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    Early Bronco 1971

    Not For Sale

    19 Comment(s)

    Larry S

    • Year:1971
    • Make:Ford
    • Model:Bronco

    Engine : Big Block, 454, LS6 450hp with a nascar aluminum radiator2.5" exhaust with flowmastersHedman Elite series headers

    Drivetrain : 205 transfer case, 3.50 gears, nodular rear Limited slip front, detroit locker rear Long travel shocks, Quad shocks front 3" lift Power steering New Process 205 Limited slip front soon to be replaced with a lockers.&quo

    Transmission : 700 R4 4 speed auto

    VIN : Not listed

    Put two seasoned fabricators in a shop looking at the engine bay of an early Bronco. Have one glance over at the big block 454 jet boat motor sitting on an engine stand and say it would be a wild ride but there is no way you could stuff that motor in the Bronco engine bay, close the hood and make the Bronco a sleeper.

    My comment was why not? Sure it could be done, and how much time do I have. Then OK, watch me.
    That was the challange.

    My goal was to build a Bronco that looked stock, was clean, a bit different, extremely fast, grab attention, and set up for the sand dunes. It was to be unique but found the results irritate both Ford and Chevrolet owners the same. The Bronco was set on a shortened 78 Bronco frame. Engine was set low in the frame so a 4 bbl could be run and not have the tell tale hood scoop that says modified.
    Appearance wise it looks very stock with the OEM chrome bumpers and mild mud tires and alumium wheels.
    Start it up and heads do turn.

    This was one bet I worked hard to win and had a fun time making it come together

    One car magazine editor sized it up best. He would rather be hated than completely ignored.

    Big Block, 450hp with a nascar aluminum radiator 2.5 inch exhaust with flowmasters Hedman Elite series headers, and a Holley 800 CFM
    700 R4 with cooler, 205 transfer case, 3.5 gears, 3.50 nodular rear with Detroit, front limited slip. Front, shocks, Quad shocks front 3" lift Power Steering New Process 205
    Shop built full roll cage, 17 x 9 Eagle alloys with a 4.5 back set
    33-12.5 17 mud tires

    Comments (19)

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    Reviewed by: Mike P 12/05/07 09:46AM

    Comments:
    Very nice! can you let me know your tire and rim size? Also what backspacing? My Bronco is set up just like yours and I'm in the tire / rim buying mode.

    Reviewed by: Larry S 12/05/07 12:44PM

    Comments:
    Hi Mike, Looks are deceiving. The bronco is on a 78 bronco frame that has been shortened. I ran 17 x 9" wheels with a 4.5" back set to push the tire under the truck. Tires are 33-12.5-17's As soon as I get the big block running I have metal flares I will blend into the body. Wheelsforless has great prices on wheels Larry

    Reviewed by: Julius B 12/08/07 05:59AM

    Comments:
    This is a unique set-up and what makes it look so good is the uncut rear w/ tire wheel combo. Keep up the good work! Is the body metal or glass? Larry, now that I've seen this ride I'm going to order another tub "uncut" and mount it up. Again, this set up takes the trophy in my book because of the thought out plan to build not only a good looking ride, but a powerhouse @ the same time. Keep it rolling. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> J.D. I think i might set this snap shot as one of my backrounds on the P.C.

    Reviewed by: Larry S 12/08/07 06:58PM

    Comments:
    Body is metal Thanks for the kind words

    Reviewed by: Ben S 04/07/08 10:38PM

    Comments:
    Nice!!! It looks pretty stock from the outside. I feel sorry for the sucker that lines up with you at the light or in the dunes. Now if you could only get it to sound like a 302 you'd have the ultimate sleeper :)

    Reviewed by: Larry S 04/27/08 08:07PM

    Comments:
    Sound is a give a way. Doesn't sound like a small block Larry

    Reviewed by: Abel H 01/12/10 11:22AM

    Comments:
    Larry would there be any reason according to your experience building this beauty tha tI couldn't go with the same wheel/tire combo on my 70 with only a 1" body lift? My email: abelardo13@yahoo.com

    Reviewed by: Chris C 04/17/10 06:48AM

    Comments:
    I don't see why people are swearing. I have 3 Fords. I am not mad. But I have one request. Please don't put fender flares on this truck. The body is beautiful. I have the same one on this site all original. Just get diamond plated mud flads or very small mud flaps that you can paint and blend the same orange color as the truck.

