It would appear that this week, we here at Barn Finds have the market cornered on Ford Bronco projects. Maybe some of our readers are looking for a new project and one of these fine specimens will go home with you before the weekend. If so, I’d recommend checking out this original paint 1970 example here on craigslist in Florida, as it looks like a super nice Bronco for the money. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Patrick S. for the find!
Speaking of money, you’ll pay for all of that originality – $15,000, to be exact. That’s a lot of coin for a nice project, but I suppose given how many Broncos have been unceremoniously cut up and off-roaded to death, it’s worth the cost of admission to find a nice one. Original paint is always nice to find, especially if it’s a pleasing color like this one. If the seller isn’t pulling a fast one, then that means the interior is all original as well.
When you see Broncos unspoiled and with their original-size wheel and tire combo, it makes you realize how accustomed we’ve become to seeing them with lift kits and oversized tires, not to mention their fender wells cut out. I would not change a thing on this 1970 model, as it looks just the way nature (and Ford) intended for these early SUVs to look. The spray-in bedliner is said to be the only deviation from OEM condition.
No word on the truck’s mechanical health, which is important as this is where originality can be more of a demerit than a gold star. Hopefully the comment about running and driving great can be backed up with at least a few years’ worth of maintenance receipts, but you’ll have to be ready to pull the trigger on the asking price (or close to it) before you start ironing out the details. It looks better than most, and in Bronco land, that counts.
Half cabs like this are extremely rare. While the full cabs tended to be used like regular cars, the half cabs were a hit with plow duty, as an alternative to the Jeep or Scout and we all know what happens to them. You want a decent one, here it is, but it’s going to cost you.
Why don’t we get the “edit feature”? Dave, with a hitch on the front, this would pull them pesky boats out of the water, no sweat! :)
Howard A, the “edit” feature lives! Well, sometimes…. It comes and goes, for no clear reason. Someday, you’ll see it again.
Not a “half-cab” fan, though I’ve seen a few Broncos and Scouts so equipped. The “full-top” is better, at least for me, and would be far more tempting.
I’d also prefer a four-speed trans. to go with that 302. Still, it’s a neat looking little beast, and early Broncos — like the first-gen Scouts — deserve all the care and attention they can get.
Hi Ray, I think the edit feature doesn’t show up on the early access postings. I prefer the full cab too, but the half cab was popular with service stations, as it was kind of a pickup too, and if I remember, these heaters weren’t the best ( my 1980 Bronco had a dynamite heater) so the half cab was a bit warmer when plowing.
Wow…a Bronco without the fender openings all chewed out with fender flares having bolt heads the size of golfballs…….
Correct rims ??
Where’s the 50″ tires, 16 shocks and the 40 KC Daylighter’s ??
A few tweaks from original like the hubcaps, seats reupholstered, etc. but yes – looks to be mostly original and decently priced in today’s market assuming the body is as solid as it looks and it runs well.
Oh man another original I can’t bring myself to modify. Had a chance back in 2002 to buy one of these for 3K, I could kick myself for that mistake.
This is in great shape, and I love the fact that the wheel wells haven’t been cut up. I know these are hot right now but, I just can’t justify more than 3 times what it sold for new.
Should read “Bronco Overpriced”
Howard is right, the half cab broncos and scouts were commonly used for snow plowing in the 70’s here in MI. They were easier to see out of when backing up. My dad had a scout half cab with a v plow for sidewalk plowing. I rode with him during the blizzard of ’78. He’d blast through parking lots to open them up enough for a pickup with a straight blade to be able to work. Good memories.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYXEt7xOh1M
Tod z is right on.
Here is a 1/25 scale model I finished recently. I know the purists won’t appreciate it but I built it the way I wanted to.