Carpokes Porsche Forum

Been a fair amount going on with the Bronc. After flitting around to this bit, and then to that part, I've settled on a couple first goals.

First is to make it mobile. Yes, it would start and run and drive on and off the trailer to get it home, but I wasn't happy with the process. Since it had no gas tanks the PO fed it fuel via a soda bottle wedged in the engine compartment. And because the wiring is a mess and the solenoid was seized, you had to twist a couple of wires together for ignition, and then short across the 2 large terminals on the solenoid, with many accompanying sparks. Sparks and an open bottle of gas in the same engine compartment did not give me warm fuzzies. I now have a temporary toggle inside for ignition, with a push button connected to a new solenoid to crank it over.

It still has no fuel tanks, but a new rear tank kit is on its way now, should be here tomorrow. That will take care of all the safety issues in starting the engine so that I can move it.

Also looking for an appropriate set of wheels and tires for it, since the rear tires are 17 years old, and fronts are over 20. And the LF doesn't hold air very long, either. I've got a line on something local I think would be good, but the seller seems to have ghosted me so far.

Second goal is to get the body solid and ready for final body and paint work. I want to get that out of the way early this time.

Parts - The first parts to arrive were the least needed, as I snagged a set of close-out Toyota H4 headlights at a killer price. Opened the box, checked them out, and packed them back up, as I won't be ready for those for a long while yet. Tomorrow should bring the new fuel tank, plus a first batch of replacement sheet metal—floors and windshield cowl mount. Also expecting a new HEI distributor and transfer case shift lever and floor indicator in the next day or two. These were another crime of opportunity, not really needed just yet.

I've started removing parts so I can get to the rusty areas. Going to have to get a fresh tank of gas for the MIG soon...

Wow - I am staggered by a few of the things concocted by the PO - the fuel and start procedure are of course at the head, followed closely by the 17 and 20+ year-old tires.

This will be fun to watch - looking forward to the travelogue.

blueline wrote: Tue Sep 17, 2024 6:07 pm ....followed closely by the 17 and 20+ year-old tires.

Well, to be fair, the rig has been off the road in storage for at least 15 years. So the tires weren't all that old then.

Arne2 wrote: Tue Sep 17, 2024 6:23 pm

blueline wrote: Tue Sep 17, 2024 6:07 pm ....followed closely by the 17 and 20+ year-old tires.

Well, to be fair, the rig has been off the road

in storage for at least 15 years

. So the tires weren't all that old then.

That certainly explains a lot.

In that case, considering the soda bottle fuel tank and hot wired ignition, I guess the fact that it runs at all is a testament of some kind to either the Bronco or the PO or you or to all three!

Wow great progress already. I love following along on your projects. You just get to work and hammer away so quickly compared to so many of us. You put Project Binky to shame.

Tom wrote: Wed Sep 18, 2024 2:11 pm Wow great progress already. I love following along on your projects. You just get to work and hammer away so quickly compared to so many of us. You put Project Binky to shame.

Being retired helps... a lot. Plus my wife is happy to let me spend my afternoons in the garage. These things can go reasonably fast if you can find time to work on them several days per week. That said, this one has a lot of needs, and will take longer than most of my projects. But it should be pretty cool when it's done.

Arne2 wrote: Wed Sep 18, 2024 7:12 pm

Tom wrote: Wed Sep 18, 2024 2:11 pm Wow great progress already. I love following along on your projects. You just get to work and hammer away so quickly compared to so many of us. You put Project Binky to shame.

Being retired helps... a lot. Plus my wife is happy to let me spend my afternoons in the garage. These things can go reasonably fast if you can find time to work on them several days per week. That said, this one has a lot of needs, and will take longer than most of my projects. But it should be pretty cool when it's done.

Retired, and your wife supports you in perusing your hobby, that is nice
Regardless, I am in awe of the enthusiasm you have for these projects, well done

Rust repair has begun.

Passenger floor is all done, save the seam sealer which will be done after the driver's side is finished so I can do it all at once. Very solid feeling, should be good for many more decades.

And now the driver's side is complete as well. This side needed a repair panel for the firewall too. Now working on replacing the rusty cowl assembly so I can weld on the new windshield frame. New doors are also on their way, which (I hope) will be the last of the major sheet metal.