This is for all of the newbies out there, as I'm basically one myself. The goal is that hopefully my learning curves and losses will be a gain for you.
First things first - here's the story!!
http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=132003
I bought the bronco in Nov 08'. In Dec I hit a patch of black ice and proceeded to slide into oncoming traffic. Luckily everybody was OK, but I was left with an expensive question to answer.....to rebuild or to part out the remains. If you're reading this, you can guess the answer to that.
I did some research, saved some cash, and decided that I was going to try and rebuild. I have decent technical abilities and thought I could accomplish such a task. I killed several weekends driving all over the place for parts (some aftermarket, but most stock parts) and had assembled what I thought was enough to be my rebuilt Bronco....and then I took the tarp off the Bronco remains and came to the realization that I had no clue what I was doing. (It was the middle of winter when I made the decision to rebuild and much of the damage was hidden by snow and my pride.
I put an ad on craigslist to part it out and hoped to recoup most of the money I spent on new parts. And then I met the "Dr." The agreement was that he would take a look at it, assess the damage, and quote me a price to piece it back together....what's the harm in that? if I get a decent price I would proceed with the rebuild, if it's out of my price range I would part it out.....He gave me a good price!!
http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135548
Here is what I learned:
Plan ahead, know what your going to buy and order in one shot...it will save on shipping/ driving around for parts. I spent a bunch of money on parts I didn't need and some that wouldn't work on my truck
aftermarket fenders are a PITA
assume that there is more rust than previously thought. ie assume to replace door posts/ floor pans
cheap aftermarket door handles SUCK. stick with the originals even though they're not as pretty
if you expect to complete your project on time...you're probably not!!
do things right the first time, even if it takes more time and costs more money. you will save time, aggravation, and money in the long run
take notes and pictures of the build
whatever you're planning on spending....expect to spend more!!! I cannot stress this enough.
you're going to need friends...and BEER!!!
all in all, I am very happy with the build. I spent a TON more money that I thought I was going to, but mostly due to my own fault. I knew that the Bronco would be a daily driver so I decided to bling in a couple of areas so that it would be a little nicer....and I also bought parts that would not work on the truck and had to sell later for less than the purchase price.
I REALLY want to say a HUGE thank you to DrBronco69 for rebuilding (and doing a great job) on my Bronco and to those folks who helped him with parts and wrenching on my truck.
--Matt
First things first - here's the story!!
http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=132003
I bought the bronco in Nov 08'. In Dec I hit a patch of black ice and proceeded to slide into oncoming traffic. Luckily everybody was OK, but I was left with an expensive question to answer.....to rebuild or to part out the remains. If you're reading this, you can guess the answer to that.
I did some research, saved some cash, and decided that I was going to try and rebuild. I have decent technical abilities and thought I could accomplish such a task. I killed several weekends driving all over the place for parts (some aftermarket, but most stock parts) and had assembled what I thought was enough to be my rebuilt Bronco....and then I took the tarp off the Bronco remains and came to the realization that I had no clue what I was doing. (It was the middle of winter when I made the decision to rebuild and much of the damage was hidden by snow and my pride.
I put an ad on craigslist to part it out and hoped to recoup most of the money I spent on new parts. And then I met the "Dr." The agreement was that he would take a look at it, assess the damage, and quote me a price to piece it back together....what's the harm in that? if I get a decent price I would proceed with the rebuild, if it's out of my price range I would part it out.....He gave me a good price!!
http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=135548
Here is what I learned:
Plan ahead, know what your going to buy and order in one shot...it will save on shipping/ driving around for parts. I spent a bunch of money on parts I didn't need and some that wouldn't work on my truck
aftermarket fenders are a PITA
assume that there is more rust than previously thought. ie assume to replace door posts/ floor pans
cheap aftermarket door handles SUCK. stick with the originals even though they're not as pretty
if you expect to complete your project on time...you're probably not!!
do things right the first time, even if it takes more time and costs more money. you will save time, aggravation, and money in the long run
take notes and pictures of the build
whatever you're planning on spending....expect to spend more!!! I cannot stress this enough.
you're going to need friends...and BEER!!!
all in all, I am very happy with the build. I spent a TON more money that I thought I was going to, but mostly due to my own fault. I knew that the Bronco would be a daily driver so I decided to bling in a couple of areas so that it would be a little nicer....and I also bought parts that would not work on the truck and had to sell later for less than the purchase price.
I REALLY want to say a HUGE thank you to DrBronco69 for rebuilding (and doing a great job) on my Bronco and to those folks who helped him with parts and wrenching on my truck.
--Matt
