I'm looking to get into a Bronco and found this one locally. It has been sitting for years, I found an insurance slip inside from 2007. It was unlocked so I was poking around and took some pictures. I'm looking for something to go camping, tow a 14' boat, and carry my trike. I would also like to play in the mud. I have a Focus for a daily (hurray for me) so the Bronco would be more of weekend warrior type truck. The Bronco is sitting on 33'' x 12.5'' x15'' tires that are weather rotted. I believe this was a lot truck at a Ford dealership and was used for plowing snow. Anything to look for there? Anyways, here are he pictures:




















What do you guys think? Stay away or look into it further. I don't even know if it's for sale, just that it's been parked a long time. Oh, if I recall correctly it has around 220xxx or so km reading on it.

 

It has the I6 engine, so that's a plus, but it needs lots of work, you need to get it real cheap, like scrap value really ($500 max.). 2G fire-prone alternator will need replacement, all the rubber and fluids need replacement, greasing up everything, cleaning the fuel tank and replacing all the fuel... Those are the basics, rodents could have messed up the wiring too and you need to fix the rust before it becomes worse.

 

Well basically what Encho said. I might pay a little more, but I love working on my truck and don't really mind spending too much money on things (as long as I don't have to do it again.) I hear the I-6 engines are amazing, better than the 5.0 (which I have) so that would be pretty nice. Also, the interior looks pretty good for it sitting for a while, and it doesn't appear to have much of a damaged body (besides the rust on the fender)

If it were me, I'd look into it more but don't spend too much. I would be very worried about how fast it goes though because of those flames. It might be pretty dangerous driving with how much horsepower those flames added so be careful.

 

[QUOTE=Encho;13387129]It has the I6 engine

Thats a 5.0, but from the photos I saw I wouldn't send more than $500 on it.

 

My bad, It looked like an I6 intake, it could be any of the V8s.

 

well based on the manufacture date of 10/86 it would be sold as an 87, so 5.0 it is. 5.8 didnt get efi till 88 model.

honestly if you want to haul your trick get a truck unless you already have a trailer for the bike. you could get a runner for under 1500, that bronco aside from the paint job will need work.

 

The VIN on the door tag indicates its a 87...Built in late 86, with the 5.0 V8, AOD, and 3.55 open axles.
The quarters seem to be in poor shape. Anything that has sat for that long...will need pretty much anything that is rubber replaced. Mine sat about 3-4 years and I had to replace virtually every rubber part and then some. Look at the wiring harness, make sure no woodland creatures decided to snack on it. All fluids would need to be changed. And with it being a plow truck. The front end is more than likely in need of repair, and or the trans. That is alot of weight for a 1/2ton truck suspension, especially when it has the 5.0/AOD combo. And with 3.55s and the bigger tires, It would not help...There might be a reason to why it has been sitting for so long.
It will need quite abit of money put into it to get it running/driving safely. And some time...So unless you can get it for about next to nothing and are prepared to put the effort and money into it. I'd pass it up and spend a little more on one that runs and drives. and that doesn't have such a goofy paintjob. Although besides from the rotted quarters...the rest of the body appears to be in good shape.

 

Thanks for the advice. I'll look into it and get back to you guys.

 

I'd offer a max of $250. If the owner doesn't take that, then pass on it. The other guys know what their talking about and although $500 isn't bad, it's a bit high for something in this condition. If you got it, cleaned the fuel out, oils, trans, coolant and the like. As soon as you started it, all the rubber bits and the gaskets would get re-hydrated by the fluids and leaks would slowly start to form. (I have a 71 Super Beetle, it hadn't ran for a few years and the carb started puking gas after a month of using it). If you like to work on vehicles or maybe even modify it, then it would be a good buy.

 

Damn, something tried to rip the metal off of it and left it's face print in it.

With that kind of problem.. I offer him 3 dollah.

 

I talked to owner today. Bronco's not for sale, it has sentimental value to him. So that's that, thanks anyways.

 

you'll find way better trucks on Craiglist and some other sites.

 

Encho here is right, sure it's a bummer that the owner won't let it go but if you're patient then you will find that golden one. That's what I did and although I overpaid for my 78 ($2000), I feel it was very well worth it despite it's various problems. If you keep a close eye on CL and wait then you will find one you really like.