New...Need Advice

[katcoy]

Hi, newbie here. My FIL has a mid 80's Bronco in ok shape that he is looking to have restored (mechanically not aesthetically) somewhere around Atlanta? I have NO idea where to even start looking but I thought this might be a great place. Thanks in advance for your help! - Kat

 

[Bronc76]

I'd start by purchasing a chilton or haynes manuals from your local part store. (full of info). Start with the engine area. How does it run? Does it smoke or burn oil? You may want to tune it up, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, air and fuel filter, pcv. Are there any leaks around valve covers? Carb may need to be rebuilt or cleaned. Check belts and hoses. You may want to go all out and have it rebuilt if its in the budget. How does the tranny shift? What color is fluid? If he's restoring it mechanically, new brakes, master cylinder/booster, brake hoses, wheel cylinders should also be looked at or replaced. Check condition of driveshaft u-joints, they may be worn out. Check condition of shocks, tie rods, steering stabilizer, they may need to be replaced as well. I'm sure that i'm forgetting somthing but this should be a start.

 

[katcoy]

Oh thanks for the great advice but he is looking to pay someone ELSE to restore it. lol I don't think my FIL could change a spark plug! /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> I am trying to help him find someone in the Atl. area who is reputable and honest.

 

[50joe]

After 15 years in the industry, I have found the best advertising is word of mouth. Ask around to alot of different places, and see what name keeps getting mentioned. Good luck on the hunt!

 

[katcoy]

Ask around to alot of different places, and see what name keeps getting mentioned. Good luck on the hunt!

What kinda places? We are SUPER novices here. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[broncomange]

What kinda places? We are SUPER novices here. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

Congrats. Just the same go get yourself a Hanyes manual and even if you dont know the dif between a open end and a box end youll be glad you did! I can assure you without your participation that rig will eat you alive in mechanics fees not to mention parts. any decent 4x4 requires the operator to be knowledgable abt basic systems and besides when it (the sconco) gets in the blood youll go to sleep thinking abt whats going on.

 

[50joe]

Do yourself a favor...Get the book. Do the research. Even if you dont do the work yourself, arm yourself with knowledge. The less you learn about these trucks, the easier it is to get ripped off by a **** lookin to make a buck. I would love to say all mechanics are honest, but sadly, we are not. Do the research on the truck. Do the research on the garages in your area. TRUST ME> It will pay off in the long run. I do this for a living, and hear horror stories every day about people getting the shaft. Thats the best advise I can give you.