95 Rust Belt Bronco Rehabilitation

Getting closer. I'm gonna have to hold off on a full paint job till next summer. Considering the cost of paint, I'd rather paint it all than just part of it. That will give me a chance to clean up the old tailgate too.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Got a good coat of paint on everything today. It came out ok, but not good enough that I wont try to repaint it all. I decided to hold off on filler untill I'm able to do a proper paint job.

Also, got the bumper mounted. I'll throw the lights back in and I may take it for a ride. Hopefully I can catch my neighbor and get some help getting the tailgate back on.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Finally, took it for a drive today. By no means do I think I'm done, but being able to drive it again feels fantastic.

Now I gotta do something about those F150 badges.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

I posted a picture of the bronco from this same spot last year. Nice taking it without trying to keep the rust out of the frame.

We took it back to pipestem for the day. Between that and a few side trips I put right at 100 miles on it today. The ride was amazing. It was an absolutely beautiful day, and going topless made it even better. Today made me feel silly for never taking the top off of the one I had years ago. It also has me thinking about a soft top, but I dont think it could handle the snow we get here.

I'm hoping to get the top put back on tomorrow. I'd like to check for leaks before I start putting the interior back in.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

I need to take another picture but I got the top back on a couple days ago. I did replace all of the weatherstripping on the top. We have had alot of rain and so far everything inside seems to be staying dry. I didn't feel great about the weatherstripping piece that glues to the cab end of the top and butts up to the roof. I found it hard to get it clamped down in a way that the adhesive to dry evenly.

At this point, I have done all the major things to it that I will do this year. I want to get it out and enjoy it for the fall. I havent decided if I want to put the interior back in it now or wait and bedline the floor. I already bought a couple gallons of rustoleum bedliner so I probably should use it.

Next spring I'm going to patch the original tailgate and repair the radiator support. Once that's done, I'll give it a proper paint job.

In the immediate future, I have a parts bronco that needs to be stripped. If I can get the good parts out of it, I'd like to get it out of the way.




Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Well... I coated the rear floor with the rustoleum clear bed coating a couple days ago. It still needs a couple days for heavy use but seems tough. I heard enough concerns about water getting under the stuff and causing rust so I kept the stuff clear. That way I should be able to keep a watch on it and fix anything before it gets too bad.

I rolled the stuff with rustoleum's reccomend applicator kit. The kit was just a special roller and natural brush. I still think the stuff would have gone on much better had I been able to spray it. There were a few spots that I got it too thick and its having trouble drying.

I waited the recommended time between coats on a warm day but I think it would have been better to wait just a little longer. I thinking that would have helped with the runs in the tight spots.

Unfortunately, I still have a leak. I'm not sure where it is coming from specifially but seems to be from the top. It looks like its dripping off the corner of the top, but could be running in from anywhere. I replaced all of the top rubber and tailgate seals. The only thing I didnt change was the rear seal between the bed and the tailgate. I dont think it's the problem but I may still change it. I have new seal that I was gonna put on the 96.

I was about to put the rubber floor back in it when I found the spot. I still may put it in but I'm going to pull the insulation off the back. Not only is it cover in rust from before, but I dont want to risk it holding water.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

The top really isn't something that leaks, as the entire perimeter from the center of the roof, to the back of the rear quarter panel is all on a raised pad, and water doesn't flow uphill, so check for the old crusty seam sealer in the roof rail rain ditch, & also the seam between the rear quarter & the roof panel. Both are commonly known water intrusion areas.

Captain Bo said:

great thread you have here! I have to fabricate ton of the mounts on the underside of my cab body the ones I am speaking of are behind the driver and pass seat have you looked at yours, was hoping we could collaborate!

Click to expand...

Thank you. It's been hard work but I have learned so much.

Right or wrong I have tried to avoid disturbing the body mounts before I have to. The frame is strong enough, but i will be addressing some issues with it in the spring.

I'm currently working to dismantle a parts bronco. Its frame is better, and I'm planning on correcting the smaller issues on it. Once its cleaned up, I may do a frame swap.

Here is the spare frame. I'll take some better pictures of the body mounts tomorrow. I actually think I have seen them for sale, but I cannot think of where. I do know they are bad to rust out even with everything else is great.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

All I can think about is this cracked transmission case!! Holy cow thats something I've never seen before. I suspect a "Ya'll watch this" preceeded the event causing this damage!!

Captain Bo said:

Thank you Stiich's95 that would be great !

Click to expand...

Here are pictures of the driver side front body mount. See if these help you. I'll get the one behind the driver seat next.

Lmc does have them in their catalog. I didnt check the website to see if they are in stock.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

@Captain Bo here is the next one back. As you can see this one is gone. The center hole should be the same size as the one on the front. I'm always amazed when I see something almost perfect and then a similar piece completely gone just a couple feet away.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk