Build Thread - 69 Bronco

[bulletpruf]

Fellas -

Recently picked up a '69 Bronco and figured I would start a build thread.

It was an old hunting rig; had dog boxes in the back, seats on top of the boxes, has its share of dings and dents from cruising around in the woods. The good news is that it's quite solid, so hopefully I won't have much cancer to cut out.

Hasn't been on the road in decades, but it's complete except for seats, and doors.

Here's how it sat when the PO picked it up, complete with some flat Buckshot mudders.



It has a 302, 3 on the tree, manual drum brakes, manual steering, no radio. 9" rear, Dana 30 up front. Likely has 3.50 gears but I haven't checked yet. Built November '68, originally Light Ivy yellow.

Plan is to get it running and driving again and use it as a weekend vehicle.

Picked it up on Sunday and it was a long day on the road -- started in Houston at 5 am, drove to Jackson, MS to pick up the Bronco. Then to southwest MS to pick up some AMC parts (not for a heep; they're for my Javelin), then to Baton Rouge to stop for the night. 17 hours on the road. Shorter day Monday - from Baton Rouge to Houston (5 hrs) to drop off Dad and then onward to San Antonio (4 hrs).

On the road headed home.



I got the old hacked up portion of hardtop removed when we picked it up. Didn't realize that it came with a decent full top, so we put that on and I left the hacked up bits with the PO, along with the homemade roll bar. Also came with a nice rust and dent free tailgate, along with a new set of fender flares. As for the bad news, it needs a new windshield frame and a new hood, too.


Floors are pretty solid.



Out of the weather and into a storage unit.



Homemade skid plate.



Looks pretty rough under the hood. It turns over but coil is not wired and has no fuel lines.



Bumper, skid plate, and winch removed.


It's going to take a while, because I have other cars to finish first, but I'll keep this thread updated as I progress.

thanks

 

[purplezr2]

I have a 74 in similar shape, except its from up north so it has light weight panels.

 

[TriumphFan]

Another saved from returning to dirt. With the prices as they are almost any Early Bronco is worth restoring.
I've loved mine (1976) now for 30 years and would never part with it.

 

[bulletpruf]

I have a 74 in similar shape, except its from up north so it has light weight panels.

Another saved from returning to dirt. With the prices as they are almost any Early Bronco is worth restoring.
I've loved mine (1976) now for 30 years and would never part with it.

Gonna need to see some pics of both of these!

 

[TriumphFan]

Gonna need to see some pics of both of these!

Sure.
1976 Bronco. 351W w/D0 heads, ported, etc. 33" BFGs, 2 1/2" lift, 4.11 gears, PS, PB. Purchased as a college graduation present to myself. Can't go anywhere without someone asking me to sell it.

 

[rattle_snake]

Looks like quite a 'project'. Saw your thread over on Pirate too.

I had a '77 for about 8 years.

 

[bulletpruf]

Sure.
1976 Bronco. 351W w/D0 heads, ported, etc. 33" BFGs, 2 1/2" lift, 4.11 gears, PS, PB. Purchased as a college graduation present to myself. Can't go anywhere without someone asking me to sell it.

Great looking EB!

Looks like quite a 'project'. Saw your thread over on Pirate too.

I had a '77 for about 8 years.

Yes, it's a project, but it has good bones. Learned a long time ago to stay away from something with shiny paint that hides bondo and other sins.

 

[stioc]

You're seem to be on a roll with the 'burban, the house, the trailer and now the Bronco

 

[bulletpruf]

You're seem to be on a roll with the 'burban, the house, the trailer and now the Bronco

You forgot the Alfa Romeo!

 

[gnpenning]

Congrats. If you haven't found Classic Broncos yet it is a great site with a bunch of helpful people. At least one big EB club in your state. I'm kinda of a fan with 3 in my stable. Nothing to get to excited about.

It appears you have a few uh relocated parts on the left inner fender. Just hook up a small gas can until you can clean your tank(s). No filler visible on the rear tank???

You will love driving it.

Edit. Just found your thread on CB. Glad you are already getting help.

 

[bulletpruf]

Congrats. If you haven't found Classic Broncos yet it is a great site with a bunch of helpful people. At least one big EB club in your state. I'm kinda of a fan with 3 in my stable. Nothing to get to excited about.

It appears you have a few uh relocated parts on the left inner fender. Just hook up a small gas can until you can clean your tank(s). No filler visible on the rear tank???

You will love driving it.

Edit. Just found your thread on CB. Glad you are already getting help.

Yeah, there's a cute little electric fuel pump mounted on the driver's inner fender. I plan to run an auxiliary tank until I get stuff cleaned up.

I just joined Lonestar Early Bronco Club.

Need some pics of your Broncos - please post up.

Thanks

 

[WoodsTruck]

1967 body on my 1971 frame since I got T-boned in about '91.
302, NP435, D44, 3.50 and 31's. Fitech, PS, PB, tilt.

 

[bulletpruf]

1967 body on my 1971 frame since I got T-boned in about '91.
302, NP435, D44, 3.50 and 31's. Fitech, PS, PB, tilt.

Gorgeous!

I have an NP435 setup on the way. Need to source a D44. Will definitely add PS, PB.

Thanks,

Scott

 

[gnpenning]

1st picture is my 74 during one of the Moab trips.

2nd is the 70 still on the trailer after buying. This one I run off a gas can to drive around the place until it moves up the restore list or I decide it would be smarter to sell.

Need to take a couple minutes and take some of the 76....

Like I said nothing to get excited about.

 

[bulletpruf]

1st picture is my 74 during one of the Moab trips.

2nd is the 70 still on the trailer after buying. This one I run off a gas can to drive around the place until it moves up the restore list or I decide it would be smarter to sell.

Need to take a couple minutes and take some of the 76....

Like I said nothing to get excited about.

Moab looks like fun!

Send me a message if/when you're ready to sell the '70...

Thanks

Scott

 

[1Garageman]

I am subscribing! Awesome vehicles! I am glad that they are finally bringing them back.

 

[bulletpruf]

If any of y'all have any spare parts, I need:

Seats (stock is fine)
Doors
Windshield Frame
Wheels and Tires (something smallish (31" or smaller) and road worthy.
Dana 44 front diff
Lights, lenses
Stock springs (front and rear) and good shocks to fit stock setup.
Stock bumpers - painted, not chrome. Don't have to be perfect

thanks

Scott

 

[gnpenning]

Moab is an off-roaders Paradise!! I used to be able to go a couple times a year, not anymore. I did get close to Moab over memorial weekend. It was strictly a ATV, motorcycle, sxs trip.

Post up in the parts wanted section on classic bronco if you haven't already. Also keep an eye out in the parts for sale section, several of those items you're looking for come up regularly. The windshield frame you will probably have to buy new, they generally are Rusty. I do have a set of 67 doors, but they won't work for you. 66 + 67 doors are different than the other years. Unless you plan on doing moderate/heavy off roading with larger tires/lockers The Dana 30 will work just fine. A power steering upgrade will be your friend. Keep in mind rims from Dodge and half ton Ford trucks and jeeps will work for you as well, anything with a 5x5.5 bolt pattern with the correct offset. Some are using the 17 inch rims off from Dodge trucks and opening up the center hole to fit over the hubs. Unless you are doing a restoration, many of us have upgraded the seats from other manufacturers. Many options to choose from. I used the driver seat out of a Chevy Beretta, great lumbar for me. I suggest you pick any of the aftermarket suspension systems they Ride much better than the stock ones. occasionally you will find somebody stepping up to a higher lift suspension and can pick one up for real reasonable. Of course shipping will be more than the parts.


Remind me in a couple months about the 70.

 

[bulletpruf]

Moab is an off-roaders Paradise!! I used to be able to go a couple times a year, not anymore. I did get close to Moab over memorial weekend. It was strictly a ATV, motorcycle, sxs trip.

