Classic Broncos

Well, it seems my project car virus has finally been caught by my girlfriend and she wants one of her own...unfortunately, she doesn't want my 82 Starlet as a project. No, she wants a classic first generation Bronco--and she wants to drive it across the USA.

I assume that rust would be the main thing to look out for on these as the running gear should be simple enough? Anything else to look out for? What are the price ranges?

Thanks JP

Cool girlfriend. I'd be mostly concerned with general abuse and neglect. I can't imagine one that hasn't been well beaten on by at least one previous owner.

Classic Bronco? That's kind of stretching the term Classic, don't you think?

Dave

I looked at a couple as a potential replacement for my wife's Cherokee. It looks like you either get very (ab)used ones or you get some that cost real money and are in nice condition, usually restored.

How about an old IH Scout as an option?

Trevor wrote: How about an old IH Scout as an option?

Any of these will be rusted away or restored and be a LOT of money. At least they were about 8 years ago when my dad was looking into one.

I love these. I have seen some super deals for them on Craigslist for Phoenix and Tucson.

Little Broncos rust in ways that make Vega's jealous.

However, if you can find one that is dry (or has had a fiberglass tub replacement), the rest isn't bad. Bronco geeks put a lot of weight on 'uncut' bodies; the rear wheel openings were rather small, so many of them have been hacked to fit larger tires. During the 1 week I shopped for one 30 years ago, it seemed that the drivetrains were typically stick = six cylinder and automatic = V8. I imagine you could mix that up, but almost every one I looked at was spec'd one of these two ways. The six is frugal and reliable but not particularly powerful.

The Scout is an alternative but sends you into a whole different world of parts...IH's were sort of like AMC's and used parts from different manufacturers (like ignitions). The parent company has absolutely nothing to do with them anymore so the aftermarket and clubs are your only source, and they are limited. They are also rust bombs, about equal with the Bronco. Still, the Scout does have a lot going for it, but I find them a bit bland and minimalist compared to the Bronco.

Thanks for the info guys. I'm definitely looking for a Bronco with as little rust as possible--drivetrain condition being less important. I was unaware that they came with a V8...I had thought they were all inline 6s.

Cool idea, especially if there's a road trip involved.

I like the classic stock-looking trucks

much more than something like these...

My parents had one brand new, sold for $3500 about 15 years ago. It was a 302 v8/auto 1976 model. The later ones have stronger axles, other than that it probably doesnt matter what year you get. If i remember correctly, the only major problems it had were it broke the timing chain when it was only a couple years old and needed a complete top end rebuild, the electronic ignition wasnt real reliable, it went though alot of fuel filters, and it had ignition switch and starter issues (I would recomend being prepared to disconnect the coil wire to shut the engine off, and to disconnect the battery if the starter sticks and wont stop cranking until these areas recieved some attention.) They are very short so handling is scary, and they are eager to swap ends if you try to make a hard stop in the rain. Other than that its pretty much just an old truck, but those are my observations from riding in one alot when i was younger.

This one by me looks like a good start at $5900 and unmolested. I'm looking for a full size Bronco as a possibility, so I also see all of the classic Broncos and Bronco II's out there. I love the old school Bronco's, but I need an FSB or F150+.

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/1578408096.html

I've had a few - currently have a fiberglass tubbed 73.

$2500 - $5000 are running projects $5k-10k gets into reasonable drivers 10k-15k decent restoration 15k and higher should be above avg restorations, specially modded or rare (stroppe broncos, military, 66 roadsters, etc) can get in the 20-35k range. There are some that have hit 40k at auction - nice restos with mods. Cut vs. uncut doesn't affect value all that much (unless it's a cut roadster, or someone reversed a cut stroppe). V8s available from just about the beginning, automatics in 73. The 170 six is torquey, but will run out of steam early - would make for a slow trip across country. Up to about 1970 came with dana 30 front ends (kingpin) - dana 44s (ball joints) afterwards. Disc brakes in 76/77 (easy to convert earlier d44s). All have ford 9" rears - bigger bearings in the 76/77s. They are more implement than car - so things are simple. Rust in the doors posts/kick panel or cowl is a pain, but nearly every part is available (including frames). Most popular alterations - disc brake conversion, power brakes (vacuum or hydroboost), lifts, wheels/tires, 351 windsor, and EFI.