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Project Bronco: It’s All There

We’ve had some nice Ford Broncos on our pages recently–I figured it was time for a decent project to show up. Whether you would call this one a worthy project probably depends on your tolerance for rust: take a look and let us know what you think! This 1973 is located in New Lebanon, Ohio and can be found listed here on eBay, where bidding is well below $1,000 at this point but the reserve hasn’t been met.

Nope, that’s definitely not the original driver’s door! You can also see some rust in the usual Bronco locations as well as previously carved wheel wells that collectors despise. New patch panels are available, however, and you won’t find many simpler vehicles to work on.

Who knows if it’s the original tailgate either–but at least the bumper’s straight, and the tailgate looks solid enough.

Surprisingly, the interior doesn’t look too bad, although there are closeups of rust in the pillars that you can bet is in the floor in spots as well. This one is equipped with power steering, which given the huge tires and big V8 over the front end must help with tight maneuvers. That’s an automatic transmission shifter and real 4×4 capability as well.

I rarely see a back seat in a first generation Bronco around here, and it even looks like you could save it with some cleaning. It’s nice to see some bare floor without rust as well.

The 302 cubic inch V8 starts easily and if the 80,000 claimed miles is true probably has a lot of life left in it. What appear to be a new fuel filter and cleaned up (rebuilt?) carburetor probably reflect the work needed to get it running after storage. As the seller says, “please do not consider it roadworthy,” but the fact that it runs and drives and most electrical components work means you have a great place to start. Feel like some rust repair? What do you think this Bronco will sell for?

Comments

  1. Avatar JW

    Well this is exactly what I’ve been looking for as a new project BUT it’s already at $5,100.00 which is at the tops I would pay for it. There is a lot of work still needed to get it roadworthy and a respectable looking driver. I helped a friend restore and modify the one I’ve pictured and I ended up owning it for 5 years then sold it in 1995 for $5,500 and it was perfect and rust free, I hated the wheels my friend put on it. Good luck to the new owner.

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  2. Avatar tasker

    AH…..back in the day you could fine decent stuff for short money but these trucks have skyrocketed in popularity. Bought this as is in 06 for $1500. with a rebuilt motor, brand new exhaust and 4 wheel disc brakes…

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  3. Avatar Dennis

    This yellow one is nice ! Uncut rear quarters, this make them appear as to what they are, I have two Bronco’s for sale, yes they need some work, but then again, I’m not asking a mint for them. I think one is a 72 and one is a 77. Both with 302 engines. If anyone interested, I can send photos. 814-386-one six six five, located n central PA. And yes, uncut rear quarters.

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    • Avatar JW

      Dennis as per my original post and picture I am a modifier of these Broncos for more purpose built 4 wheeling so I can’t call you because I refuse to molest a original one, will keep looking for one all ready modified but in need of work.

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  4. Avatar AMCSTEVE

    There were a bunch of these at MCACN for some reason and all I could think of is that these must be hot and expensive now.
    Wheeler Dealers restored one and spent a ton of money. I think they got $40,000 for it.
    I don’t get it.

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  5. HoA Howard A Member

    What happened to the “half cab” one from earlier? Wait, and where’s the early access? Must be the full moon.

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    • Avatar Jamie Staff

      Howard, be sure you are logged in. You have to re-enter your password occasionally even if you ask the site to remember you; it’s a security feature.

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      • HoA Howard A Member

        Thank you, fixed. I told you these things slay me. :O

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  6. Avatar Dennis

    If you want to see someone that fell and bump there head, check this out !! ($150,000-$195,000 + $7,500-$15,000 for the vintage Bronco) http://uncrate.com/stuff/icon-bronco/

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    • Avatar Mark S

      That’s a lot of money to spend on something that your going to pound the crap out of. In the case of this truck I’d bolt on some checker plate panels I’d then make it mechanically sound and then go pound the crap out of it, I’d save my self about $130K and have just as much fun. Who knows maybe someone wanting the $150K resto would buy it for $15K after I was done with it.

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  7. Avatar JW

    In defense of us that do cut the rear fender wheel openings on these Broncos it’s for 2 reasons. 1. As stated to get bigger tires for off roading which is the purpose of owning a 4×4. 2. Looks as now the front and rear wheel openings are equal and IMHO it looks better. It seems as if Ford designers were thinking at the time lets build a 4×4 to compete with Jeep for the off road guys but we will put fender skirts on the rear to make the boulevard 4 wheelers happy. I’m not saying the yellow one is ugly or useless it’s just not built from the factory the way a true off road guy would want it in some of the terrain he would encounter. When Ford made the Bronco II they must of seen this also as the wheel openings are more equal as pictured. JMHO take it or leave it.

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  8. Avatar JMB#7

    I always like these with the rear fenders cut. For years, I thought the were from the factory. I do not endorse cutting up one in perfect condition. But if there is rust then it is a period correct modification.

    Like 0

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