Post up in the parts wanted section on classic bronco if you haven't already. Also keep an eye out in the parts for sale section, several of those items you're looking for come up regularly. The windshield frame you will probably have to buy new, they generally are Rusty. I do have a set of 67 doors, but they won't work for you. 66 + 67 doors are different than the other years. Unless you plan on doing moderate/heavy off roading with larger tires/lockers The Dana 30 will work just fine. A power steering upgrade will be your friend. Keep in mind rims from Dodge and half ton Ford trucks and jeeps will work for you as well, anything with a 5x5.5 bolt pattern with the correct offset. Some are using the 17 inch rims off from Dodge trucks and opening up the center hole to fit over the hubs. Unless you are doing a restoration, many of us have upgraded the seats from other manufacturers. Many options to choose from. I used the driver seat out of a Chevy Beretta, great lumbar for me. I suggest you pick any of the aftermarket suspension systems they Ride much better than the stock ones. occasionally you will find somebody stepping up to a higher lift suspension and can pick one up for real reasonable. Of course shipping will be more than the parts.

Remind me in a couple months about the 70.

Moab looks great, but my people are mud bog people. Grew up in Louisiana driving CJ-7's. Plenty of mud, but no rocks to speak of.

I'll post up an ad for parts soon. I realize that a lot of it won't be too hard to find. I think I'm going to "drive it ugly" for now, so stock stuff should work.

The lift that it has now looks iffy, so I figured I would drop it down to stock level (or close to it) and then maybe go back to a quality lift at some point.

Thanks for the tips on wheels/tires. Same with seats; will definitely upgrade to high quality seats at some point, but all I need now are something to plant my **** in. Inexpensive stock seats should be fine.

Scott

 

[gnpenning]

part of the reason I mention aftermarket seat is because stock seats are generally worn out at this point not very comfortable and not cheap. Can use the adjusters from the bronco seats with other manufacturers seats. Some guys are even using mustang seats and I believe that adjusters bolt right onto the seats.

Mud and rocks are two different things, they both can be fun at times.

 

[gnpenning]

Driving it ugly is okay. Just keep it drivable and do it any upgrades you can without tearing it down. More than one of us have got into while I'm here then a year or two down the road we have been able to drive it. Hope you have as much fun with yours as I've had with mine.

 

[bulletpruf]

part of the reason I mention aftermarket seat is because stock seats are generally worn out at this point not very comfortable and not cheap. Can use the adjusters from the bronco seats with other manufacturers seats. Some guys are even using mustang seats and I believe that adjusters bolt right onto the seats.

Mud and rocks are two different things, they both can be fun at times.

Ok, if the stock seats are expensive, I'll look elsewhere.

Driving it ugly is okay. Just keep it drivable and do it any upgrades you can without tearing it down. More than one of us have got into while I'm here then a year or two down the road we have been able to drive it. Hope you have as much fun with yours as I've had with mine.

Yeah, every time I end up going overboard with drivetrain/interior/paint, etc., I don't enjoy driving 'em. My '68 Hemi Roadrunner - gorgeous car - sat in the garage. I drove it about once a year. My 70 Ram Air IV GTO, a nut and bolt frame off, multiple show winner, Concours Gold, etc., ended up being too nice to drive. My favorite driver was a '69 GTO Judge, Ram Air III, 4 sp, about 3 different colors, ratty interior, that I pulled out of a barn in Virginia. Got it mechanically sound and had a blast driving it.

Thanks

 

[TriumphFan]

Driving it ugly is okay. Just keep it drivable and do it any upgrades you can without tearing it down. More than one of us have got into while I'm here then a year or two down the road we have been able to drive it. Hope you have as much fun with yours as I've had with mine.

Yep.
Mine has been on the road continuously ever since I bought it except when I replaced the engine. Still has the original paint with all the scars from trails, etc. It even has two small dents from the LA earthquake.

One thing about aftermarket seats. You have to be careful because a lot of them sit you up too high where you can't see out of the windshield. I bought a pair of aftermarket suspension style seats but took them out because they sat too high and were a pain to get in and out of. I still like the stock seats best.

 

[gnpenning]

Correct about seat height on some being to high. That's why I mention mustang seats and went with the Beretta seat in mine. The taller you are the bigger the issue can become.

Thanks for bringing that up.

Any pictures of yours?? Earthquake scars?? Glad it wasn't something bigger.

 

[TriumphFan]

Any pictures of yours?? Earthquake scars?? Glad it wasn't something bigger.

Mine is the one in Post #5.
The earthquake dents are from two cabinet doors that swung open and either the house walls or bronco (probably both) were moving.
It was a pretty violent in Simi Valley.

 

[brewchief]

Remember most stock springs will be 40+ years old, new 2.5" lift springs aren't terribly expensive and would be a good update, most of the venders sell a 10-11 leaf pack for the rear that rides much better than stock and you can run either a straight rate or progressive coil up front.

As has already been said the dana 30 isn't terrible for light use, it can be updated with disc brakes and those can later be used on a drum brake dana 44.

Ive had a 74 for over 25 years now. Mine is currently a 92ish 5.0 motor, np435 trans, dana 20, dana 44 and 9inch rear. The 435 and dana 20 will be leaving soon for a C-6 and 205, not the easiest fit but much more ideal for my uses.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[Jazz1]

Nice project. An option for seats check out repop VW seats. They are similar to original, similar enough as far as a low back bucket
302, that’s peppy for such a light vehicle

 

[bulletpruf]

Yep.
Mine has been on the road continuously ever since I bought it except when I replaced the engine. Still has the original paint with all the scars from trails, etc. It even has two small dents from the LA earthquake.

One thing about aftermarket seats. You have to be careful because a lot of them sit you up too high where you can't see out of the windshield. I bought a pair of aftermarket suspension style seats but took them out because they sat too high and were a pain to get in and out of. I still like the stock seats best.

I'm 6'4" so I'll need some seats that sit pretty low.

Remember most stock springs will be 40+ years old, new 2.5" lift springs aren't terribly expensive and would be a good update, most of the venders sell a 10-11 leaf pack for the rear that rides much better than stock and you can run either a straight rate or progressive coil up front.

As has already been said the dana 30 isn't terrible for light use, it can be updated with disc brakes and those can later be used on a drum brake dana 44.

Ive had a 74 for over 25 years now. Mine is currently a 92ish 5.0 motor, np435 trans, dana 20, dana 44 and 9inch rear. The 435 and dana 20 will be leaving soon for a C-6 and 205, not the easiest fit but much more ideal for my uses.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

I'm ok with worn out stock stuff for now. The lift will come later.

How do you like your NP435?

Nice project. An option for seats check out repop VW seats. They are similar to original, similar enough as far as a low back bucket
302, that’s peppy for such a light vehicle

Thanks for the tip on seats.

Also, an early Bronco isn't as light as you would think. Most weigh about 4,000 lbs, and once you start adding winches, larger differentials, cage, heavy duty bumpers, etc, you can easily top 5k.

 

[TriumphFan]

I'm 6'4" so I'll need some seats that sit pretty low.

Yeah, hard to beat the stock seats for tall people. The windshield is just too short. I'm 6'1" and have to be careful I don't pull up to stoplights too far so I can still see the light. The stockers are easy to rebuild with new foam and vinyl.

 

[brewchief]

I'm 6'4" so I'll need some seats that sit pretty low.







I'm ok with worn out stock stuff for now. The lift will come later.



How do you like your NP435?







Thanks for the tip on seats.



Also, an early Bronco isn't as light as you would think. Most weigh about 4,000 lbs, and once you start adding winches, larger differentials, cage, heavy duty bumpers, etc, you can easily top 5k.

The 435 is a tough simple trans, it would be great for a rock crawler or maybe a street cruiser that doesn't see much highway time, it doesn't work for me very well at all. My bronco is used mostly for sand dunes so I need a trans that can be shifted under power, I had a C-4 in the past and it worked great but didn't hold up, next up will be a C-6.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[bulletpruf]

Yeah, hard to beat the stock seats for tall people. The windshield is just too short. I'm 6'1" and have to be careful I don't pull up to stoplights too far so I can still see the light. The stockers are easy to rebuild with new foam and vinyl.

Thanks. Will see if I can scrounge some up.

