Picked up the 74 today (father and son project)

[hockeydad4-22]

FIrst impressions driving it down from Evergreen:

#1-What ever engineer designed the top mounted wipers is a dufus. I mean seriously, every wipe, all the snow, rain and road splash back just drips right back down. I hope that there is a kit somewhere to change that

#2- need a heater core, more steam than anything else coming out of the vents, ad to that the fact that it never got very warm at all, this is a fair weather driver until I figure out a different/better heater-defrost system

#3- the drivers door window frame is lose, needs re-welded. My guess is this is a fairly common problem and as a result - lots of road noise.

#4- I like it, I just may have to keep it and tell the 14 yr old that it is my ride now, he needs to find his own. Lots of fun to drive. Very stable, tight and plenty of power, good brakes, not lose at all.

I know I know - PICTURES!!!

Soon everyone, very soon.

[freeheelbillie]

CONGRATS!!

you might learn to like the upper wiper mount...when it snows a foot over night and you don't have to clean out under the wipers. =)


keep us posted, cant wait to see the pics and the progress!

[Kinder]

Glad you made home with the weather rolling in and congrats. Wipers, yes, just part of the legendary design, there are mods to help them work better and to move them if you desire. The heater/defrost seems to be problem point for a lot of folks, replace the core and lube the control cables, then see. I've seen quite a few window frames that need repairs, luckily it is a easy fix.

[ClayJ]

One of the best heater fixes is to get larger motor for the fan. I pulled my heater and did a complete rebuild this summer, new heater core, seals, paint, and a bigger fan. It sure puts out more and hotter air than it used to. But I haven't driven it daily through a Colorado winter yet.

I also redid the weatherstripping around my doors and that has helped allot.

Edit - Did you pull out the 2 knobs labelled "Pull for Heat" and "Temp Control". The Temp Control knob leads through the firewall to an inline valve that allows coolant into the heater core. The Pull for Heat knob opens a baffle that allows air to flow through the heater core.

Once the engine is good and warmed up, pull the knobs, then check the heater hoses to be sure they are hot, if they aren't, start diagnosing why not.

[airbur]

I just did this upgrade...VDO Heater Motor and new larger cage...the thing blows like a banshee now! Where are you in Highlands Ranch? I'm just south in Castle Pines North...would love to check out the new rig sometime.

[hockeydad4-22]

I just did this upgrade...VDO Heater Motor and new larger cage...the thing blows like a banshee now! Where are you in Highlands Ranch? I'm just south in Castle Pines North...would love to check out the new rig sometime.

I am right in the middle of HR, Near Broadway and Highlands Ranch Parkway. The Bronco is resting in my shop off Hampden and Broadway for now (heater core needs fixed before it is driven when it is cold.

What does VDO mean (why do I have a feeling I am about to have one of those "DOH" moments?)

[airbur]

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showth ... p?t=172714

Just the manufacturer...

[akaFrankCastle]

FIrst impressions driving it down from Evergreen:

#3- the drivers door window frame is lose, needs re-welded. My guess is this is a fairly common problem and as a result - lots of road noise.

I know I know - PICTURES!!!

Soon everyone, very soon.

As long as your frames are already loose, why not go ahead and convert them over to removable window frames? That's one thing I miss about my '66 was the ability to run doors, but without the window frames attached. I'd planned to do the conversion on my '69, since my frame welds were cracked too, but with my plans to sell it I have a few other fixes to complete first.

[hockeydad4-22]

As long as your frames are already loose, why not go ahead and convert them over to removable window frames? That's one thing I miss about my '66 was the ability to run doors, but without the window frames attached. I'd planned to do the conversion on my '69, since my frame welds were cracked too, but with my plans to sell it I have a few other fixes to complete first.[/quote]


I like that , it is something I have never seen nor heard of (but I am a newby after all), where can I find info about it?

[akaFrankCastle]

Just so happens you can find out about it right here:

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=149988&highlight=removable+window+frames

[JGZ]

I have to say what awsome deal you have going on with your father son project.I myself am an actual lifetime member of the bronco brotherhood.That was june 1970.I'm the one with the short legs.Still have the short legs and the bronco.Many many memories in that ride.I myself have a 16 yo daughter I love with all my heart but she just aint into it.Even after being around it her whole life.Anyway my welding helmet off to you. JGZ

[Entourage]

Is that a side mount tire carrier? I heard Ford made that style tire carrier for the Government. I love the yellow paint - that is very smooth. I come from a Ford Family but always trucks - never Broncos.

I love the pics and stories - keep them coming.