see pretty much everything I need to see . Working up a parts estimate & seeing just how much is back ordered ... that part really sucks but if we start now should have everything when we need it next year . I'll let Ken post pics & give further updates but it will get saved ! This time next summer it will be on the road .

 

[kbooth5]

Here’s a few pictures thaf Steve has sent to go along with his post. He’s not kidding… Rot/rust/corrosion EVERYWHERE…

I’ll be posting some some wishlist parts in the Wanted section. But for now, if anybody has a front bench seat they are willing to part with, please PM me!

 

[Broncoblood]

very cool find.
I wish it got its Tetanus shot when it was due.
I noticed the rear driver side wheel was later and the front hub cap was later but obviously that could of just happened as the days of use went on.
Too bad it wasn't in a little better condition cuz I'd vote to restore the drive train / mechanicals and let it remain pure. either way, very cool, enjoy the journey and you're going to be in the running for next years calendar shot with those mossy pine needles pinning down your gem.

 

[Dne007]

Wow, I don't think my '72 was quite that severe~ you might want to rethink the body or options? I wasn't able to save very many panels~ it was a mini nightmare! lol
dne'

 

[stevew]

Wow, I don't think my '72 was quite that severe~ you might want to rethink the body or options? I wasn't able to save very many panels~ it was a mini nightmare! lol
dne'

It might look horrible but the floors are the major issue ... & thats no issue to me , replaced/saved way worse . The hood will get replaced tho if I was nuts I'd fix it . Also the pass front fender is just too pin holed . Every other body panel is pretty sound . There will be some patching but that's typical .

 

[svastano]

Awesome Save!

 

[sprdv1]

Ok , guess it's time for to chime in . Well Ken does have a way with words .... Tho I've never completely retired I haven't restored any Bronco's in 2-3 years . Technically Ken's is scheduled for 2023 but I have been taking it apart so we will know exactally what we're getting into .
So what are we getting into ... a real mess ! But nothing I haven't dealt with before , probably some even worse . For a Bronco that never saw salt I've NEVER seen so much corrosion ! And I mean EVERYTHING is corroded . That said so much is coming apart easily it blows me away . I expect something to break & it threads right out . Every couple of days I send Ken more cringe worthy pics and ask if he's still in .... Yep , going for the long haul ... me too . It's about half torn down , not going much further until Spring as I can see pretty much everything I need to see . Working up a parts estimate & seeing just how much is back ordered ... that part really sucks but if we start now should have everything when we need it next year . I'll let Ken post pics & give further updates but it will get saved ! This time next summer it will be on the road .

Nothing but faith Steve.. Worry about one hiccup at a time. Y'all Got this

 

[kbooth5]

Some more pics of tge teardown process for those who are following. Steve has proven he is still quite the machine when it comes to Bronco teardown and repair. Already fixed the fromt frame horns!

More to come down the road. Parts list is put together and now a trip to Montana is in order to retrieve the engine so my brother can get started on the rebuild!

 

[sprdv1]

Some more pics of tge teardown process for those who are following. Steve has proven he is still quite the machine when it comes to Bronco teardown and repair. Already fixed the fromt frame horns!

More to come down the road. Parts list is put together and now a trip to Montana is in order to retrieve the engine so my brother can get started on the rebuild!

yeah buddy.. safe travels..

 

[kbooth5]

Quick update: Steve proving just how fast he works!

 

[kbooth5]

Well, it is high time for a progress update on this little Roadster!

Steve has done an incredible job so far on the body. The theme so far has been “fresh metal”, with all new floors, rockers, kick panels, inner fenders, and at least one outer fender and hood. The tailgate is repaired, and most of the miscellaneous interior trim and dash are cleaned up and on their way to being ready for paint!

Going to slow down now for the winter as Steve is already getting some snow in Elliston.

We have another engine amd a replacement bench seat sourced down here in Texas. My project will be to get that handled over the winter in preperation for a busy spring!

Thanks to all who voted for our “as found” photo for the calendar this year!

 

[kbooth5]

As she looks now, going into winter storage!

Well done Steve!

 

[LUBr LuvR]

Quite impressive progress, considering 4 short months ago it was slumbering under a moss blanket. Glad you saved it and none too soon! Bet the old rig can’t wait til spring so Steve can continue to work his magic.

 

[Comemonday71]

Brings a tear to the eye that you have saved her. Subscribed!

 

[thegreatjustino]

Dang. Come a long way in a short time.

 

[Lewko66u13]

Any updates?

 

[sprdv1]

As she looks now, going into winter storage!

Well done Steve!

almost time to come out of storage

 

[Howard2x4x4]

Very cool project! Please keep us villagers posted! Howard in beautiful west Michigan