We have it easy

I wheel with 1st generation Broncos and it's an amazing platform!

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The key is to work on enthusiast vehicle with a strong following.

That's a huge part of it. Without a strong following it only becomes more difficult. Probably one of the reasons it's so easy to restore classic muscle cars.

I suspect TJs won't be the worst to restore decades from now because I'm going to assume they'll still have a decent following much like the CJs before them (though they definitely made more TJs production wise if I'm not wrong).
 
Try getting parts for a DIVCO milk truck like mine. I can still get parts for the Hercules motor at Napa if I can identify the part number. Luckily my local Napa has a set of the old parts catalog. All computer listing do not even list DIVCO as an option. One of the main skills needed when working on vintage vehicles is the ability and patience to locate parts. Most of the people who worked on it are 70+ yrs old. Location parts and instructions on how to repair our old girls is one of the main benefits of being a forum member.

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Don‘t see many uncut early broncos. Nice.

I know and I want to keep it that way but it really limits what can be done with suspension and tire size because the rear tire sits inside the fender.

I am about to order the stock suspension replacement kit for it and replace everything underneath. Getting the original wheels sandblasted and powder coated will come next then probably put the same size tires back on it.

It was given to me by my uncle and I want to keep it pretty much the same as he had it back in its prime. It will likely not see any wheeling.
 

Here are some suppliers

Convert to power steering while you are replacing the box, the hard part may be finding engine brackets for the pump. Here are some venders. You can also contact Shaun at rocky road broncos, he mainly sell complete vehicles but he may have some stuff you need. If you have some odd ball stuff you need pm me with what you are looking for. I have a buddy that builds lots of early broncos he may have a source.
[/URL]q=TOMS+Bronco+Parts&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjU2_KoqJKAAxVpI0QIHZAcDiYQ1QJ6BAhQEAE&biw=768&bih=985&dpr=2

https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/categ...MIuvz6qKiSgAMVeMzCBB13FgrbEAAYASAAEgJoXvD_BwE
https://www.cjponyparts.com/ford-br...MIuvz6qKiSgAMVeMzCBB13FgrbEAAYAyAAEgJtRfD_BwE
 
Give it 10 years and 3D printing at home will be such a thing that you will be able to print your own parts. Lots of ricer clubs out there already printing hi-flow intakes and such out of high temp plastics. Metal 3D printing is right around the corner for consumers.

Nice looking Bronco. Neighbor down the street just brought home an old IH Scout in similar condition.
 
Here are some suppliers


Convert to power steering while you are replacing the box, the hard part may be finding engine brackets for the pump. Here are some venders. You can also contact Shaun at rocky road broncos, he mainly sell complete vehicles but he may have some stuff you need. If you have some odd ball stuff you need pm me with what you are looking for. I have a buddy that builds lots of early broncos he may have a source.
[/URL]q=TOMS+Bronco+Parts&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjU2_KoqJKAAxVpI0QIHZAcDiYQ1QJ6BAhQEAE&biw=768&bih=985&dpr=2

[URL]https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/...MIuvz6qKiSgAMVeMzCBB13FgrbEAAYASAAEgJoXvD_BwE[/URL]

[URL]https://www.cjponyparts.com/fo...MIuvz6qKiSgAMVeMzCBB13FgrbEAAYAyAAEgJtRfD_BwE[/URL]

Thanks. That’s is where I have been getting my stuff so far, along with Bronco Graveyard.

I do plan on converting to power steering. It will not be cheap but should be more comfortable to drive.
 
Finding many parts for my '75 Oldsmoboat Cutlass is almost impossible. Old enough not to make them anymore, mid-70's enough for nobody to care and make re-pops. If anybody can find me a set of a/c refrigerant hoses, I'll owe ya!
 
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You're talking about a vehicle that's 31 years older than the oldest TJ. Time is a huge factor in availability of vehicle parts due to the laws of supply and demand. In 31 years, it will be very hard to find parts for a 97 TJ because there won't be very many left. When demand drops, so does supply...

Ah... but places like Quadratec and China will always be around.
 
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Reactions: tr21triton

Unfortunately there are a bunch of non-standard weird fittings and even a "muffler" involved or I would. What I'll likely wind up doing is sending them to that exact company and they will cut the current crimp fittings off right before the hose, weld new ones on, and crimp me some new hose. They are super backed up atm though so it'll be months before they will even contact me for a place in line 🫤
 
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Finding many parts for my '75 Oldsmoboat Cutlass is almost impossible. Old enough not to make them anymore, mid-70's enough for nobody to care and make re-pops. If anybody can find me a set of a/c refrigerant hoses, I'll owe ya!

How’s that ‘75 Olds turning radius compared to a TJ?
 
those old Bronco's are indestructible ! I had a '71,'74 and a '94. the '71 was my grandfathers and not long ago I found the orig. receipt for $3995 ! boy I wish I still had it.....only thing wrong it was a 170ci 6 cylinder ☹️