To cut or not to cut

[bigjake]

Hey all,

I'm brand new to Broncos and I'm brand new to this site so I hope this is the right place for this topic.

I just bought a '69 rust bucket that is still 100% stock and all the numbers match. It even has the (working) stock radio in the dash. I was originally looking for something to make into a serious weekend warrior machine, but now I'm not sure what to do.

Problem: I don't know if I'll be committing a major sin if I cut the rear fenders to make way for big tires. If this rust bucket is worth a mint restored to original then I shall get out the grinder and sheetmetal and get to work immediately. Otherwise, I'm grabbing the sawzall and installing a CD player, 35's and a lift kit. Then I can start having fun right away and I can always fix the body rot when I get to it.

How do I know if the rust is too far gone for restoration to original?

What are the implications if I trick it out for off-road and make the rest of the body straight but go ahead and cut the fenders?

Thanks,

Jake

 

[S_bolt19]

Welcome to the list & to EBs

Depending on what you really want is where you should head. Most of us all agree that a Bronco in above average to good condition that is still stock shouldn't be cut. But there is a point where economics comes into play too. I have argued on this forum to save uncut EBs. I actually cut mine and it was in pretty good condition. I did it because I was starting to do more modifications than what a "stock" price could bring. So the real delima is where your abilities lie and what you really want.

It looks like the rockers, bottom of both front & rear fenders, & rear tail light post at the bottom have cancer. These are typical of EBs. I bet you also have rust on the tailgate, both inner fenders by the firewall & the floor boards. The problem you have right off the bat is can you weld, if you can, then the task of restoring isn't that big of a deal. If you can't, then I would lean to getting on with your crawler. Your main problem will be peeling the old rear fenders off and putting new skins on. You have to break the welds along the seam of 3-4 other body panels. That could get you into tearing up good metal. If you are a good enough body man, you could cut and fab your own metal to replace the rusted spots.

I don't know if I'll be committing a major sin if I cut the rear fenders to make way for big tires. If this rust bucket is worth a mint restored to original then I shall get out the grinder and sheetmetal and get to work immediately. Otherwise, I'm grabbing the sawzall and installing a CD player, 35's and a lift kit. Then I can start having fun right away and I can always fix the body rot when I get to it.

EBs are valuable to a point. Even when fully restored to original specs. A typical price you could look for is $7-10k for one in mint condition. You can push that price by doing modifications as well, it just depends on how well they are done and who the buyer is. The other thing you might want to consider is what are you going to do with this? If you restore it, are you going to show it? If you build it are you going to wheel it? Those are a couple of questions you need to ask yourself and come up with the answer for.

What are the implications if I trick it out for off-road and make the rest of the body straight but go ahead and cut the fenders?

You can have one helluva sweet wheeler. Make sure that if you go with a lift, do it right and get all the parts from one supplier. Don't get a kit from Superlift, Rancho or the other big box store brands. Go with someone who knows what they are doing for this specific application and ask questions. Places like 4-Wheel Parts Warehouse wont tell you everything you need because they don't know what you need. Call BC Broncos, Wild Horses, Cage Offroad, James Duff, Jeff's Bronco Graveyard, Tom's Bronco... any other BRONCO EXCLUSIVE company and get the info straight from the horse's mouth. If you don't, then you will kick yourself later because 9 times out of 10, you could have done it right by one of them for about 1/2 the cost from a national chain store.

One thing I would suggest is if you intend on going with 35" tires, take the original front Dana 30 and swap it for, at minimum, a Dana 44. A D30 won't handle the rigors that a 35 will bestow upon it. But you are on the right track to having one of the best 4x4s in the world. Everyone else is still trying to catch up to us )

 

[STLKIKN]

Jake,

First, welcome to the 'zone.

2nd, congrats on your first EB purchase.

If all the info you got about the truck is correct, then you do have a totally original 69...

The pics I got from Maureen showed basically what you stated, lotsa rust... it isn't too far gone to be saved, but it will be a lot of work.

Out of the dozen or so EBs I have owned only one was un cut, and even as a total rust bucket (worse than yours, trust me!) I left it that way.

Ultimately it is your choice, but you can get as much or more money from a nicely modded EB than you can sometimes get for a totally stock restored one.

 

[CUrt60]

I can feel your pain! I just had to make the decision about a 72 that I bought. The body is in good shape. But, did I want a street Bronco? No! I want one I can take off road and enjoy! If you are going to use it as a grocery getter, then don't cut it. If you want to use it off road and keep it, then cut'em, lift it, lock it and drive it.

