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First, welcome to FTE and the Big Bronco Forum. We will do our best to offer the most accurate information we can muster.
I've had my '93 repainted. I didn't really have any issues other than the old paint had just seen better days and I needed the typical cancer remedies... rear wheel wells and lower tailgate. The only other common body issue is on the 80-96 models that are prone to cracks at the top of the B-post at the end of the rain gutters. The FAQ link in my signature addresses this issue.
Thanks- 96XLT 5.8 with 221K- original miles- NO rebuild but a few add ons and warm weather driven.. Last year was a butt kick for repairs- A/C compressor, and I think the HCU unit for the ABS.. Dilligent with maintenance since puchased in Nov. 95
I asked about repainting for aesthetics.. I like this a rig alot.
I had my 84 Bronco repainted about 4-5 years ago. The worst hail storm in the history of our county (according to the insurance agent) left a few dozen baseball-sized dents and many more smaller ones on my rig. After getting 3-4 quotes of $3800-$4000 from the local body shops, I found a semi-retired bodyman that did it for $1350 with a new windshield. No bondo on my baby, he used hot lead to repair the small rust area on the bottom of the tailgate. Also had him weld up the rain gutter cracks. Pics are in my gallery here and at supermotors.net
I would say that if you want a quality paint job that will last for years, don't use cheap paint or some place like Maaco. GEt some quotes from the local body shops, and ask around for anyone that does body work 'on the side'. My guy went with PPG metallic urethane, applied 3 coats of color, 3 coats of clear with a hardener/sealer in the final coat. He's currently working on a 66 Mustang that I brought to him a few weeks ago. JSM84
I have yet to have mine buffed down. I have 3 color layers and 5 clear coat layers from an old body-works guy who replaced wheel arches in the rear as well. Whole thing was about $2500 and I provided the replacement sheet metal from JBG.
Took mine to a a local body shop, they told me that it wouldnt be worth it to paint it. They said it would cost more for them to paint it then the bronco is worth. They said They would do the body work and fix the cancer for about $800, but I should take it to Macco for paint. Im not sure how I feel about Macco.
Took mine to a a local body shop, they told me that it wouldnt be worth it to paint it. They said it would cost more for them to paint it then the bronco is worth. They said They would do the body work and fix the cancer for about $800, but I should take it to Macco for paint. Im not sure how I feel about Macco.
I'd tell that body shop to take a hike! Personally, I'd take that as an insult. Who the heck are they to determine whether or not YOU think the Bronco is "worth repainting"? And furthermore, why should they care if you, as the customer, are willing to pay them to do the work? They are willing to take the money for the body work but not the paint job? Something fishy there if you ask me. Just my $0.02 Take it for what it's worth.
I'd tell that body shop to take a hike! Personally, I'd take that as an insult. Who the heck are they to determine whether or not YOU think the Bronco is "worth repainting"? And furthermore, why should they care if you, as the customer, are willing to pay them to do the work? They are willing to take the money for the body work but not the paint job? Something fishy there if you ask me. Just my $0.02 Take it for what it's worth.
Thats what I was thinking. Im probbley just gonna sand down the bad spots, like the hood and roof, and slap a coat of primer over the top if it, just to keep it form getting worse. Then paint it after I move, A freind of mine owns a body shop back home, He told me That if I bought all the paint and supplies, he would teach me how to paint, and let me do it my self.
I did mine myself. I replaced one rear quarter panel, lower half of the tailgate, door bottom, and a new front fender and door. I didn't really keep track but it was well over a grand for materials. I do pretty good work but I'm no bodyman. There's a reason it's expensive.
The whole "repainting" idea is my way of fighting off the urge to buy an F-150....hold on-- First, this forum has saved me countless$$$ as well as providing esprit de corps... I'm getting weary of recent repairs and am not looking forward to future ones... the 96XLT is the DD and I put on 56 miles daily.. I know other log more.. 221K original
Also, I found the orginal window sticker and the sales documents.. I must have REALLY wanted that rig- and I did because that fella wasn't cheap!!!-- I bought her new in Nov. 95
I can repaint, rebuild the engine,etc. and for maybe 5-8K and keep on truckin.
Has anyone else been down this road I'm on? What did you do?
Coplue of things you might consider. IF the paint is still good on the rest of the body, just get the hood and roof painted to amtch the original color. It cost me about $350 for the paint on the Shaker hood. Cutting the hole was free.
I always look at the repair bills on the Broncos as being similar to making a monthly car payment. That seems to work out alot cheaper than $600/ month, and I don't have to take it to a shop to have someone else do the work. It's no fun being without a daily driver for a week or two for something that takes 3-4 hours to fix. Insurance is a hella lot cheaper, too!!!
The other idea i try to follow when doing any repairs is to upgrade to better parts whenever possible. Many things fro mthe F-250/ F-350 trucks will work on the Bronco with little or no mods, and be much stronger than original.