Build thread on my ‘77

[Speedrdr]

Even though I’ve been working off and on (mostly off) for the last 3 years, two shoulder surgeries, hand surgery and an L1 burst fracture slowed things down. It’s changing looks from a “wagon “ top to a half cab…just always liked the look. Hopefully the pics are in some semblance of chronological order. Feel free to offer any suggestions or comments.

Randy

 

[Speedrdr]

While I was incapacitated I had the engine pulled and built. Found out that it was a roller motor out of a mustang, so went a little silly with it. Had a 347 stroker built with roller cam, roller rockers, AFR heads and an Edlebrock dual plane intake and Edlebrock 600 CFM 4-bbl carb. Turned out pretty nice.

Randy

 

[Speedrdr]

Got busy and pulled the front fenders off. Have replacements to go back on pulled the front cowl(?), the doors, the tailgate and the roof off to make it easier to get the @$&%#€ bedliner out of the interior. It was a hot stinking mess but I finally got it cleaned out and cleaned up and POR 15 coated everything that got in my way.

Randy

 

[Speedrdr]

You may or may not be able to see how bowed up the passenger side floor pan is, but I’m thinking that plus worn out body bushings may be contributing to the sag on the passenger side. Doesn’t help that the front bushing’s kinda gone on the passenger side. Good thing I got new floor pans to put in, along with new body bushings.

Randy

 

[Speedrdr]

It cranks and runs, but I pulled the brake lines and both gas tanks so can’t go very far and have to cut engine off in gear to stop it. Not very safe. Had to order replacement auxiliary tank as the one that was on it had a gaping tear in it. Will either buy a new rear tank protection piece or build one…current one looks a little rough.

 

[Speedrdr]

Suspension/steering parts have to be replaced. One of the POs bent the ends of the tie rods rather than just buying a drop pitman. Have new assembly for that repair plus a drop pitman arm. Might get a new set of 3 1/2” lift rear springs, although the iron blocks under the springs is tapered to help with the driveshaft angle.

Randy

 

[Speedrdr]

Got it almost stripped down to a rolling tub. Rockers were rusted, so pulled them to replace. Bronco looks kinda naked, just waiting on me to get busy.

Randy

 

[Speedrdr]

Got in the 2nd and 3rd orders from Wild Horses and have “nearly” all the items to restore my retirement project. Lol. The delivery guy was NOT amused by the number of large boxes. Started a list so I can maybe do things in a ‘Randy’ friendly manner..hate redoing jobs. As I’m not staying with the Light Jade it was born with, I see some painting before assembly in some areas.
Anyone have suggestions, feel free to jump in. I’m open to suggestions.

Randy

 

[JeffG]

Looking good. I will be following your progress.

 

[Speedrdr]

If I had known just how much trouble it was to get JUST the inner fender off, I think I’d have gone ahead and bought that complete side. It’s going slowly but I’m kind of getting there. Was hoping to be able to take inner fenders and core support off as a whole piece…nah, that ain’t gonna happen. On a side note, I think I need a bigger shop.

Randy

 

[gnsteam]

Just checked out your build thread. Good progress, already, I will be following along.

 

[Speedrdr]

Thanks, @gnsteam! My plan was to already have all of the front clip off and beginning the reassembly process with new sheet metal. surgery recovery and bathroom redo for wifey took precedence. Maybe this week.

Randy

 

[Speedrdr]

Well, progress is definitely NOT moving forward with any speed. Have most of the front cap removed and getting some POR 15 in areas under the hood that I’m not gonna be able to do conveniently once I get the inner frnders and fenders on.

Randy

 

[Speedrdr]

Well, I’ve put it off long enough. New floor pans - driver and passenger - and just like everything else, every layer exposed unearths another problem.

 

[Speedrdr]

Trying to get the places in the engine bay that will be covered with body parts painted with POR 15. Have to make a decision. I’m going with orange for body color, but would be y’all’s choices of engine final paint color:: gloss black or orange like the body will be?

Randy

 

[Speedrdr]

Oops! Forgot to post the pics with the last post. Yesterday was a long day. Took wife to Vandy for scans and doc appointments.

Randy

 

[DirtDonk]

I’m pretty one sided on this subject.
With very few exceptions, ALWAYS BODY COLOR!
Sorry, didn’t mean to shout. The subject just gets me a little excitable.

 

[Speedrdr]

Then body color it shall be! I was leaning toward body color but thought I’d just throw it out there to see what Bronco nation thought about it.

Randy

 

[Speedrdr]

Decided to rebuild the ‘clamshell’ tank holder rather than buy a replacement. I’m cheap that way, plus I do like a challenge. Cleaned up the inside of rust and tried to get the worst dents bumped out. Of course, there was plenty of bedliner to get off the outside.
Fiberglassed the inside and coated with POR15. Cleaned the rust off the outside and tried to kind of smooth out the rough spots. Ready to hold up a fuel tank once again.

On to brake and fuel lines.

Randy

 

[DirtDonk]

Man, that thing was pretty Fugly.
What a transition!