1970 1/2 cab build "phase 2"

[Ether]

I've never done a build thread, and feel like I am taking a large enough "leap" to start one.

I purchased a 1970 u15 from NE Louisiana about 4-5yrs ago, is was 99.9% stock with the exception of some bumper extensions, and a full set of '66 hubcaps. I made a deal over the phone ($7800!), and my father coerced it onto a trailer (brake hubs frozen) and had it running in a few days.

A little back story: my dad DD'd a EB when I was a young kid, and I had a 1968 in college that I built into a pretty capable DD/ crawler (late 90's). Np435/4.56's, 36's, wrested arm etc...all wrenching done by me.

I sold (traded for a Toyota pickup) my '68 in 2003-4 because of work commute and looking at going back to get my masters degree. I have wanted a replacement ever since, and dreamed about having one to work on with my son. My dream is to have a stockish LUBR, that is reliable, easy to drive, and capable of light wheeling/exploring/camping type stuff.

 

[Ether]

These are pics of my 68 in college “before” and “after”.

Also the 1970 U15 as purchased, and then after lift, 1/2 cab swap, new seats, 4spd toploader, and fixing lots of small things.


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[Ether]

The green bronco went to Long Beach, Ca. I got 1 update from the new owner, he painted it red and went on some trail runs with the EB group there.... wish I could see it now.

 

[Ether]

In the beginning, I just got the ‘70 running well and stopping well. Drive it like that for a year+, then I swapped in a 4spd Toploader I found locally by chance and put a couple of yrs on that platform.

Also converted from bench to buckets, full cab to half cab, and installed a old school 2-2.5” lift (blocks/stiff coils).

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[Ether]

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[Ether]

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[Ether]

Waiting on heads to be done at machine shop, then reassemble the 5.0 with Lunati efi cam and get to work.

5.0, Holly sniper, zf-5, np205, 3.5” lift, body lift, new front pans/ patch 3spd and pto holes, 4.10 axles with disc front, lockers, diy long arms, f250 shock mounts, etc etc…


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[Scoop]

Looks like you're well on your way to a nice build! Keep the progress and pics coming!

 

[gnsteam]

Looks like you're well on your way to a nice build! Keep the progress and pics coming!

X2

 

[green61bug]

Awesome build! Look forward to more pics... A lot of guys out there would love to have that bench seat! Still have it?

 

[Ether]

Unfortunately I used it to finance the early mods. I’m ok with it though.


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[stupidboy]

I love half cabs!! That is one solid bronco.

 

[Ether]

Heads are back but I’m still cleaning/prepping the short block.

Broke the timing cover today trying to remove it, top right bolt came out of the block eventually but is seized in the timing cover. Oh well, rockauto to the rescue.

Almost ready to install oil pump, pan, new cam, new timing chain, cover and paint the block.

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[Ether]

Also sent the drivetrain and pto winch/bumper home with its new owner this am.

He traded me a zf5 with a busted ear on the xmember mount and a np205 for partial credit.

Cleanish slate…

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[Howard2x4x4]

I like the planning step by step! That's something that doesn't seem to be in my skill set.....

 

[Ether]

I'm a little bogged down in trying to get the block clean enough to take paint, while staying an assembled rotating assembly. but getting there.

Also a little overwhelming thinking about all the different bolts and getting the correct bolt with the correct thread locker/sealant/anti-seize on it, and install the seals correctly. I'll be referencing here and YouTube a lot...

Anyone have a map for the timing/water pump bolts, also my OCD wants to eliminate as many accessory bolts as possible....the ones with threaded tops with nut for attaching things. not sure...

 

[Yeller]

those wire nuts on the wiring across the firewall are errr.... ummm..... special. hope they are on the gotta go away list.

 

[Ether]

Yeah, absolutely. I’ve deleted some, the PO’s handy work. Been driving great for 3yrs though


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[Yeller]

on my current project, there were probably 20 wire nut splices.... they were the first to go, electrical fires are low on my list of desires in life LOL.

 

[jmhend]

Yeah, absolutely. I’ve deleted some, the PO’s handy work. Been driving great for 3yrs though


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Looking great. I love that bronco. I am jealous of your location. My old home but you're also surrounded by a LOT of great bronco owners and very talented folks as well.