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1982 Bronco 351 4x4 - Code name Esperanza

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Gary Lewis

Re: 1982 Bronco 351 4x4 - Code name Esperanza

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Looks good! That headliner is different, and I think I like it. And, I see how you mounted the speakers.

So, how does it sound?

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

Gsmblue

Re: 1982 Bronco 351 4x4 - Code name Esperanza

The diamond vinyl looks really good in person, not to all tastes clearly!

I haven’t done any sound deadening yet, i can’t find my roller! But it sounds just dandy! No complaints at all. I can hear it when doing 55mph at 3200rpm!

Time to review the master list and work out what to do next, off the top of my head:

Map lights
Driver seat cushions need real tlc
Paint remaining interior trim
Sound deadening
Rh power window bezel
Tachometer

1985.5 F-150 XL Explorer standard cab 5.0 EFI AOD 4x4
Daily Driver. We call her Eunice the Ute.

1982 Bronco XLT Lariat 351W AOD 4x4
Code name Esperanza, or Espy to her friends. Please see my Project thread for the blow by blow.

1984 F-350 XL Centurion crew cab 460 T19 4x4
"Eylza Dual-little"

Gsmblue

Re: 1982 Bronco 351 4x4 - Code name Esperanza

In reply to this post by Gary Lewis

It is coming back to me. I also got done:
Stainless steel braided Brake lines and flushed the system.
Center Console and glove box locks replaced and use the same key
Driver side power lock actuator replaced (that was fun!)
Windshield leak fixed with that goo Gary recomended!

And i think we are up to date!

Gary Lewis

Re: 1982 Bronco 351 4x4 - Code name Esperanza

Administrator

Can you tell the difference with the new brake lines? I've read that they make the pedal feel firmer.

Did the goo do the trick on the windshield?

As for the door lock actuator, aren't they so much fun to get in and out?

And, what are you going to use for sound deadening?

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Gsmblue

Re: 1982 Bronco 351 4x4 - Code name Esperanza

Yes, the brakes feel so much better with the braided hoses. I noticed the same on Eunice. Mind you, in both cases the rubber hoses were toast. The brake fluid flush would have helped too.

I have not pulled the wheels and looked at bearings/brakes... I should add that to the list...

The goo appears to have worked. I was driving in the rain without the a-pillar cover and saw no drips.. need to do the same to Eunice..

Actuator was a right shit.

Nioco or something.l. A generic from amazon. Got a box box that weighs a fair amount, need to work out where best to use it. Doors and bed probably.

A problem for the future!

Gary Lewis

Re: 1982 Bronco 351 4x4 - Code name Esperanza

Administrator

The sound deadener works by adding mass to the panel, thereby lowering the frequency where it vibrates. But panels don't vibrate right on their edges where they are reinforced, so the best use of the material is the center part of a panel. As for which panels, the floor, inside of the outer door panels, roof, and back panel (on a pickup) are prime candidates.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Gsmblue

Re: 1982 Bronco 351 4x4 - Code name Esperanza

Indeed, I just need to clean the panels up and find that bloody roller!! Prob won't happen until next week. Espy is running good and I really need to take care of the drivers seat. It is pretty shocking...

Gsmblue

Re: 1982 Bronco 351 4x4 - Code name Esperanza

Here is the consolidated to-do list. I probably will not get to most of this for a while as we are going camping at the weekend and then I have to run wires through my addition to save money on electrical install costs!!!

I think my time windows are way too optimistic, but this thread will sure keep me honest.

Short term (1-4 weeks)
Re-align steering wheel, I put it on a little wonky!
Driver seat rebuild
Rear bumper install (got one at JY for $70)
Vacuum hoses all need to be replaced
Carburetor adjustment to lean off
Alternator cable needs to be replaced
Ground strap from battery needs to be replaced
Paint remaining interior trim (I have some spares from JY)
Rh power window bezel
Custom plates should arrive soon!

Medium term (4-6 weeks)
Blue top steering box
Tachometer
Map lights
Wire up KC daylighters
Sound deadening
Map pockets on doors
Drill out tire swing arm bolts. 2 are in there bad.
Paint/mount Tire swing mount
Rear axle seals are suspect. I just degunked and pressure washed it all down to get a better look.

Long term (who knows!)
Wheels/tires
Paint body work
Body mounts
Anti roll bar bushings
Radiator
AC (missing some components)
Dash Pad replacement
Brake rebuild. I don't like the pedal feel, but they work well.

