Bronco Newbie

[spittinfire]

Ever since I was 15 and looking for my first car I wanted a Bronco and now that I decided to sell my Triumph Spitfire I'm able to afford one. I'm now 24 and finally seriously in the market for a Bronco. I've found several on the internet that I'm interested in hopefully in the next few weeks I'll be able to bring one home!!

I'm not new to Fords or old cars, I've restored 3 Spitfires and I'm currently working on a 67 Mustang Fastback. I also helped with my dads 65 coupe here and there. I am new to Broncos and other then what I can read on the internet thats about all I know. Is there anything I should watch out for other then the known rust areas? Any tips you guys might have would be greatly appreciated and as soon as I pick on up I'll be sure to get some pics of it up here.

Thanks, Wes

 

[Seabronc]

Welcome to the Zone > . Other than rust just be sure that things work like the tail gate window, hubs, transfer case goes into all positions like 4lo, 4Hi and 2WD, power windows, the usual used car stuff.

Good luck,

>-

 

[spittinfire]

I'm in the market for an early bronco so I'm not so worried about power windows, sorry I didn't specify before.

 

[S_bolt19]

The typical "bad" spots for rust on an EB is inside the engine box up next to the fire wall on both inner fenders, the floor boards, rockers, the tail gate, and the rear corners under the tail lamps. Those are all prone to catch water & rust out. They aren't too much to fix and/or just cut out. I would also look at the front end and make sure that it hasn't been in any wrecks. I came across an EB last week that the guy was selling as "prestine" and I popped the hood and the entire inner fenders were wrinkled from where it had been hit and someone tried to pound the fenders out. Look at all your mechanical items like seabronc said, the engine & drive train. If you are working on a 'stang then there isn't much difference as far as that goes except you got an x-fer case and front diff. Just use common sense and don't let someone sell you a lemon. If you get a chance, when you go to buy it, snap some pictures and give some info on it and post them here on the board. There are enough guys that can help you in determining if it is worth the asking price or if it is a good deal. If you can latch on to one for around $1500, then I would probably do it...even if it does need some "minor" repairs.

 

[spittinfire]

Right now I'm more in the market for a driver that needs little to no repair. It doesn't have to be perfect, just solid. I'm looking to spend $4-4500 on it or less if the deal comes along. I've found one near St. Louis that I'm interested in but I"m still waiting on some more pictures.

Thanks for info on the rust areas, I wouldn't have thought to look around the taillights, or the inner fender wells. Most vehicles I've delt with those spots stay pretty dry. Thanks for the advice so far and any more is welcome....

 

[TEQUILA]

Yeah just give it a good look over. Dont be affaid to take ur time also. Ur spending the $$ not the seller. Make them work for ur money. I picked up (dont know if you guys remember the the sky blue with a white top EB) an EB and have spent about 4k in 3 months on the breaks, clutch, engine, tries, lift (3.5), and the list goes on. I have found out that I need to replace mostly all the ex. body parts. I picked her up for $3700.00. So, just take ur time and "DONT BUY THE 1ST THING U SEE".

Good luck

 

[spittinfire]

Thanks for the advice guy! Sounds like I just need to look it over like any other 30+ year old vehicle. The trouble spots mentioned above were a great help. I've been looking everywhere!! Anything I can find on the internet as well as local listings and newpapers. Do you guys have any suggestions as to where I might find some more listings online? Any ideas as to what I might be able to get with $4500-5000? I know it will vary with area and individual situation but just ball park?

 

[Herd62]

Ever since I was 15 and looking for my first car I wanted a Bronco and now that I decided to sell my Triumph Spitfire I'm able to afford one. I'm now 24 and finally seriously in the market for a Bronco. I've found several on the internet that I'm interested in hopefully in the next few weeks I'll be able to bring one home!!
I'm not new to Fords or old cars, I've restored 3 Spitfires and I'm currently working on a 67 Mustang Fastback. I also helped with my dads 65 coupe here and there. I am new to Broncos and other then what I can read on the internet thats about all I know. Is there anything I should watch out for other then the known rust areas? Any tips you guys might have would be greatly appreciated and as soon as I pick on up I'll be sure to get some pics of it up here.

Thanks, Wes

what year you lookin for

 

[76Explorer]

The last two year models (76-77) came with front disk brakes, so you don't have to spend extra to upgrade. Have you looked here... http://ww2.collectorcartraderonline.com/searchresults.php