Agnes 7

“Agnes 7”
Through the assistance of a close friend and Ford Engineer, my Dad specified and ordered this 1979 Bronco Ranger XLT through Ford’s employee discount program. After the required six month period the Engineer had to own (store) the truck, he was then able to sell it to my Dad. This Bronco was my Dad's pride and joy. Always garage kept, fanatically maintained, never smoked in, never eaten in, no kids, no pets and a no-expense-spared maintenance policy since new. Oil changes came every 3000 miles without fail.
Over the years, all mechanical work was performed by our local Ford garage and, for any “major” work, specifically by just two, old-school master mechanics. Even today, when I bring her in to the Ford garage, she’ll draw a crowd of onlookers. Roughly 15 years ago, a spot of rust showed up over a rear wheel well and, in his typical over the top maintenance style, my Dad elected to have both rear quarters and the tailgate door replaced with new factory panels. The truck was completely repainted (original colors) and at that time he decided to go for a complete interior re-fresh including custom (premium) carpets and replacement of the upholstery with factory original cloth. Since new, every fall the Bronco's frame, inside and out, body & door interiors, hood undersides and engine bay were sprayed down (literally soaked) with 90 weight gear oil to protect the steel from road salt. The truck would drip gear oil for days over cardboard. Over all it worked however it did make a bit of a mess. Along with exhaust pipes, brakes and other wearable items, at least once in her life she's had rear springs and all shocks & bushings, etc. replaced as required. The suspension feels good and she’ll go straight down the road without touching the wheel. No accidents naturally. Within the last two years the radiator, t-stat and recirculation pump were replaced and the timing cover was resealed. And about that time all new front brakes including calipers were installed. The Bronco was a garage queen all her life and really only used on weekends for my Dad’s excursions around this area. Since his retirement in 2004 my Dad slowed down and the Bronco was only driven about 2000 miles each year and since his passing in 2007 she’s only been driven about 200 miles each year; enough for me to get her on the road a bit now and then. Except for being washed, she stays dry, out of the sun and stays in (clean) storage year round. The truck literally hasn’t seen any weather (rain or snow) in over 8 years. In the spring she comes out of storage and heads to the Ford garage for a checkup and road worthiness review. Anything required is taken care of.
My Dad's gone now and while I hate to part with his truck, I'm just not using it enough and she'd be better off driven rather than sitting in storage. Being 34 years old, the Bronco, isn't perfect naturally and shows her age in a few minor spots. However, everything (including the A/C) works. She shifts (including 4 x 4), drives, starts, stops and runs smoothly. She’s always run on 89 octane and the fuel is heavily pickled with Sta-Bil year round. The only mechanical issue that needs to be addressed is the right header is leaking slightly and should be replaced. The engine doesn’t burn/use any oil and is strong. The tires (Michelin) hold air and are smooth to drive but need replacing soon. That’s about it. This Bronco is a survivor. Pampered, loved, all original, not lifted and is unmolested. The only non-stock item is the radio as my Dad wanted a cassette player. But it too is minimal and barely noticeable as being non-stock. In her present state and condition, she’d be perfect for a nice frame off restoration which I’ve seriously contemplated.
The title is clear, she's in clean, dry storage, insured and is road ready. If you've got any questions, just send me a note. Thanks for looking.