Hey all!
Just last year I picked up a '77 bronco with low miles (was 66k now 72k) and mostly original. The interior has been redone in the original style, but with roll/tumble back seat and high back front seats. The body is in great shape, but the clear coat is flaking off in some spots and there are a couple small spots with rust bubbles under the paint. The paint itself has maybe 20-30 years on it, but it is the original candy apple red. It was partially painted years ago when the rear fenders were cut and steel flares were welded on. Aside from having VA a/c, aftermarket 2bbl carb, and a 6pt roll cage, everything else is completely original and in good working order.
Last week a buddy offered me a complete '97 explorer with 5.0 and 4r70w for $300. My bronco would be the perfect daily driver with the new running gear and would suit me perfectly.
What I don't know is how much doing the swap would affect the value. No it isn't bone stock, but everything done to it was with an eye on keeping it in 'orignal condition'. I definitely want to do the swap, but if it would decrease the desireability or value of my bronco as it currently sits I'd probably rather sell it to someone that wants an 'original' bronco and find another host for the engine/trans that I can build however I like.
So I guess my question is - will doing the explorer engine/trans swap decrease the value of an 'original, low-mileage' bronco or increase it?
Thanks in advance!
Just last year I picked up a '77 bronco with low miles (was 66k now 72k) and mostly original. The interior has been redone in the original style, but with roll/tumble back seat and high back front seats. The body is in great shape, but the clear coat is flaking off in some spots and there are a couple small spots with rust bubbles under the paint. The paint itself has maybe 20-30 years on it, but it is the original candy apple red. It was partially painted years ago when the rear fenders were cut and steel flares were welded on. Aside from having VA a/c, aftermarket 2bbl carb, and a 6pt roll cage, everything else is completely original and in good working order.
Last week a buddy offered me a complete '97 explorer with 5.0 and 4r70w for $300. My bronco would be the perfect daily driver with the new running gear and would suit me perfectly.
What I don't know is how much doing the swap would affect the value. No it isn't bone stock, but everything done to it was with an eye on keeping it in 'orignal condition'. I definitely want to do the swap, but if it would decrease the desireability or value of my bronco as it currently sits I'd probably rather sell it to someone that wants an 'original' bronco and find another host for the engine/trans that I can build however I like.
So I guess my question is - will doing the explorer engine/trans swap decrease the value of an 'original, low-mileage' bronco or increase it?
Thanks in advance!