Gary Lewis

Re: 1982 Bronco 351 4x4 - Code name Esperanza

Administrator

That's quite a list. I like to have lists as well since it lets me see the progress I've made as well as gets/keeps me focused. But, I'm using a combination of Evernote and OneNote to do my to-do lists as that gives me check boxes with which I can keep track of my progress. It is so satisfying to check things off.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Gsmblue

Re: 1982 Bronco 351 4x4 - Code name Esperanza

I used to use both of those. But now I am back to long old school lists..

New problem: seats.

Now, I have done some reading and not really found what I need.

The seats are high backs that recline and have 2 arm rests each.

The passenger seat is in usable condition.

The driver side is a disaster. I have pulled it apart and found:

1. that the foam seat cushion is molded around the frame.
2. The frame has cracked on the underside at what appears to be 2 factory weld points.

So my questions are:
1. Is is possible to replace the foam? Do I just Peel it off the frame and stick in the spare good cushion I have?
2. Is it worth welding the seat frame?
3. Where is it possible to find like replacements?

I can post pics later when I get home.

Gary Lewis

Re: 1982 Bronco 351 4x4 - Code name Esperanza

Administrator

Those are the seats I have had reupholstered for Dad's truck. (Twice, but we won't go there.) My guy replaced the foam, but I don't know how he did it.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Gsmblue

Re: 1982 Bronco 351 4x4 - Code name Esperanza

Dare I ask how expensive it was?

Gary Lewis

Re: 1982 Bronco 351 4x4 - Code name Esperanza

Administrator

Which time? (Bummer! I said we won't go there.) The good/last time it was something like $1200, but included the headliner. They did a really good job on the seats.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Ford F834

Re: 1982 Bronco 351 4x4 - Code name Esperanza

Administrator

In reply to this post by Gsmblue

If your local junkyard does not have any, you might at least try online junkyard parts searches.

When I was helping my Czech friend with his truck, he wanted to replace the wrong era bench seat in his ‘86 Supercab with right era high back captains chairs. He searched online junkyards and found a good pair with a console at a junkyard in Idaho. He also got a OEM stereo and a couple pieces of interior trim. The junkyard shipped it freight to me in Arizona on a half pallet and it was very reasonable. I want to say it was ~$75 for the shipping. I think the total for parts and freight was ~$350? Not inexpensive, but not horrific and they were in good usable condition. Just a thought.

I have a good pair but they are the wrong color. I have looked at having them reupholstered, I have looked without luck for quality covers, and I have thought about sewing new covers myself. At the end of the day I am left wondering if it wouldn’t be cheaper to just find a good pair online since I don’t need restoration quality.

SHORT BED 4-DOOR DIESEL: 1986 F350 4x4 under construction-- 7.3 IDIT ZF5+GVOD

STRAIGHT SIX 4X4: 1981 F150 2wd to 4x4-- 300 I6 close ratio diesel T19, hydroboost brakes, Saginaw steering

BIG F: 1995 F-Superduty under construction— converting to 6.9L IDI diesel ZF5+DNE2

Gsmblue

Re: 1982 Bronco 351 4x4 - Code name Esperanza

So, this happened today day...

Gary Lewis

Re: 1982 Bronco 351 4x4 - Code name Esperanza

Administrator

The top fell off!

So, are you going to keep it that way for a while? Or are you cleaning or working on things?

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Gsmblue

Re: 1982 Bronco 351 4x4 - Code name Esperanza

Lol!

It is going to be 80+ here this weekend so keeping the top off for a few days. It is kinda heavy so it may stay off longer!

Everything is running pretty good right now, but that list is still there... I have to do some work on my house and thought I would let my wife enjoy driving as is for a bit 😎

All the roof seals need replacing of course...

Gary Lewis

Re: 1982 Bronco 351 4x4 - Code name Esperanza

Administrator

She's going to enjoy it, but you may not get it back.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Gsmblue

Re: 1982 Bronco 351 4x4 - Code name Esperanza

I have been driving it around all day, so much fun!! The wife might not even get a go!

The roof was held on by 5 bolts... that explains all the rattles!

Gary Lewis

Re: 1982 Bronco 351 4x4 - Code name Esperanza

Administrator

When you start working on the house I'll be you hear it fire up and she'll be gone.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

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