Classic Bronco?

Airmapper

Inactive Member
I've seen photos of a few, I know they exist. They have a lot more time, money, and skill than me. I'd have one if I could manage at least 2 out of 3. The best one I seen had a matching trailer, which I'd say is a necessity.

Being very familiar with them, I actually wouldn't want one for that though. Be fun for short trips and riding around, but not extended travel. They are superb on trails. Modern SUV's are a lot more comfortable and reliable. You sacrifice a lot for the "cool' factor. They suck gas like a shower drain, they have a tiny interior, and they will be tiring to drive on the highway.

Not that I wouldn't rock one in a heartbeat, but it would not be a primary rig.
 

toddz69

Explorer
I'm an early Bronco guy and I get about as 'expo' with mine as anyone. The longest trip has been about a 9-10 day trip in remote sections of the western US (CA and NV on that particular trip). I've also traveled a lot in AZ in mine on shorter trips. Many of mine have been with 2 people and my last 'long' trip in 2013 was just me in the truck. With two people, the truck is packed to the gills with gear and supplies (I carry an Engel fridge on those trips). When I was solo, the packing was a lot more manageable.

Airmapper has a pretty good assessment of the situation with them. Another factor with them is like most old rigs, they usually aren't air-conditioned so the interior and all your gear gets pretty dusty/dirty in pretty short order. With each trip I took, I sealed things up better and adapted better solutions, but you can only do so much without a pressurized cabin.

I use mine since it's been my primary 4WD rig since I was 12 (I'm pushing 50 now) so there's a lot of sentimental attachment and understandings/acceptance of its shortcomings - like Rover owners :).

Todd Z.
 

toddz69

Explorer
A rising tide raises all boats, and as the prices on the EBs have gone stratospheric, the others, to varying degrees, are going up too. The 78-79s have seen the greatest increase followed by nice 92-96 examples.

Todd Z.
 

plainjaneFJC

Deplorable
A rising tide raises all boats, and as the prices on the EBs have gone stratospheric, the others, to varying degrees, are going up too. The 78-79s have seen the greatest increase followed by nice 92-96 examples.

Todd Z.
Saw a really nice 78 on Barrett Jackson the other day, it went for around 36. Seems like a lot but it had that much in it easy in restoration
 
Saw a really nice 78 on Barrett Jackson the other day, it went for around 36. Seems like a lot but it had that much in it easy in restoration

By the time I finish my 79 I will have near that or more. I never expect to ever get the value of what I put in to it. Since a little child I have been involved in frame off restorations. It is usually a money losing deal and you have to do it for the love of preserving history. I can not stress enough about how it is more labor intensive than just throwing reproduction parts at it. The market is flooded with older vehicles that have reproduced parts bolted on and a paint job thrown on it to make it look brand new.

This is the last vehicle that my Dad and I restored together before he past away. We did as he wished and all of his vehicles went to museums open to the public for all the world to see. He believed that was his payment for the labor of love he put into them.

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Mccool

Observer
By the time I finish my 79 I will have near that or more. I never expect to ever get the value of what I put in to it. Since a little child I have been involved in frame off restorations. It is usually a money losing deal and you have to do it for the love of preserving history. I can not stress enough about how it is more labor intensive than just throwing reproduction parts at it. The market is flooded with older vehicles that have reproduced parts bolted on and a paint job thrown on it to make it look brand new.

This is the last vehicle that my Dad and I restored together before he past away. We did as he wished and all of his vehicles went to museums open to the public for all the world to see. He believed that was his payment for the labor of love he put into them.

View attachment 457448View attachment 457449View attachment 457451View attachment 457452View attachment 457453

I'd like more details on this if you have time. Year and model? Looks like y'all did a fantastic job restoring it
 

Buliwyf

Viking with a Hammer
Also check out the early Ram Chargers. Similar to the Bronco, but without any fanfare, and cheap.

188550_c078e2ac11_low_res.jpg


That short wheelbase stinks on the hwy, though.
 
I'd like more details on this if you have time. Year and model? Looks like y'all did a fantastic job restoring it
Sure no problem
1911 Brush Designed and built by A.P. Brush. He went on to later work for Cadillac. It is a 4 expanding coil suspension with solid wooden axles and chain drive. The engine is a one cylinder water cooled with an internal counter balance wheel. It uses a set of movable ignition points mounted on the front end of the crankshaft controlling what is know as a buzz box coil for ignition. The transmission is a 2 speed semi auto transmission with reverse. It uses two planetaries that are uses clutches to control. Engine speed and ignition timing are controlled by the two brass knobs at the steering wheel. A.P. Brush wanted to build a car that could be worked on without crawling underneath so the floor boards are removable. Back then when you bought a car you got just the car. No lights no top no speedometer. The front headlights are carbide. The black brackets on the firewall and on back end are for carbide running lights. Looking at the body you can see the resemblance to a buggy. That is a carry over from the horse and buggy era. Most everything that isn't black is wood except for fenders. I was gifted in being taught the old world trade skills of metalworking, machining, and woodwork.
 

Mccool

Observer
Sure no problem
1911 Brush Designed and built by A.P. Brush. He went on to later work for Cadillac. It is a 4 expanding coil suspension with solid wooden axles and chain drive. The engine is a one cylinder water cooled with an internal counter balance wheel. It uses a set of movable ignition points mounted on the front end of the crankshaft controlling what is know as a buzz box coil for ignition. The transmission is a 2 speed semi auto transmission with reverse. It uses two planetaries that are uses clutches to control. Engine speed and ignition timing are controlled by the two brass knobs at the steering wheel. A.P. Brush wanted to build a car that could be worked on without crawling underneath so the floor boards are removable. Back then when you bought a car you got just the car. No lights no top no speedometer. The front headlights are carbide. The black brackets on the firewall and on back end are for carbide running lights. Looking at the body you can see the resemblance to a buggy. That is a carry over from the horse and buggy era. Most everything that isn't black is wood except for fenders. I was gifted in being taught the old world trade skills of metalworking, machining, and woodwork.

What an impressive piece of history, thanks for posting.
 

ExplorerTom

Explorer
Airmapper has a pretty good assessment of the situation with them. Another factor with them is like most old rigs, they usually aren't air-conditioned so the interior and all your gear gets pretty dusty/dirty in pretty short order. With each trip I took, I sealed things up better and adapted better solutions, but you can only do so much without a pressurized cabin.

Todd Z.

I hear what you're saying about the AC, and I just got back from a trip around the Alpine Loop and Black Bear Pass where the interior of my Expedition got filthy, but I couldn't imagine doing the trails with my windows up and AC on. On the highway- the AC got used, but on the trail the windows come down.
 

NevadaLover

Forking Icehole
The ramcharger is also a much better looking vehicle.!:cool:

Can't say I have ever heard/seen anyone say that before! you must really hate ford? gotta disagree on this one, classic broncos are some of the coolest rigs left, especially compared to ramchargers/trailblazers!!!
 

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