Got my first Bronco

[sonof_FrankensteinBronco]

Just bought my first bronco- 84 XLT - one ugly sob. Flat black- looks like it was done with a roller.

Flat black with black and RED rims- smallish tires.

The engine is not correct- its a 351. Its covered in oil.

I drove it home- it drove ok- I guess. I smelled exhaust pretty much the whole way, but that was cool - I was driving into the sun with no visor so the exhaust kind of took my attention off the fact that I should have bought some heavy duty blue blockers before hitting the highway home with the beast.

Very loud truck - and I only ever heard it shift through 3 gears.

Its rusty and smelly - there is no fabric on the ceiling- the fabric that does exist probably needs to be pulled out and replaced. Im not actually worried about that though. The body parts can be replaced - but they are all pretty solid and adequate for now.

Im wondering where to start with the engine though. Never had a Bronco- or anything like it. I dont like the idea that I have a carburated 350 covered in oil under the hood- even though it does run (no pickup- just plods along). It makes me wonder about the transmission, and everything else for that matter.

I need some advice on just daily checks that I should be doing - and what long term solution there is for the engine so I can start saving some money.

Im open to buying a new or remanufactured engine - but Im guessing the cost will be enormous.

Then there is that exhaust smell- in the near future- what can I do to fix it- ON THE CHEAP???

Ill take some pics

I may be in over my head- but Ive alway wanted a bronco and it could definitely be a good looking truck one day.

 

[AdamDude04]

Nice thing is, these trucks are CHEAP these days. They are popular to get parts for, thanks to the offroading world.. and craigslist will be a great friend to you!! You may have to spend some time looking..I've been activly looking for a couple weeks for a new bumper off an eddie bauer so I can install fog lights (I want a factory look).

Anywho, start with the motor. Get a couple cans of engine cleaner. Stay away from the gel..well maybe get a can of the gel and two or three cans of the foam cleaner (depending how oil soaked your rig is). Use the gel on the heavy collected oil..then the foam for the rest of the motor with stain/light oil cover. Wash it all away with a hose. Cover up them holes where water is not wanted!!

So with the motor clean.. figure out what you need. Parts are cheap. Start with a basic tune-up. Then go along from there.

With the body.. wash/clean/dry then primer it. At that point, you can bedliner it yourself for cheap..or pay someone to actualy paint it. Bedliner will keep it solid forever though, and gives it a cool black look. My hard top is bedliner, and looks good after a few years!

Search craigslist.. I got four brand new tires for my new pickup for $200!! They came off a 2008 F250.

I'd rip the fabric out..odds are it's mold coverd? Either way..you have a great clean slate!

Good luck, and post photos!!

Lots of great folk up in here to help out anytime..though sometiems it takes a day to get a reply :wacko:

 

[Seabronc]

As far as the exhaust smell goes, usually that is the lower seal of the tail gate not making contact with the door. However, there are several other possibilities like the condition of the exhaust system, the position of the tail pipe, tail gate window open combined pipe position, etc.

Welcome to the Zone and post some pictures.

Good luck,

>-

 

[Krafty]

it should be 351 not 350. some basic tlc and observation will point out some of the little things that when fixed will make your ride all the much better. pick an area and go from there. Ie Body, check all the floor pans and seatbelt holders, and ect... or drive train look at the exhaust ( you said it was oddly loud so check for leaky or rusted out sections, may also cause the excessive odor) check all your fluids, change your filters run through the cleaners.

being an 84 it will have the 3 speed c4 or c6 automatic transmission.

sometimes it helps to write up lists of things to check, or things that you know need some attention. keeps you from getting too overwhelmed when facing a big project.

Good luck and send us some pics.