The choice is yours!! Good luck!!

 

[Bandit]

&lt

Hey all,
I'm brand new to Broncos and I'm brand new to this site so I hope this is the right place for this topic.

I just bought a '69 rust bucket that is still 100% stock and all the numbers match. It even has the (working) stock radio in the dash. I was originally looking for something to make into a serious weekend warrior machine, but now I'm not sure what to do.

Problem: I don't know if I'll be committing a major sin if I cut the rear fenders to make way for big tires. If this rust bucket is worth a mint restored to original then I shall get out the grinder and sheetmetal and get to work immediately. Otherwise, I'm grabbing the sawzall and installing a CD player, 35's and a lift kit. Then I can start having fun right away and I can always fix the body rot when I get to it.

How do I know if the rust is too far gone for restoration to original?BigJake,my '73 had no rust ,and I cut the dash like you said for my stereo,and cut the rear fenders,took me about a milisecond to grab the cutter...did have a small tear in my eye though.I have the perfect solution...buy one in mint condition leave it stock for the wife...buy a second to highly modify....Have you seen those new glass bodies...WOW.....good luck;

BANDIT...awesome cut...'73 b-(

What are the implications if I trick it out for off-road and make the rest of the body straight but go ahead and cut the fenders?

Thanks,

Jake

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[bigjake]

Thank you all for the input. Since it doesn't seem that I'm going to be commiting a taboo, it looks like I'm going to cut. There's a heck of a lot of rust and I need a toy, not a commuter.

 

[mwood]

Don't Do It

My 70 Looked just like your when I got it. I did a frame off With needed sheet metal from Jeff's. Gave it a 2" spring lift and put on 31X10.5s and it looks great.

Check out the Pick.

Mike

 

[bigjake]

Your ride looks awesome!

I'm going to try to see if I can stuff my 33x12.5's under there with a 3.5 lift, but if I can't, I'm going to have to get out the jigsaw. We're lifting it next week. I'll keep you posted.

 

[S_bolt19]

Jake, 33x12.5 wont fit under an uncut fender. You will cause more damage than you think if you try it. You will encounter one of the following problems:

Tire rub - which will lead to tire & fender replacement

No wheel travel - which will lead to tire rub

Sheet metal damage - resulting from tire rub

Basically, what I am saying is that unless you narrow your axle and try to fit a 12.5 wide tire under an uncut fender, you will have problems. The widest tire that can actually fit under it is about a 10.5.

 

[CUrt60]

Well did you cut it or not? What is the out-come?

 

[bigjake]

I really don't think I want to if I don't have to. Still waiting to see if I can stuff 33's under a 3.5" lift without having to cut...

Can anyone save me the suspense and tell me the outcome?

We start the lift this weekend because I had to get past emissions testing problems. I passed (with plenty of room to smoke) this morning.

 

[S_bolt19]

You are going to end up cutting it with 33 x 12.5. Unless you have 33 x 9.5 or 10.5 with an 8" rim, your uncut will become a cut.

 

[bigjake]

Well, I guess I won't be sending the fender flares back... The tires and wheels have been sitting in my garage for a month now.

Thanks for the tip.

Jake

 

[bigjake]

You are going to end up cutting it with 33 x 12.5. Unless you have 33 x 9.5 or 10.5 with an 8" rim, your uncut will become a cut.

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Hold the presses... Can someone - anyone - who hasn't cut their bronco and is using 33x10.5's tell me what to expect if I go with those (i.e. rubbing, etc.)?

I really don't want to cut it and I very well might sell my new set of 33x12.5 ProComp Mudders for 33x10.5's if they'll work without needing to cut her.

Thanks for the inspiring pics Mike!

Jake

 

[DMichael5]

I was lucky when I bought my 72` I didn't know cut from un cut until I found this site. and my choice was made for me cut. Before you make the choice crawl underneth the Truck and see where all the rust is.... Looking at your pics I would be surprised if the damage did not extend into the wheel houses and floors. Unless your willing to "go the distance" and cut all the rust out plus some of the sound metal just to be sure...cut it and make your rock crawler...mud bogger or fun toy that you had in mind to begin with...

Thats my 2 cents worth...and I am glad I am no longer the newest member...welcome

DM

 

[Bandit]

&lt

Hey Big Jake,now you've been sweating over this cut or not for quite some time!If it bothers you that much why dont you leave it uncut for you clean machine and get a second to modify?**** if you can afford it a cleanmachine to modify...you can always get a rust bucket to beat the snot out of and not care if its cut or not. &lt