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My "too cheap to buy an Early Bronco so instead I'll spend $10k on an 86" Build
I suppose it's about time for me to start keeping a log of my slow progress on the (still unnamed) Bronco.
I bought her in 2008 from a guy that just could not pass smog. Let him keep the top since I won't use it.
$800, no rust, original paint, in much better condition than anything else on the local market and 1/3 of their price.
The rear driver quarter was curled up about 8", looks like he made friends with a big rock somewhere.
'86, 302, XLT (still not sure what that entails other than the fancy trim). Pretty much stock other than the cherrybomb muffler.
My budget is somewhat flexible, I'm starting easy on the upgrades and jsut working on what needs to be fixed/maintained. After the next year or so I'll actually start digging into the expensive just-for-fun stuff.
Originally my plans were to make this an offroad beast while still retaining daily driver manners. I drive about once a week so it's not so daily.
After a lot of thought, I am going to shift my focus to making her more of a cruiser with enough ability to do some light wheeling here and there (which of course is already done stock). My reason for this is that I want to cut the cab off completely, like this:
From what I've read there are concerns with structural integrity under load in this situation. I'll reinforce what I can, but I won't be comfortable doing any heavy wheeling without the strength of the cab top. In addition, I won't put in a cage with the top off, so the mid/heavy wheeling is completely out.
My plan is to eventually get a 78-9 or another 86 with EFI and turn that into a heavy wheeler.
Power focus will be on the 0-40 and enough power to get around safely on the highway. I don't drive over 65 usually. Since I don't drive a lot, MPG gains are a bonus, not a goal.
Exterior will be olive drab green. Saw it on an old '40s Jeep and I dig it. Started with Krylon OD flat, but I think I'd rather go with the classic army semi gloss here.
Interior will be bedliner, black, probably Al's but not decided.
Not cutting the fenders or going with flares, gonna try to keep that stock.
Brakes will be upgraded eventually.
Suspension will be a secondary concern, looking at the basic 4"-6" lift to fit 35s, half for wheeling and half because it looks damn good. I don't know much about suspension so this in particular will be packed full of learning for me. Right now my garage is too short for ANY lift or tires, so it's gonna hafta wait.

I'm not big on electronics since this thing will be totally topless, but I'm interested in a CB radio, a basic decent sounding audio setup, and GPS for those times I do hop on a trail. I'll need to figure out some sort of nondescript lockable panel to hide it all.
Pics are coming. This is the only one I have, and it's not cause of the truck. :thumbup
I suppose it's about time for me to start keeping a log of my slow progress on the (still unnamed) Bronco.
I bought her in 2008 from a guy that just could not pass smog. Let him keep the top since I won't use it.
$800, no rust, original paint, in much better condition than anything else on the local market and 1/3 of their price.
The rear driver quarter was curled up about 8", looks like he made friends with a big rock somewhere.
'86, 302, XLT (still not sure what that entails other than the fancy trim). Pretty much stock other than the cherrybomb muffler.
My budget is somewhat flexible, I'm starting easy on the upgrades and jsut working on what needs to be fixed/maintained. After the next year or so I'll actually start digging into the expensive just-for-fun stuff.
Originally my plans were to make this an offroad beast while still retaining daily driver manners. I drive about once a week so it's not so daily.
After a lot of thought, I am going to shift my focus to making her more of a cruiser with enough ability to do some light wheeling here and there (which of course is already done stock). My reason for this is that I want to cut the cab off completely, like this:
From what I've read there are concerns with structural integrity under load in this situation. I'll reinforce what I can, but I won't be comfortable doing any heavy wheeling without the strength of the cab top. In addition, I won't put in a cage with the top off, so the mid/heavy wheeling is completely out.
My plan is to eventually get a 78-9 or another 86 with EFI and turn that into a heavy wheeler.
Power focus will be on the 0-40 and enough power to get around safely on the highway. I don't drive over 65 usually. Since I don't drive a lot, MPG gains are a bonus, not a goal.
Exterior will be olive drab green. Saw it on an old '40s Jeep and I dig it. Started with Krylon OD flat, but I think I'd rather go with the classic army semi gloss here.
Interior will be bedliner, black, probably Al's but not decided.
Not cutting the fenders or going with flares, gonna try to keep that stock.
Brakes will be upgraded eventually.
Suspension will be a secondary concern, looking at the basic 4"-6" lift to fit 35s, half for wheeling and half because it looks damn good. I don't know much about suspension so this in particular will be packed full of learning for me. Right now my garage is too short for ANY lift or tires, so it's gonna hafta wait.

I'm not big on electronics since this thing will be totally topless, but I'm interested in a CB radio, a basic decent sounding audio setup, and GPS for those times I do hop on a trail. I'll need to figure out some sort of nondescript lockable panel to hide it all.
Pics are coming. This is the only one I have, and it's not cause of the truck. :thumbup
