Possible New Bronco Owner

[ScreamSalvation]

Well,

I'll start off with a small introduction. I'm a 21 year old computer tech that is the head of a law enforcement IT center. I have always loved older Toyota pickups and SUVs but I have a good deal that might be coming through that I can not refuse. I've had a Ford Mustang that I loved and a Ford Ranger that I absolutely hated. How reliable are these early Broncos when it comes to parts etc.

I just got a call from a friend saying his grandmother has a 72 Bronco that was her late husband's, It has been sitting in storage for the last 15 years and her son has been looking after it. He is a pilot in Alaska and flies in once a month and has spared no expense on this suv. From what I am told it is immaculate, he just dropped in a brand new and built up V8 that has never even been run, only turned over. I am planning to go see it and if it is as good as they say I will buy it because at the price they are asking I am basically stealing it from them.

The down side is that I will be selling my very reliable 88 4Runner which has been my baby for a while now.

Opinions? Suggestions? Comments? Any experiences with Ford build qualities of this year would be appreciated. My mustang as solid as a rock, my Ranger was a peice of crap on wheels. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> sorry if I offend.

 

[Broncobill78]

It's a personal choice. To be perfectly frank the Early Broncos are some of the *most* sought after trucks out there and for good reason. Generally speaking they're exceptionally tough & reliable. They're simple as can be and very easy to maintain, repair and upgrade. They're great trucks right out of the box but since they're Ford's and can interchange parts with many other years you can do all sorts of things to make them even tougher still. The 66'-77' body style is a classic and is *exceptionally* popular, it's not at all uncommon to see a well built truck of this vintage sell for $12K-$15K if it's well built & optioned and prices can easily go even higher. You can be absolutely assured that this truck will only appreciate in value over the years, a well-built & cared for truck will continue to appreciate for years & years, this is not a truck that's ever going to go down in value. They're they 69'-70' Mustangs of the 4x4 world. I won't make a long drawn out post of this but to be perfectly honest you'd be a fool NOT to grab a 72' Bronco that's been in storage for the last 15 yrs (unless it's been stored in a pigeon coop) and you can rest assured that if you don't grab it someone else will. That's not a truck that will spend much time on the market. Your 88' 4Runner is a nice truck but how many *millions* of them did Toyota build ? If you want to blend in with the crowd keep what you have, if you're the kind of guy who thinks a 69' Fastback would be a *******' ride then run (don't walk) down to your friends house and throw money at his Nanna.

PS. If you decide to pass then ignore the pleas of anyone else on this forum (because I *did* answer you first after all) and shoot me a PM with their phone #

 

[S_bolt19]

HA, Bill, I knew you would eventually talk yourself back into an EB. Anyway, back to the original post. Like Bill said, you can only get one that is going to appreciate in value. Most of the time when an EB is going down in price it is because the owner just lets it rot. Anything can be upgraded on them and it is only limited by your imagination and your wallet. I have my 72 currently insured for $15k and it is worth more than any one in my family's cars that are less than 15 years old. What kind of price are they asking and if you can get some pictures, post those up along with a list of things that have or have not been done to it. If you are talking that you can get a rust free, uncut for 5k, you do have a steal. If you are talking $15k for that same rig, I would definatly have to know the specs on it and also see pictures to reaffirm thier asking price.

But in a nutshell, you are not going to be losing money by getting an EB. They are getting more popular by the day.

 

[ScreamSalvation]

Not sure of the engine size, but suppousedly custom built brand new v8 from a local engine shop, 5k right there. New wiring harness, everything new in the engine bay, perfect interior (so they say) and body has been shot with new paint and undercoat. Everything is in running order, engine is in the bay and has been turned over but never run, and all drivetrain in place. Exterior panels are not on the truck and are sitting next to it in storage.

My friend was telling me they said they would take around 4k. I will be going there Wends. to look and take photos and strike up a deal (Gotta sell my current 4Runner before I can bring it home) but already have a buyer for it.

Edit: They are willing to sell cheap because their granddaughters father knows me, they want it out of storage, they are ready to let go of the sentimental value, and gotta put some of it back together.

 

[S_bolt19]

If they want 4k I would jump all over that if it is as nice as you say. I have a "builder" that I could easily get $2k for. Definatly get some pictures and post them up for us to see.

 

[Bully Bob]

Ditto the above..!! B)

I paid $3K for mine in '91 & it's worth well over $15K now. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

That's 400% rise.... try that at B of A .... [-(

 

You'll have some work to do..but it's all good...

B

 

[ft. t bronc]

I agree with everyone, sounds like you gotta buy. But, remember it's 35 years old. I wouldn't leave myself without another reliable ride for at least the first few months while you work out any bugs in the Bronco. I bought a '73 in great shape a few weeks ago, also with a newly rebuilt motor, and it's currently sitting in my driveway not running. Just a thought.