Hello All,
I just took receipt of a rust free, 1978 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT. I will be building it to be a multi-use rig capable of tackling trails & highways. My intent is to build this Bronco in an authentic manner without a lot of unnecessary extras, using factory Ford parts where possible, and keeping the vehicle looking as stock as possible. Nice and clean.
I also own a 1978 Ford F-150 Ranger that I redid while in college. It was a New York truck and I learned a lot of lessons, the most important being to start with a rust free rig to begin that has maintained as much of its originality as possible. My new Bronco has that with the exception of the front seats. Every clip & hose are where they were from the factory.
There are some engine and transmission fluid leaks, but nothing that a few new gaskets won't fix. It starts with no problems and feels really solid.
I will be working this project in three phases over the next 18 months.
Phase I - Swap desirable parts from the F-150 (4" soft ride rear springs, brake hoses, track bar, MSD ignition, 35" BFG's, etc), F350 brake upgrade, new bushings all around, new front super flex springs, fix all leaks and all new weather stripping (the California sun did a number on the original stuff) and add a family bar from JBG.
I have just received the last shipment of parts from JBG, so now I can get to work.
Phase II - F&R Lockers, swap transfer case from F-150 (both 205, but F150's is recently rebuilt), rebuild engine & C6, rock sliders, front & rear bumpers, winch, dual battery upgrade (I have an original auxiliary battery tray).
At the end of Phase II, all technical mods will be completed and all components will be properly fitted. Also, the F150 will be sold at this time as it will no longer be needed.
Phase III - Paint & interior restoration (sound deadening, carpets, recover front and rear seats, interior panels, tint, new sliding windows, audio with navigation) - all done to make the Bronco appear as it was from the factory - just better.
My other vehicles include:
- 2008 Mercedes ML350 SUV - wife's car
- 2005 Infiniti G35 - for sale - I walk down the street to work or go to the airport, so not much need for it now that the Bronco will be able to carry my family, unlike the F150
- 1978 F-150 - had since HS, but the rust monster will not sleep
- 1968 Chevy C20 with factory detroit locker - for sale - I only need one classic.
I will post pictures once I upload them to a site that I can share the link for.
I just took receipt of a rust free, 1978 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT. I will be building it to be a multi-use rig capable of tackling trails & highways. My intent is to build this Bronco in an authentic manner without a lot of unnecessary extras, using factory Ford parts where possible, and keeping the vehicle looking as stock as possible. Nice and clean.
I also own a 1978 Ford F-150 Ranger that I redid while in college. It was a New York truck and I learned a lot of lessons, the most important being to start with a rust free rig to begin that has maintained as much of its originality as possible. My new Bronco has that with the exception of the front seats. Every clip & hose are where they were from the factory.
There are some engine and transmission fluid leaks, but nothing that a few new gaskets won't fix. It starts with no problems and feels really solid.
I will be working this project in three phases over the next 18 months.
Phase I - Swap desirable parts from the F-150 (4" soft ride rear springs, brake hoses, track bar, MSD ignition, 35" BFG's, etc), F350 brake upgrade, new bushings all around, new front super flex springs, fix all leaks and all new weather stripping (the California sun did a number on the original stuff) and add a family bar from JBG.
I have just received the last shipment of parts from JBG, so now I can get to work.
Phase II - F&R Lockers, swap transfer case from F-150 (both 205, but F150's is recently rebuilt), rebuild engine & C6, rock sliders, front & rear bumpers, winch, dual battery upgrade (I have an original auxiliary battery tray).
At the end of Phase II, all technical mods will be completed and all components will be properly fitted. Also, the F150 will be sold at this time as it will no longer be needed.
Phase III - Paint & interior restoration (sound deadening, carpets, recover front and rear seats, interior panels, tint, new sliding windows, audio with navigation) - all done to make the Bronco appear as it was from the factory - just better.
My other vehicles include:
- 2008 Mercedes ML350 SUV - wife's car
- 2005 Infiniti G35 - for sale - I walk down the street to work or go to the airport, so not much need for it now that the Bronco will be able to carry my family, unlike the F150
- 1978 F-150 - had since HS, but the rust monster will not sleep
- 1968 Chevy C20 with factory detroit locker - for sale - I only need one classic.
I will post pictures once I upload them to a site that I can share the link for.