The 435 is a tough simple trans, it would be great for a rock crawler or maybe a street cruiser that doesn't see much highway time, it doesn't work for me very well at all. My bronco is used mostly for sand dunes so I need a trans that can be shifted under power, I had a C-4 in the past and it worked great but didn't hold up, next up will be a C-6.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

The 435 should work well for me. With 3.50 gears in the diff's, I'll still have a super low first gear, but should be able to cruise at 70 mph with some 33's. Don't think I have any sand dunes in my future.

As far as the C-4 vs. C-6, why not build up a C-4? I ran a beefed up C-4 behind my 796 hp 514 in a street/strip Fairlane, so you can definitely build them to take the abuse.

 

[brewchief]

Thanks. Will see if I can scrounge some up.



The 435 should work well for me. With 3.50 gears in the diff's, I'll still have a super low first gear, but should be able to cruise at 70 mph with some 33's. Don't think I have any sand dunes in my future.

As far as the C-4 vs. C-6, why not build up a C-4? I ran a beefed up C-4 behind my 796 hp 514 in a street/strip Fairlane, so you can definitely build them to take the abuse.

I spent a ton of money trying to keep a C-4 together, two different builders( one local backyard type and one semi local that at the time built some of the toughest C-4s in the country), several different manual valve bodies, several different converters and multiple trips back and forth to the trans shop. What works in a drag car doesn't work for me in a bronco, I wish it did.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[bulletpruf]

I spent a ton of money trying to keep a C-4 together, two different builders( one local backyard type and one semi local that at the time built some of the toughest C-4s in the country), several different manual valve bodies, several different converters and multiple trips back and forth to the trans shop. What works in a drag car doesn't work for me in a bronco, I wish it did.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

Interesting. I'd probably swap it out, too.

 

[mrbracket]

I love those Early Broncos. They are too expensive here in Oregon, wish I had bought a couple in the 1980's......

We have a place here in Oregon called Tom's Bronco Parts, they might become your new best friend. Or, you may hate me for ever pointing you to them because you'll give them all your money...

In any case, enjoy that Bronco, they are sweet rigs!!

 

[bulletpruf]

I love those Early Broncos. They are too expensive here in Oregon, wish I had bought a couple in the 1980's......

We have a place here in Oregon called Tom's Bronco Parts, they might become your new best friend. Or, you may hate me for ever pointing you to them because you'll give them all your money...

In any case, enjoy that Bronco, they are sweet rigs!!

Yep. Have already checked out Tom's Bronco Parts - they're one of the best Bronco parts retailers out there.

FYI - completely finished Broncos are expensive, but projects aren't, if you don't mind getting some grease under your fingernails.

Thanks,

Scott

 

[y'sguy]

Enjoy your bronco AND the build. I did a 74 years ago for my son and really enjoyed it and the time with him on it. FYI, the best thing we did to it of all the many things we did was to add a dual shock mount kit up front. Really helps the nose to keep from diving in hard turns and make for a safer vehicle IMHO. An easy add-on upgrade.

 

[PhantomEB]

Welcome to the dark side.

Here’s my 72.

 

[bulletpruf]

Enjoy your bronco AND the build. I did a 74 years ago for my son and really enjoyed it and the time with him on it. FYI, the best thing we did to it of all the many things we did was to add a dual shock mount kit up front. Really helps the nose to keep from diving in hard turns and make for a safer vehicle IMHO. An easy add-on upgrade.

Thanks for the heads up on the dual shock mount kit.

Welcome to the dark side.

Here’s my 72.

Yowza! Gonna need more details on that! Please share some of the specs.

 

[rattle_snake]

I did dual shocks on mine, and had similar positive experience with improved handling, however...

A better approach is to run just one shock that is valved properly for the vehicle.
There are a few options of adjustable/tune-able shocks that are not horribly expensive. Plus you only have to buy half as many.

I build my own shock mounts and used duff arms. Had to sell it though

 

[Mr.N]

The 435 and dana 20 will be leaving soon for a C-6 and 205, not the easiest fit but much more ideal for my uses.

Wow, brewcheif moving to an C6