Solid Underneath: 1966 Ford Bronco U14 Half Cab

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This 1966 Ford Bronco is one of the rarer models out there, a short-bed U14 pickup that needs complete restoration. Of course, given the frame is solid and it looks relatively intact underneath, the term “complete restoration” could mean different things to different people. The interior even looks nice enough to use as-is, so perhaps this is a light-touch cosmetic restoration with more efforts focused under the hood. Find it here on eBay with bids approaching $7K.

The interior looks far better than you’d expect given the roughshod exterior, with a clean dash, manual column-shift transmission, bench seat that isn’t in tatters, and complete door panels. All glass appears sound, too. The U14s were certainly a different look than the conventional Bronco, with the cab stopping abruptly behind the passengers and all cargo space relegated to the open bed behind them.

To me, the hot ticket is finding a “half-cab” with the 289 V8 installed, but this truck makes do with the smaller 6-170 inline six. While perhaps not as brawny, the six-cylinder does leave more room to work in the engine bay, and obviously has kept the Bronco in running order through this time despite not ever being properly restored. The seller notes it runs off of plastic tank sitting the bed, presumably because the original gas tank was rotten inside.

The pictures included of the Bronco’s undersides depict a truck that is largely solid underneath with just surface rust in spots on the frame. The seller mentions that the body has all of the typical Bronco rust issues, but I’m struggling to see where the trouble spots are, as most of what I see is limited to surface rust. Regardless, we all know rust hides in places not easily seen, but fortunately, this rare Bronco doesn’t look like a lost cause.

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Comments

  1. Todd Zuercher

    I’m guessing this truck hasn’t spent a lot of time on the road in Ohio – looks way too solid. A decent restoration project for someone.

    Like 3
  2. Joe Btfsplk

    Positively pristine underneath compared to the usual Bronco find.

    Like 0
  3. TimM

    Odd to see one from Ohio that is in this good condition!! Seems like a solid enough start for some one to get it running and driving good enough to cruise it around!! The straight six was pretty indescribable!! I have one in my 67 half cab with just over 300,000 on it with no rebuild!! It’s amazing how long it’s lasted to me with just oil changes and minor repairs!!!

    Like 1
  4. bobhess bobhessMember

    Saw one of these with a removable top. This one looks like it’s welded on. Did they come both ways? This is probably one of the better non restored Broncos I’ve seen in a while.

    Like 0
    • half cab

      They are all removable tops on the full and half cabs.

      Like 2
  5. local_sheriff

    I know it may sound a bit brutal but in our big $, shiny, chalk-mark EB world today it’d be very tempting to build a rough trail rig out of this. IMO an EB looks far better as an agricultural terrain vehicle than a polished street only gem. A tiny lift kit, 31inch Super Swampers and of course overhauled driveline and brakes would make it. Apart from that a brushed-on paintwork would suffice so it can take a beating on the trail.

    Would be interesting to see the other participants’ response when you enter your next EB cruise’n’shine for then to show off your Bronco’s capabilities in the nearest bog – particularly when they realize it has the eyebrow grille! 🤣

    Like 1
  6. bobhess bobhessMember

    Thanks half cab. Sort of figured that but our motor home is on a Ford chassis and there isn’t a single seam on it as good as this Bronco. As for the engine, in the ’70s the Air Force had a bunch of cab over vans with the six in them. we used them to go to conferences so 4 people and all the luggage would fit. Ran 65 all day long and if I wasn’t sitting so close to the front of the thing would have gone faster.

    Like 2
  7. leiniedude leiniedudeMember

    Ended:Nov 18, 2019 , 11:40AM
    Winning bid:
    US $6,950.00 [ 27 bids ]

    Like 0
    • half cab

      Not a bad buy at all for today’s market

      Like 3

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