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'73 Bronco Build Thread - Smokey

Casey4wd

Sr. Member
Joined
Apr 30, 2015
Messages
560
Loc.
Austin, Texas
I figured I might as well start a build thread since they are a great way to keep track of progress (or lack there of). For now I am calling it Smokey, since it caught on fire the first time I drove it off the trailer.

The base is a 1973 Bronco, 302 V8, 3-speed OTT, PS.

So far I have done the following:
Tom's power front disc brakes.
New brake lines
Rebuilt rear brakes
WH 1" body lift
Edelbrock 2121 Performer Intake
Edelbrock 1403 Performer Carb
WH Upgrade Alternator
New gas tank and filler hoses

Plans:
3.5" WH Suspension System
33x10.50 BFG (AT or MT)
Twin stick
Family Roll Cage
Custom Bumpers
MAJOR Rust Repair
Paint
New Wiring
 

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Bferrari

Sr. Member
Joined
Mar 6, 2013
Messages
856
Welcome to the fun! Looks like you are doing something very similar to my 73. I made it through the rust repair and am getting ready for paint. Keep us posted on your progress. Good luck!
 

gnsteam

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Jan 29, 2010
Messages
3,522
Loc.
Lincoln NE
Welcome. Looks like you have a pretty good one to start with. Good luck with your build.
 
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Casey4wd

Sr. Member
Joined
Apr 30, 2015
Messages
560
Loc.
Austin, Texas
The rust is hidden behind a cheap paint job, so it is very deceptive. I will take some interior pictures and then get your thoughts.

From looking it over, the following are the panels that have rust issues:
- Inner and outer rockers
- lower tailgate rust
- front inner fenders rusted squares
- driver and passenger floor pans
- front driver's side grill has damage from a wreck
- bottom of rear light panels and rear fenders
 

AZ73

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Mar 28, 2012
Messages
3,541
Looks nice. I sure hope you don't finish before me. I'm into it for 3 years now......
 
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Casey4wd

Sr. Member
Joined
Apr 30, 2015
Messages
560
Loc.
Austin, Texas
Finally got some time to work on the Bronco on Sunday afternoon. Started working on fabricating a new front bumper to mount my Warn winch on. About half way done with fabrication and then will need a substantial amount of grinding! At least with the grinding I can work on it after my 7 month old boy goes to sleep at night.

I plan to add 2 flush mount LED lights and 2 D-ring shackles in the front. Also will box the backside of the bumper.
 

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Hopstr

Contributor
Jr. Member
Joined
Feb 26, 2012
Messages
144
Nice job on the bumper. Looks like you may have done that before.
 
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Casey4wd

Sr. Member
Joined
Apr 30, 2015
Messages
560
Loc.
Austin, Texas
Got to spend a little time this weekend working on the bumper for the bronco.
 

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Casey4wd

Sr. Member
Joined
Apr 30, 2015
Messages
560
Loc.
Austin, Texas
Bumper Progress

Got most of the front bumper done this weekend. Will need to clean up a few edges and it is about ready to powder coat.
 

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broncoitis

Bronco Guru
Joined
Jul 23, 2010
Messages
4,449
Nice job on the Bumper. Looks really good. Is there any way to possibly raise it up about an inch in your design of it? I think that it would look better if it were a bit higher. But that is just my .02 for what it is worth. Lookin good though! ;D
 
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Casey4wd

Sr. Member
Joined
Apr 30, 2015
Messages
560
Loc.
Austin, Texas
While I am deciding what finish to put on the bumper (and if to cut into it to raise it and match the body line a little better), I went ahead and installed a 3.5" lift. I have the front all installed and working on the back. The install has gone ok, but I have now noticed that the front driveshaft is going to hit my exhaust.

I am searching for a ZF transmission, so I can put the drivetrain all back together and then order new drive shafts. Once the new transmission is in (I have to find one first!) then maybe I can take it to an exhaust shop to have the exhaust re-worked.

I have a set of 33x10.5r15 BFG Muds waiting on me at my local 4WP. Looking forward to seeing what those will look like on it!
 

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EBGeek

Sr. Member
Joined
Nov 25, 2008
Messages
408
Looking good, Casey. That sight looks very familiar to me...my condolences to your knuckles. :)
 
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