Sooooo I did a thing over the weekend. For the past few months I’ve been eying Craigslist and such for a 78/79 Bronco to use while I finish up my project ‘86. Key things I was looking for:
A) Mechanically Sound(or at least running)
B) As rust free as possible
C) Most of its interior intact
D) Electrically Sound
E) Preferable Ranger XLT package
One thing I’ve learned on my ‘86 is even though I saved money on the initial purchase I’ve probably spent close to what I should’ve trying to track down interior or clean up what I have and I really wanted to avoid that here. Anyways with a budget of around $5000 I knew my options would be pretty scarce.
But finally I found this[emoji116], listed for $6000 OBO near Riverside, about 5 hours away from me in Phoenix.
The ad said it ran fairly decent, had a 4” lift and 35x17 wheels. So I immediately messaged the owner and asked if I could come check it and he agreed. So I flew into LAX early Saturday and had a friend drive me out to check it out early Sunday morning. Took it for a test drive and it did pretty great, quick throttle response, 4x4 worked, no rust I could find, no dents, etc. It’s got a C6 and 400 Block. This being my first time actually being behind the driver’s seat of a Bronco you can guess I was sold immediately. So I talked to the guy and he’s selling it to help with a baby he has coming. He’d bought it about a year before for $5000 and put a new radiator, battery and air cleaner on as well as bought the rims and tires. We were able to settle at $5500 and I couldn’t be much happier! Drove it home pretty easily besides a fuel line that busted but I was able to fix without too much trouble.
The truck definitely has some issues though and I’d love some input. Couple of things I’m hoping to fix:
1) Steering
As with most of these trucks I assume the Steering leaves a lot to be desired. Driving it back I had to quickly learn that when getting over I’d need to just barely merge over and then turn the wheel back several inches further to get back straight. With the lift I’m sure it needs an alignment but I’m certain it’s more than that. Seems like the steering gear needs a rebuild since, from the engine compartment, I’m able to turn the steering shaft back and forth with minimal effort. Sound like I’m on the right track?
2) Oil Leaks
I know these engines are notorious for leaking so I was pretty lenient on the amount of oil covering the starter and the rear of the intake manifold. Also covering the valve covers and near the exhaust manifolds. I’d guess valve cover gaskets and rear main seal would be a good place to start?
3) Crazy Gauges
The left side of my gauge cluster(oil pressure and gas tank) seems to have a mind of its own. Even when I filled up it didn’t go past 3/4, but then every once in awhile would drift all the way over to the right, well past full. Also, I assumed with the way these engines are with oil pressure plus it’s age that it was accurate for the gauge to read at the very bottom. But intermittently it would move to the middle so I have no real idea what kind of oil pressure I’m generating. From what I’ve read this is probably a ground issue? I’ll be checking those.
4) Headlights
Hopefully related to the above(?) the headlights flicker pretty frequently when on.
5) Missing Emission Hose?
Near the top of my fix list is figuring out what’s supposed to go here.
I can’t imagine the breather is supposed to go there, but I’m pretty stumped as to what is. I assume I need to run some hose to something on my Carb that’s been capped off? Would love any input or even pictures of the correct setup.
6)Carb Rebuild
Fires right up and drive pretty solid but I’m sure it’s been awhile. Got a picture of the #s off the base of the Carb today and will be ordering a rebuild kit. I’ve heard these are fairly easy to rebuild which I’m hoping is true since I’ve only rebuilt one other Carb.
7) General Tune Up
I ordered new spark plugs, spark plug wires, and a cap and rotor to get things started. Would it be a good idea to get a new ignition coil as well? I’ll check the timing as well. Need to get it smogged and registered so 12 degrees is what I’ve heard?
8) Cosmetic
I was able to order replacements for these off eBay pretty quickly. Should have them by this weekend.
Not exactly sure why someone added a hole there...
9) Hood Latch Cable
Doesn’t have one. Hoping to source one here or eBay. Not may 70s trucks at my local junkyard...
10) Grille
Once the latch is fixed.