    Reviewed by: Shane R 06/18/11 01:55PM

    Comments:
    Very nice Larry! We need to run it at the dunes! Would be a lot of fun my friend. Shane

    Reviewed by: Josh W 06/26/11 10:54AM

    Comments:
    This is a Ford site, I would rather people keep their chevy junk off of it. We don't have to look at crap like this enough in automotive and off road magazines? The whole reason I come to this site and buy all Ford mgazines, although not exclusively, is that I dont have to put up with the chevrolet brand being constantly shoved down my throat. Really I hate to even comment, because the only reason I could think of for a person to build crap like this is that they thrive on the conflict and drama it brings about. I will be sending an email requesting that this vehicle be removed from this site.

    Reviewed by: Larry S 06/26/11 11:23AM

    Comments:
    Hi Josh, As you become more mature you learn if you observe something that bothers you like this vehicle, you say nothing and go your way. This vehicle was constructed to grab attention and you gave me that. Thank you and take care, Larry

    Reviewed by: Tony G 09/30/11 06:03AM

    Comments:
    Just a beauty. Are you in the market to build a bronco or direct me to who can. I love the rear panels WITH OUT FLARES so when you cut them and then graft new ones in it will look even better. Can't stand flares or door inserts. If you know a builder give me a call 724-289-3144 Tony

    Reviewed by: Larry S 09/30/11 12:37PM

    Comments:
    The Toyota 4x4 pick up has a nice mild flare on the front fender. Game plan is to use that flare but cut and add a spacer of 2" in the rear for 33" tires and then add a bit wider spacer in the front to allow for turning.

    Reviewed by: Brad A 03/09/13 07:53PM

    Comments:
    How much are you asking

    Reviewed by: Larry S 03/31/13 09:41AM

    Comments:
    At this point in time I am not ready to sell. I want to finish it off and enjoy before I move it on.

    Reviewed by: Paul G 11/11/13 08:42PM

    Comments:
    Larry, I like your choice on how to get upgrades for the early bronco. I've scoured the internet hoping to find a tech article on what you did to get the frame to accept the bronco body...no luck. Maybe its my android phone..but I couldn't acces some older articles on another forum. So with this setup misc parts are. from a different year. Clever. Sure like to contact you. Paul G. 503.798.2119

    Reviewed by: John M 02/26/14 11:29AM

    Comments:
    No one seems mad when someone puts a new 5.0 in a old bronco. What's wrong with the big block. It's just nice to see another one on its way to the road or mud. I wouldn't mind a ls7 in mine. But for now I stuck with the 289, but not stock. Can't wait to get more body work done to get mine to get it closer to getting it on the road. Yours looks good.

    Reviewed by: John M 02/26/14 11:30AM

    Comments:
    No one seems mad when someone puts a new 5.0 in a old bronco. What's wrong with the big block. It's just nice to see another one on its way to the road or mud. I wouldn't mind a ls7 in mine. But for now I stuck with the 289, but not stock. Can't wait to get more body work done to get mine to get it closer to getting it on the road. Yours looks good.

    Reviewed by: Curtis R 03/04/14 06:15PM

    Comments:
    I must say you did an awesome job on putting the big block Chevy in, i would never thought it would work! You really earned bragging rights for that job. I will admit I am a ford fan and would love to have seen a 460 in the bronco but I realize you already had the 454 so once again it looks good and you are a pretty darn good fabricator to pull this off!