The start of Project Hoss

[1968Bronc]

OK, I bought a bronco a few months ago. I introduced it here when I did. A rocket scientist out of Huntsville started the metal work on it. I have to redo all of it as it is really messed up. I tried just selling it as my situation changed pretty quickly and I was willing to take a hit. However, I'm back in the saddle and am ready to tackle this thing.

I will warn you now...it's going to be a slow build due to time and money.

I need some advice on sheet metal in terms of who makes the best pieces. I know I can get the rocker panels off of OEM tooling. However, I haven't found OEM for the following pieces. I'm looking for people with experience on these. I'm looking for the best shape and thickest metal. So, please chime in and help me out with selecting vendors for the following sheet metal. I don't mind going through several to get the best parts. Here's the list:

Door hinge posts
Door striker posts
Quarter panels
Inner rocker panels
Kick panels
All engine compartment sheet metal
Floor pans
Door hinges

How are the reproduction doors? Are they all made by the same supplier?

Thanks in advance and wish me luck! I'll post some pictures once I really get rolling

 

[xfalcon]

post up what your starting out with

 

[1968Bronc]

Just thought I'd post a picture of the project. Does anyone have feedback on the parts listed above? Also, any reviews on the pre welded fllors or firewalls available through several of the vendors? I saw mention of some fitment issues in a couole of other threads, but niether had feedback on the completed project. Also, does anyone make floor pans with the flanges bent the same direction as stock. Seems like a lot of them are nent opposite.

 

[Bferrari]

I have found that any of the replacement sheet metal gets you in the ballpark but needs some tweaking,cutting,grinding, messaging to get it to fit well. I ended up replacing my inner fenders, upper and lower cowl, floorpans and one rocker. My advice is to take plenty of measurements of gaps, openings, etc. (i.e. Survey each piece to be replaced) so you can verify your new piece is lined up correctly upon installation. Take your time and work one area at a time. I started with my cowl area but left the floor pans alone until the cowl was done so I could keep as much integrity that I could for each replacement piece. Once the cowl was done I moved onto removing and replacing the pans. I didn't like how the replacement floor pans had the 'pie pan' lip around them so I trimmed it off. I feel that in doing this it made for a factory type installation. Just take your time and use common sense and you will be fine. You can check out my build thread to get an idea of what your getting into. Good luck, look forward to seeing your progress!

 

[1968Bronc]

My biggest struggle is that the previous owner did some metal replacement but didn't do as you suggest. Now, the door jam and cowl are in the wrong place. So, I can't get too many measurements before starting because they're not correct. I know I can do this, but it's going to be an excersise in patience. I've looked at your build and I've garnered some good advice. Thanks for the input.

 

[sprdv1]

A slow build is better than no build. Look forward to the pics and the progress.

Good luck

 

[Golfball]

Build It!

Let me know when you want me to come by so you can get some measurements.

 

[1968Bronc]

Build It!

Let me know when you want me to come by so you can get some measurements.

Are you going to ne around on Friday? I have the day off. I would live to pull some measurements at this point.

 

[Bferrari]

I would make sure your body mounts are decent before you begin. Here is a dimension sheet that had been floating around here on the site. Just take your time and I am sure it will come together fine.

 

[Golfball]

I should be around on Friday, just text me and we will get together.

 

[broncoitis]

Good luck with the build! I think that a challenge is a good thing! You will get there just measure, measure and measure some more and don't burn it in till you are certain that things line up!

 

[Pa PITT]

... Welcome aboard.. .. Funny years ago we had a post about how many months it took to get your project going again.. I was shocked That most totals were about 2.5 YEARS ... My rebuild was about 2 years but mine was a long way from a complete.
.. & I Now have the ..EL ROJO Da Devil is on it's 2nd summer setting in my shop .. It has the hood off.... But I've gathered lots of parts.