I’m sure there’s more but for now those are my big concerns. Not too certain what my long term plans will be with either truck once I get them both going but for now I’m happy to be able to see what this thing is capable of. Thanks in advance for any input!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
A) Mechanically Sound(or at least running)
B) As rust free as possible
C) Most of its interior intact
D) Electrically Sound
E) Preferable Ranger XLT package
One thing I’ve learned on my ‘86 is even though I saved money on the initial purchase I’ve probably spent close to what I should’ve trying to track down interior or clean up what I have and I really wanted to avoid that here. Anyways with a budget of around $5000 I knew my options would be pretty scarce.
But finally I found this[emoji116], listed for $6000 OBO near Riverside, about 5 hours away from me in Phoenix.
The ad said it ran fairly decent, had a 4” lift and 35x17 wheels. So I immediately messaged the owner and asked if I could come check it and he agreed. So I flew into LAX early Saturday and had a friend drive me out to check it out early Sunday morning. Took it for a test drive and it did pretty great, quick throttle response, 4x4 worked, no rust I could find, no dents, etc. It’s got a C6 and 400 Block. This being my first time actually being behind the driver’s seat of a Bronco you can guess I was sold immediately. So I talked to the guy and he’s selling it to help with a baby he has coming. He’d bought it about a year before for $5000 and put a new radiator, battery and air cleaner on as well as bought the rims and tires. We were able to settle at $5500 and I couldn’t be much happier! Drove it home pretty easily besides a fuel line that busted but I was able to fix without too much trouble.
The truck definitely has some issues though and I’d love some input. Couple of things I’m hoping to fix:
1) Steering
As with most of these trucks I assume the Steering leaves a lot to be desired. Driving it back I had to quickly learn that when getting over I’d need to just barely merge over and then turn the wheel back several inches further to get back straight. With the lift I’m sure it needs an alignment but I’m certain it’s more than that. Seems like the steering gear needs a rebuild since, from the engine compartment, I’m able to turn the steering shaft back and forth with minimal effort. Sound like I’m on the right track?
2) Oil Leaks
I know these engines are notorious for leaking so I was pretty lenient on the amount of oil covering the starter and the rear of the intake manifold. Also covering the valve covers and near the exhaust manifolds. I’d guess valve cover gaskets and rear main seal would be a good place to start?
3) Crazy Gauges
The left side of my gauge cluster(oil pressure and gas tank) seems to have a mind of its own. Even when I filled up it didn’t go past 3/4, but then every once in awhile would drift all the way over to the right, well past full. Also, I assumed with the way these engines are with oil pressure plus it’s age that it was accurate for the gauge to read at the very bottom. But intermittently it would move to the middle so I have no real idea what kind of oil pressure I’m generating. From what I’ve read this is probably a ground issue? I’ll be checking those.
4) Headlights
Hopefully related to the above(?) the headlights flicker pretty frequently when on.
5) Missing Emission Hose?
Near the top of my fix list is figuring out what’s supposed to go here.
I can’t imagine the breather is supposed to go there, but I’m pretty stumped as to what is. I assume I need to run some hose to something on my Carb that’s been capped off? Would love any input or even pictures of the correct setup.
6)Carb Rebuild
Fires right up and drive pretty solid but I’m sure it’s been awhile. Got a picture of the #s off the base of the Carb today and will be ordering a rebuild kit. I’ve heard these are fairly easy to rebuild which I’m hoping is true since I’ve only rebuilt one other Carb.
7) General Tune Up
I ordered new spark plugs, spark plug wires, and a cap and rotor to get things started. Would it be a good idea to get a new ignition coil as well? I’ll check the timing as well. Need to get it smogged and registered so 12 degrees is what I’ve heard?
8) Cosmetic
I was able to order replacements for these off eBay pretty quickly. Should have them by this weekend.
Not exactly sure why someone added a hole there...
9) Hood Latch Cable
Doesn’t have one. Hoping to source one here or eBay. Not may 70s trucks at my local junkyard...
10) Grille
Once the latch is fixed.
I’m sure there’s more but for now those are my big concerns. Not too certain what my long term plans will be with either truck once I get them both going but for now I’m happy to be able to see what this thing is capable of. Thanks in advance for any input!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk