Project: 76, Orange Special Decor

rguest3 · Feb 23, 2019

Don't mean to put down what you are gonna do, but if mine looked that great as is, I would have a hard time changing out the rebuilt original for the Explorer stuff.

gnsteam · Feb 23, 2019

No offence take rguest3. I have an explorer 5.0 and transmission sitting in the garage waiting a rebuild. But as you mention, just rebuilding and keeping it original is being considered. I had intended to install the 5.0 to improve the Broncos long distance drive ability, over various altitude ranges and terrains. I was going to use the Bronco for overland exploring and camping. But now seeing how valuable my Bronco has become, in as best as can be original condition. I'm becoming less interested in using the Bronco for wheeling, and looking at alternative vehicles to fill my need to explore.

I just happened to mention this earlier today in another thread.

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=285326&page=49

So thanks rguest3 for the suggestion to keep my Bronco as original as possible.

roundhouse · Feb 23, 2019

Nice looking bronc!

gnsteam · May 29, 2020

I thought I would do a little update in my build thread to keep it from going to archive. Still no improvements or upgrades to the Bronco. However, I still drive it often and it is running great. Just last weekend, my wife, son and I spent the evening along "O street" for a cruse night. Lots of folks out enjoying the perfect evening.

Another hobby of mine is 1/12th scale, Live Steam Model Railroading. I am currently rebuilding a locomotive that I purchased several years ago. Once I finish the locomotive. I will be selling it and leaving the hobby. After losing a good friend and minter in this hobby. I have just lost the passion for it. So it's time to move on and pursue my first true passion, Early Broncos. The best part of selling the Live Steam locomotive, is the proceeds will go to upgrades for the Bronco.

For the Bronco, I have been acquiring parts for future install. My plans (always changing) is to do a running restorations. I see so many others jumping in on full frame offs and years later there still struggling to finish. This is the trap I fell into with the steam locomotive. I'm going to make upgrades to the Bronco, treating it like it is my daily driver and needs to be running Monday for work. That way I get projects finished and I can get enjoyment out of driving the thing. After all isn't that, what they were made for, to be driven.

Sorry guys and gals, my little update has gotten a bit long winded. So I will end it here. I will do a follow up in a few days with my future plans for the Bronco.

P.S. The sports car in the pictures is my sons, 1976 Lancia Fulvia. A very fun car to drive. And you thought your Bronco brings you lots of attention. It may not look busy at the cruse when the pictures were taken. But in a couple hours the parking lots were packed and the street was bumper to bumper, till late in the evening. Great time and yes folk were practicing social distancing.

crab · May 29, 2020

gnsteam said:
Yesterday I recieved my new set of wheels. US Mags 17"x 9" slots. A big thank you to Chuck and the crew down at BC Bronco's for putting this deal together. The wheels look great, but it will be awhile before I can mount them. I've got the cart before the horse with the wheels. I still need to get a 1" body and 2.5" suspension lift purchased and installed. And I also need new tires. So they will be decorating my shop in the basement for a few months.;D

Probably be okay with the 17’s. I had to add 1/4” spacers to clear knuckle/tie rod end on my ‘77. I’m running 33x12.5 on 15x8 US MAGS. 2.5” suspension no body. They would be perfect with a 1” body but I don’t want to go that rout, so I’m considering stepping down to a 32x11.5, just for looks.

gnsteam · May 30, 2020

gnsteam said:
Yesterday I recieved my new set of wheels. US Mags 17"x 9" slots. A big thank you to Chuck and the crew down at BC Bronco's for putting this deal together. The wheels look great, but it will be awhile before I can mount them. I've got the cart before the horse with the wheels. I still need to get a 1" body and 2.5" suspension lift purchased and installed. And I also need new tires. So they will be decorating my shop in the basement for a few months.;D

crab said:
Probably be okay with the 17’s. I had to add 1/4” spacers to clear knuckle/tie rod end on my ‘77. I’m running 33x12.5 on 15x8 US MAGS. 2.5” suspension no body. They would be perfect with a 1” body but I don’t want to go that rout, so I’m considering stepping down to a 32x11.5, just for looks.

Hi Crab,

Great looking 77, I like the color, the wheels and the stance of your Bronco.;D Its perfect! I can’t believe, I have had the new set of wheels for almost 6 years and they are still in the box. Putting the kids through college had really put my hobbies on hold. Now that the kids are out and on there own, the time and resources are coming together. So if all goes well. By this time next year the wheels should mounted.

I have test fitted the wheels on the front and they clear the knuckles, so no spacers necessary. That’s why I went with the 17”s. And I was seeing choices for 15” tires declining.

I’m really looking forward to get moving on the Bronco upgrades. This will happen as soon as I finish and sell the steam engine. I’m working hard to finish it by late summer, early fall. That way the Broncos suspension upgrade will be my winter project.

sprdv1 · Jun 1, 2020

Good times man.. Can't let all this BS slow us down and take away from our quality family/friends time...

life is too short

gnsteam said:
I thought I would do a little update in my build thread to keep it from going to archive. Still no improvements or upgrades to the Bronco. However, I still drive it often and it is running great. Just last weekend, my wife, son and I spent the evening along "O street" for a cruse night. Lots of folks out enjoying the perfect evening.

Another hobby of mine is 1/12th scale, Live Steam Model Railroading. I am currently rebuilding a locomotive that I purchased several years ago. Once I finish the locomotive. I will be selling it and leaving the hobby. After losing a good friend and minter in this hobby. I have just lost the passion for it. So it's time to move on and pursue my first true passion, Early Broncos. The best part of selling the Live Steam locomotive, is the proceeds will go to upgrades for the Bronco.

