68 Bronco

[all4him]

I am looking to purchase a Bronco for my husband's 50th Bday. I looked at a nice 1968 1/2 cab today that is listed for 12,500 in the classfifieds. When driving it it seemed as if he had a hard time getting it into 4 wheel drive and when accelerating it it had a kick back. are these normal kinks for a vehicle of this age? the 302 has less th10,000.00 miles on it. I did notice some Bondo on lower door panels but all in all it looked like a sweet ride.

Is there some type of buying guide or a better gauge for me to know what to pay. This is a surprise and I certainly want it to be a nice surprise. He had a 69 before.

 

[Bully Bob]

This website has a "JBG" classifieds with 100's of comparisions.

(same for "Classic Broncos" website)

"are these normal kinks for a vehicle of this age?"

These rigs are sturdy as a rock., when maintained correctly.

The only kinks would be those created by individuals taking short-cuts., etc.

"seemed as if he had a hard time getting it into 4 wheel drive "

Again., this is somewhat normal.., & normal maint. will likely cure it.

Not sure what kick-back is but it should start., stop., turn., accelerate., etc. just like any other veh.

Good luck with your search & geographical location also comes into play @ value.

BTW.., the '68 had a 289...so if it's a 302, it's been swapped out.

Lastly...., I'm trying to put myself in his place.., & I must say., I would rather pick my own rig., with the eng., trannie., mods, etc. that I prefer., (The surprise only lasts 10 min.) but., that's just me.

 

[Bronc76]

As Bully said, the classifieds should be the way to go for comparisons. You can also try hemmings or autotraderclassics. If you want to know if its an original 1/2 cab, check the first three characters of VIN number on drivers side door and glove box, (U14- 1/2 cab, U15- wagon), if thats not important, dont worry about it. You can also check for other places for bondo such as quarter panels and tailgate with a small magnet. (it might help in lowering price)

 

[all4him]

Thanks Bully:

I know it would be better for him to pick it bu he would never buy anything for himself like this. I here his stories about the 69 he had growing up and how much he loved it. So I gathered bits and pieces of info, like cut/or uncut, 4 wheel drive, tires, headers etc. I think I have a good idea but I am at an extreme disadvantage as I know nothing about this kind of stuff.

I have since emailed the seller and asked if I can bring a mechanic with me to look at Tran/4 wheel drive and rust/bondo. There are not too many in Florida so I am limited in my search options.

 

[Bully Bob]

"I have since emailed the seller and asked if I can bring a mechanic with me"

This is pretty much a "must" ...good to see ya doing that. $12.5k seems a bit high.....but could be well worth it.

These rigs get their prices "inflated" as un'knowledgeable folks get hold of them (mask a few problems) & think they're going to make a ****'n..!

You'll do fine.., do your homework & give it a "close" look.

---------I just noticed it has an auto trans....if that's what you mean @ "kick-back" shifting.., then it may have a "shift-kit" in it.

Some folks like them., some don't.

P.S. you don't have any sisters do ya...??? /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[all4him]

I sent the email and the seller has come down considerably on price. It has the c-4 auto trans dual magna flow chrome headers as well as p/s p/disc brakes and the 302 has less than 30k on it. It also has nice 35 inch tires with less than 400 miles on them. I am thinking that I may purchase. Yes, I have 5 sisters and no...... you dont want anything to do with them /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> The new price is "as is"

"I have since emailed the seller and asked if I can bring a mechanic with me"This is pretty much a "must" ...good to see ya doing that. $12.5k seems a bit high.....but could be well worth it.

These rigs get their prices "inflated" as un'knowledgeable folks get hold of them (mask a few problems) & think they're going to make a ****'n..!

You'll do fine.., do your homework & give it a "close" look.

---------I just noticed it has an auto trans....if that's what you mean @ "kick-back" shifting.., then it may have a "shift-kit" in it.

Some folks like them., some don't.

P.S. you don't have any sisters do ya...??? /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[Bully Bob]

"Yes, I have 5 sisters and no...... "

Ahhhh..., was hoping I could talk one of'm into buy'n me another Bronco..!!! :lol:

---Oh well., -----

A few other things to ask about would be;

The wiring...hoping it's not too chopped & patched.

