OT: Arne’s post-teener projects, Retirement project #8, 1969 Ford Bronco Options

[arne]

Lots has happened in the last 5 weeks.

First, new MIG welder arrived.



And several boxes of parts, most from the UK. Notable bit include a new stainless header (found some nasty stress cracks in the one the truck came with), tail lights, rust repair panels, front bumper, seats, exterior trim, mirrors, seals, etc.











Rust repair is proceeding.





And lastly, the replacement AFM is STILL not here yet, USPS sat on it in a Connecticut post office for over 2 weeks before it started to move. Hoping for later this week.

[Maltese Falcon]

My dynamic duo in the early 1980's ; the 2.7/ cis turbo 9146, and 1.5L turbo-diesel 5 speed Wabbit pick-up. The truck was changed out (at 500k miles) to a 1.8L /16v gti engine, with side draft webers.
It was sold to a friend that set up the suspension, and canyon raced it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

[arne]

Replacement AFM was installed, first impression was that it has fixed the running issues, but final judgement will be withheld until the failing fuel pump and partially crushed gas tank are replaced. (Tank is scheduled to arrive any day now.)

Passenger floor pan has been replaced, and more new trim is being test fitted. Second half of the floor pan project will start after the fuel tank and pump have been replaced.

[IronHillRestorations]

I love those little trucks. A friend had one for years; his had a topper that fit the back perfectly

[flat4guy]

I've had that same welder for years - love it.

[arne]

Since the last update, the fuel pump and tank have been replaced, and the second half of the floor pan welded in. New tires next week (the ones on it now are almost 20 years old!). Starting to test fit all the new trim pieces, as I don't want to have to drill holes or tweak fitment after the truck has been painted. While there is still a little non-structural rust left to repair, I'll be talking with the painters about the job in the next couple of weeks.

[EdwardBlume]

Well done! A joy to see your projects. Keep it up!

[arne]

[bigkensteele]

Love this thread Arne! I don't know how you find it in yourself to sell them when you are done.

Is it just me, or is it sitting high. Did you go with performance springs?

[arne]

It *DOES* look pretty tall in that shot. Partly due to camera angle, partly because I just had it jacked up and it hasn't settled yet, and partly because we are so used to seeing these cars slammed. This one is just totally stock height. I might trim a half turn off the front coils to adjust the rake a bit, but beyond that I'm going to leave it be. If the next owner wants to lower it, how and how far will be their decision.

[bigkensteele]

It *DOES* look pretty tall in that shot. Partly due to camera angle, partly because I just had it jacked up and it hasn't settled yet, and partly because we are so used to seeing these cars slammed. This one is just totally stock height. I might trim a half turn off the front coils to adjust the rake a bit, but beyond that I'm going to leave it be. If the next owner wants to lower it, how and how far will be their decision.

If owning three impractical vehicles was practical, I would sign up to be the next owner. I have always loved these things, just not more than my 914 or my Miata.

[arne]

Not much visible has happened over the past month. Still futzing with the injection. While it does run and drive, it definitely isn't quite right yet. Trying to fix years of neglect, unadvised tampering and sitting unused. I hope I'm getting close. If any of you just happen to have 16v Motronic injection parts sitting on a shelf, let me know!

In the mean while, I have talked with the shop that painted my silver 911, and I'm pretty sure he will get the job, once it runs right and I finish a couple more bits of minor rust repair. Settling in on a couple of colors now.

Oh yeah, there has been a recent addition. The little truck had no radio, speakers or antenna when I bought it. No antenna hole, either, as the fenders installed when it was converted to round headlights had no hole. I plan to put it together "radio delete", but a future owner might want to add a radio. It would be a shame to then have to drill a hole through the fresh paint for an antenna. So I decided that while I would not install a head unit or speakers, I'd go ahead and add an antenna now. And since it is a 16v VW, only one type of antenna will do...

[914_7T3]

Love it!!!

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)

[arne]

Progress slowed a fair amount during the past couple of months. For one thing, I'm a really slow welder. For another, I took about 4 weeks off to install upgraded A/C in my 911.

So there isn't a lot to show on the Bunny Truck right now. But today I did complete all the welding that I plan to do. It is possible (or actually, rather likely) that my painter will find more work during the body and paint prep. And that's OK. By doing the floor pans, bed floor patch and patching under the rear window myself, I feel pretty good about where I'm at.

Will drive the little guy across town to the paint shop soon, so the painter can see it in person for planning and estimate. Maybe tomorrow if he's available, otherwise sometime next week.

Here's a pic of the A/C result in the '72 911T, plus the current state of the Bunny Truck.

[wonkipop]

Progress slowed a fair amount during the past couple of months. For one thing, I'm a really slow welder. For another, I took about 4 weeks off to install upgraded A/C in my 911.

So there isn't a lot to show on the Bunny Truck right now. But today I did complete all the welding that I plan to do. It is possible (or actually, rather likely) that my painter will find more work during the body and paint prep. And that's OK. By doing the floor pans, bed floor patch and patching under the rear window myself, I feel pretty good about where I'm at.

Will drive the little guy across town to the paint shop soon, so the painter can see it in person for planning and estimate. Maybe tomorrow if he's available, otherwise sometime next week.

Here's a pic of the A/C result in the '72 911T, plus the current state of the Bunny Truck.

i love utes.
they never sold these golf cart/bugs bunny utes in aus.
pity.
the closest thing down here was a subaru brumby.

its looking good.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[TRS63]

My first VW love (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif) had one for years, loved it much, had to sell for my ghia sadly (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Antoine

[arne]

Current status:

[arne]

All body work complete, a bit more blocking and then the painter will start laying down some color. Really straight now.

[arne]

Still no paint. COVID and such has cramped the paint shop pretty significantly. Painter keeps saying, "Soon." Still waiting.

I got the seats back from the upholstery shop, though...

[arne]

New paint is on! The truck was not in a spot that lent to good pictures, though...