After setting the mold for today’s modern SUVs the Ford Bronco remains an important piece of automotive history. Restoring this 1971 Bronco to it’s former glory became our teams next mission. Inspired from Ford’s heritage and modern automotive advancements we set out to build something new. After months of grit and determination our restoration experts finished this build along with its twin brother.
A Brief History of the Ford Bronco
Since the Ford Broncos return to the assembly line, folks have rejoiced! Except for a few bitter Jeep fans… This certainly isn’t the Bronco’s first rodeo though. In 1966 the Ford Bronco was released as the original offroad SUV. The Bronco was born during a period of time after WWII where veterans wanted something similar to the Jeep, but with better comfort, construction, and handling.
The Bronco was intended to be a canvas that owners could modify to fit their lifestyle. Over the years the Bronco continued to undergo changes until it was discontinued in 1996. Today though the 6th generation of Broncos are back and better than ever!
Exterior Refresh
We picked up this old Bronco as a donor car while restoring our 1984 Ford Ranger back in 2020 during the COVID pandemic. It hung out around the shop until we had the time to go all in on a proper restomod. The exterior is wildly different from the original design after making more than a few tweaks. Unsavable panels were replaced with freshly fabricated steel and welded into place.
During the metal working we removed the exterior door locks and handles patching the holes with steel. Then we made room for a new electronic door handle design that has a smooth flush appearance. In a similar fashion we removed the front fuel tank neck and replaced the rear with a flush stainless gas cap. These changes fit seamlessly into the body panels and help to create a clean streamlined look.
Originally this Bronco had fender flares to cover factory cuts in the quarter panels. We had new matching quarter panels fabricated for the front and rear to have the same wheel well openings. We chose not to install new fender flares to keep a cleaner minimal style.
Next was hours of body work to ensure a flawless surface for paint. During this process we smoothed all the panel seams. A few coats later and this Bronco’s original Astra Blue transformed to a lighter Brittany Blue. This popular pleasing shade of light metallic blue gives the appearance of a calm clear sky.
Other exterior updates also included brand new windows, weather stripping, and wipers. The old weather stripping was cracking and needed to be retired after years of clinging on for dear life. Older window glass wasn’t up to our standards either, so it had to go. While swapping the the glass we removed the front vent windows and in favor of one piece door glass. This accounts for a slight update to the front window shape.
Beneath the doors are electronic side steps the drop down when the door opens and tuck away when it closes. These steps also come with two small LED lights on each side for better visibility in the evening.
Interior Redesign
When this Bronco first came into the shop it only had the first row of plain black leather seats. Since a lot of work was going into this build we wanted something that provided a unique character and the option of additional seating.
Custom leather with etched branding made that happen. The seats match the look of the 1966 Ford Bronco without the headrests. Their light weathered appearance and cashew color create an upscale vintage vibe. While updating the interior we added a second row bench seat to tote more passengers. The bench folds up for added trunk space when necessary.
Alcantara leather extends beyond the first and second rows of seating on to the dash, inner door panels, visors, headliner, and center counsel. It makes for a smooth and high end interior that provides more comfort and flexibility.
On the floor we installed a durable square weave carpet that covers all the way through the trunk space. Inside you’ll also find roll bars that were added.
Technology Upgrades
This classic ride has American summer vibes, but with a cool upgraded AC system. In the front dash and rear center counsel there’s spherical Billet aluminum vents that can be adjusted in all directions. Along with the cool air is blue LED light strips that accent below the dash and center counsel.
This HVAC update comes along with Vintage Air digital controls on a 10-inch Pioneer touch screen radio with Car Play and Android Auto. Having this single change greatly improves the technology of the vehicle as it updates the radio and sound system controls as well. Having the complete layout of the dash reworked has made it much more user friendly.
Finding a balance between new and old technology we decided to upgrade the gauge clusters with a vintage styled set from Dakota Digital. This factory look-alike delivers a vintage look while adding a tachometer and a host of high-tech features. We still kept a few of the knobs to control the wipers and head light. Above those knobs is a push button emergency brake.
After removing the plain black seats and changing the dash knobs the black steering wheel felt out of place. We selected a retro design from Billet that matched the leather seating and polished aluminum accents.
The upgrades don’t end there though! This build has a wireless phone charger, push to start, power windows, and IntelliKey system like newer vehicles. Most of this is thanks to the addition of the full length center counsel molded into the dash which is completely custom.
Lizard skin sound deadening was installed to reduce road noise and improve the sound system acoustics. Plus a whole host of upgraded speakers to match the quality of the new touchscreen radio.
Mechanical and Powertrain
Under the hood we’ve got a brand new Ford Racing 5.0 liter Coyote W/ 10R80 automatic transmission. This provides a major boost to the power train of the Bronco. It’s a whopper!
To feed that hungry engine there’s a custom built 23 gal fuel tank, and spitting out the exhaust is a 2.5 Inch Stainless Steel Dual System with mufflers from Flow Master. It has a nice ring to it when you hit the gas.
Suspension and Wheel Setup
As it is with many older cars, the chassis of this build was worn and rusted. It needed to be completely reworked. We engineered it for a quality ride and restored this Bronco’s offroad prowess. Bringing back that trail agility and enhancing it.
Capable brakes were a must with the power of that Coyote engine. We ended up with disc brakes on the front Dana 44 and rear Ford 9-inch axle. It’s also why we installed the roll bar to reinforce the body.
For the handling we installed a 3.5-inch suspension lift that includes 4-link rear and T-Rex Radius arms in the front. On top of that there’s a 2-inch body lift for a touch more height.
For the wheels we went with Mickey Thompson’s Classic Pro design in polished aluminum. These have a sturdy and simple circular design that are similar to old school wheels and steelies of the past. Behind the wheels you can spot bright red painted brake calipers. Wrapped around the MT Classic Pro wheels are white lettered BF Goodrich KO2 all terrain tires.
The Future Of The 1971 Bronco
Broncos have an iconic look that offroad fans can’t get enough of. The comeback of the 6th generation Bronco is proof that Ford’s timeless design will always be a collector piece.
As an innovative American made vehicle and a defining model for SUVs the Ford Bronco will hold steady. We’re proud to put another classic like this one back out on Route 66 near St. Louis!
We hope you enjoyed learning about this build. If you’re interested in more vintage cars view all our restoration projects.
Feel free to explore more of our custom builds by browsing our showroom!
