Workshop Find: 1970 Ford Bronco

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We are used to seeing First Generation Ford Bronco project candidates crossing our desks at Barn Finds that have been left exposed to the elements. This is rarely good since rust has a nasty habit of sinking its fangs into the original Ford steel. This 1970 model is slightly different because it has spent many years in this dry shed. It still requires plenty of work to return to its best, but it does deserve a close look.

The history of this Acapulco Blue Bronco is unclear, although the seller uses the term “a long time” when describing its hibernation. That should bode well when assessing the vehicle’s worth as a project candidate, but it doesn’t mean it has avoided the rust that typically plagues First Generation Broncos. The ready availability and affordability of rust repair panels demonstrate the vulnerability of these classics and stand as graphic proof that the company’s corrosion prevention strategies were not good during this period. We don’t receive a clear shot of the front inner fender wells, but the interior shots reveal rusty floors. There is visible steel penetration in the hood’s leading edge, although the lower extremities look fairly clean. Since it doesn’t appear this classic is ready to crumble to dust, it might not be a bad project candidate. The fender flares accommodate the larger wheels and tires, and both bumpers have made way for more robust items that clearly mean business.

The seller admits they are unsure of the capacity of the V8 occupying this Bronco’s engine bay. Ford offered the 302ci powerplant in 1970, placing 205hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque under the driver’s right foot. An optional automatic transmission didn’t join the range until 1973, so this Bronco features the standard three-speed manual and a dual-range transfer case. Since the seller is unsure about the engine capacity, it means it is unclear whether the vehicle is numbers-matching. It doesn’t run or drive, and the suggestions are that it probably hasn’t for many years. However, the robust nature of these motors means revival may not be difficult or expensive if the engine turns freely.

The bigger wheels and fender flares aren’t this Bronco’s only changes. The shifter has made the typical journey from the column to the floor, and the factory radio has made way for a radio/cassette player. I can’t spot any other modifications, and it appears the interior is essentially complete. There is too much junk inside this classic to accurately assess the state of the upholstery, but the vehicle’s overall condition suggests a retrim might be on the agenda. An online search will reveal many companies that can supply everything the new owner could require, and prices are typically quite affordable.

Some readers question the ongoing desirability of First Generation Ford Broncos, but this 1970 model demonstrates that there is plenty of optimism in the classic market. The seller listed it here on Facebook Marketplace in Sultan, Washington. They set their price at $30,000, which historically isn’t unprecedented for a vehicle of this caliber. However, with values softening at the lower end of the market, the fact that it hasn’t been snapped up after a week on the market suggests the price might be optimistic. What do you feel would be a realistic figure? More importantly, are you tempted to pursue this Ford further?

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Comments

  1. Howard A Howard A.Member

    Whew, that’s better, I thought for a minute we were over this. This one is at least a usable truck, I read new Bronco sales are slipping, and many people that wanted one, only have the 2nd gen and up in mind. The 1st gen is a bit more like the new one in appearance, and know nothing about the vehicle, and therein lies the trap. Far as I’m concerned, all these 5 figures sellers are nothing but crooks, and want to cash in, regardless who they sucker in. Too harsh? I don’t think so. These buyers would be far better off with a Bronco ll. A what, grandpa? And so the story goes,,,

    Like 12
  2. Big C

    What the market will bear….The same guys buying these things up and “resto-modding them to 6 figures, are the same types that bought up all the ’67-’68 Mustang Fastbacks in the early 2000’s so they could create “Eleanor” knockoffs, and ask the same. I can’t tell you how many guys I had, wanting to buy my ’68, for pocket change, of course, back when the Gone In 60 Seconds reboot was popular. I kindly told them to “shove off.”

    Like 8
    • John EderMember

      Your 68 doesn’t have a “Keep On Truckin’ “ front license plate, by any chance, does it? 😉

      Like 2
      • Big C

        Were you the guy I told to “shove off?” 🤔

        Like 2
      • John EderMember

        I wasn’t one of the many.

        Like 1
  3. 1980flh1200

    I had a BRONCO 11 many years ago v6 and 4SPEED These have an extremely large frame for the size of the truck

    Like 2
  4. Troy

    Where in Sultan is it? Because parts of Sultan is prone to flooding otherwise it’s to high on the price but it would be fun to get it back on the road if you don’t have to blow it apart and deep clean do to flooding

    Like 0
  5. Frog Man

    Im reviving a 88 FJ62 it sat static since 1996. Its running and driving now, I’ve painted it, replaced fuel system, brakes, rims and tires, desmogged it, cooling hoses, working electrical now. I paid 4k for it primarily because its 98percent rust free. Its alot of work. Id never be able to pay 30k for this Bronco then afford to fix it. Sadly the 80s n 90s are far behind us.

    Like 0
  6. Gary DelVecchio

    I think the seller needs to go to sleep before he dreams. 30k? Really??

    Like 1
  7. chrlsful

    since #1sales price ’20 Winter these have been coming down.
    Dont fool urself. This is a 4/5th restore. Add on for how ever U wanna mod (a multipurpose is not good @ anything, ok @ several). And that’s Y we bought them. Mod for better off rd. Easily done w/these.
    Now they’re reaching classic status (in general car market). More’n more are skipping the bolt-ons and leaning heavier to the rest0 than the mod. I C it asa good sign. I should have (that and the 4.9 after it was efi’ed). A 4dor might help too for the haulin (longer WB for off rd trailer?) but I like the . But a buy here shortly would get that (6G)…

    Like 0

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