Guys - David/1985F150six sent me a link to this absolutely perfect 1983 Bronco with 11K miles on http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Bronco-XLT-1983-ford-bronco-11-000-mile-survivor-black-on-black-4-speed-overdrive-/321694516694?forcerrptr=true&hash=item4ae67cc5d6&item=321694516694&pt=US_Cars_Trucks&rmvSB=true As you will see in the pictures, it is such a good example of what an '83 should look like that I wanted to preserve the pictures. So, I contacted the owner and got permission, and have created this album to save them for posterity.

As of this writing the bidding is at $13.2K and the reserve hasn't been met. I'll bet it goes for $20K. But, that'll lend credibility to my belief that you can buy a truck in the condition you want more cheaply than build it as you couldn't create this truck for that price.

Here's a sampling of the pics. Note the color of the instrument needles.

 

That's quite a beauty! Love to have it!

 

Nice looking truck. The newer Alcoas look right at home on it

Was that where the OD emblem went on broncos?

Also never seen the 4wd shifter on the right side of the trans shifter.

How about the "roll bar" was that a dealer thing?

 

That is a beautiful example of an original 1983 Bronco. The black grille and the optional stock Marchal fog lights and dashboard bezel with the switch is very interesting.

But what is that thing standing up with a plug behind it located right behind the battery?

GREAT job on the album, Gary.

 

That just shows the power of garages. Amazing example. Thank you Gary for saving those pictures.

 

That is the "Barometric/Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor". It is used on the EEC system. I had one on my '82 351W with the VV Carb (EEC-III) back in the old days.

 

Okay so what is up with this OD trans? I can't get my head
around it. Hope someone will splain it to me. Is it a 4 speed
with a separate OD? No it don't appear to be. It looks like a 3
speed with 3rd as direct and 4th as overdrive. Is this right?
And if so what trans is this? I have never heard or seen anything
like it that I can recall. Please tell me about this or give me a link
to follow or something. Is this trans available? Would it do better
than an M5OD swap over my C6. Inquiring minds want very much
to know this stuff.

Edit: I just love the s..t out that Bronk and is what I want to do to
Mine in every way. Including the black on black. She is so sweet.
I sure wish my big ship would come in again.

 

I believe that is a SROD. 1, 2, 3, OD, Reverse

 

Okay Brad I have heard of the SROD but never fully understood
it. Are the readily available? Would it be any better than an M5OD
or the ZF5? Can anyone give me a comparison between them. And
what would work the best for me in the Bronk.

 

All that and no Cruise, power windows/locks.......

 

SROD is one of the weakest stick trans out there

Anything would be better

 

And with poor ratio spacings - worse than the granny-low transmissions.

 

Hold on with the Build vs Buy theory, Currently my 85 stripper rot-bucket that I bought for a grand is almost done and now a Lariat.
Installed factory power windows, locks, AC carpet, Lariat bench, new headliner, SEM painted interior, new Bed cross members, new gas tank, new brakes (all 4 corners, lines master and booster), new Edelbrock 4v and intake. Bed is painted. This year I need to paint the cab-doors-nose and get tires. It will be all done. So far after selling off parts I didn't need, my actual out-of pocket cost has been $2,500. figuring another $2,000 for paint and tires.




Bed done, Lariat cab installed, (This cab for sale) Paint and tires,then done! (not including the ZF I have for it!)

 

And your truck will NEVER have only 11,000 miles

 

Looks really good, Ron. But it is really, REALLY hard to beat the perfection of a new vehicle.