question about buying bronco

[leejam99]

I'm a newbie to this forum and to Bronco's in general. I've always wanted it one so i have been looking around to see what is out there and there are quite of few in my area for sale currently. My problem is that when it comes to car repair... i don't know squat! I've always bought brand new cars so i never studied up on car mechanics. with that said, what is the best way for me to go about buying an early bronco? seems like most of the ones that are for sales have replaced engines, mods, etc... I'm assuming that i shouldn't just kick the tires and say ok /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

Do i just take it into any mechanics and have them check it out or do i need to find a bronco specialist? does anyone know of any body in the LA/san fernando valley area?

thanks!

J

 

[alexr88]

Hi, in answer to your question about kicking the tires LOL.. Don

 

[Crude dude]

Win the lottery, find yourself a full time mechanic and then find a Bronco. If you jumble the order you will find yourself not able to afford lottery tickets. Broncos are the coolest but if I did not know a lick of mechanics, I would have sold mine 15 years ago.

 

[Broncobill78]

I'm a newbie to this forum and to Bronco's in general. I've always wanted it one so i have been looking around to see what is out there and there are quite of few in my area for sale currently. My problem is that when it comes to car repair... i don't know squat! I've always bought brand new cars so i never studied up on car mechanics. with that said, what is the best way for me to go about buying an early bronco? seems like most of the ones that are for sales have replaced engines, mods, etc... I'm assuming that i shouldn't just kick the tires and say ok /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />
Do i just take it into any mechanics and have them check it out or do i need to find a bronco specialist? does anyone know of any body in the LA/san fernando valley area?

thanks!

J

J,

While you may not BE a mechanic, tell me, are you *mechanically inclined* ? When your shower-head leaks do you call the plumber or grab your toolbox ? Do you HAVE a toolbox ? I'm not trying to be silly, these are legimate questions. While yes, the early Broncos can be daunting and expensive to rebuilt/maintain (especially if you're doing it by writing checks) the fact is that they are very simple trucks and the design is very stout and reliable. They're easy to work on and if you have the WILL to learn about them then it's not a difficult design to understand and master. I've seen complete eggheads teach themselvs how to repair & rebuilt these trucks and you can too, IF you *want* to. If you want to drive it without worrying about what goes on in the places you can't see and you prefer to solve problems by writing checks then yes, they can be very expensive toys. You have to decide how badly you want one and what you're willing to do to have what you want and then make your decision based upon *That*

 

[S_bolt19]

First off, welcome to the board. Second off the advice that has already been given is golden! If you don't know anything about an EB, then you have all the time in the world to learn. As Bill said, they are simple vehicles to work on, even if you are a novice. As to picking out the right one, that is going to be determined by what your checkbook can handle and what you want to tackle. Just to give you an idea of price range, I currently have 2 EBs, my daily driver and another that is just sitting. With the options my DD has, you would have to spend in the neighborhood of $13-18k in California to get it. Here in Colorado, I can get probable top price of $12-14k. BUT, look at my signature line to get an idea of what I have into it. My other EB, stock with cut rear fenders and a front fender that needs replacing, it is in the $1500-2000 neighborhood here and add another $500-1000 on the coast. If you can post pictures of the ones you are looking at, that would be helpful to both you and us when you are trying to see if you found a good deal.

 

[2NDTOUR89]

I have to agree whole heartedly with all of the posts here. I have had two early Bronco's and loved them both (I should have sold my other cars when I needed the money but hindsight is 20/20). Anyways, there are Bronco specialists in So Cal, all you have to do is do a web search for early Bronco's online, you will find lots of clubs etc. You might even see if you can go to a shindig or two of theirs to see different rides in action to see how built you want yours and you might even find people there that would want to sell you theirs or point you in the direction of where some might be. I have found that talking to clubs are GREAT information, just find one locally you might be able to get some face to face time with. The posts above are so true, I have a buddy that was extremely NOT mechanically inclined and since he purchased his 74, he is the most gear headed attorney I have ever know. You would not expect to see a lawyer driving a lifted, lockered 74 with a NP435 conversion Atlas t-case and an injected 302 but he does and in his 3 piece suit... Anyways that there shows that money does make this hobby change how you build your ride (he has about $16k into his AFTER the purchase of $4500) but it does show that people that dont start off with the "gearhead" mentality can get it as well. Start off by seeing what your other interests are then see how you want your Bronco to fit into your other interests. If you are an outdoorsy type person and like camping in a tent or your type of roughing it is a Holiday in without a pool makes a difference on if you get an uncut stocker with some upgrades or a more capable trail rig. Either way, do your homework, read as much as you can on them and become a book smart Bronco owner so you know what to look for when you are shopping. Hope this helps.

 

[leejam99]

thanks for all the replies!

I am very much a gear head...just not with cars. I don't mind getting dirty at all. I just need help finding the right one to begin with since i have no clue what to look for.

here's couple that i found in my area that i like for those of you that was interested in giving me some feedback. please let me know what you think.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/car/494286242.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/car/490162200.html

 

[S_bolt19]

The tan one seems to be on par with prices out there. It also depends on what he considers "virtually rust free" and what you do. I would be interested to see the floor pans from the bottom, the inner fender aprons up by the fire wall, the bottom of the tail light pillars, inside the bed along the seams, and the hard top. If it really is "rust free" then it isn't a bad starting point to base things off of. I would want a complete build sheet on it to make a just statement and proper offer.

The blue one is uncut but has big ole tires under it. Look at the rear fenders and make sure they aren't mangled. Same thing with this one, get as much info as possible. Both of these adds are vague in nature, but if it were me, I would be more apt to look at the blue one first because it is uncut and it is more than half the price than the other one. Big issue I see right off with that blue one is that he looks to have welded that front bumper onto the frame horns.....bad news there, especially if you want to put a decent bumper on it rather than a 3" pipe.

I would find out the makes of the lift kits they put on both, how long they have been on, don't be afraid to ask as many questions as possible because if they sidestep you, then there is something that ain't kosher.

 

[STLKIKN]

I agree with S bolt... I would also be more likely to check the blue one out first partially due to price, partially due to it being uncut. Make a couple preliminary phone calls, see if either has more receipts or has done more work themselves

(rather than "I was told such and such when I bought it") Hopefully someone here or one of the other EB sites has some info or is local to you or these trucks and can help you out if you are uncomfortable checking them out yourself.

Good luck on your decision!

Drew

 

[Broncobill78]

thanks for all the replies!
I am very much a gear head...just not with cars. I don't mind getting dirty at all. I just need help finding the right one to begin with since i have no clue what to look for.

here's couple that i found in my area that i like for those of you that was interested in giving me some feedback. please let me know what you think.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/car/494286242.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/car/490162200.html

Well, to be honest up-front it's pretty close to impossible to know without actually seeing either truck for real, but having said that I'd go for the $5K truck. The guy who wants $12K may have a nice truck but that's an absolute premium price and for that kind of coin I'd expect his wife to bl....well, we won't go there. He wants top dollar and the truck had best be freaking CHERRY with a capital "C". Might be a nice ride but if you can & are willing to turn your own wrenches then save yourself $7K and grab the blue one. You're always better off buying a solid truck that you can setup the way YOU want rather than buying someone ELSE's perfect dream truck. Buy a good foundation and build your OWN truck instead of paying thru the nose to buy someone else's.