MRT Early Bronco Build

[MRTperformance]

Resurrecting a piece of automotive history – First-Generation Ford Bronco.

This project isn't just about turning heads at car shows; it's about crafting a capable off-road machine. Buckle up as we embark on the restoration of this iconic Bronco, aiming not for a pristine trailer queen but a purpose-built adventure companion.

Starting Point: Unveiling the Bronco's Foundation

Our journey began with a weathered Bronco, a testament to its years of service and battles with the elements. The body, once proud and unyielding, succumbed to rust, but fear not – the heart of the Bronco still beats. The sturdy frame beneath provided us with the foundation we needed, the essence of the Bronco spirit intact.

Phase One: Stripping Down for Rebirth

To pave the way for resurrection, we meticulously separated the rusted body from the frame. It was a moment of transformation, shedding the worn-out skin to reveal the raw potential beneath. With the body set aside, our focus turned to the drivetrain – the powerhouse that propels our adventure. Component by component, we dismantled and inspected, laying the groundwork for the Bronco's mechanical renaissance.

Current Focus: Frame Inspection and Revitalization

As we stand now, our attention is fixed on the frame – the backbone of our off-road companion. Assessing its condition. ​

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Chapter Two: Disassembling and Refining - Progress Report


As our restoration saga unfolds, we've hit another milestone in the rebirth of our first-generation Ford Bronco. Our dedicated team has been hard at work, meticulously separating the frame from the axles and suspension. This critical step allows us to dive deeper into the core of our Bronco, ensuring that every aspect is primed for the adventures that lie ahead.

Body Rejuvenation: The Art of Sandblasting

Simultaneously, the body of our Bronco has been undergoing a transformation of its own. The meticulous art of sandblasting has revealed the hidden beauty beneath layers of rust and wear. Witnessing the original luster emerge is a gratifying testament to the timeless design of the first-generation Bronco.

Before:

After:

Coming Soon: Building the Blueprint

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[MRTperformance]

Today we finished up some more sandblasting on the Bronco's grill and windshield bezel.

We also took the time today to paint some of the Bronco's components​

 

[Lil Mul]

Looking good Billy Ray !

 

[MRTperformance]

Looking good Billy Ray !

Feeling good, Louis!

 

[Dusty]

Nice work so far! That body tub is actually in very good shape. Looks like its got a low pinion Dana 44 but I think I spy a nodular 3rd member in the rear end, that's a nice score. I'm guessing the manual gearbox got sandblasted as a placeholder until a decent power steering setup gets installed. Looking forward to seeing this one come along

On a side note, most of us Early Bronco folks prefer the term Early Bronco to denote the 66-77 models. Nobody ever called them "First Gen" until after the 6G came out so we see the term as a bit of a dis on these awesome machines.

 

[BigFootie]

You would never find a tub up here in that condition! If you sandblasted off the paint, there would be nothing there! Can't wait to see the results!

 

[MRTperformance]

Some more paint today

 

[joell king]

Looks amazing

snaptube vidmate​

 

[MRTperformance]

Just a swift update from the garage on our early Bronco build. Today, the spotlight shines on the heart of the front end - the grill. We've rolled up our sleeves and delved into the meticulous process of prepping and priming this iconic piece.

From rust removal to smoothing out imperfections, the prep work has been nothing short of a labor of love. The goal? A canvas ready to embrace the vibrant hues that will restore the grill to its former glory

 

[MRTperformance]

Today's update comes with a hint of excitement as we made a detour to the haven of all things Bronco – Jeff's Bronco Graveyard. The purpose? To inject a dose of freshness into our early build Bronco. Buckle up as we unveil the treasure trove of parts we snagged for our beloved classic!

Jeff's Bronco Graveyard is a haven for any Bronco enthusiast, and our pit stop was nothing short of a pilgrimage. The shelves lined with bronzed history, the air humming with the aura of classic Broncos – it's a paradise for those who bleed Bronco blue.

The garage is buzzing with anticipation as we prepare to install these brand-new additions.

Bonus: We got a chance to check out some of the Bronco Graveyard's classic Broncos!

 

[MRTperformance]

Today, we're stoked to spill the beans on our latest garage creation - a rugged, hand-crafted custom dolly for our Bronco. Not only with this allow us to move the frame around the shop a little more easily it will also allow the frame to be rotated in place. Stay tuned for more updates!

 

[MRTperformance]

Putting the finishing touches on the Bronco Frame dolly.

 

[MRTperformance]

Quick update from the paint booth: we have applied a fresh coat of primer to our Bronco.

 

[MRTperformance]

Exciting Update: Onward to New Horizons!

We've got some thrilling news hot off the press from our restoration journey. After a thorough assessment of the original frame, we made the bold decision to start fresh with a custom early Bronco frame from the master craftsmen at Kincer Chassis. So, we packed our bags, fueled up, and embarked on a road trip from our home base in Plymouth, MI, all the way down to Kincer's impressive facilities in Louisville, TN.

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Let me tell you, folks, what we witnessed at Kincer Chassis was nothing short of extraordinary. Their dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail left us in awe. From the moment we stepped foot in their expansive facilities, we knew we were in good hands. Plus, the folks at Kincer? Total legends. Friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about what they do.

But the adventure didn't stop there! On our way back home, we couldn't resist making a pit stop at Ponies in the Smokies. Despite the less-than-cooperative weather, we were treated to a stunning display of Mustangs that left us with hearts racing and cameras clicking.

Now, back at our MRT headquarters, we're ready to dive into the next phase of our restoration journey. The new frame equipped with a 23 gallon fuel tank has arrived, and alongside it, a brand-new roll cage is gearing up for a fresh coat of paint. It's all hands on deck as we continue to breathe new life into our Bronco, one step at a time.

Stay tuned, folks! The adventure is just heating up, and we can't wait to share more updates with you as we continue to blaze trails in the world of Bronco restoration.

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