adorshki
Reverential Member
Whatever you do, don't push that little red button on the gear shift arm, even if it is column -mounted..
Like cars and trucks?
- Thread starter Opsimath
- Start date
Opsimath
Senior Member
Hee hee hee. You know that now I'm going to have to find the button just so I can push it! Should I have a camera rolling, and if so from what viewpoint?
adorshki
Reverential Member
bluesypicky
Enlightened Member
What seems to be the problem? (with the Bronco)
Opsimath
Senior Member
It has been sitting for 10 or 12 years.
The Bronco was getting old, over 100,000 miles, and stuff was starting to happen. If it had been just me I would have kept driving it till the wheels fell off then put more wheels on it and driven it some more but when a U bolt broke and the rear end of the driveshaft hit the pavement I had a baby in a car seat, although he wasn't with me when the drive shaft dropped, and a mom's point of view is way different than a non-mom's. I decided I needed something less likely to leave a trail of parts for finding its way back home. I got a Navigator but still drove the Bronco occasionally. One day it didn't start, was probably a dead battery at the time, but that wasn't addressed and it has been sitting since then.
For starters I would be happy to drive it around the farm but would be thrilled to have it road worthy again.
Can we breathe life back into it? Won't know till we try.
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Yeah, just sitting around like that pretty much leaves everything to deteriorate. It'll be a labor of love if you choose to get it back into reliable shape again, Cynthia. Good luck with your choices.
bluesypicky
Enlightened Member
It might actually be an easier project than you think, but as with any car project, you never know what you're up against until you start looking into it and taking stuff apart.
Whether it has been sitting in a covered space or exposed to the elements can make a world of difference too, as those things are famous for not having the best corrosion resistance record...
Opsimath
Senior Member
I've wanted to get into an engine ever since the Torino so this could be my chance. If I decide to move forward with this we'll see if it holds my attention or if the project gets to a point of frustration and ends. My preference is to get one that is already running but the ones that catch my eye are totally restored, like that red one on the Streetside Classics website, and those are pricey. Lower priced ones are likely project trucks and I already have one of those.
Opsimath
Senior Member
Thank you. I'll likely need all the luck I can get! I'm still on the fence about it so we'll see.
Opsimath
Senior Member
I appreciate the encouragement. It hasn't been under cover, likely a big part of my hesitation.
bluesypicky
Enlightened Member
Bronco forums and youtube are your friends, along with the right tools and work area, as lifting the thing up can be tricky and is what often stopped me dead on projects where I prioritized my life over saving money on a shop bill, silly me.
I err on the side of caution, if not paranoia when it comes to crawling under a vehicle that is not resting on the ground.
Here is the set up on the last time I had to crawl underneath the Corvette (notice that while both the front and rear wheels are resting on solid ground, I still left a pair of jack stands under each side).
Opsimath
Senior Member
Yes, I have been lurking on a couple of Bronco/truck sites and reading their repair puzzlements may have pulled me in for a reality check, but not completely dissuaded as of yet. I was thinking just yesterday about the getting under it part, and though a Bronco has a bit more ground clearance than a CorvetteBronco forums and youtube are your friends, along with the right tools and work area, as lifting the thing up can be tricky and is what often stopped me dead on projects where I prioritized my life over saving money on a shop bill, silly me.
I err on the side of caution, if not paranoia when it comes to crawling under a vehicle that is not resting on the ground.
Here is the set up on the last time I had to crawl underneath the Corvette (notice that while both the front and rear wheels are resting on solid ground, I still left a pair of jack stands under each side).
I suppose jacking it up becomes a necessity at some pont. I will be equally paranoid about lift support should I have to be under there and I like your precautions. We have the blocks but I'll need more jack stands.
rampside
Senior Member
Sounds like a worthwhile project, Cynthia. First thing, make sure the engine isn't stuck. If it isn't, then just start replacing any obvious hoses and lines that may have deteriorated. Change the fluids and put a battery in and see if it fires or starts. If it sounds like it wants to go, then you are on your way to an enjoyable project!
bluesypicky
Enlightened Member
Definitely this.
After 10 or 12 years, you can bet that anywhere the gas used to flow is now all varnished up, likely clogged, and must be thoroughly cleaned up, starting with the fuel tank.
But hey, who knows?.... after you do this and put a new battery in it, the thing might just fire right up!
rampside
Senior Member
Slight Veeeeer ..........to include 3 wheels.
So, yesterday, I'm sitting in my Jeep talking to my son on the phone, when I notice 2 Trikes pull in next to me. The ground was literally shaking.
I got off the phone and thought I better take a look, because I've never heard a Harley with a rumble like that.
Couple pics . . .
NOTE: 800 HP........Yikes!!!
So, yesterday, I'm sitting in my Jeep talking to my son on the phone, when I notice 2 Trikes pull in next to me. The ground was literally shaking.
I got off the phone and thought I better take a look, because I've never heard a Harley with a rumble like that.
Couple pics . . .
NOTE: 800 HP........Yikes!!!
Opsimath
Senior Member
That sure is flashy! I'll bet it has AC, too.Slight Veeeeer ..........to include 3 wheels.
So, yesterday, I'm sitting in my Jeep talking to my son on the phone, when I notice 2 Trikes pull in next to me. The ground was literally shaking.
I got off the phone and thought I better take a look, because I've never heard a Harley with a rumble like that.
Couple pics . . .
NOTE: 800 HP........Yikes!!!
What exactly do you do with 800 HP?
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Opsimath
Senior Member
Thank you guys for the encouragement. I knew step one was drop the gas tank and have it cleaned out. Maybe this is doable.
Edit: Just got back from googling how to check for a seized engine so that has now become step one. Looks easy enough.
Edit: Just got back from googling how to check for a seized engine so that has now become step one. Looks easy enough.
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rampside
Senior Member
HOLD ON!!!
adorshki
Reverential Member
And keep a spare set of skivvies handy.
Well, now, that's just silly. Fun, though, I'm sure until you need the aforementioned spare skivvies.