New Bronco owner here
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 813
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From: Auburn, Il
New Bronco owner here
Hey guys n gals, just wanted to say hi and introduce myself to all of you out there. I'm a new Bronco owner this week, but Ive been here in the FTE for awhile. I cant remember if we can post pics or not but Ill post a few. I found this 78 that is in pretty decent shape body & motor wise but the guy told me there was something wrong with the rearend and since he was in a crunch for some $$$ and all that I was able to pick it up for $700.00 and drove it home. I didnt hear any noises when I drove it home but I also had it in 4 wheel high to take the load off the rearend to make sure I got home, so if anyone knows where I can pick up a ford 9" rearend with 3.50 gears in it let me know. Ok now to the pics. As you will be able to see there are really only 3 bad rust spots so that will be an easy fix... Hope ya like...
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: B.F.E.
Nice Bronco! Love the stripes ,takes me back to the70's. The body needs work but its best to work from the inside out, chome dont get you home,but if you you do it right she'll be a hell of a nice ride. Check your local bone yard for the rear end. You should be able to find something. Good luck and I hope to see the "after" pictures when your done.
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 813
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From: Auburn, Il
Well I found me a rearend for her today. I get to go pick it up next wednesday. so hopefully I'll have her going by the end of next week. Is there anything I should be on the lookout for when swaping them out ( as in trouble spots or areas)?
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Ontario
Welcome to the world of 1978 1979 Broncos
Like they say in the US Army "there's no life like it"
Try it with the top off and count how many looks and thumbs up you get.
Most folks have no idea what kind of truck it is they just no they like it.
Side note I have heard there were only 166,000 of these fine trucks ever built so throw in almost 30 years on the road and I think you end up with a pretty rare unit.
Rick
Try it with the top off and count how many looks and thumbs up you get.
Most folks have no idea what kind of truck it is they just no they like it.
Side note I have heard there were only 166,000 of these fine trucks ever built so throw in almost 30 years on the road and I think you end up with a pretty rare unit.
Rick
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 813
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From: Auburn, Il
Hey Rick, I'm with ya. As soon as I seen it, I knew I had to get it. I dont know if it makes a differance or not but this is the Ranger Bronco XLT. I dont know how to check to find out how many Broncos were made in 78 but I'd like to find out. I do intend on fixing it up. New rear quarters, lower door skins and then if I am able to the bodys comming off the frame and all that good stuff. NPD and LMC seem to have everything possible for the truck so once the rearend is in and I get back from BCT & AIT I'll start in on the rest of it...... OH by the way, the tops already been off and will be off again after the rain stops....
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Ontario
My other Bronco is a 1978 Ranger XLT too.
They came pretty well equipt mine has Cruise, Tilt, Air and several other nice fancy things all worked except the air.
I'm in the beginning of what will at best guess be a 4 year off frame resto.
I have the time but I figure it will cost me close to $20,000 to complete the type of Resto I want, that includes Acid dipping the body and frame and epoxy coating the frame.
Big bucks I know but these trucks just keep going up in value and my guess is 20 years from now when I go to sell it I'll get most of that dough back.
Rick.
I'm in the beginning of what will at best guess be a 4 year off frame resto.
I have the time but I figure it will cost me close to $20,000 to complete the type of Resto I want, that includes Acid dipping the body and frame and epoxy coating the frame.
Big bucks I know but these trucks just keep going up in value and my guess is 20 years from now when I go to sell it I'll get most of that dough back.
Rick.
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From: western montana
Originally Posted by tardster
As you will be able to see there are really only 3 bad rust spots so that will be an easy fix... Hope ya like...
That rig will have the begginning of rust throughout the body and by treating the metal and applying a por 15 coat over the metal ready you know that you will not have to worry about it again. Body panels are available for all of your rust prob areas.. the '83 in my gallery was worse than that and i have a '79 that is worse as well.
I think these rides ('78-79) are worth all the effort and $. But if a guy misses areas then it will rust out later on.
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Auburn, Il
Yea I was going to have the frame sand/bead blasted while the cab is off and then get it rhino lined. Once thats done then I'll cut out and replace any of the metal that has rust or anything like that and have that underside rhino lined aswell. Since I live here in Illinois and it snows I want to make sure I get her protected from the elements since she will be a daily driver.