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New member with unmolested 1985 in Texas

784 Views 16 Replies 8 Participants Last post by  Alpinecowboy
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Folks
Been enjoying the forum since I started the search for my Bronco and thanks for all the advice and info you offered without me having to do more than a couple of searches.

My rig is a 1985 XLT 351W/C6 with what looks to be a heavy duty front suspension (can't tell if the rear is different than stock). I'm the third owner and the last one has had it since 1995. It has been very well maintained and it's maintenance records are more complete than my medical ones.

It's never been lifted and hasn't even had the radio switched out. Everything works exactly as it should. Everything is stock. I am probably going to keep it stock and just do maintenance and clean up the interior a hair.

Bought it in Nevada and drove it home to Texas without a hiccup.

Every part on it is "TMU" so it'll just be a question of time before you see me posting questions in the thread and getting flamed for not using search effectively. Apologies in advance.

This is my first FSB, but my third Bronco (prev. 1976 and an '85 B2 "Gambler" that is still alive)... I also had a nice '78 F150 SuperCamper that I swear could tow a tectonic plate in 1st gear if it was hooked up right.

Koby, TX / 1985 Bronco XLT aka "Ferdinand"

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That thing looks sweet! I can’t believe you drove it all the way from Nevada!
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That thing looks sweet! I can’t believe you drove it all the way from Nevada!
😂 I was mostly worried about buying the gas, but yeah - I figured why not give it a shot. The truck radio only seemed to pick up 80's rock & country stations... but I saw that as a bonus.

Honestly it was great - just kept it easy and never went over 65 on the drive... just 2,100 miles and five national parks later: boom I was home.😂

(deleted my soft topper question - I was squinting at your avatar and then saw it in full size and realized it was a black hard top just like mine. disregard!)
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Sweet. I guess you've established it runs and drives good.
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Yo Alpinecowboy,
Welcome to our Big Bronco DIY site!
Yes, your 85 does look great!
Here is some info for you;
Font Circle Monochrome photography Fashion accessory Brand


Rear 9 inch Differential
Motor vehicle Line Auto part Font Automotive lighting




●1985 Bronco Dealer Brochure via Gary @ 1985 Bronco - Gary's Garagemahal (the Bullnose bible)

1985 Electrical & Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual - Gary's Garagemahal (the Bullnose bible) by Ford via Gary
Very important for future issues.

1985 Owner Guide by Ford via Gary

Ford Manual Transmissions @ Ford Truck Manual Transmissions – Blue Oval Trucks

1985 Bronco/F Series Specifications by Ford via Gary

1985 Bronco/F Series Lubricant Specifications by Ford via Gary

1985-1986 Fuel System Adjustments - Gary's Garagemahal (the Bullnose bible) by Ford via Gary

80-86 Bronco Differences by Gary @ 1980 - 86 Ford Trucks - Gary's Garagemahal (the Bullnose bible)

Fasteners & Illustrations by Gary @ Ford 1980-86 Pickup Fasteners - Gary's Garagemahal (the Bullnose bible)

1985 Exterior Colors & Codes by Ford via Gary

Haynes Red Manual for 80-95 Bronco & F Series @ Hanes guide 80-96 bko f series.pdf via member BroncMom!

See my mostly recovered site by member schwim @ Ford Bronco And F-150 Links - FORD BRONCO
It contains boo-koo component repairs, installation & parts sources.

For any Bronco questions or to chat about it's planned modifications or build, it's better to post each seperately in Noobie Bronco Tech Questions. Flame free zone. This will get more attention and you can build up your post count to get into other sections such as Bronco and Ford Parts/Accessories which requires at least non-padded 50 posts to buy, sell or trade due to scammers who preyed on our members many times.

Baba Looey's Favorite FSB Links (lots and lots of tech links) including, "how do I get the tailgate glass to...", etc.

Forum FAQs includes for example, Hot to Use Search. How To Save (Bookmark) Threads Or Posts and more tips!

Try to find time to participate and vote in our Full-Size of the Month Contest & later in the year, Full-Size of the Year Contest @ Voting
You will get ideas by those competing.
Prizes are awarded to Winner; a full spread in Bronco Driver Magazine is the top prize, in addition to a years subscription, once the article is submitted and a years worth of premium FSB membership!

Al
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Wow! You guys sure do know how to make someone feel welcome. Thank you.

Yep it's running solid, and like any older truck I'm sure it will give me opportunities to get to know it better sooner or later. That said, I know if I take care of it I've got no doubt it will take care of me.

Now if y'all will excuse me... I've got fourteen windows open now from @miesk5 that I need to digest...!!! :)

Yo Alpinecowboy,
Welcome to our Big Bronco DIY site!
Yes, your 85 does look great!
Here is some info for you;


Al
Sweet. I guess you've established it runs and drives good.
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😂 I was mostly worried about buying the gas, but yeah - I figured why not give it a shot. The truck radio only seemed to pick up 80's rock & country stations... but I saw that as a bonus.

Honestly it was great - just kept it easy and never went over 65 on the drive... just 2,100 miles and five national parks later: boom I was home.😂

(deleted my soft topper question - I was squinting at your avatar and then saw it in full size and realized it was a black hard top just like mine. disregard!)
It’s the lighting. It’s a midnight blue hard top.
Are you in west Texas, or did you cross the state too?
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It’s the lighting. It’s a midnight blue hard top.
Are you in west Texas, or did you cross the state too?
I'm near the middle just outside of Austin. Luckily didn't have to cross the whole thing...
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Welcome to FSB and congrats on the sweet lookin', and evidently sweet running and driving Bullnose Bronco!
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Very nice! Looks like it doesn't need much work...that's cheating. 🤣 Awesome way to get it home. That should be a thread of it's own.

I'm in Lampasas but drive to ATX a couple times a week...I'll keep an eye out for it on the road.
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Very nice! Looks like it doesn't need much work...that's cheating. 🤣 Awesome way to get it home. That should be a thread of it's own.

I'm in Lampasas but drive to ATX a couple times a week...I'll keep an eye out for it on the road.
You’re 100% right: definitely cheating! 😂🤣😂At least mechanical speaking. I did the plugs and wires this weekend and braced myself for contacts covered in charred oil and metal debris (as I’m used to from other projects) but no…. Just normal wear.
There is some fender rust I need to deal with and I’ll probably redo the interior next fall once it cools off again.
I’ll definitely keep an eye out, I’m out in kingsland and burnet quite a bit and you’re just a hop from there. Thanks for the welcome!
Welcome to FSB and congrats on the sweet lookin', and evidently sweet running and driving Bullnose Bronco!
Thank you! I got lucky on this one!
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freaking cool ride and story, howdy from a fellow Texan here up in FW. (first time FSB owner here too)
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Ferdinand is a perfect name for that Bronco - well done
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Nice looking Bull there @Alpinecowboy !!

I picked an 86 up from Texas a couple years ago. Slowly making it what it is today!
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Nice looking Bull there @Alpinecowboy !!

I picked an 86 up from Texas a couple years ago. Slowly making it what it is today!
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Lookin goooood!!!
Ferdinand is a perfect name for that Bronco - well done
Thank
freaking cool ride and story, howdy from a fellow Texan here up in FW. (first time FSB owner here too)
your forest green / black combo is pretty tight!!
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