Refurbished 1966 Ford Bronco Project

This 1966 Ford Bronco project is an unfinished build that includes the necessary components to finalize it for full roadworthiness but lacks final assembly, particularly in the engine bay. The vehicle comes with a new, never-started 302ci V8 long block that is mated to a replacement NV3550 5-speed manual transmission. It has been owned by the seller for 34 years, having been purchased in San Diego and receiving a comprehensive refurbishment beginning in 2013. It is currently in a state of partial disassembly, with components being packaged and labeled for remaining restoration work. Features include a 12,000-lb Warn winch, a 3.5” suspension lift, replacement gauges, and a tow hitch. Finished in medium tan with black accents over a black cloth interior, this first-model-year Bronco is now offered with a clear Arizona title in the seller’s name.

This Bronco was repainted in medium tan with contrasting black accents for the hood, front and rear bumpers, hardtop, grille, and fender flares. The body started out as a largely rust-free southwest vehicle and the seller has spent the last seven years carrying out a detailed restoration that is still underway, with attention extending to the complete disassembly of the body and all ancillary components. The frame was sandblasted, with provisions made for a dual shock setup, followed by the application of a black powder coat on all exposed areas. The body was sandblasted to bare metal with small rust repairs made, and new body seals were installed. The doors are from a 1968 model year Bronco, with the striker posts having been repositioned to accommodate them, and the hardtop has been coated in a truck bedliner material both inside and out. The front bumper houses a Warn 12,000-lb winch and has tow links attached, and the rear bumper accommodates a spare tire while incorporating tow links and a class-four tow hitch. The vehicle also has new electric windshield wipers with motors and wiring.

Factory steel wheels have been painted black and are wrapped in 35” ProComp All-terrain tires. The suspension has been modified with a 3.5” lift from Tom’s Bronco Parts which specializes in 1966-1977 model year upgrades. Handling is aided by a power steering system from Wild Horses that includes heavy-duty Heim joint connections with a drop track bar, and a drop steering arm. The steering column has been rebuilt and has a new collapsible shaft. Braking is provided by power discs up front and drums in the rear.

The interior has been coated with spray-on bed liner and is fitted with replacement black cloth deluxe bucket seats from Tom’s Bronco Parts, which feature a three-point safety belt system. Amenities include tinted windows with replacement seals.

Instrumentation includes a series of new gauges, as the seller indicates that everything on and behind the dash has been replaced. The odometer has been replaced, thus true mileage on the vehicle is unknown.

The new replacement 302ci long-block V8 was sourced from Ford Racing and was advertised with power delivery of 340 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. It has never been started. Additional performance upgrades include Ford racing heads with roller rockers, coated headers, a high-lift intake manifold, a one-wire alternator, and electronic ignition. In addition, a new Champion radiator is included with all-new silicone water hoses and a rebuilt heater core. A harness from Painless Wiring is 80% installed per the seller, with wraps completed. The accompanying transmission is a new NV3550 5-speed manual with a rebuilt low range Dana 20 from 1966, and the drivetrain features a Dana 44 with a True-Trac locker, and a Ford 9-inch with 32 spline new axles and a new Grizzly locker in the rear. The drive shafts feature heavy-duty components.

The seller indicates that the frame and rear axle housing are powder coated, the suspension components are painted, and the wheel wells have been coated in Defender Pro Epoxy truck bed liner material with Kevlar.

 Documentation of the build and additional work needed are provided in the gallery.