Earliest Broncos on modified Econoline frames?

[toddz69]

On one of the FB groups, a guy is claiming the earliest EBs were built on modified Econoline frames.

I've never heard of such a thing. Anyone else know any details or heard of such a thing?

Econolines at the time were leaf sprung. There were also the 2WD delivery vans (not sure of their model name) that had similar front ends to the Bronco. Perhaps that's what he's referring to?

Thanks,
Todd Z.

 

[broncodriver99]

They do share some parts but I have never heard that either. Wasn't there a picture of a modified 4wd Ford Falcon(or similar) here a few years ago that was thought to be a test bed for the drivetrain? I would think they would have had a frame engineered before Budd started production.

 

[toddz69]

They do share some parts but I have never heard that either. Wasn't there a picture of a modified 4wd Ford Falcon(or similar) here a few years ago that was thought to be a test bed for the drivetrain? I would think they would have had a frame engineered before Budd started production.

I do recall that Falcon picture now that you mention it.

Todd Z.

 

[langester]

I came across a frame in the scrap yard a couple of years ago that looked alot like an EB frame but it was longer. The rear section was almost identical. Maybe it was one of the vans that was talked about. There was nothing else to identify it just the frame. Wish I would have taken some pics now. I will keep my eyes open for another one. We get alot of old iron in our scrap yard, always a treasure hunt for sure.

 

[B RON CO]

Hi, Bronco frames are unique in that they were always fully boxed. Good luck

 

[okie4570]

Interesting, haven't heard that one. There's been a lot of "scratch your head" claims about early broncos on FB this last week lol. Moon phase maybe? lol

 

[Broncobowsher]

Elements of the design may have been used. It looks a lot like... So someone came up with the conclusion...

About the only other thing a Bronco chassis has in common with is the RHD postal van.

 

[1sicbronconut]

Kind of hard to share a frame with something that was a unibody??

 

[Cohammer]

Frame

All you have to do is read Wikipedia, Built in Michigan it shares frame and suspension with no other models .

 

[eaglenest66]

I have always been told that the development of the bronco was a new/ground up/cutting edge project - not based off of any other Ford vehicle. Yes parts and such were shared but the foundation all in it's own.

 

[DirtDonk]

Since there is a part number stamped into the horns of the frame, it should be easy enough to see if it was shared by anything else. Maybe they took some design criteria from the vans (and other vehicles too most likely) but it wouldn't be the same.

As was said, the fully boxed design would be a quick way to rule out just about anything fairly quickly. Any other Fords with boxed frames could then be studied in greater detail.

Doubt they used anything else, but I bet they sure would have liked to!

Paul

 

[tasker]

WHAT that guy said, unibody...had a couple of them

 

[phred]

If it’s on facetube it has to be true right?


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[sykanr0ng]

If it’s on facetube it has to be true right?


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Why yes, it's on the internet so it must be true. ;D

 

[House]

Hey Todd, why don't you send a link to this thread to the FB guy so he can come educate us of his findings?
http://www.classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=282398

 

[okie4570]

Why yes, it's on the internet so it must be true. ;D

Hey we're on the internet! ;D

 

[sprdv1]

All you have to do is read Wikipedia, Built in Michigan it shares frame and suspension with no other models .

Good point

 

[WILDHORSES]

I have also came across very "Bronco looking" frames in parts yards underneath unusual delivery vans. I tend to right those things off as freaks of FORD but they are out there what could this mean.?:?;D

Jim

 

[toddz69]

I have also came across very "Bronco looking" frames in parts yards underneath unusual delivery vans. I tend to right those things off as freaks of FORD but they are out there what could this mean.?:?;D

Jim

It was probably a P-100 panel delivery van. There can't be very many of them made but I think I've seen one over the years and I know others have as well.

Todd Z.

 

[Rustytruck]

There was suposably a small van postal truck built on a Bronco drive line. I was at the Pomona Swapmeet and I once saw what looked like a milk delivery truck with a Bronco frame and driveline. It had a straight tube up front hung just like a Bronco. No front drive capability. Pretty beat up to the point you couldnt tell if origional or not.