This 1974 Ford Bronco is a former farm truck used in Maryland and now offered up for sale as a runner with some bodywork needs and additional fine tuning needed under the hood. While it does start, stop, run, and drive, there is a fuel leak near the carburetor that will need some attention before any long distance drives are planned. The Bronco comes with the venerable 302 V8, dual exhaust with side exit mufflers, front disc brakes, and power steering. The seller notes it has the usual rust spots to sort out, and that a restoration was begun but never finished. Find it here on eBay where bidding is closing in on $13,000 but the reserve remains unmet.
The Bronco looks sharp wearing green paint with a white roof, and the color scheme continues to the interior and all exterior pinstriping and graphics. The Bronco rides on meaty 32″ Mud King tires, and the wheels have been swapped to a set of wider steel rollers with factory hubcaps attached. The body looks decent from the outside, but the seller does note that rust spots are present in the floors, door jams, rockers, top, and some spots in the rear cargo area as well. The driver’s door is slightly out at the bottom, likely due to the door latch being removed, and the seller notes that factory bumpers are in good shape with no rust or any major dents or dings.
The interior features bucket seats that have covers on them at the moment, likely due to the tears in the upholstery that the seller discloses. Armrests on the front door panels are missing and the seller notes that some of the weatherstripping is dry and damaged and should be replaced. The door panels look good overall, aside from the missing armrests, and the rear bench seat is also in respectable condition. A factory steering wheel remains affixed to the dash, which doesn’t appear to be cut up in any way. The description notes that door latches on both sides need to be replaced, which will hopefully aid in the driver’s door closing a bit tighter against the body.
The 302 is described as a strong runner that has fuel leak near the front of the Demon carburetor. Hopefully, this is a relatively minor issue for the next owner to sort out. Other fixes worth noting include a potentially ruptured brake line that has reduced braking capabilities. The engine is noted as having aftermarket headers installed along with a large Pro Comp distributor and MSD wires. The upgrades are fairly garden variety, but that’s all you really need on a workhorse engine like the 302. This Bronco seems to offer the right mix of needs against its positive features, as it can likely be restored while still being driven and enjoyed. Get the carb and brakes sorted out, then simply enjoy while tackling the bodywork in phases. Would you restore it to OEM condition or go a different route?
Wouldn’t it make sense for the seller to fix the carb and front brakes? He’s apparently expecting to get big money for something that will need a ton of work anyway, so why not make it available for prospective buyers to test drive?
Hi Steve, why bother, it sells itself. Apparently, it doesn’t matter what condition they’re in, just to have one is paramount. I see so many of these parked in the back yards of rarely visited homes here, as their, “just in case it snows a ton” vehicle, many look as if they haven’t moved in years. You’d think with these bringing 5 figures, someone with bad intent, would get a rolloff, and scoop up every one they see. They’re nuts, these are trying vehicles. Great for original intent, but I think it’s why you see so many radically altered, because stock, they aren’t much fun.
There is a company in Florida that does complete make overs on these. Then they sell for 200,000+ ! They are fully custom ! Diamond tuck point and all. Some with coyote engines. Would love to have one to fix up myself but definitely need to be under that 5 figure deal
That would be Velocity Restorations. They do nice work. I had an opportunity to drive one of their trucks in January here in AZ. Nice rig -$229k.
The ad doesn’t mention front brakes but maybe a line underneath, which is probably at least the rear main with others ready to go too. After seeing the door latch system and other things, I don’t think they like putting the work in and one look on Ebay would tell them the money that these are getting means this will go for at least 15k
At least this guy washed and cleaned it unlike most of these posts
Some photos of the “usual rust spots” would have been nice. After being bid to $14,600, the reserve appears to have been met. These early Broncos are bringing stupid money as of late.
I don’t need to see any more rust! Look at the botched repairs on the tailgate, and the welds above the hinges on the A pillars, not to mention the hanging passenger door. Seen enough?
Those aren’t stock hubcaps or is it a factory steering wheel.
Rattle can green. wanna bet the door latch problem is rotten jambs? Mishmosh of speed equipt and other stuff. Looker over good, think there’s a lot of hidden rust. I still cant see the attraction with these. Like Howard said, they aint much fun. go around a corner too fast and you will wind up upside down in the weeds. POS in my old grey hard opinion and I’m a ford guy. Guess I worked on too many rotten ones. Good luck and stay safe.
Cheers
GPC
I think it depends on the condition of the ones you drive or work on that forms a lot of your opinions. A lot of them AREN’T any fun! On the other hand, we celebrated 39 years of owning our ’69 last Friday and it’s always been a lot of fun. Not much to look at but it’s solid mechanically and the upgrades I’ve done over the years have made it just that much more enjoyable. I spent all weekend driving it in the AZ backcountry and having a blast! And drove it on the highway for several hundred miles too and that wasn’t too bad either.
You’re right – this one wouldn’t be nearly so fun.
Right on Todd! I’ve owned my for 40 yrs and by far the most outstanding vehicle I’ve ever owned cept maybe the “69 Camaro I got in high school.👍
Never, ever seen those full wheelcovers on a Bronco. The Ford-issued ones were the same for full size pickups in these years. These wheelcovers look similar to 1955-56 Pontiac discs, or those made for early British Sprites and Midgets (Ace Mercury).
The paint job looks like it was done with a brush!! So I wonder how much bondo is under that paint!! The seat covers could be hiding some destroyed seats!! This just looks like it was done on the cheap and not a reasonable repair that it really needed!! Just my views point!!
fun? Well that depends on who.
Mine owes me nuttin (must B more bout $ to me) as it brought in more than its cost. Important fora poor fella. After 38 yrs service – restoration/retire to a 23 y/o daughter. This one seems to have pontiac w.covers, gm-like dizzy, Stroppe padded ster.wheel, sundry other and muti missing.
All matters lill as it meant 18,2K$ to someone recently. I guess its time to start all over? I agree, pretty hi starting place…