The time has come for me to fess up that I’m the current proud owner of Chad’s 1966. As with a lot of things it was the right truck, I’ve always wanted a “grandpa” Bronco, at the wrong time, Willem had totaled my F-150 hours before Chad messaged me. Anyway, I didn’t waste much time before deciding a new truck wasn’t worth passing on this little gem. I’ve named it Gunni as a nod to its previous owner and town from which it came.
Chad has spent a ton of time researching the quirks of the 1st year Bronco and acquiring all the correct parts for this rig. His hard work can been seen in the following threads.
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=8062
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=8240
I’ve spent the last few weeks getting it running and road worthy. The engine needed a little sorting out with electrical, fuel and exhaust. All the lights work, brakes brake and steering steers. The correct, though crusty, interior was bolted in and I had Bobby help me find some AT tires to put on the tiny rims. I also wrestled the twisted bumpers straight enough to mount up. Finally, I pulled the NP435 out and put in a converted top loader temporarily.
The grand plan is a restoration with a few period correct additions like a Stroppe roll bar and Rancho overdrive. Also, some safety mods like disk brakes for the Dana 30 and 3 pt seatbelts. The resto is years away, I need to finish Willem’s Bronco, then Declan’s Camaro and BSD always needs a few things. In the mean time I’m going to drive it around Parker and keep it on the road!
More to come...
