I threw my 4X4 elk rack on my early model bronco over 15years ago and the title broncolope came about since then I have been through a few broncos. Here is my latest project 77 ford broncolpe

Starting
Purchased this way only change top removed



Starting to tear down grind rust remove trim



Decided need to take the body off and really get into it



New suspension parts
[img]http://broncolope.com/bronco/bronco3.jpg[/img]
[img]http://broncolope.com/bronco/bronco4.jpg[/img]

Broncolope, very glad you decided to post your project down here. I hope you make updates so we can follow the project. I've wanted a 1st gen bronco for a very long time, still don't have one.

looks like a small block v-8 is it a 302? probably power steering in a 77 too huh?

check these guys out for your tin if you need any.

http://www.autobodyspecialt.com


I don't know how they compare to other places bacause i've never bought bronco parts before but i've bought car & truck sheetmetal from these guys & I find them very hard to beat.

good luck with your project, please update when you can.

Maybe I'll post my 77 ford 1/2 ton 4x4 project down here too.

Dave,
Yup 302, power stearing disc brakes, I need to get rid of the inverted Y stearing setup and go with a straight tie rod with drag link set up works much better for lifting and bouncing. I hope to get some work done on the tub in the next few days will take pics, then it can go back on the frame.

Most bronco parts I get from Jeffs Bronco, James Duff, and broncograveyard.com makes it easy because they specialize in the Early bronco stuff and so you don't end up dealing with someone that has no clue.

Yes post yours.. with lots of pics..

Dude....this is going to be a great thread.

I'm working on a 78 F-150 4x4. An early Bronco is the next in line.

Keep us posted with this. I LOVE these Bronco's.

I was going to suggest Jeff's broncograveyard. Everything I've bought so far was from them. Jeff himself answers the e-mails. They checked my parts to make sure they were all correct and will work with eachother.

Good people to work with so far.

Tom

so it's like converting a pre78 1/2 ton to the 78-79 style stearing linkage?

I'd like to do that with my 77, I like the 78-79 set up way better but I did just buy a new 77 style pitman arm so I'll probably just stick with the ole Y-bone set up.

dave, look at broncograveyard, I think they have the conversion set up in there.

I know they have it for the bronco's.

You need to come out to CA or AZ and pick up a rust free tub for that thing, as yours looks beyond repair!

dude if that tub is beyond repair, i don't want to show you some of the junk I've fixed up here in the salted tundra

tzone, as much as it pains me to say, some of the toughest steering linkage conversions for these old 1/2 ton fords often us some linkage rods from... gasp... 3/4 or 1 ton chevs



it's really just a matter of using good heavy parts that you can make fit. A lot of guys will top mount the linkage on the steering knuckles, use a tapered bit & drill new tapered tie rod joint bores from the top side of the steering knuckle ears & drop in the heavy truck linkage from the top side. Better rock clearance & very stout pieces.

it's the sort of thing you aint gonna find in a catalog

it's the work of old crafty devils that need strong trucks cause they're really tough on em.

old school

I have used this gent, Parts Mike, in the past and he has great stuff and is a grand ol' gentleman to work with. Check out his website, you may find it intersting!
http://www.partsmike.com/store/store.php

I gotta start somewhere man....If there is old school to be found, it's in a shop in Duluth, MN. There ain't much that old cat can't fix, especially on a Ford.

Laughing.. yes most people would haul that tub to the scrap yard.. but I will revive it, it definetly won't be a "proper" repair or restoration just as long as it functions and I can hide the repair with custom interior and body work I will be happy.

they do sell the complete conversion kits for the inverted y steering linkage at jeffs..

That thing isn't bad, you'd draw a pretty penny here for one in that shape.

Lots of cool custom mods to hide stuff.

there is a 76 in detroit lakes for ... $5500 right now. looks solid.

someday i'll get one.

Get it Dave. You need a huntin' truck now that Weezy is driving yours.

Glad I could help.

oh, yeah thinks. big helper

No problem man. Thats what I'm here for.

guys, the wife was heart broken about a year ago when her elderly father told her that he was selling his 79 F150 4x4 to a grandson.

She wanted that truck for a very long time. Well tonight the ole man called her up & told her if she wanted the 79 F150 4x4 352/4 speed for 400 bucks she could have it.

Well, our collection of ford pickups is about to grow by one pickup truck.



she is crazy enthused. stay tuned for chick up truck project post.

it is inevitable.

