total build cost

[kturner]

i am buying a 89 bronco for $500. the body is pretty clean (only a few dings and very little rust). the bronco will need a new motor, interior, paint and lots of the little things.

i am wanting a bronco for play - taking camping, pulling bikes, take off the top and cruise around town. i would like to spice up the engine a bit and put a lift kit on.

is this something that is going to cost me a fortune before i am done?

i can afford a nicer bronco, but is it safe to spice up an older engine?

i need help before i buy a money pit /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[Seabronc]

is this something that is going to cost me a fortune before i am done?

i need help before i buy a money pit /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

Yes /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> . You can dump as much money into a Bronco as you can afford. Usually it is a, "labor of love", and that makes it a lot easier. I don't want to even know how much I've put into mine. she is my other woman and I don't mind at all.

Good luck,

>-

 

[Broncobeginner123]

Heres something a few of us have done to the interior, we pulled the rug out and bed lined the interior. You can chose from many different brands, Duri-Color, Hurcu line, and others, they come in mostly black but other colors are available with some $$. It makes the interior easy to clean and gives it a real nice look. Just an option for you. Best of luck with making your Bronco yours, and as Seabronc said..." You can dump as much money into a Bronco as you can afford. Usually it is a, "labor of love", and that makes it a lot easier. I don't want to even know how much I've put into mine. she is my other woman and I don't mind at all. It is true. Your mind and wallet is the limit..

Best of luck to you.

My Bronco Lined

liner

 

[Justshootme84]

Cost of a rebuilt motor, installed by a garage = $2500-$3000, about half of that is labor. Cost of paint -done right to last = $2500-$3000, much of that being the cost of quality paint and any body repair work. Cost of lift kit AND new tires+wheels = $2500-$3000. I spent at least $10K to get my 84 Bronco to it's present state, but only paid $300 for it in the beginning. Most of the work I did myself, except the paint. Now I'm spending another $5K-$6 on the 1-ton drivetrain swap, re-restoration and new tires&rims. As Seabronc stated, there's no limt on how much you can spend, and those "little things" like starters, batteries, seats, etc. add up in a hurry.

My advice is make a plan for what you want the Bronco for, and start searching the costs of any mods you'd like to do. Some call it a "Wish List", if you like. I did the work in phases, engine first, then body&paint, then interior. Over a 3 or 4 year period, it was like making a monthly car payment.

I just prefer spending that money building a rig to my needs, rather than driving a stock truck like everyone else. I think that factor is a common bond for many of us on this site. Randy JSM84

 

[Seabronc]

I just prefer spending that money building a rig to my needs, rather than driving a stock truck like everyone else. I think that factor is a common bond for many of us on this site. Randy JSM84

Randy put it just right. The satisfaction is in driving something you had a major part in making it what it is.

>-

 

[whitey]

Randy put it just right. The satisfaction is in driving something you had a major part in making it what it is.

>-

i agree. i started out wanting to go totally stock but, there are so many good looking broncos with mods that are just amazing that i've changed my mind. now i'm leaning towards about 50-60% stock.

also the comment about it being like a car payment is totally right on. i'm doing mine backwards from most. from the cosmetics on out sort of. i paid $1500 for mine and she's pretty reliable and i'm 2 miles from work so i can hop on my mountain bike if she goes down. you can see from my signature the way i'm doing mine and what i've done. each month i do a few things. this month it was a bumper, pedal pads, and an stock style exhaust = $400 - not too bad.

the costs quoted above are accurate too. my next project is a lift which i actually have to do in stages meaning i'll buy the kit then save up and get it installed along with new tires and alignment. the lift total with tires will probably run around $2500 total give or take. engine rebuild from a reputable shop again accurate i was quoted right around $2700 including removal and reinstall. paint $2000- $3000 - i have a straight, rust free and undented california body- a few dings on the roof.

miscellaneous parts = who knows?

it all depends on how you do it too. some are happy doing it half assed. i just cant do it that way unless it's a real emergency.

alot of stuff you can do at home. i do and it's very rewarding and satisfying. but sometimes you have to weigh the time vs. money thing. if i can buy 6 shocks and spend a day installing them vs taking them to a small shop and have them install them in a couple hours for $50 while i relax on a rare day off and watch the world series then to me thats a deal.

anyhow this is an awesome site where you can get great info even when it's a brainfart question and we've all had those time to time.

good luck.

 

[Big Ragu]

"You can dump as much money into a Bronco as you can afford. Usually it is a, "labor of love", and that makes it a lot easier. I don't want to even know how much I've put into mine. she is my other woman and I don't mind at all" Wow Seabronc sumed it up in one phrase......so so so true. Yes like most of us weve lost track a long time ago on how much money was dumped into our trucks. and we are not done dumping nor will we ever be. If I was you, since you already want to put what seems to me to be alot of money, I would

find a bronco in better shape. and than go from there there are plenty of good broncos out there. Find one

buy it than drive it for a little while and than decide what you want to it. you may find that you might not

want to do a dam thing to it. A stock bronco is a great riding truck that is pretty reliable. Once you get into

lifts and motor mods. you will loose the great ride and the reliablity. Hope this helps

Ragu

 

[Big Country]

just remember when you get the bronc the way you want it and you are scruising it around with the top off, you will know it was all worth it.

 

[Broncosaurus!]

just remember when you get the bronc the way you want it and you are scruising it around with the top off, you will know it was all worth it.

MMMM, I can't wait [-o<

 

[gearjammer88]

MMMM, I can't wait [-o<

[/quote

My 88 project has so far exceeded 10k..........It's what you want that counts............ $-)