Help with my first bronco

[Young bronco73]

Im a 15 year old, looking to restore a 1973 bronco for my first car. I found a reasonable looking one and craigslist, and before i buy it I thought I would see if you guys knew of anything specific to look out for? Also, it is automatic but the transmission isn't even in it, and I would prefer a standard transmission, with the help of my dad, how hard would it be to install a manual transmission instead of putting back in the automatic?

 

[Rons beast]

Hey Young B,

Welcome.

That change is pretty straight forward nut and bolt stuff. The 73 has little electronic and computer gear that would make a switch more complicated.

You will need to change the pedal assembly, then just get the right parts swapped for the manual trans.

The big headache here is finding all the little parts since the truck is 40 yrs old. If that proves to be a struggle, and keeping the Bronc in original form isn't an issue, there are many aftermarket companies that make clutch and clutch master cylinder assemblys to make it hydrolic. ( eliminates the bellcrank, and rods and all those related parts)

You will find lots of help here.

Good Luck and have fun.

 

[Bully Bob]

Hi & welcome..!

Congrats on picking a great hobby..., one that will teach you & of course, keeps you out of trouble.. >< <'>

Certainly don't buy (especially Craigs List) something "un-seen first hand." These veh. are "old-school" so to speak, & easy to work on.

As Ron eluded to, check out Toms Bronco Parts & Wild Horses 4x4. Their catalogs/websites list (& have) all the parts needed for the switch to stick shift. It's not cheap however.., probably +- $600-$800.

Look for anything & everything you would look at/for on any other older vehicle. i.e. rust, rotted or missing parts. It would be nice if the eng. ran & operated normal.

Have fun..!! /

B

 

[Young bronco73]

Thanks so much guys, just what i was looking for, a little peace of mind for my dad. I can't wait to get working on it. What would you say is the most expensive or hardest thing i will encounter on this restoration?

 

[Skitter302]

How cool it is to see someone younger then me taking on a big project. Hope that you and your Dad have fun!

The hardest thing you might encounter will be the wiring and electrical work. Working with parts is easy compared to trouble shooting electrical problems.

 

[Young bronco73]

Cool thanks. Looks like this is hopefully what ill be starting with... Still got the cleveland V8 in it, but missing transmission, transfer case and drive shafts.

 

[Young bronco73]

Is the hard top something you could take on and off from day to day? or is it like a seasonal kind of thing?

 

[Rons beast]

Hey Young B,

The Removing the top on a daily basis, is pretty ambitious. You may want to consider a folding soft top.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Bully Bob]

Again.., having to play "Devils Advocate" here.

If "Dad" doesn't have auto mech. experience, you two need to take an auto knowledgeable person with you.

With what's missing.., I would guess this was a "parts truck" & they're selling off whats. left.

If the eng. was up to spec., it wouldn't have become a parts truck.

That 1/2 cab looks like it was made/cut from a full top..?? (hard to tell fr. that 1 pic)

That doesn't mean it (what's remaining) is not worth something.... "Cravat emptor!"

BTW.., what's holding the rear of the eng. up..? The rear motor mount is the T-case cross member.

 

[Young bronco73]

Not too sure about the engine, haven't got to see it yet. But my dad has lots of auto mechanical experience so it won't be a problem. Im on here just so i don't have to bother my dad with all the questions so he isn't over it by the time we get it.

Thanks for the help