Peter Griffin
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2023
- Messages
- 223
- Reaction score
- 362
- Points
- 63
- Location
- Quahog
- Vehicle Year
- 1988
- Make / Model
- Ford Bronco II
- Engine Type
- 2.9 V6
- Transmission
- Automatic
- 2WD / 4WD
- 4WD
I figure if I started a thread like this it would keep me honest and on point, so I'm gonna have at it, warts and all!
This '88 Bronco II was previously owned by my neighbor, whose soon to be retiring from the Army and moving back home and not wanting to incur the expense of shipping/towing/trailering it over 2500 miles.
88K miles and it appeared to be relatively leak free and the body was literally 90%+, except the paint is SMOKED. Interior isn't too bad either; the seats are actually amazing both in appearance and foam/cushion condition, which is likely due to the seat covers that were over them for who knows how long. The carpet was...well, 35 years old, so enough said!
I had it for nearly two weeks before deciding to finally buy it. I had it inspected by a local mechanic (which ended up being a complete waste of money, but whatever) and noted several mechanical issues which were going to require attention.
The power steering made a louder whining noise than my Challenger Hellcat at full throttle! The A/C, which is an absolute, nonnegotiable requirement in the extreme SW AZ desert environment, was disabled and the belt was in the back. Upon throwing it back on I found out why; it worked but likewise was making horrible noises as the clutch was obviously in the process of going south. Speaking of noises (and smell for that matter) the catalytic converter was deleted and replaced with a Cherry Bomb muffler that exited ahead of the rear wheel. That likewise needs to be rectified.
There was quite evidently a fair amount of questionable accessories too; not so much in their purpose/function but their installation. There was a partially disabled alarm system nesting under the steering column that was apparently responsible for a voltage leak and killing the battery, 4 roof mounted LED fog/spot lights that looked (and were wired) like they were installed on a drunken Friday after getting their JC Whitney order in the mail earlier that day and an aftermarket H/U that was just lying in the dash and no secured in any particular manner, which was "complimented" by dash and rear panel speakers by some of China's "finest" hot garbage audio...
My plans are extensive but modest, and I'll keep the thread updated, I'm retired and have nothing but free time...and I'm gonna need it!
Much thanks to @Uncle Gump. @ecgreen and @RumPunch amongst others who have been inspirational in their builds and @Shran for his likewise awesome assistance in providing technical information and guidance in response to some of my sillier questions...
This '88 Bronco II was previously owned by my neighbor, whose soon to be retiring from the Army and moving back home and not wanting to incur the expense of shipping/towing/trailering it over 2500 miles.
88K miles and it appeared to be relatively leak free and the body was literally 90%+, except the paint is SMOKED. Interior isn't too bad either; the seats are actually amazing both in appearance and foam/cushion condition, which is likely due to the seat covers that were over them for who knows how long. The carpet was...well, 35 years old, so enough said!
I had it for nearly two weeks before deciding to finally buy it. I had it inspected by a local mechanic (which ended up being a complete waste of money, but whatever) and noted several mechanical issues which were going to require attention.
The power steering made a louder whining noise than my Challenger Hellcat at full throttle! The A/C, which is an absolute, nonnegotiable requirement in the extreme SW AZ desert environment, was disabled and the belt was in the back. Upon throwing it back on I found out why; it worked but likewise was making horrible noises as the clutch was obviously in the process of going south. Speaking of noises (and smell for that matter) the catalytic converter was deleted and replaced with a Cherry Bomb muffler that exited ahead of the rear wheel. That likewise needs to be rectified.
There was quite evidently a fair amount of questionable accessories too; not so much in their purpose/function but their installation. There was a partially disabled alarm system nesting under the steering column that was apparently responsible for a voltage leak and killing the battery, 4 roof mounted LED fog/spot lights that looked (and were wired) like they were installed on a drunken Friday after getting their JC Whitney order in the mail earlier that day and an aftermarket H/U that was just lying in the dash and no secured in any particular manner, which was "complimented" by dash and rear panel speakers by some of China's "finest" hot garbage audio...
My plans are extensive but modest, and I'll keep the thread updated, I'm retired and have nothing but free time...and I'm gonna need it!
Much thanks to @Uncle Gump. @ecgreen and @RumPunch amongst others who have been inspirational in their builds and @Shran for his likewise awesome assistance in providing technical information and guidance in response to some of my sillier questions...