Dave.. Right on.. is that motor a 351M? I thought the 352 was discontinued by 1970 Or was did someone back date it like I did the 1993..

Latest work on the Broncolope

I cut the bed out of a 93 ford pickup to repair the floor of the broncolope.. and welded some 3 inch washers to the frame where the body mount holes used to be but were rusted. hopefully will get it all welded in place this week.

What will the washer do?

Looks good. We looked at a 76 broco for $7900. It was pretty nice, but I'd have to sell my FINISHED 78 to get it. :sad:

Keep us posted on your project, I like in man.

$400 bucks...Yeah, I think I'd buy that wether she wanted it or not.

You'll be doing that plow truck before you know it.

woops, yep typo. 351M

wife is stoked about getting her dad's old truck

Cool.

Pics to follow soon I'm sure.

looking good broncolope.

I imagine you are using the washers (probably heavy ones?) ro refurb the old holes in the frame for the body mounts right? old holes wore too big, too thin around the holes, rused and or all of the above sort of thing?

OK, now I get it..thanks.

Here is where the washer was used.. you have to excuse the weld new helmet and couldn't find the tint adjustment (it was on max) turns out it was on the outside of the helmet so we were welding blind almost



Putting the truck bed in the back in two pieces

nice work broncolope. very nice.

thanks for the pic of what the washer is used for, makes sense now.

My dad is a body man, but I never got into it much. now that I have a project of my own, I'm learning as I go here, so I appreciate all the pictures of what you're doing.

Latest progress,

Finishing repairing the floor pans




Tub as it is getting seam sealed and undercoated.



Inner front before repair and re-attach


Hockey puck body lift

Tub back on starting on door pillars and under dash repairs

[img]http://broncolope.com/bronco/bronco22.jpg[/img]
[img]http://broncolope.com/bronco/bronco23.jpg[/img]
[img]http://broncolope.com/bronco/bronco24.jpg[/img]
I took pictures of the reverse leaf spring lift for the rear but they got lost somewhere will have to take more.. I had to remove the front lift springs till I get more front suspension parts.
[img]http://broncolope.com/bronco/bronco26.jpg[/img]

excellent!!

dig the minnesota body lift, hockey pucks, good for one inch per puck.

lookin good man!!

Looking good...real good.

That mess of wires laying on the cab floor makes me cringe though. I wouldn't even know where to begin on that.

really coming along, thanks for keeping us updated.

That mess of wires is the complete harness for the bronco,

Whats for dinner... Spaghetti ... laughing...

Oh I know what it is...I just don't want any part of it.

guess i missed this project some how.Looks like you had a mess to work through but doing fine job.I like these old broncos them and blazers i'm more a chevy man but i still enjoy the good old fords.I could of picked up a 74 bronc for 500 last year from local junkyard didn't look bad.My only problem is i got a 88 blazer i need to restore and really didn't have space or time for the ford.So had to let it go.Someone gave him 1300 for it so i believe it will get restored thankfully.
\
Keep up the good work and keep us posted

Dave my first truck was a f100 shortbox with the 3 speed on column and a 300 six motor.I miss that truck

Those are great motors. Some guys don't like those 300's, because they don't have a bunch of power, and only get in the 12-14mpg range, but you'd be hard pressed to wreck one if you have oil in it.

I would have no problem or worries if I got a truck with the 300 in it.

They last a long time, but you get almost as much torque, more horsepower, and better mileage from a 302, which in a lot of cases will last until the truck is rusting out anyway.

agreed...but I sure wouldn't not buy a truck because of that motor.

300 six's are a hell of a motor i will not agrue that.

Some more updates and pics

Ground off the rear leaf spring mounts and re-welded them upside down for a 5 inch lift


The attempt to repair the passenger door pillar..



Hacked the door pillar back off..


Whats left after hacking off the attempt to repair


No door pillar but the front inner is back on and undercoated

your coming along

Who needs doors anyway right?



Looking good, you're not screwing around 'eh?

Is that going to be a driver, just for fun?

Laughing.. I do so the cops cant see that I am not wearing my seatbelt. ... Just kidding mister officeer....

I was thinking of making a roadster out of it, but I like the height of the door to put my arm on top while cruising so I ordered and door pillar and it is already in and working good.. need to get more pics.

lookin good bronc

Curious ? How is it coming along?

Be aware, swapping out the inverted Y with the straight configuration may require wheel spacers on the 76' and 77' if your backspacing on your wheels is too deep.