What gearing in the front & rear axles...? should be at least 4:11's

What lift kit was used..?

P/s & disc were not stock in '68., so what kit/supplier was used...?

---Sounds like it may be a "keeper" ---

hope this helps., good luck,

Bob

 

[S_bolt19]

What did they come down to if you don't mind me asking? FLA & CA tend to have inflated costs on the EBs. If he has come down even to 10k I might have a tough time buying that. I go off of mine for a price range because of the modifications I have don, which are substantial. In this economy I would have a tough time getting 10-12k for mine, but 3 years ago, I could have asked and probably gotten in the 17-18k range.

Take a look at Craigs List in Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Wyoming and other western/landlocked states (not the Lake states). Reason being is that #1 You might be able to find a better deal, even with shipping than what you have & #2 they are typically in better shape than coastal/lake state Broncos. I sold an EB that was a 1970 last summer that was in amazing shape for $1500. The only thing that was glaring was that it needed new floor pans, a new shift kit, some minor electrical work and the carb needed rebuilding. The body was in better shape than my other (daily driver) EB is and I had a hard time selling it. I had to drop the price 2x from $2000. If your hubby wants the work done for him, then, ok, I might look at that 10k price range, but if he wants to do the work, you can find a really good base in the $1500-3000 range and build it for less than the original $12.5k asking price.

 

[all4him]

just under 10k

What did they come down to if you don't mind me asking? FLA & CA tend to have inflated costs on the EBs. If he has come down even to 10k I might have a tough time buying that. I go off of mine for a price range because of the modifications I have don, which are substantial. In this economy I would have a tough time getting 10-12k for mine, but 3 years ago, I could have asked and probably gotten in the 17-18k range.
Take a look at Craigs List in Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Wyoming and other western/landlocked states (not the Lake states). Reason being is that #1 You might be able to find a better deal, even with shipping than what you have & #2 they are typically in better shape than coastal/lake state Broncos. I sold an EB that was a 1970 last summer that was in amazing shape for $1500. The only thing that was glaring was that it needed new floor pans, a new shift kit, some minor electrical work and the carb needed rebuilding. The body was in better shape than my other (daily driver) EB is and I had a hard time selling it. I had to drop the price 2x from $2000. If your hubby wants the work done for him, then, ok, I might look at that 10k price range, but if he wants to do the work, you can find a really good base in the $1500-3000 range and build it for less than the original $12.5k asking price.

 

[all4him]

Thaks for your input, I just want to make a good informed choice

just under 10k

 

[all4him]

ad says 3-1/2 james duff lift half cab. Wiring under dash does looks very messy, he said all work was done professionally and he has owned for a while. He seems pretty nice. I guess you never know but I got the sense that he was a pretty honest guy. Great question about the gearing, I have been told 4:11's. When I asked about The power steering he said the front axle of a 76 front end? and the Disc brakes and master cylinder from Jegs. This is way above my pay grade

"Yes, I have 5 sisters and no...... "Ahhhh..., was hoping I could talk one of'm into buy'n me another Bronco..!!! :lol:

---Oh well., -----

A few other things to ask about would be;

The wiring...hoping it's not too chopped & patched.

What gearing in the front & rear axles...? should be at least 4:11's

What lift kit was used..?

P/s & disc were not stock in '68., so what kit/supplier was used...?

---Sounds like it may be a "keeper" ---

hope this helps., good luck,

Bob

 

[Bully Bob]

"This is way above my pay grade"

(HA.!) You're doing great..! ...Duff's is good.

Sounds like P/S came off a '76.., that's good.

Didn't know JEG's was into those items but they're a good company.

4:11's are OK...456's would be more suited to off-road use.

The stock wiring IS messy under there...as long as it isn't all chopped up & "Rube Goldberged"...

 

[all4him]

Ok, I must confess I had to google Rube Goldberg, I laughed pretty hard!!! I appreciate all of your help.

"This is way above my pay grade"(HA.!) You're doing great..! ...Duff's is good.

Sounds like P/S came off a '76.., that's good.

Didn't know JEG's was into those items but they're a good company.

4:11's are OK...456's would be more suited to off-road use.

The stock wiring IS messy under there...as long as it isn't all chopped up & "Rube Goldberged"...

