Best Replacement Sheet Metal

[Bobby Livezey]

I am just beginning the restoration of a 78 Bronco and I am going to need to replace some sheet metal. I was hoping for some input on who sells the best replacement sheet metal such as door skins, tailgate, and door jams?

 

[Buschman]

I had pretty good luck finding my 89 fenders and panels online at LMC Truck. They are after market parts but, good metal to work with. Just be sure to check your parts when they arrive to see they are not all bent or badly dented up in the shipping proses.

 

[Bobby Livezey]

Thanks Buschman

 

[miesk5]

Yo Bobby,
WELCOME!

CAPA Certified Auto Parts.
"
The Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) was established in the public interest in 1987 to set up and oversee a testing program to assure the suitability and quality of automotive replacement parts. Independent, unbiased, non-profit, fully transparent and with no vested interest in the outcome, CAPA has since become the auto industry’s recognized authority on the quality and safety of parts used for collision repairs.

Our comprehensive testing program is a valuable public service that provides consumers, auto body shops, parts distributors and insurance adjusters with the reliable, objective means they need to identify quality replacement parts. Parts that will fit, perform, last and be every bit as safe as the originals. CAPA Certification is even recognized by government regulators as an assurance of quality.

What makes CAPA stand out from the rest is the fact that we have no vested interest in the sale of these parts or in selling of certification services. The public interest is what is at the core of the CAPA program." Read more @ https://www.capacertified.org/about-capa/overview/
.
Unfortunately it does not show any 1978 Bronco parts in their database @ https://ww1.capacertified.org/PartSearch.aspx

However, CAPA has Deleted FIVE Part Manufacturers for certain Applications such as 1978 Bromco L & R door shells and fenders. SEE ATTACHED LIST.

Ask a few local Collison repair shops about these sources.and possible suppliers that still have stock.

We replaced our 96s rust sections with 1/4 panel patch panels from MILL SUPPLY, Cleveland, OH
https://www.millsupply.com/auto-body-rust-repair-panels/ford/bronco/1987/.

They were primed and of 18 gauge steel - exact fit around wheel well arch and packaged very well for shipping.
¤▪¤

Some info for you:

1978 Bronco Dealer Brochure via Indybronco

1978 Bronco Emission Component Location Diagrams via 78brncoxlt

1978 Ford Bronco & Truck Wiring Diagrams by Ford via Bronc Mom @ Demo78 wiring diagram.pdf

1979 Bronco/F Series Electrical & Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual via topsig (Ziggy); similar to 78.

1979 Wiring Schematics, Connector Pin-outs, etc by Ranger429 @ 79 wiring schematics
Similar to 78

Bubba's M-Block Ford V8 Workshop by Dave Resch @ Bubba's M-Block Ford V8 Workshop

MANY 78 Parts Break-Out Diagrams by Indybronco (Lula Mae) @ pictures, videos, and sounds | SuperMotors.net

78 351M/400 Engine Exhaust Emission Control Information Decal & Timing by member grovermyson @ Timing - Do I need to do anything ?

C6 Auto Transmission, if equipped, Description & Operation, Adjustments, Diagnosis & Testing (partial), Disassembly & Assembly, Parts Break-Out Diagram, Hydraulic Control System Diagram, Removal & Installation & Specifications @ https://redirect.viglink.com/?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_155464716156516&key=6ed47b392b9edfe394b9e89b72717104&libId=ju70qeuf01000bgv000MAb4isjltc&loc=https://www.fullsizebronco.com/forum/6-1978-79-bronco-tech/210246-c6-rebuild.html&v=1&opt=true&out=http://www.thedieselfiles.com/Ford/C6%20Automatic%20tranny.pdf&ref=https://www.google.com/&title=C6 Rebuild - Ford Bronco Forum&txt=Description & Operation, Adjustments, Diagnosis & Testing (partial), Disassembly & Assembly, Parts Break-Out Diag...

Partial Chilton Manual for 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981 Bronco. Scanned by broncocity.com @ Bronco City

Ford Shop Manual Diagrams: 1978-1979 Full Size Shop Manuals, partial @ Technical Diagrams Archives
My Tablet takes too long to download, so try the first in this list as long as you have Adobe Acrobat 9 installed. Let me know if the downloads are worth the effort.
Includes:
Wiring Manuals & Diagrams Download PDF
This complete manual for the 1972-1979 Ford Bronco Includes Rear Lights Diagram
Motor Manuals & Diagrams Download PDF
This complete manual for the 1972-1979 Ford Bronco Includes Air Cleaner Diagram
Chassis Manuals & Diagrams Download PDF
This complete manual for the 1972-1979 Ford Bronco Includes '78 Brakes Diagram, Gas Tank Setup Diagram
Body Manuals & Diagrams Download PDF This complete manual for the 1972-1979 Ford Bronco Includes; Upper Body Diagram, Front Clip Diagram, heater Ducts Diagram, Tailgate Diagram, Console Diagram, Front Clip Diagram, Grill Setup Diagram, Heater Controls Diagram, Interior Trip Diagram, Rear Sheetmetal Diagram, Tilt wheel Diagram, Tire Rack.
GOOD FORTUNE BOBBY!
Al

 

[muddrivermike]

I have gotten some parts from Bronco graveyard. I got the panel under the striker panel the goes to the rocker panel. they matched dead on. I just had to use my flanging/hole punch tool to make holes to spot weld them in. Since I haven't gotten to paint the truck after that, now years later they are rusting out again. Hopefully Ill get a garage up soon and will take the truck apart and start a restore correctly, out of the weather.

 

[mothony]

+1 on bronco graveyard. Their customer service is great!