Remember, most people could never finish a project like that. The things you'll learn will speed up the process next time. Most important, don't burn yourself out, take breaks. My last project took 3 1/2 yrs did it all from paint to engine assembly. Took me 10yrs to start my next (79 bronco XLT) knowing what kind of investment it takes. Good luck! I'm sure it will turn out great.
Ive done a full blown resto on 2 dent sides now and i completely agree .. It becomes an obsession one thing to add is whenever you get burnout on the build after you're in over your head and you're forcing yourself to work on it when you don't want to but you're determined to finish it.. The best approach to finish is to take the pressure off yourself by limiting yourself to working on it for only 1 hour a night even if you get only a minor part finished it will motivate you to finish while still giving you a personal life by doing something else fun with friends this hobby a very lonely be rewarding one. That will prevent you from becoming burnout and depressed you need a social life when building things like this.
I can't wait to see it when it's done. I have a 1978 Ford Bronco Custom that I daily drive and do some tinkering on my days off. I picked it up for $6,500 and am taking it slow, replacing bushings, steering gear, fixing electrical, floor pans, etc... It's not going to be a full frame off restoration like yours, but I'll make it nice.
Shipping is expensive on parts. Order as many parts as you can afford all at once, and this will save a ton of money. I bought my 72 bronco in 2018 for $1400. Full ground up restoration, new everything! I think I used 12 original parts, like the frame, tub, hardtop etc. After 5 years and 90K in parts its almost done. It takes a HUGE amount of time! Between working on it, buying parts, and researching what to buy and how to do things you don't know about takes alot of time. It can be very overwhelming and why so many projects never get finished. Good info bro, like you said just try to do something every day and don't turn it into a job otherwise you won't enjoy the process.
Yep. You could go out and buy a brand new Bronco which begins losing value the moment you pull out of the dealership parking lot or you can buy an old one that you plan to restore which becomes more valuable as you progress on the work. It really depends on weather you want the instant pleasure up front or if you are willing to take the journey of doing something with your own two hands that you will be proud to drive and talk to total strangers about.
I'm in the middle of a 78 Bronco frame off restoration. Not sure it will ever be perfect, but it will be much better than when I found it. The financial part is no joke. The biggest hassle is the lack of availability of parts right now. I've been waiting over a year for body mounts. Ugh! It's refreshing to seeing someone else experiencing the same pain. 🙂
Agree with many points, especially just doing a little bit at a time. Enjoy the process. it’s a hobby and an opportunity to learn. not a job! If it feels like a job, save up and buy a finished one, it’ll be about the same price anyway
Great video! Bogi (the host of All Girls Garage, and many other things) had a great quote abouto restoring vehicles that I have found to be absolutly true - "Restoring an old car is equal parts of absolute confidence and abject terror."
Very helpful video. I have a 1979 Midas Touch Edition that I’ll be digging into restoring hopefully later this year and this was helpful to kind of put the restoration process into perspective. I’m excited to see all your progress.
Thanks! That’s sweet man I have a update video coming out this Friday! It’s a lot of work but I’m at the point now where I’m seeing it come together and it’s making me so happy 😀
Great video started on my 79 Bronco about 3 years ago ordered parts for the front differential yesterday. Hopefully get it done next weekend. I'm lucky have a pretty nice shop and put a lift in it for this project. Like you said lots of time and money! Good luck with your build
Carfleet why are we the same person! 😂 I’ve literally got a 78 bronco I’m restoring and they are my favorite years of the broncos and I have my 2001 Mustang Bullitt DHG I’m currently daily driving! 😅
Unless it’s a super rare collector vehicle you got for a song you better anticipate you’ll never get your money back, let alone accounting for all the time on a mass production vehicle. Most people will be financially way further ahead buying a nice original or one some else already restored.
If your doing it solo the best way is to buy a running vehicle and keep it running during the restoration progress. Would do brakes, steering and sheet metal patches than the heavy stuff.
You sound like you're describing me lol. I picked up a 78 for 800 bucks with plans to fix up as I drive, but it's pressure rough. Seems to have been undercoated with something and the floorboards and cab mounts look brand new. It looks like it had been run in a salt mine where the undercoating was gone on the bedsides
I'm hopping to get my friends 78 bronco that passed a yr ago i've helped him work on it over the yrs will know for sure tomorrow going to look it over and talk to his wife . I have a video of it on my youtube channel
Do the inner FENDERS BOLT IN OR WELDED IN TO THE CHASIS? DOES THE REAR FLOOR BOLT IN OR WELDED? IS THR A "FULL PAN FOR BOX, BACK PAS FOOT WELLS & FRONT PAN...for 78/79
First and foremost before selecting a project is avoiding rust as much as possible you have to look at it with your eyes and not with your heart otherwise the project will bring nothing but greaves and misery. Rust is a deal breaker I reckon.
I just got a 1979 Bronco Dearboor edition given to me. Being a body guy Im honestly scared to see how far (financially/mechanically) I'm going to take this thing... Pray for my marriage status 🤣