 

[Bully Bob]

"There are not too many in Florida so I am limited in my search options."

I just checked ebay...., there's several in Fla. & Georgia that are "nice" ...!

Especially the "Gator" orange one...

 

[all4him]

Thanks. I am suppose to buy this bronco on Thursday for 9K I just got the 1st 3 letters of the vin and they are U15 so if the other post is right this is truly not a 1/2 cab ? what does this mean? Ia m getting a little nervous /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

"There are not too many in Florida so I am limited in my search options."I just checked ebay...., there's several in Fla. & Georgia that are "nice" ...!

Especially the "Gator" orange one...

 

[Bully Bob]

"what does this mean? I am getting a little nervous"

Not to worry.., doesn't mean much & this owner may not know the diff.

U-15 means it came fr. the factory with a full hardtop.

U-14 means it was a pick-up style with the 1/2 cab...& had a bench seat among a few other differences.

---- Along those lines.., I strongly advise you to check the title against the complete vin#...!!!!!

Do this with ANY vehicle....

Stolen or built fr. 3 diff. trucks is common .... with a fake., or no title/paperwork.

Again, if it's a 302 eng. it's been installed to replace the 289 that was orig.

The Vin# should be on the top of the frame (Pass. side) in the area of the starter..OR a tag on the glove-box door., OR on the driver side kick-panel....by the foot pedal emergency brake....or a combination there of.

 

[4Sid]

Had to change stuff could not log on. I bought the 68 Bronco, we had to drive it 80 miles and it ran really well at 65. Do you know where I can get a hard top that is is in good condition? I am going to try to post a request. You have been awesome , thanks.....

"what does this mean? I am getting a little nervous"Not to worry.., doesn't mean much & this owner may not know the diff.

U-15 means it came fr. the factory with a full hardtop.

U-14 means it was a pick-up style with the 1/2 cab...& had a bench seat among a few other differences.

---- Along those lines.., I strongly advise you to check the title against the complete vin#...!!!!!

Do this with ANY vehicle....

Stolen or built fr. 3 diff. trucks is common .... with a fake., or no title/paperwork.

Again, if it's a 302 eng. it's been installed to replace the 289 that was orig.

The Vin# should be on the top of the frame (Pass. side) in the area of the starter..OR a tag on the glove-box door., OR on the driver side kick-panel....by the foot pedal emergency brake....or a combination there of.

 

[Bully Bob]

"Do you know where I can get a hard top that is is in good condition? I am going to try to post a request. You have been awesome , thanks....."

----Your welcome., -----

& welcome to the Early Bronco sickness...!!! You can look forward to many years of "FUN" ..!

You'll have to shop & be patient for a top. There's this site., ClassicBroncos.com & a few others you can post on.., as well as eBAY, etc.

Of the 6 rigs I've had...I prefer the "rag-top." If I lived in the North Tundra., I'm sure I'd go for the wagon full top.

Again congrats..!! enjoy the ride.. & let us hear your progress now & then.... (Is hubby grinn'n /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> ?)

Bob

 

[4Sid]

He is grinining, but he wont know about the Bronco until November, the big 50. I think he has an idea. Thanks , I think it is going to be a great event for him. We live in a very tropical climate, so maybe he mentioned the hardtop to keep the spiders and rain out. The Spiders are gynormous...... The soft top on it now came off a Jeep and fits well which was surprising to me.

You are right though, this is madness and I was probably crazy to buy this ride but I believe that life happens fast and when your in love nothing seems crazy! I prayed about it alot too /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

Good Luck in all you do and I am sure I will bend your ear soon /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

"Do you know where I can get a hard top that is is in good condition? I am going to try to post a request. You have been awesome , thanks....."----Your welcome., -----

& welcome to the Early Bronco sickness...!!! You can look forward to many years of "FUN" ..!

You'll have to shop & be patient for a top. There's this site., ClassicBroncos.com & a few others you can post on.., as well as eBAY, etc.

Of the 6 rigs I've had...I prefer the "rag-top." If I lived in the North Tundra., I'm sure I'd go for the wagon full top.

Again congrats..!! enjoy the ride.. & let us hear your progress now & then.... (Is hubby grinn'n /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> ?)

Bob