Pebbles: 1 Family Mostly Stock 68 Build

[chuckyb]

BC Bronco SS Remote Hood Latch

As mentioned, the AC condenser placement required either major cutting of the radiator core, or getting rid of the factory hood latch. I opted to get rid of the factory hood latch. I read positive feedback on the BC Broncos hood latch and gave them a call. As it turns out they were just developing a stainless steel version and I think I may have got the first one. They also have developed a release handle that matches the factory knobs. I had a hard time finding pictures of the remote latch so I have posted some here.

This is a little tricky to install. I had to remove the inner cable from the housing in order to install it through the dash. Then it was a real pain to “rethread”. The grill needed to come off to install and I needed to cut out the piece of sheet metal that retains the factory nuts that are used for the factory latch. The grill needed to be reinstalled loosely in order to feed the cable into the latch and secure it. Very close quarters with the condenser and safety catch but everything fits - barely. It took a bit of adjustment to line everything up but it works great. As you can see, I tried to keep with the factory look by installing the release above the choke and throttle cables.

Overall this is a real nice piece that I would recommend. BC Broncos was great to work with and figured out a solution for me when I explained I wanted to install it in the dash. They normally provide an underdash bracket and also thought that I may be the first one installing into the dash.

Next up is to troubleshoot some light and blinker issues and move on to getting the rest of the AC installed.

 

[Crawdad]

Yep, I know what I’m getn for Christmas!

 

[chuckyb]

Off the jack stands

I’ve gotten all the Centech gremlins gone and the AC installed. Brakes are also done. Wheels have been powder coated and new BFG AT 30 x 9.5. Steering column is all rebuilt and linkage for 3 speed and transfer case is done. It seems about ready to start although I still do have work to do on the Rancho Overdrive. Next step is to get some exhaust underneath.

 

[sprdv1]

Nice Chucky... Fabulous sir

 

[green61bug]

Man, that looks so incredibly good! Nice Work!!!!

 

[chuckyb]

289 Heat Riser

Thank you Super Dave and Pebble Beige Brother Greenbug. I also meant to post pics for the folks running 289’s and needing to replace a missing heat riser. I purchased the 67 Mustang kind from one of the Mustang vendors. It did not fit right on my 289 with stock exhaust and air cleaner.

After closer examination of my shop manual I found another on eBay that DID fit. It was sold as a 66 Mustang part but I suspect this is incorrect. Anyway, the blasted one on the left of the pic is correct and fits perfectly. It has noticeably much less of a bend as it routes upward toward the air cleaner. Hopefully this helps someone out.

 

[rydog1130]

looks great bud....soon!

 

[chuckyb]

She runs!

We trailered her over to our favorite local mechanic who specializes in exhaust. He’s a Vietnam vet and it’s a family business and it’s always been the plan to bring it to him at this point in the project. He installed the exhaust system and installed the Sears Muzzler muffler that my grandfather bought but never installed. Per his recommendation, I had him install a catalytic converter. There were two 78-79 Broncos at the shop that day so Pebbles had good company.

We trailered her back same day which was Friday before Father’s Day. My Dad came over on Father’s Day and along with my son, we started her up. It would initially start but not stay running. We determined that I had missed connecting one of the Centech ignition wires to the coil. After we got that straightened out, it ran nicely and we followed the engine break-in procedure. This was first start in 20 years so to have it be a family event probably best Father’s Day ever. Seems to be a little louder than I had hoped - maybe it’s the Muzzler.

I’ve run into some complications with the Rancho Overdrive, specifically with the pinion angle, more details on that on my Rancho thread here.

https://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3295227#post3295227

Unfortunately, alignment machine was broken at the exhaust specialist so currently have her at another local place getting the alignment set and also giving it a good lookover for safety’s sake to see what else I may have missed with my amateur work. Next step is to get her back to the body man for windows, weather stripping, paint touch ups etc.

 

[gnsteam]

Looking really nice, great job.

 

[chuckyb]

Alignment Report

Hi all, how happy should I be with my alignment report? I did not look at it closely til I got home, but feeling like the final measurements should be more symmetrical. Turns out I had a broken PCV valve, it is running quieter now. The AC charged, now just need some windows and insulation to keep the cold air in

 

[lgdpt]

Nice Chuck! You are so close!

Im almost done with my wiring. Slowly moving along....

 

[904Bronco]

Sears Muzzler... A blast from my past. I use to install those back in the early 80's.

I think they lost their ass with the lifetime warranty, not that it works now.

Nice work there Sir, just the little bits and pieces left.

 

[chuckyb]

Recent progress

The Bronco is back in the stable after a three week stay with the master body man. There were some paint touch ups and he put the roof windows back in, installed the bumpers, weatherstripping along with adding badges, reflectors and windshield latch for the hood.

I’ve since added the floor and roof insulation, replaced a lot of the worn out throttle linkage, finished off the wipers and started to prep for adding the roll cage and three point belts.

I ordered the new Dennis Carpenter Sport floor mats - rear is received and looks and fits great, along with providing that new car smell! Front mat is on back order along with TBP premium seats.

Next up is DMV inspection, hopefully this week. We are planning on removing the roof this weekend and putting the cage in place.

 

[papy]

looks great man!

 

[chuckyb]

Out and about

She’s got a license plate, new seat belts and a cage - some pictures from first 100 miles.

 

[Crawdad]

Man she looks beautiful!

 

[chuckyb]

Man she looks beautiful!

Thank you, Matt. I hope you’ve been able to make some more progress on the 77. Looking forward to seeing some updates.

 

[papy]

gorgeous... nicely done!

 

[chuckyb]

Interior progress

No miles logged since November since the failure with the Rancho Overdrive, but I’m planning to get the new Rancho installed next week and then she will be back on the road. In the meantime, some progress on the interior. Dennis Carpenter sport floor mats and TBP Premium seats added. I also added a 66 style t-case shifter. Underneath I have swapped out two degree bushings for seven degree to help with handling.


I included a pic of the stable after receiving the new license plate. I found Galaxie dog dish hubcaps which I plan on installing - not my idea the credit goes to some other members here.

 

[904Bronco]

Beautiful....

Both of them.