Just an FYI from my experiences over the last couple of years. I started my rebuild about 5 years ago. Build Thread -
http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=200781 I started with a bone stock 1970 wagon, with a 302. I had put a reman’d 302 in and it only had about 20,000 miles on it. All of the running gear, axles, transmission, t-case, functioned well. Only upgrade was disc brakes on the front. It was my daily driver. Floor pans were shot on both sides, so I decided it needed some attention. Well, floor pans turned into a frame off resto after taking a closer look at the body. Door post and pillars, rockers, inner fender skirts, kick panels, front floor pans, and rear quarters all needed attention.
Thus far I have purchased about $1,500 in new panels, and all have been installed. I found a local guy (also another former Marine) that is doing the body work for me at $50 an hour, which was much lower than any other shop around. Underside has been painted; the rest should be done within the next month. When done I will have $5-6,000 in bodywork done.
Initially I was only going to replace what was need to keep cost down. I was hoping to keep the restore around $15,000. After a little more thought, I have decided to do some upgrades. I am adding power steering, power brakes and a FiTech. All have been purchased. I also purchased a complete Centech wiring harness, and CJ Pony Part complete 2 into 1 exhaust. Also have a brand new stock height suspension (installed). There have been many smaller purchases to replace worn or rusted parts.
All told with body panels included, I am at about $10,000 in parts (your welcome TBP) with about $3,000 in labor for body and some mechanical (I had a local guy help me with install for motor, transmission, and a few other items, $40 an hour). So right now, I am at about $13,000, with about $3000 left to go on the body.
I’m sure I have left some things out, but right now, I’m at about $16,000 at this point.
I’m sure I will spend another couple thousand, putting it all back together with all of the little things that I will need that I cannot think of right now. If I had not decided to upgrade steering, brakes and fuel system, I think I would have finished it close to budget. Those three things combined were over $3,000.
This build is intend to be a daily driver again, not a show truck.
I thought I would offer this to help others as they decide on whether or not to take on a full restore. Be careful, floor pans get out of hand fast.
Will
http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=200781 I started with a bone stock 1970 wagon, with a 302. I had put a reman’d 302 in and it only had about 20,000 miles on it. All of the running gear, axles, transmission, t-case, functioned well. Only upgrade was disc brakes on the front. It was my daily driver. Floor pans were shot on both sides, so I decided it needed some attention. Well, floor pans turned into a frame off resto after taking a closer look at the body. Door post and pillars, rockers, inner fender skirts, kick panels, front floor pans, and rear quarters all needed attention.
Thus far I have purchased about $1,500 in new panels, and all have been installed. I found a local guy (also another former Marine) that is doing the body work for me at $50 an hour, which was much lower than any other shop around. Underside has been painted; the rest should be done within the next month. When done I will have $5-6,000 in bodywork done.
Initially I was only going to replace what was need to keep cost down. I was hoping to keep the restore around $15,000. After a little more thought, I have decided to do some upgrades. I am adding power steering, power brakes and a FiTech. All have been purchased. I also purchased a complete Centech wiring harness, and CJ Pony Part complete 2 into 1 exhaust. Also have a brand new stock height suspension (installed). There have been many smaller purchases to replace worn or rusted parts.
All told with body panels included, I am at about $10,000 in parts (your welcome TBP) with about $3,000 in labor for body and some mechanical (I had a local guy help me with install for motor, transmission, and a few other items, $40 an hour). So right now, I am at about $13,000, with about $3000 left to go on the body.
I’m sure I have left some things out, but right now, I’m at about $16,000 at this point.
I’m sure I will spend another couple thousand, putting it all back together with all of the little things that I will need that I cannot think of right now. If I had not decided to upgrade steering, brakes and fuel system, I think I would have finished it close to budget. Those three things combined were over $3,000.
This build is intend to be a daily driver again, not a show truck.
I thought I would offer this to help others as they decide on whether or not to take on a full restore. Be careful, floor pans get out of hand fast.
Will
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