What are the top 5 things to do to a Bronco that has been sitting for 18 years?

[clinem03]

After a multi year search, and a distraction with restoring a 72 Ford F100 Ranger which is now near complete, I have finally picked up a 76 Bronco! The Bronco sat from 99 to 2018 after being a daily driver for the PO who passed away (which is why the truck sat). The current owner picked it up and did some work to it, including new brake pads and outside brake lines on the front, new tanks, fixed some of the wiring and put on new wheels and tires. The engine was allegedly rebuilt in the 90's and is the original 302.

If you were me, what are the first things you'd look for that may need attention after sitting for that long?

It currently runs, drives and idles.

 

[halfcab1969]

Im no expert but Id start with all fluids including cooling system. get all the old gunk out. Catch up on all the cheap maintaince, like grease ujoints and wheel bearings.

 

[clinem03]

Im no expert but Id start with all fluids including cooling system. get all the old gunk out. Catch up on all the cheap maintaince, like grease ujoints and wheel bearings.

Good call! I did plan to drain and change out all the fluids including on the transmission. Thanks for the tips!

 

[spap]

Get as much of the old gas out of the tanks and change the fuel filters,
Pull the plugs and fogging oil or even engine oil into the cylinders

 

[knack]

Take a good close look at all the wiring. I'd think seriously about a new harness if you find any cracking wire insulation or sketchy looking connections - or rodent chew marks. And carry a fire extinguisher.

 

[Miker]

Change everything that has fluid of ANY kind in it - any, gas, radiator, transfer case, tranny, diffs, repack anything that has grease.

 

[clinem03]

Thanks for all the tips! Fortunately the PO who held the truck for about 2 years (he restores a bunch of Bronco's) redid a lot of the wiring so I am hopeful that part is going to be OK.

 

[Timmy390]

Safety first....brakes, steering, and such......

Spent a year getting mine road safe before driving it.

Tim

 

[Steve83]

Why are you limiting it to 5? The list is almost endless. Tires age with exposure to Oxygen, so regardless of miles (even if they've never been mounted), they are worthless & dangerous at 8 years old.

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Same for coolant exposed to ANY metal, except that's 2 years.

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Brake fluid doesn't have a specific time, but it absorbs water, so its lifespan depends on how well the reservoir cap seals. This one wasn't too good.

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[Steve83]

And even though that water can't boil when the vehicle is abandoned, it can still cause rust inside the wheel cylinders & lines.

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I've seen brake shoes rust OFF their steel frames in less than 8 years. Gas congeals into a foul black slime, and rusts the tank out.

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[Steve83]

Rats, mice, squirrels, ants, wasps, roaches, mold, mildew all thrive in abandoned vehicles. Wash it out with bleach, detergent, LOTS of water, Lysol spray, Febreeze - whatever it takes. While it's apart, check for rodent wiring damage.

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[Steve83]

Wash the UNDERSIDES even more than the paint & interior.

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[brewchief]

First thing for me would be a trip to the DMV and make sure all paperwork is in order.

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[Remos69]

1. Have a beer

2. Read all the suggestions

3. Have another beer.

4. Do a light search on this sight on ideas garnered from this thread

5. Have another beer

6. Go to bed.

I know you only wanted 5, but do this for a week or so and you will actually have a better idea of what you want to do. It only costs a case of beer or so plus the advise here is indispensable! This is a solo adventure, cause if you invite friends it will cost you more beer, confuse the situation and you will never find the parts that were removed after beer 3 until you have already bought replacements....... Don't ask!

 

[ransil]

Drive it then fix things that are not quite right for driving, fix them and keep driving.
Do not disable it for a list of items, one fix at a time.

 

[clinem03]

Great advice everyone, thanks! Just took delivery yesterday and have started compiling a list of “urgent and important” items. For those who asked, I limited the post to 5 items as I wanted to know what everyone’s opinions were on the top 5, and most important. After having the truck for a day, my list is easily at 30ish items and yes, my wallet already hurts...

Excited for the journey ahead!