Priority of Bronco Improvements?

Just bought a 1968 Bronco.  Want to keep as stock as possible and want to make improvements over time.  Thinking about having the frame and axles sandblasted and painted, good idea?  If yes, how much should this cost.  Also, want to have a good mechanic of classic cars give the engine a once over. 

Can't afford a total restoration at one time.  Need to spend a bit each year.  Any feedback on how / what to prioritize?  Thanks very much. 

Aft. viewing the pics.., somebody did a nice job of dressing up the exterior & interior.

The undercarriage is not that bad but not detailed like the above.

Not sure blasting is the way to go. I think I'd opt for steam cleaning then some manual labor

scraping & brushing.  Dirty work but saves a lot of $$$. Then spray paint a bit at a time.

Same for the eng. compartment. It can be detailed a portion at a time. sometimes removing

hoses. wrapping some wires, etc.

A classic mechanic isn't really necessary. Even a "shadetree" mechanic (like me) can do a

compression test, a vaccum test, check/tune a carb., inspect the electrial & ignition, insp. the

steering & brakes, etc. (safety is priorty #1) 

You shouldn't have to spend much $$ if you don't mind gett'n dirty..!

Priorty wise;

Safety-- tires, wheels, brakes, steering, electrical, fuel delivery, etc. all clean & functioning 

IMHO, power steering (expensive) & a floor shifter are good upgrades but not  

exactly stock.

Look close at rubber bushings. some look newish.., some look origional.

Hopefully some others will chime in with some suggestions as well.......

B

thanks very much for the feedback and suggestions.  I agree that some work I can do a bit at a time on my own.  I'll have to get a professional to run through the safety mechanicals and engine tune up for me since I don't have this experience.   I'll learn as I go too, but also want to get driving soon and know that it's safe.

thanks again and also appreciate further feedback from any/all.   

Well.., don't sell yourself short.!  No rocket science here.

If one can read a clock, turn a wrench, follow simple directions, one can do a compression/vacuum test.

Auto parts rent the gages for free.

BTW these two tests, along with look'n at the spark plugs, tell volumes as to the condition of the engine. 

However, if your more comfortable having a shop give it a "check-up" then that's the way to go.

Have fun out there..!!

Ditto everything Bully posted.  You can check out Eastwood.com. They have some great products for rust service, and the good news is that most require that some rust remain on the parts to "activate" the chemical. I have used the Rust Encapsulator with great success. 

Good Luck 

thanks very much for the suggestions and confidence..  I'll definitely be doing some things on my own.  Looking forward to getting on the road. 

question: when I bought the bronco just a week + ago the tailgate opened and closed fine.  Now I can't get the gate to open when I pull on the gate release handle.  Any suggestions?  Seem's like it's not retracting the internal rods far enough.  Is there a way to adjust?  I took off the handle and the rods and linkage all seem fine.  Thanks.

The closest (to you) EB parts house is http://www.JeffsBroncoGraveyard.com

They have a catalog that will help you see the various parts (blow up drawings) on the tailgate as well as

most every other part on your rig.  They have new & used parts.

As to your latch issue..,  with the handle out, you can pull the latches/rods out ea. side. It's a bit of a

jigsaw puzzle but reassemble on the bench & you'll see how it works. There's no actual adjustment,

just some pins-n-cips. You can clean it up.., put a dab of grease here-n-there, & reassemble. 

If something is broken.., get a used part fr. JBG.

You can get an EB repair manual fr. them as well.., or at an auto parts store.

HTH

B

thanks.  will give it a try and see what happens.

Here is another parts site I like and have had good luck getting parts from

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/fbr/full.aspx?Page=23

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/fbr/search.aspx?searchTerms=tailgate&rURL=/icatalog/fbr/t.aspx

Good luck,

>-

thanks again for all of the help.