Restore or Build it the way I want??

1963hotrod · Apr 24, 2017

I have a Calif rust free and very original bronco. It is uncut with the original engine ,trans ect. I have it frame off right now with the body @ the paint shop. Most of the body work is done. I had them fill the holes for the tire carrier and reflectors. My plan was to go with a np435, 2" body lift and 2.5 suspension lift. I have a dana 44 with disc brakes. Was planning on adding PS and Hydroboost. With such an original bronco should I do these 'upgrades'? I think it is almost completely original, the exhaust, intake (2v) dash ,headliner mat, wiper cover was all there. Not in the best shape but was still there.The engine is standard with the original block and heads, rods , pistons. Pretty cool rig. What do you guy's think? I know what I want to do but should I?I have already bought the np 435,clutch, body lift, seat upholster kit, centech wiring harness, alum radiator and other parts.The pass fender and inner fender as well as the core support and grill have been replaced. The original hood was damaged too. Looks like a rancher had it and used it to push cows. Other than that it was super solid. Can't load pictures yet for some reason

Crush · Apr 24, 2017

Sounds like its not nice enough to warrant keeping stock. U have already filled body holes so if it is an issue to you then dont do anything that is undoable. Engines, transmissions, rear-ends, t cases, can all be changed back if tou ever want it stock again. Just dont toss any of that stuff out. But the end result is make it yours and have fun with it

Nightstick · Apr 24, 2017

My 74 was completely original when I bought it. Now, nothing on it is original, lol. I built it the way I wanted and have no regrets about doing it. I just picked up another one that's pretty much original, which I'll be upgrading. IMO unless it's in immaculate original condition and can go across the stage at Mecum, there's no point in leaving it that way. If you restore it in a way that wasn't your original intent I don't think you're going to be happy with it when it's done.

1963hotrod · Apr 24, 2017

Thanks guy's, I think you are right. Just do it the way I want, that may mean cutting the rear fenders at some point. I will see after I add the body and susp lifts. I had a 71 years ago that I used for hunting and messing around. Daily driver for me then and I loved that thing. Was not power brakes or steering and still had the 3 speed. Those things are for sure being changed in this before I ever drive it. I guess I will proceed with my original master plan. Thanks for the input.

sprdv1 · Apr 24, 2017

Pics, Pics..

do it the way you want. it can Always go BACK to how it was, if you see fit to do that

AFLtCol · Apr 24, 2017

I say do it the way you want. To post pics you need to become a member, a slight fee, that would give everyone the pleasure of seeing your eb!

73azbronco · Apr 24, 2017

Unless your plan is to sell, build what YOU want. And if I might add, build it fast cause if you take 8 years you will change directions 3 times, or more. Don't ask me how I know.

1963hotrod · Apr 24, 2017

I joined so now I can upload pictures.

DirtDonk · Apr 25, 2017

Great looking rig! Is that a '69? Common color for that year, plus still has the reflectors, but a 302 instead of the 289.
What about the front turn signals? Later model large lens, or the early model recessed lens?

Thanks. I'm primarily for doing it your way too, but I do also like to leave a clean original still original. That said, my new-to-me '68 was cut, now it's not. And you'd never know.
View attachment 418912

Have fun with it.

Paul

Bferrari · Apr 25, 2017

Make it yours and enjoy it! Just my opinion!

1963hotrod · Apr 25, 2017

DirtDonk said:
Great looking rig! Is that a '69? Common color for that year, plus still has the reflectors, but a 302 instead of the 289.
What about the front turn signals? Later model large lens, or the early model recessed lens?

Thanks. I'm primarily for doing it your way too, but I do also like to leave a clean original still original. That said, my new-to-me '68 was cut, now it's not. And you'd never know.
View attachment 418912

Have fun with it.

Paul

Yes a 69, 302 and the larger lens. I don't like the reflectors and how they are in the back. What did they call the color? Is it candy apple red? It seems darker but I'm not sure. Thank you.

sprdv1 · Apr 25, 2017

1963hotrod said:
I joined so now I can upload pictures.

Good job.. Nice looking starter there.. Congrats again

DirtDonk · Apr 26, 2017

1963hotrod said:
Yes a 69, 302 and the larger lens. I don't like the reflectors and how they are in the back.

You could add the later sidemarker lights in place of the reflectors. It's generally a '70 thing, but I've been saying I thought I saw more than one '69 with them.
Of course, the one I remember the most vividly was already a repainted '69 (this was in '76) so they could have been added.
You could look down in the corners of your engine compartment to see if Ford was already including the wiring in the harness for something they knew was coming up. If yours is a late enough built '69, you might just have the wiring and only need the parts.

1963hotrod said:
What did they call the color? Is it candy apple red? It seems darker but I'm not sure. Thank you.

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=127793
See if it's in one of the pics in this thread. Could end up looking for days(!) but it's a fun read.
There are other threads (I'll try to find them for you) where there are actual color sheets with numbers and samples for each yet. Several threads in fact.

Paul

hyghlndr · Apr 26, 2017

Man if that was original paint you shoulda left it as is...

jckkys · Apr 26, 2017

Have you ever driven a new or like new Bronco? If I were you,I'd do a good restoration and see what it's like before changing things better left as Ford made it. The NP 435 (I think that's what you meant to say) is a heavy truck trans that's no fun to shift. The stock 3 speed is better. The NP435 does have a granny gear, I never found a use for in 100s of thousands of miles driving with one. A lot of the most common modifications aren't needed or even desirable.

1963hotrod · Apr 26, 2017

hyghlndr said:
Man if that was original paint you shoulda left it as is...

I had to replace the pass side fender, grill and hood. The old rancher either hit something or used that side to push on things. Otherwise it was very original. I had a 71 sport the same color. It was nice not having to worry about the paint.

1963hotrod · Apr 26, 2017

jckkys said:
Have you ever driven a new or like new Bronco? If I were you,I'd do a good restoration and see what it's like before changing things better left as Ford made it. The NP 435 (I think that's what you meant to say) is a heavy truck trans that's no fun to shift. The stock 3 speed is better. The NP435 does have a granny gear, I never found a use for in 100s of thousands of miles driving with one. A lot of the most common modifications aren't needed or even desirable.

I have not drove a new or like new bronco. I had a 71 that I loved but it drove like a tank. 33's with manual steering and drum brakes. It didn't want to turn or stop and the 3 speed just left me wanting a lower gear. I have been kicking around using a C4 automatic instead. I have the adapter and a good core that I could use. I put and sm 420 into a cj5 and it was awesome.

jckkys · Apr 27, 2017

My first was a new '74 with a C4 and power steering. My biggest complaint was the less than spectacular stopping power. My '77 has the PDB leaving me little more than a lack of low end torque to cure. You will likely want these improvements too. Otherwise, these were great trucks as new. I did make the OE radio an AM/FM but it still looks original. Driving a manual NP435 all day for at least 18 yrs. was a PITA and a pain in the left knee too.

1963hotrod · Apr 28, 2017

The rolling frame got sand blasted today. Received my power steering conversion from Summit today as well as the por15 kit. Tomorrow the parts for the dana 44 will be here and I can get that back together. I am excited to do this build. I picked the color out today, going back to the color it came with.The body shop is ready to roll so I need to get busy!

Godwick · Apr 29, 2017

Sweet. Keep us posted. I'd do what you want with it. I love stockers, but think you gotta have some fun with it if you haven't before. Broncos are the best. Oh, I put an nv3550 in mine and it goes lower than I need. Just something to think about.

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