Buying First Bronco

[2horsegarage]

Hello all. This is my first post, and I would like to get some opinions on what potential problems I should be looking for when purchasing my first Bronco. I have looked at five or six, and think I found I like. It is a 1973, 302. The body looks very straight, from what I could see of the inside and underside looked good. The current owners rinolined the floor and under body. Is there anyway to tell if they just covered rust? Some of the "common" rust areas looked good. The inside of the front fenders in the engine compartment, the top of the fenders where the hood sits around the bolts, and the tail gate. Mechanically the engine sounded good. What kinds of things should I look for before I throw down my cash? Also, I have never a bougth a car from a private seller. What should I do to protect myself? Thanks in advance.

 

[retsoced]

I would check for leaks on the chassis and under carriage from the engine, tranny and gear boxes. If you get blow-back, it can be hard to tell where the leaks are - but you'll see them.

One trick too is to carry a small magnet and run it over common areas where folks my slather on the bondo like frosting - it the bondo is thick, then magnet won't stick....

Things I just about always do:

• pull the dipstick and check the oil for a burnt smell
  
• check the tires for wear
  
• check for rust holes in the inner fenders, near the front and rear bumpers, door pillars, etc...
  

If you have vehicle inspections, make sure it passes the inspection too, at least as best you can.

Hope this helps....

 

[muladesigns1]

check underneath at the floor real close. if there is rhino lining and undercoating on both sides thats usually a way for some folks to hide previous body work. The floors are notorious for rust, and as long as all the rust was removed it shouldnt be a problem.

P.S. good choce on the EB there the best!

Also for a Kick ass early Bronco web site look at Classic broncos.com The site has thousands of members, is put together real well, and the folks there are really talented EB builders! Thats where I spend most my time.