For the Bronco, I have been acquiring parts for future install. My plans (always changing) is to do a running restorations. I see so many others jumping in on full frame offs and years later there still struggling to finish. This is the trap I fell into with the steam locomotive. I'm going to make upgrades to the Bronco, treating it like it is my daily driver and needs to be running Monday for work. That way I get projects finished and I can get enjoyment out of driving the thing. After all isn't that, what they were made for, to be driven.

Sorry guys and gals, my little update has gotten a bit long winded. So I will end it here. I will do a follow up in a few days with my future plans for the Bronco.

P.S. The sports car in the pictures is my sons, 1976 Lancia Fulvia. A very fun car to drive. And you thought your Bronco brings you lots of attention. It may not look busy at the cruse when the pictures were taken. But in a couple hours the parking lots were packed and the street was bumper to bumper, till late in the evening. Great time and yes folk were practicing social distancing.

gnsteam · Jun 5, 2020

crab said:
Probably be okay with the 17’s. I had to add 1/4” spacers to clear knuckle/tie rod end on my ‘77. I’m running 33x12.5 on 15x8 US MAGS. 2.5” suspension no body. They would be perfect with a 1” body but I don’t want to go that rout, so I’m considering stepping down to a 32x11.5, just for looks.

Hey Crab,

Do you know how your 77 got it's color matched top? Just curious.;D

gnsteam · Mar 8, 2021

I hit a major milestone over the weekend. If you have been following my build thread. You will see that I have another hobby, with a major project that I have finally finished. My 1/12th scale Live Steam locomotive is back together and I have it sold. A little saddened about leaving the hobby. But looking forward to making progress on my 76 Special Decor. The Bronco has been patiently waiting for attention and upgrades for many years.

So with 100% of the proceeds from the locomotive sale going into the Bronco account. Expect to see a lot more activity on this thread very soon.

Here are a couple pictures of my 1/12th scale, Great Northern Railways, Class O-8 Mikado, #3386.

greatguy57078 · Mar 8, 2021

Awesome! Long time no see...or read!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

gnsteam · Mar 9, 2021

greatguy57078 said:
Awesome! Long time no see...or read!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nice to here from you as well. I believe we met once at the Bronco Connection gathering a few years ago. Very little to no progress on the 76, thus not much to post. But after delivery of the locomotive to it's new home. Many upgrades to 76 will be coming soon.

Regards

Fred

greatguy57078 · Mar 9, 2021

Yes we met at the Bronco Connection. My 68 halfcab was there getting a new facelift. It had tiny 235s on it back then. After 2.5 years I got the truck back, and have since drove it just over 20,000 miles. Its currently getting a new hood installed.

gnsteam · Mar 9, 2021

Sweet! Glad you still have it. And yes the large tires look better.

sprdv1 · Mar 10, 2021

gnsteam said:
I hit a major milestone over the weekend. If you have been following my build thread. You will see that I have another hobby, with a major project that I have finally finished. My 1/12th scale Live Steam locomotive is back together and I have it sold. A little saddened about leaving the hobby. But looking forward to making progress on my 76 Special Decor. The Bronco has been patiently waiting for attention and upgrades for many years.

So with 100% of the proceeds from the locomotive sale going into the Bronco account. Expect to see a lot more activity on this thread very soon.

Here are a couple pictures of my 1/12th scale, Great Northern Railways, Class O-8 Mikado, #3386.

way cool.. hobbies are a good distraction from day to day BS

NewDog · Mar 11, 2021

gnsteam said:
I hit a major milestone over the weekend. If you have been following my build thread. You will see that I have another hobby, with a major project that I have finally finished. My 1/12th scale Live Steam locomotive is back together and I have it sold. A little saddened about leaving the hobby. But looking forward to making progress on my 76 Special Decor. The Bronco has been patiently waiting for attention and upgrades for many years.

So with 100% of the proceeds from the locomotive sale going into the Bronco account. Expect to see a lot more activity on this thread very soon.

Here are a couple pictures of my 1/12th scale, Great Northern Railways, Class O-8 Mikado, #3386.

That locomotive sure is a beauty, what a work of art! Bet your Bronco was getting jealous waiting...

svastano · Mar 17, 2021

Yes beautiful loco! Even if it is not a PRR! LOL Can't wait to see the Bronco Progress!

gnsteam · Mar 17, 2021

Thanks everyone. Looking forward to working on the Bronco and sharing the progress with you all.

sprdv1 · Mar 20, 2021

Ever get down to KC area? Definitely gonna have to get a meet/greet set up once it warms up

gnsteam · Mar 20, 2021

sprdv1 said:
Ever get down to KC area? Definitely gonna have to get a meet/greet set up once it warms up

Hi Dave,

Yes we do get down to KC. My wife has relatives in Lee Summit, Overland Park and Gardner KS. My 76 needs a few upgrades to make the trip, but I would be up for a meet and greet. Post up the dates and I will see if we can swing it. With or without the Bronco.

Today was a big day for the future of my 76. My steam locomotive project was picked up by the new owner. So my Bronco upgrade budget is now in the black. I’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time. Next week, Parts will be on order. I will keep you all posted.

gnsteam · Mar 25, 2021

Kudos to this family for taking a chance and living life to the fullest. I will indeed be following their journeys. And can you believe it, not in a heep!;D

My bad! This post was meant to be in another thread.

Project: 76, Orange Special Decor

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