http://www.egroups.com/files/ecbr/Shadetree+351/Pict0034.JPG
This picture was sent to me by Randall Thomas of the East Coast Bronco Registry. He sent it after a request went out to send in a picture of what a new 'Early Bronco' should look like. His words were, "Here's a 'concept' version I drew up of what a new 'Early Bronco' could look like. A little of the new, a little of the old. Mustang, Explorer, Bronco-II, Full sized pickup, and of course, 'Early Bronco' all mixed in."

I hope this picture gets you thinking. If so, then please send me a post to shadetree351@home.com or respond to this message board, telling me what you think a new Early Bronco should look like and, more importantly, how it should be equipped. If you want to, call it the new 'Wrangler-fighter', since that's the market it will be thrown into.

Keep in mind that we need to work within the framework of what Ford currently has at its disposal in terms of platforms and powertrains. Don't go back to 1977 or expect Ford to come up with something totally different from current production items.

 

Or how about this one:
http://www.egroups.com/files/ecbr/Shadetree+351/SVX.jpg
This is a picture of the Defender SVX, a new version of the Defender 90. This is one of the Land Rover products. Land Rover is now owned by Ford. The Defender 90 is currently not being imported into the U.S., but a recent report in one of the 4 wheeler magazines claims that Ford will reintroduce the Defender 90 into the states in 2003. Now that won't be a Bronco, but maybe it's another picture Ford could look at to model a new Early Bronco after.
Shadetree 351

 

Now, what do you think about this picture:
http://xxxxxx.xxxxx.xxx/group/ecbr/files/Shadetree+351/fordex.jpg
This is a picture of a new Ford prototype, the Ford EX. There was an article on the subject on January 11 in the Blue Oval News. Check out:
http://www.blueovalnews.com/ Scroll down to January 11, and read the story. There also is a film clip you can play in the story, showing the EX in action. Check it out!
If Ford puts this into production, we'd have something worthy of the Early Broncos.
Shadetree 351

 

shadetree, I couldn't find the story. do have any more info?
:-(

 

Let me bring these pictures back up for you again.
First, here's the sketch submitted by Randall Thomas:
http://xxxxxx.xxxxx.xxx/group/ecbr/files/Shadetree%20351/Pict0034.JPG
Next, here's the picture of the Defender 90 SVX:
http://xxxxxx.xxxxx.xxx/group/ecbr/files/Shadetree%20351/SVX.jpg
Last, here's the picture of the Ford EX:
http://xxxxxx.xxxxx.xxx/group/ecbr/files/Shadetree%20351/fordex.jpg
Now, if you're looking for the Ford EX article, it's now available right here in Ford Truck Enthusiasts. The link to the article is:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/news/newsc1.html
Happy viewing!!!
Shadetree 351

 

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 11-Apr-01 AT 01:39 PM (EST)[/font][p]thanks shadetree.

i'd love to take that EX for a scoot!! :-)


If you didn't build it, its not really yours.

 

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 08-Jun-01 AT 06:05 PM (EST)[/font][p]I think a new Early Bronco should be directed squarely at the Jeep Wrangler TJ, not just the compact SUV market (i.e., RAV4, CRV, Escape, etc.). Obviously it should live up to the heritage of the original: simple, strong, affordable and generally "overbuilt" (i.e., 1/2-ton running gear, V8, etc.). The following features are not necessarily currently Ford products, but are readily available to them...

4.6L V8
NV4500 Granny 5-Speed Manual Transmission
-I've heard good things about the NV3550 in the 2000+ TJ's, too.
Atlas II Transfer Case
-Gear-driven, strong, manual, ultra-low range option.
Warn Premium Manual Hubs
Dana 44 SOLID Front Axle
Ford 8.8" Full-Floating Rear Axle
Locking Differentials (NOT Limited Slip/TrashLok)
-Detroit in the rear, or maybe a Toyota-esque electric locker?
Steel Low-Profile Bumpers
Rocker Panel Guards/Rock Rails/Rock Sliders
Roll Cage/Bar
31x10.5 (MINIMUM) BFG MT's
-33's would be even better; AT/KO's okay, too.
Bumper-mounted external spare tire carrier
Winch
-Jeep offers Warn winches complete with factory warranty.
Bed-lined (Line-X, etc.) washable interior
Waterproof Seats
Wheelbase less than 100"

I also vote for a "retro" look. They should also try to price it to compete with the TJ, say under $25,000.

 

Looks like a dune buggy!

People who say it can't be done should not interrupt the person doing it.