Finding A Good Starting Place...

[bound4dixie]

So a roughly a year ago, I bought a 70 bronco off of Raleigh craigslist. I've been learning as much as I can the past year about the rebuild process on these rigs while I've been saving up for parts money. Now that the summer is almost here, I think its time for me to start my build, but my biggest trouble is figuring out where to start.

I don't know whether I should start gutting out everything down to a clean slate where I can start working on killing the rust, body work, component cleanup, etc.
OR
Fix things that are immediately broken (brakes, tire/rims, exhaust, etc) to allow me to drive it for a little while on the weekends. That way I can sorta see what really needs to be changed. Right now I can only make good guesses.


Click on the thumbnail for some pictures of what I'm starting with

I'd like to keep it uncut for now. More of a LuBr look that can still handle some mild off roading. Probably a 3.5" suspension lift and some sort ofbody lift probably at least 2". That will give me enough room with the right tire/rim combination to fit some decent sized meats that should tuck right in the rear fender skirt.upergrin:

I have a good set of 33x9.50x15 tires on my '78 that should fit the rear fine with just a 3.5" suspension lift for now.


So...I guess I'm asking for advice from those that have been at this point before. Anything you would have done differently?cratchhe:

[supertoyota88]

i work weird when it come to this but if i was in ur shoes i go body first that to me is the hardest thing about this kind of stuff i always go body i take everything out seat doors tailgate anything that comes off i take it and look for the rust and stop that then i go to the chassis and paint and get the axles off and paint i hate rust chassis and axles i like them to be black im always getting a can of spary paint and painting under my truck then i drive in to the motor its the painting it and do tis and that but im a weird one when it come to this and i would drive it on the weekend to just to help look for what need the most of my time this is what im doing with a 85 f150 stepside now i just drive it around the yard but i have sum really bad rust on the drive floor i can see ground lol

[trkbilder]

I've never done this extensive a build but to me it makes sense to do all the mechcanicals first. Rebuild the engine, do all the suspension, do all the interior then do the body work and paint. I'd hate to have to worry during the most of the build about scratching the paint. Just my $.02! :xyxthumbs:

[66stocker]

I agree with trkbilder. Make it safe to drive and somewhat reliable, brakes, motor, trans and suspension.
If you don't have a bunch of money and time (who does?) you can plan your projects in little weekend
or week long bites that don't break the bank account. I feel if you can drive it once and a while during
your rebuild it will keep you motivated and you won't get discouraged and loose interest.
Taking it out for a spin occasionaly is a lot more fun than looking at a pile of rubble in the garage.

[supertoyota88]

that is true

[broncomania]

do a little at a time. if you tear it down to far you will get sick of it soon. do the running gear and suspension first. baby steps so you can actually drive it every once in a while unlike some of us. mokin: