1970 Bronco

[bowhntrmatt]

Spent a little time continuing on some brake lines this evening. I’ll have to fab up some mounting tabs for the outer hoses this weekend.
Waiting on a new tie rod to arrive and I’ll have the front end all back together.

[68rustbucket]

Just found this thread, I’ve done a couple of these frame off Early Broncos. You’re moving right along! Who’s doing the body work? Wish I’d seen this earlier, I have a shop press, and I’m not that far away, in San Marcos. What’s your plan for the old manual 3 speed? I’m looking for one.

[bowhntrmatt]

Awesome broncos!

unfortunately I just sold that 3 speed on Marketplace. A small shop in San Marcos is doing the body work.

i made more progress today. Had to fab up a couple brake line brackets for the front since I didn’t have any originals. But now the brake lines are completely done until the body is back on. Next up: re-assembly of the steering and mounting the new steering box, then fuel tank and lines before I start prepping the motor and tranny to go back in.

[TeamAmerica]

High quality! Keep the updates coming

[bowhntrmatt]

I was able to save the original tie rod. The ball joints still swiveled fine with no slop, so I painted it and forced all the old grease out with new grease and put new dust boots on.
I got the fuel tank into place to start on that plumbing. Only issue is it is designed to butt against the underside of the body, so with no body I need to figure out how to secure it.
I ordered fuel lines and the flex plate and hardware to get the motor and tranny back together.

[bgleaton]

Keep up the great work!

[bowhntrmatt]

I started working on the fuel system, and got the newly rebuilt front end full of fluid. I then learned that a couple of the plug welds where the axle tube meet the center section leak profusely. So I guess now I get to drain the brand new gear oil and weld them up.

fuel lines and filter arrived, and I got all the engine accessory drive ordered.

[Agdog]

Awesome progress! Thanks for the updates!

[bowhntrmatt]

more slow progress. I’ve been bouncing around a bit. Painted the engine black, started to re-install it but I realized that the spacer plate I tried to re-use contacts the flex plate. I guess the auto and manual ones are different, so I ordered the right one. I also began plumbing fuel lines.

[ETX-Deerslayer]

Making solid progress. Looks great.

[Big Lee]

This makes me want to spend money! Love the build. Looks great

[bowhntrmatt]

We’ve got updates!

engine and trans were successfully mated and are back in. It was fun using a slice of bread to get the old pilot bearing out of the crank.
I got the alternator and PS pump and their belts on. I was also able to spin the oil pump with a drill. The engine has sat a couple years so I’ll likely do that a few times here and there.
next up is the transmission crossmember and I believe the exhaust system will be arriving this weekend.

[Medic225]

Excited to see how it comes out

[TXDraht]

Looking good!

[bowhntrmatt]

Went to put the transfer case back in, and the little ziplock that I put the 13 needle bearings in for the input shaft only had 12. Not a big deal money wise, but very frustrating and more waiting on parts. After that, just a few things to chip away on while I wait and see what kind of memorial day sales there will be for ordering some of the expensive things I will be needing, like the EFI setup and trans controller.
The body shop is moving right along. It's so cut to pieces right now I didn't even want to take pictures. But its about to start going back together. the entire floor pan, firewall, and cowl area will be new steel. He said he is hoping to be done by the end of July, but I'm not holding my breath on that.