1977 Ford Bronco Complete Restoration

1977 Ford Bronco Frame Off Restoration

For sale, at auction, is this really fine 1977 Ford Bronco. This vehicle is owned by Matt and Kim Guillery of Madison, MS. Their interest in the vehicle comes through the fact that this Bronco was Kim's fathers' hunting vehicle for many years. At his passing, ownership passed to Matt and Kim.

The life of the Bronco up to the time that the Guillory's took possession was pretty rough. The Guillory's decided to restore the Bronco and contracted with Mike Martin of Madison, MS to do the restoration.

Martin's intent was to build an attractive and dependable vehicle. This narrative will address the work done on the Bronco section by section.

Body

This Bronco had evidently been hunted and hunted hard through the years. At first glance, it did not look so bad, but as it was dismantled, many panels were adversely affected by rust and had to be replaced. By the time all panels had been removed, the only panels that were kept were the front clip, both doors, the top and the tailgate. All other panels were replaced including the floors, quarters, front windshield, floor bracing, rocker panels, fire wall, striker posts, rear wheel well housing, tail light panels, full exterior door skins, plus some lesser items. The front clip was dismantled and then chemically dipped (as was the tailgate). The top had some smaller rust issues and these were cut out and patched in an effort on the top that took over two weeks. The frame was not in such shape as to need replacing. After the body was taken off the frame, the striped frame was then extensively sandblasted. The frame was primed with a two part epoxy and then eventually top coated. All of the new and usable old panels were epoxy primed. Many, many hours of work were spent doing the paint and body work on the vehicle. The end result is a really fine paint job. Akzo Nobel paint and primers were used. A custom stripe was painted along with hand lettering of the grill and tailgate.

The original glass was retained, although it was professionally tinted. The bumpers are new as well as all emblems. The mirrors were original. The rear tire carrier was purchased and redone per stock. All weather-strip, seals, and gaskets are new. All exterior lights and lenses are new. The door handles are new. All body mounts were replaced with new bushings.

Engine, Transmission, and Running Gear

The original engine is still in the vehicle. This engine was totally dismantled and then rebuilt. The block and heads were machined. All valves were replaced. Crankshaft ground 10/10. Heads surfaced and new pistons installed. Head job done with new valve seals. All new bearings installed. New oil pump and timing set. New high torque (smooth idle) camshaft, and new lifters installed. Block and head magnafluxer and new expansion plugs installed. New head bolts and harmonic balance were used. The carburetor was rebuilt. A new starter, alternator, and voltage regulator were installed along with all new belts and hoses. New water pump, distributor, fuel pump, spark plugs, and wires were used. The engine has less than 1000 miles on it.

The Bronco was originally a three speed manual transmission vehicle with the shift on the column. A conversion to an automatic transmission was made. The transmission was a used C4 purchased from a friend. It was sent out and complete rebuilt was done. The torque converter is new.

The front and rear differentials were rebuilt with new ring and pinion and new bearings and seals in each. The transfer case was also rebuilt. The driveshaft (original) has new ujoints.

Suspension

The front and rear suspension were both rebuilt. There are new springs on the front along with all new ball joints, wheel bearings, drag link, tie rod ends, etc. All is new. A new steering box was installed. The rear springs were retained but all new bushings were installed. New shocks front and back were installed. The rear are adjustable air shocks.

Brakes

The brakes were replaced with new calipers and rotors on the front along with new brake lines. A new brake booster was added along with new master cylinder, and all new metal and flexible lines are proportioning valves. On the rear new shoes, drums, brake cylinders, lines, and hardware was installed. All were needed. The truck has a good stance and there is no scrubbing. Uncut Broncos are hard to find. Emergency brake cables were replaced.

Fuel

The two plastic tanks were retained but were boiled out before reinstallation. The truck has all new lines from the tanks through the carb switch valve to the carburetor. All connectors at filler parts for both tanks are all new. The sending units in both tanks were replaced. As were the strap kits for both tanks.

Interior

The interior was completely redone. The dash was retained but the instrument cluster was sent off for a rebuild. All switches (lights, ignition, lighter, etc,) were replaced. Since the truck was originally a manual transmission vehicle a replacement automatic transmission steering column with associated hardware was secured. The steering wheel is new as is the dash pad. The front seats were retained but were completely rebuilt with new padding. A rear seat was purchased and rebuilt. The upholstery was custom made for this Bronco by "The Bronco Hut" in Colorado. This include the custom door panels.

The complete interior of the truck, including the top was insulated with Dynamat brand sound deadener. There is a new firewall insulation installed. The top has an after-market fiberglass covering over the Dynamat. A complete roll bar (covers front and back) was installed and painted to match the red interior. The seat belts are through The Bronco Hut and match the interior.

The radio is new and is custom made for a Bronco and appears as an original but is modern in every respect. All speakers are new with the fronts made into the kick panels and the rear under custom covers.

The wiring is Painless brand and all new front to back. A vintage air brand central air/heat unit was purchased and installed through custom vents. All lines, evaporator, condenser, and compressor are new.

Wheels/Tires

New wheels (5) were Baja from Summit 15 x 7 5 x 5.5. Tires were new P265/75/155L. The Bronco has been aligned and drives well.

Conclusion

This Bronco has been completely rebuilt stem to stern. I am the rebuilder. I have copies of every invoice for parts, material and services for this vehicle. A total of 1157 hours was billed on this restoration project. A spent a total of $23,334.69 on parts, material and service. The owner spent amounts for parts, etc in addition to these amounts. Over $70,000.00 was spent on this project.

Here is a thread that was run onClassic Broncos that shows much of the construction of this vehicle. http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=249033

The values of these early Broncos are increasing. This one is as nice as they come. Please advise me (Mike Martin) of any questions by calling 601-906-1196 or email at mikeamartin02349@gmail.com. I have hundreds of photos of this project from start to finish that I will be glad to share.