Classic Bronco Gets a Modern Update for SEMA

Ford Bronco, a Multi-Purpose Vehicle

For most, if not all of you, the Ford Bronco needs no introduction. It's one of those trucks that would have driven its way straight into the Small Truck Hall of Fame if there were such a Hall. It was such a beloved truck that it's one of the very few of all time that is literally back by popular demand. Or at least it will be in 2020. We've seen plenty of renderings of what that all new Bronco will look like and we've seen spy shots of the darn thing cloaked in camouflage. But until we get to see an actual prototype, what we will get continues to be up for debate -- and there's been much debate and anticipation around it.

While some (like me) sit in eager anticipation of the all-new 2020 Bronco, other enthusiasts are taking old Broncos and giving them new life. But before we delve into one such 1966 Bronco that made it to SEMA, we should give you a few pertinent details about the Bronco's history. The Bronco came to be in 1966 and was considered a direct competitor of small four-wheel-drive compact SUVs that included the Jeep CJ-5 and International Harvester Scout. Although it was built on its own platform, a fairly substantial redesign in 1978 increased the size of the Bronco, which adopted a shortened version of Ford F-Series truck chassis to compete with the similarly adapted Chevy K5 Blazer and the Dodge Ramcharger. 

The original Bronco was an off-roading Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) carried on a 92-inch wheelbase, and although it could tackle off-road terrain it was not strong enough to be used as a tow vehicle. In a sense, it became Ford's first compact SUV and it had a frame, suspension, and body that were not shared with any other vehicle. The original engine was the Ford 170 cu in (2.8 L) straight-6, modified with solid valve lifters, a 6-US-quart oil pan, heavy-duty fuel pump, oil-bath air cleaner, and a carburetor with a float bowl compensated against tilting. You could get one of those early Broncos in one of three configurations: wagon, pickup, and a less popular roadster. The roadster version was later dropped, and the sport package, which later became a model line, was added.

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The Maxlider Brothers, Erik and Kris

The first generation Bronco ended its run in 1977 and although two more generations followed until 1996, many Bronco enthusiasts still look to the first generation as the era of "Bronco greatness." This would include the Maxlider brothers, who own a Chicago-based Bronco restoration and sales company with a full-service fabrication shop. The Maxliders have been breaking down and restoring classic Broncos for more than thirty years and when the news reached them that the beloved Bronco would be back in business in 2020, they decided to thank Ford by building the ultimate tribute car, and they used an original 1966 Bronco as their starting point.

>>Join the conversation about this updated 1966 Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Three rows of Bronco

It would have been enough to restore the 1966 Bronco, bringing it back to its original glory. But with the theme of "future Bronco" in mind, they wanted to add some modern twists. They started off by adding 26 inches to the chassis in order to accommodate four doors rather than the original two. They also wanted to drop in a third row of seating, which is pretty much where this Bronco separates itself from the Jeep Wrangler that, although beloved in its own right, has barely enough room for two rows. Their idea here was to do something that hadn't been done before with other Bronco rebuilds, but also to show Ford what could be possible in mating a classic truck with modern needs and styling.

>>Join the conversation about this updated 1966 Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.

In the Drivers Seat

While the brothers Maxlider stayed true to the vintage look of the Bronco's crisp and clean interior, they also added some more modern tweaks, including water-resistant baseball glove brown marine performance vinyl, which looks great, is comfortable, and durable for off-roading. They also added an AMP power assist side steps, custom rear wheel arch inserts that house two of the six, yes six, state-of-the-art Wetsounds Bluetooth sound bars and subwoofers, because when you are crawling over those rocks you need some killer sound to go with it.

>>Join the conversation about this updated 1966 Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Inside the Belly of the Beast

But this Bronco is not just about classic looks meets modern convenience. If you take a look under the hood you will find that Roush Performance integrated a Supercharged Coyote 5.0L 600hp motor. That kind of power meant that other components needed to be changed, so the brothers added an Advance Adapters Atlas II Transfer Case and Currie industries contributed much stronger axles.  They also added new driveshafts, locking hubs, and differentials. Powertrain Control Solutions mounted the dash selector and EPAS added the electronic power steering.

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Battle of the Builders

This Bronco scorches the pavement on a set of BFGoodrich 37X12.5-20 mud-terrain tires and 20x12.5-inch Fuel Nutz wheels. The Wilwood Superlight 4R Big Brake disc brakes offer more than enough stopping power for a truck this powerful. 

The Maxlider brothers debuted their 1966 Bronco reboot earlier this month at SEMA 2017 in Las Vegas. Their build was good enough to contend for SEMA'S Battle of the Builders competition, and although they didn't place, this modern classic gem of an MPV is a winner in most any Bronco enthusiast's book! For more photos of the Maxlider Brother's Bronco builds, please check out their Instagram page. 

>>Join the conversation about this updated 1966 Bronco right here in Ford-trucks.com.

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